Customer reviews
The most important thing we can do to improve our service is listen to what our customers have to say and now you can read their comments unedited on our web-site.
Upon returning from Japan all our clients are sent a review form and this is where you can see what they are saying about the InsideJapan Tours' service.
Search the reviews, check the image gallery and see for yourself how our clients rate the InsideJapan experience.
How are we doing?
12 month average rating
12 month average rating
Overall Satisfaction
calculated from 396 reviews submitted in the last 12 months
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| Deidhre Wauchop - Independent Travel, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
I was looking for a holiday that would be authentic, well-organised and stress-free, without being locked into a group tour. InsideJapan Tours fulfilled this brief perfectly.
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Nathaniel capably understood what we needed and patiently answered all our questions. The tailor-made itinerary was exactly what we were after.
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
The accommodation was great. We couldn't fault Maifukan, Senhime Monogatari or the Palace Hotel. I have small criticisms of the other 3, but I am pretty critical by nature, and each one still had very good points. The location of Hakuchoro Hotel was excellent, Tanabe Ryokan was also well-located and very quirky; and the scenery, service and food at Taisekan were outstanding.
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Everything was seamless - travelling with tickets supplied was easy (Japan's transportation system is a dream), every guide and driver was early and we used Takuhaibin the whole time which proved invaluable. We also discovered Hyperdia, which, combined with the Info-pack and ticketing information, made platform transfers a dream.
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
All our guides were absolutely wonderful - everyone was so accommodating and so knowledgeable. Ayako-san introduced us to Japan's history, culture and food, and I loved how Kumiko-san, Ichinose-san and Mayumi-san added to the story and history of Japan, so that by the time we met Ota-san, we had some good background, then he filled in all the little gaps in understanding. They are all gems! Ota-san, particularly, went out of his way to look after us. Also Shioji-san was very lovely to ditch a plan to see cultural Tokyo so we could find otaku shops!
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
The food was quite unbelievable! We hit a bit of a wall about 1/2 way through the trip and had to go to a supermarket to buy bread and cheese and bananas. But apart from that, the food was fantastic! I could write a book about the food but no room here, but the included food in Ryokans, particularly Taseikan and Senhime Monogatari was well worth it.
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
InsideJapan Tours has proved their expertise and knowledge. We obviously paid more than going on a group tour, but you get what you pay for. I would do the same again, this time seeing other places in this beautiful and exciting country!
Review submitted: 13th Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Deidhre, thank you all your comments! It was a pleasure working with you to plan your trip. Having guides along the way is always a great way to see each city, but I have never seem them fit together so well together like this. I wish I could say I planned it that way but,.... I will remember to try and schedule days with Ota san at the end of trips so he can help fill in gaps for other as well. Mr. and Mrs. Ota are a lovely couple who are both guides and really do go above and beyond to take care of their customers!
If you do write a book about the food please forward a copy to me as I would love to read it. I have been here for 8 years and while I have craving now and then, I am still amazed at how great the food is here in Japan.
I look forward to helping you plan your next trip!
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| Carol Nykodym - Hidden Japan, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Good
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
In the past have had more experienced tour guides. The information in the printed materials sent to us to guide us as we made our way on the Unguided portion of our trip was excellent. We were able to access the Bullet Train, Tokyo metro, and all the transportation options in Hakone and Nikko. The combination of Hidden Japan with Hakone, Nikko and Tokyo was a very nice sampling of the many faces of this wonderful country.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Should have been a list of restaurant recommendations in each city. Seemed to be aware of only inexpensive places, that occasionally missed the mark. I would suggest that Inside Japan insure that all new guides experience The Tour facilitated by a seasoned leader before being asked to be in charge of leading the same tour. I really liked the Day By Day Itinerary that Andrew gave us. It was helpful while we were enjoying the tour and when making our photo book when we arrived home.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Really, Really Excellent Amy was skillful in helping me make decisions about planning our stay in Japan. I really liked spending 2 nights in Tokyo before joining our Inside Japan tour and using the services of a private guide on our first day in the city. The transportation passes in both Hakone and Nikko were super. When we returned to Tokyo after visiting Hakone we stayed in a different location in the city and she planned a half day private guide and got us great tickets to a Sumo Match. Her suggestion that we spend our full day in Nikko hiking in the national park and our two half days enjoying the National Heritage Sites was perfect for us. Although we never met Amy in person, she was such a good listener that she planned the perfect trip for us and then wrote it all down in a package that we could refer to and easily understand.
