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.
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12 month average ratings
12 month average ratings
Overall Satisfaction
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Answered YES to using InsideJapan again * 97% | |
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Tour Leaders
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Travel Consultants
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* % calculated from respondents who answered the question "Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?"
Client Picture Gallery
| Latest Reviews - Read what our travellers say |
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| Group Tour Reviews Tailored Trip Reviews |
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| Robert Muncey - Japan Unmasked, 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?
A Really good introductory tour to Japan. I really enjoyed the rail travel, the food, really friendly people and lots of interest to see.
The tour group worked well, as there was a good mix of ages.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Andrew made the tour a fun experience and took us to a lot of excellent, good value restaurants.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
It was very nice to get a phone call after we got home, asking how we got on and if we had had a good time.
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
The Ryokans we stayed in were really enjoyable and friendly places with excellent food.
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the tour were the rail journeys.
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
Food was consistently excellent.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
The instructions on finding the Train at Narita airport need more clarification. It needs some explanation that it works like the Paris RER / Metro system and the Keisei line trains travell through the metro lines once they reack Tokyo.
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
I think you offer more comprehensive itineries and better value for holidays in Japan as compared with the other major group tour operators.
Review submitted: 07th May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Hi Robert,
Many thanks for submitting your feedback. We're really pleased to hear you enjoyed your Japan Unmasked Small Group Tour and found it to be a good introduction to Japan.
Thank you for your comment about the airport transfer at Narita - we will see what we can do to improve the instructions. We're very glad to hear you enjoyed the rail journeys and food, and that you got along well with the rest of your tour group.
Ali (on behalf of Jocelyn)
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| Erica Futcher - Spring Elegance, Mar 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Pleasant suprise to deal with a company who treats you like a person rather than a booking with a great follow up service.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Richard was relaxed yet professional adapting to the group as a collective but treating people as individuals also. He certainly added to the holiday experience.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Karen was thorough, interested and professional. i have food allergies and was pleased with the way this information was gathered and acted upon with a minimum of fuss.
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.
I enjoyed using the variation of transport included in the tour.
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
I can't say that i liked everything but tried everything. Had no need to supplement any meals that were provided.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
A variation of types of food was provided in the meals allowing the oppurtunity to try a wide variety of dishes. some enjoyed and some less so!
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Review submitted: 04th May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Hi Erica,
Thanks for your feedback!
Great to hear you had such a good time. There are certainly lots of interesting dishes to try!
Hope we can send you to Vietnam next year:)
Karen
Thanks for your feedback!
Great to hear you had such a good time. There are certainly lots of interesting dishes to try!
Hope we can send you to Vietnam next year:)
Karen
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| Erica Futcher - Spring Elegance, Mar 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Pleasant suprise to deal with a company who treats you like a person rather than a booking with a great follow up service.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Richard was relaxed yet professional adapting to the group as a collective but treating people as individuals also. He certainly added to the holiday experience.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Karen was thorough, interested and professional. i have food allergies and was pleased with the way this information was gathered and acted upon with a minimum of fuss.
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: 04th May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
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| Joanna Cox - Tokaido Trail, Mar 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Great
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
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.
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: 04th May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Joanna, thank you for your comments. I am glad you had such a great tour. Our Tokkaido Trail Small Group Tour is a great introduction to Japan. I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan again soon. Nathaniel
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| Else Mcmichael - Spring Elegance, Mar 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
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1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
on the whole I was very pleased It would have been good to have had a map of Japan in the final documentation and then we good visualise where we were going but Richard has said that he would ask you to send me one on my return to UK so I await it!!!!
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Richard was excellent especially as he had a group of very varied physical abilities(I think that they should have been made aware that it was a fairly strenuous trip involving a fair bit of walking)
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
always helpful when I phoned with any queries
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
all hotel staff very helpful and excellent facilities good to have the different types of accomadationenjoyed the Turtle annexe in Nikko as an ordinary B&B with local poeple
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
good again got a much better insight into Japan using the trains rather than being ferried around in coaches but this is where the less able travellers found it hardest in keeping up with the group and where Richard was so good in assessing the extra time needed to get everyone to the trains on time
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
I think these were excellent as we could taste the banquet as well as the'pub' scene with locals also Richard was most helpful in indicating where we could go for the specific food we wanted to sample
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
It was an amazing trip I was so impressed by the courtesy and help given by the ordinary folk As silver haird folk I never had ti stand in trains etc a wonderful experience and the help bu fellow clients in restuarants -letting us taste their strange foods and encouraging us to join in their celebrations!!
