We have really enjoyed our RS tours, but would like to go to Asia next year. Possibly Japan. We like the tour group experience in ease of - travel, reservations, sites….etc. anyone have a positive or negative experience with any groups?
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
9194 posts
Although we had a good experience with our Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) African Safari in 2021, our OAT Viêt Nam trip in 2024 was much less so. From the inconsistent and incorrect information given by the OAT headquarters office in Boston, which caused us to overpay for required visas and bring far too much U.S. dollars on the trip, to the guide, who was unqualified and very underwhelming, that Asia trip means we aren’t planning on taking a third trip with OAT.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7691 posts
Following on with what Cyn said, the better question isn't what one has experienced with a tour company in general, but specifically, what the experience was with a tour company on a Japan tour.
Our experience is similar to Cyn's, in that our excellent and highly recommended tour of one country with Odysseys Unlimited was not even closely similar to a very disappointing tour with them of Egypt. Our tour of Japan surpassed all our expectatipns, but it was with a small Canadian company that doesnt sell to the US.
Posted by
Virginia
1001 posts
I’ve done six tours with OAT and really like them. No one is perfect, and I agree that their home office didn’t handle Vietnam visas ideally, but I think they’re very good. I haven’t done their Japan tour but it’s a popular one, no visas required, and you can read reviews online. I’ve also done two tours with Road Scholar, also good, but I think OAT gives a bit better value. Again, those weren’t Japan. Japan is very easy to do on one’s own. I’ve been there quite often, although not for some years, but my trips were either visiting friends who lived there or stopovers for a few days on business trips elsewhere in the region.
Posted by
Freedonia
19479 posts
I can recommend the Odysseys Unlimited tour of Japan. Similar to RS tours but one step up.
Posted by
Palm Springs area, CA. USA (winters)🌴☀️ Nomadic (Spring thru Fall)
4001 posts
Try Inside Japan. We didn’t take one of their tours, but they did help us plan an independent trip to Japan last year. We can highly recommend them.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10619 posts
I have used Inspiring Vacations. I had a good tour and it provided good value. I liked them so much that I have signed up for another Japan tour (different itinerary) in the future.
Posted by
Everett, WA
7 posts
We enjoyed our Odysseys Unlimited "Insider's Japan" tour that we took in November 2025. The leaf color was fabulous everywhere we went!