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
No Answer Given
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
No Answer Given
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Review submitted: 13th Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Thank you for your warm compliments, Carol! I'm happy that you had a wonderful time both on the group tour and the little self-guided trip I put together for you in Tokyo, Hakone, and Nikko. Oftentimes, our clients can't spend so much time in Nikko, so they miss out on the national park aspect, so it's great that you found my suggestion on how to see both sides of Nikko perfect! Your suggestion to have recommended restaurants in each tour city makes good sense, and I'm sure we'll take a deeper look into adding this to our tours.
Carol was interested in two of our small group tours, so she combined our Hidden Japan tour with some elements from another tour to create her ideal trip. This self-guided itinerary gave her ample time in Tokyo and in Nikko so she could relax and explore at leisure.
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| Alan Pritchard - Japan Unmasked, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
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2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
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3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
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4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
Overall we were happy with the hotels, with the exception of the Toyoko Inns at Hiroshima and Yokohama. We felt these were more like commercial travellers hotels than holiday hotels. The rooms were too small and the breakfast areas were like internet cafes.
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Transport was good and very efficient
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
In the hotels the western breakfasts were not very hot, there was ony one other meal included which was very good
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Review submitted: 12nd Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
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| Ileana Eliza Paunica - Independent Travel, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Magna cum laude, I would describe. I never made a such nice and perfect organised trip like this. I do not see how could be improved: it was perfect. The trip was named "hidden Japan-a tailored version". Perfect,from every point of view. Thank you.
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Harry, thank you. I have been treated with an extreme professionalism, with kindness and understanding. The trip was guided via info pack every step. I encountered in Japan,along this tailored trip no problems whatsoever. Thank you, Harry, Thank you InsideJapan Tours.
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
No comments. Everything was perfect.
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Very good transport and detailed every step of the way in Info Pack.
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
The guides were very good. I had a beautiful time with them.
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
I enjoyed the Japanese food very much. All meals were very good. The creativity in making the western style pattiserie cakes is unsurpassed. Mitsukoshi is way above Harrods, regarding its products.
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Because it was so good organized.
Review submitted: 12nd Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Welcome home Ileana. Thank you for your comments; glad you had a fantastic time! Harry
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| Vivien Hindle - World Heritage, Apr 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Everything was wonderful and perfectly planned. We certainly benefitted from your deep knowledge of and experience in Japan.
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Matt was highly professional and understood exactly the additions we wanted on this tour. The phone calls before we left and a couple of days into the tour were a nice touch.
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
The location of the hotels was excellent.
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Perfect....But working with Japan Rail makes your job easier than in other countries!Good advice to use the luggage forwarding system.
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
WE had guides for a day in Tokyo and Kyoto , half a day in Nikko and a volunteer in Takayama. The professional guides all had extremely good English and knowledge of their cities and we enjoyed the time with them. The volunteer guide in Takayama also spoke good English and was a charming gentleman whose company we enjoyed.
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
We loved all the different experiences we had:- the mix of traditional and western accommodations,the included meals and those we found for ourselves,sometimes from your recommendations.I can honestly say this is the first holiday I have ever had where there has been absolutely nothing I would have changed or done differently (except I would have liked a couple more nights in Kyoto!)
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Should we travel to Japan again we would definitely use Inside Japan Tours again
Review submitted: 12nd Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Hi there Viv, your comments are much appreciated. We know that we have done our job well when our clients say that there is nothing you would have changed or done differently! I was very pleased to read that you liked the variety of accommodations, and that you were particularly impressed with the guides as well. They can really enhance your trip. I would be happy to welcome you back to Japan again, or perhaps you would join us on a trip to Indochina?!
Viv and Robert had an extensive trip around Japan, and visited Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara, Mt Koya, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama and Hakone. The stayed in a mixture of western style hotels, minshuku, ryokan and even a Buddhist temple!(Mat)
Viv and Robert had an extensive trip around Japan, and visited Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara, Mt Koya, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama and Hakone. The stayed in a mixture of western style hotels, minshuku, ryokan and even a Buddhist temple!(Mat)
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| Mei Lim - Independent Travel, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
It was simply easy and I could contact the Japan Office when I was there. The staff especially Karen, who helped plan the itinerary was just awesome. Definitely recommending :)
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Karen is amazing!
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
No Answer Given
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
No Answer Given
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Review submitted: 12nd Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Hi Anne,
Many tahnsk for your positive feedback. We're so glad we could help you have a great time and do hope you'll travel again with us to either Japan or possible Indo-China.
- Karen
Many tahnsk for your positive feedback. We're so glad we could help you have a great time and do hope you'll travel again with us to either Japan or possible Indo-China.
- Karen
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1 out of 1 have found this review helpful
1 out of 1 have found this review helpful
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| Anney Zoe Trinh - InsideJapan's Manga & Anime, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
|
1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Professional and down to earth is how i would describe the service i received from InsideJapan tours. Travelling alone and deciding to take the independent route, i was worried at first but it had been an eye opening experience and i had heaps of fun.
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Nathaniel went above and beyond what is expected from a typical travel consultant. If there was something he did not know, he would do some research and then get back to me with the information he found out. I am very happy to have consulted with him on this trip.
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Whilst it was daunting at first using the Manaca card and the JR railway line, after a few days (and little trips) i appreciated the efficiency of the transport system. If only our railway transport system can be so organised as well...it would be great!
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
Tyler is a wealth of knowledge and his friendliness creates this feeling as if you are visiting a friend and they are showing you their world and culture. i really appreciated the extra help he gave when my watch was not working and he took me to a place that can fix it even though the official tour was over already. What a top bloke! Thanks a dozen.
Ms Shihoko Hirooka is a very sweet lady and i felt at ease almost immediately when i met her. She is like the favourite aunt that you never knew you had. We had a grand old time laughing and chatting. I will never forget how caring she was (and still is) when i was struggling to go uphill to the temple and shrine. She actually offered to carry my heavy backpack until we reached levelled ground. I said it then and i will say it again....Thank you so much....
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Quality of tour guides are high, information package is quite detailed, customer service both pre and post tour was amazing
Review submitted: 12nd Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Anney, welcome home and thank you for your comments. I know your were a little worried at first about traveling alone so I very glad to hear you had such a great time. Don't worry to much about the Tokyo subway syste, after 8 years in Japan and dozens of trips to Tokyo I still get lost. When you are ready for your next trip to Japan please let me know and I'll help you get out and see even more of this great country!
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| Estelle Herszenhorn - Best of Japan, Apr 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Good
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Usually, I plan holidays myself and this is the first time I've used a service like yours. I appreciated the time it saved me, both in the planning (where to go, what to see) and while we were there (the info pack and journey info made travel part if the fun instead of a difficulty)
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
We had two as one lady left the business (Sarah) but she let us know ahead if time and handed us to Vivienne who checked everything. I found it really good to say the kind of thing we were after and then options came back to me. They both helped make changes based on our wishes
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
The first hotel we stayed at in Tokyo - Chisun Inn Asakusa was unsuitable. The room was tiny, worn, smoky and in the second day smelt of urine. All the other accommodation was fine and some was really great eg the best western Kyoto, Iwaso, Miyajima and Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku. The food in the ryokans where we had dinner and breakfast was spectacularly good
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Really easy and enjoyable. Shinkansen amazingly punctual and fun. Local train journey to Takayama was breathtakingly picturesque
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
In Kyoto our guide was fantastic-she listened to the kind of things we wanted to see, suggested a great plan for the day with that and her modifications to include other things she thought we would like and in every place we visited she really brought it alive with her knowledge-it was just a great experience. I think we saw more in a day (and not in a horrible rushed way) with her than we could have seen in 4 days under our own steam. She was a credit to IJT
unfortunately, having arrived first in Tokyo (in a not nice hotel) our guided experience there was not enjoyable and we were really disappointed (we were then so apprehensive about Kyoto-fortunately that was unfounded). The positive elements were that she helped us with sorting our JR passes and took us to a cool place for lunch. Aside from that it just felt like we were always on our way somewhere bug never arriving! We learned nothing about Tokyo or any of the sights we saw and there was no 'experience' to speak of. It's such a shame as the Kyoto experience shows how a days guiding can really make an amazing experience-the Tokyo experience was the antithesis of that
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
Food was crazy but excellent. I loved the experiences. One of the best bits of the trip. We are out in all kinds of places and all food was fantastic
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Inside help on some lesser-travelled areas would be good and making the most of time by helping with transport but we found the county very accessible so would feel confident to travel independently. I Doyle be tempted to use a guiding service but I would want to select a guide who could give us as good an experience as in Kyoto
Review submitted: 11st Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Many thanks for your feedback, Estelle. I'm pleased you had a lovely holiday in Japan and liked us looking after the planning side of it all for you. Sorry to hear about the room you stayed in Asakusa - we don't use this hotel too often and will definitely reevaluate its suitability. We also appreciate your feedback on the guides which we will bear in mind when choosing them in future. Japanese food is very different but such a highlight, I agree! Many thanks again for your feedback, Vivienne
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| Richard Brucciani - Independent Travel, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
|
1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
All the things you sent us were very helpful and we liked your choices of accommodation and activites. We came across lots of children at the popular sights which may be something to do with the time of year- it added an interesting dimension - especially seeing how well behaved they were!
2.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
We were happy and set off confident that everything had been well prepared for us which made for a relaxing break. We had an interesting time actually locating some of the accommodation e.g "only a short walk" or "up a flight of steps" but it added to the sense of adventure. We were mightily impressed that you recovered our lost ipad.
3.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
4.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
We especially loved the ryokans - the food at the second one was superb
5.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
great
6.
Please comment on any professional guiding included in your package?
n/a
7.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
We loved the food except for the pickles at breakfast and we would have liked more fruit. We felt healthy and ate no bread for almost a week after we returned home.
A man on a train made an origami bird and presented it to my wife with a bow. She thought that was very sweet.
8.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
9.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
now we have experience we might attempt to organise ourselves. Depends on time restraints.
Review submitted: 11st Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Thanks for your feedback Richard and glad we could get your iPad back for you. It had quite a trip around Japan and then couriered back by my colleague but we wanted to ensure it made its way back to you! I was also back in Japan in May and it does seem to be school trip time - though unlike most places they are very polite and quite fun to talk to I find!
I'm glad to hear the the trip went smoothly and allowed you to relax - this is our aim. If you do consider travelling again, we would be happy to help. Jocelyn
I'm glad to hear the the trip went smoothly and allowed you to relax - this is our aim. If you do consider travelling again, we would be happy to help. Jocelyn
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| James Brooks - Japan Enchantment, May 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Good
|
1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
In the main excellent but one or two gliches cost you a star
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Steve went out of his way to make the tour an interesting and enjoyable experience
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Travelling by train was efficient, comfortable and added to the experience
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
Generally very good but unfortunately the traditional Japanese food was not really to my liking. Having said that you have to try it.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Review submitted: 11st Jun 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Many thanks for taking the time to provide feedback, James. We're glad to hear you enjoyed your Japan Enchantment Small Group Tour. It's a shame the traditional food wasn't to your liking, but we're glad you gave it a go!
Happy future travels!
Ali
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