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
there are still so many places in the world that I haven't visited that I cannot afford the time to revisit however much I may have enjoyed my visit My sights are set on South America as I have done Aisia and far East fairly well now!!
Review submitted: 04th May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Thanks for your feedback, Else. Sounds like you had a great time and really got to experience Japan! I sent a map in the post yesterday so it should be with you soon if not already.
- Karen (On behalf of David)
- Karen (On behalf of David)
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| Jill Declercq - Japan Unmasked, 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?
My experience was positive. Only hiccup was the instruction on how to reach Damon on our arrival at Narita. Information counters were not open and the lack of any mention of Damon on the schedule caused confusion to all group members I spoke with.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Andrew was an upbeat and competent leader with nothing too much trouble for him.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Nathaniel did a splendid job of selling me the tour. I felt we got what we booked for.
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
I feel we got what was promised.
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
I was totally happy with the use of trains and the inclusion of Jr rail passport as well as Pasmo cards.
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
Breakfast was included and one ryakon dinner. I like Japanese food but was not ready for same at breakfast time. On occasions when I joined Andrew for dinners, despite the fact he was trying to be helpful in ordering for us, I would have preferred more time to order my own preferred meal.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
Although quite willing to experience Japanese food, I would prefer western breakfast.
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
I have nothing but praise for IJT and would consider other small group tours
Review submitted: 04th May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Jill, thank you for your comments. I am glad you had such a good time. We will look into our arrival instructions to make sure they are more clear. Andrew, like all of our tour leaders, are great and they really add a lot to each tour. I hope to welcome you to Japan again. Nathaniel
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| Eleanor Feldman - Spring Elegance, 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?
Efficient. Friendly. Helpful.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Very relaxed and friendly. Well organised and flexible.
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?
Particularly liked the Fujiya.
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Trains were great
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
Have to say raw fish not for me. Wagyu beef was best experience....
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
I think you should make sure non vegetarian clients are given the opportunity to eat. Wagyu beef as it is not readily available outside Japan.
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
I probably wouldn't need a guided tour again and would want to focus on Japanese design after I have done some research.
Review submitted: 03rd May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Welcome home, Eleanor! Many thanks for your feedback. I am very pleased to hear that you enjoed our Spring Elegance tour.
I am a big fan of
- Ben (on behalf of David)
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| Mike Astill - Japan Enchantment, 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?
The service from InsideJapan was uniformly excellent - from concise answers to e-mailed questions prior to the tour, to the frankly astonishing breadth of knowledge our guide Tyler had on Japan, its people and their rich culture.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
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?
The tour housed us in a succession of luxury hotels, in particular the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa and the Hyatt Regency Hakone. Having been spoiled up to that point, getting a low floor with no view in the Kyoto Granvia was a slight disappointment, but being inside the amazing station complex more than made up for that.
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
The transport laid on during the tour was always excellent. When our guide was unable to meet me at the airport, I was immediately offered a private car to the hotel. On a number of occasions, squadrons of taxis were summoned to ferry us to dinner or between locations. The public transport in Japan was exceptionally punctual and clean, although frequently crowded - a rollercoaster of a bus ride in Hakone isn't my fondest memory of the trip, but certainly added colour.
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
The tour offered a range of included dining experiences, from traditional Japanese meals in the Nikko ryokan to exceptional
French cuisine in Karuizawa. On the days without included meals, Tyler always had recommendations for places to eat, and frequently arranged bookings and escorted us to and from the restaurants.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
The local guides were very pleasant and knowledgable. However, the trip to the Kenrokuen gardens in Kanawzawa started to resemble a frog-marched school trip. An option to separate and meet up later would have been welcome, but I got the feeling suggesting this would have made our erstwhile guide's head explode.
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
While I picked Japan Enchantment, presumably your flagship tour, there are a good mix of interesting tours available on your website, Winter Highlights etc, that I will definitely consider in the future. I would probably be interested in other Superior tours like Enchantment, with different itineraries.
Review submitted: 03rd May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Welcome home, Mike! Glad you had such a good time in Japan on our Japan Enchantment small group tour with our highly experienced tour leader, Tyler. We definitely have a lot to learn from the public transport network in Japan! Sounds like you had some wonderful meals both included in the tour and arranged with help from your tour leader. We appreciate your comments on the Kenrokuen tour and will definitely look into hat. Many thanks for your feedback!
Vivienne
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| Marie - Spring Elegance, Apr 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
|
1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
A whirlwind tour which gave us so many fascinating insights into Japan.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
Liam did a brilliant job of leading the group with humour and kindness. He clearly has an excellent knowledge of Japan which he shared with us, both in his formally-led trips and in response to our endless questions. His interest in cookery was an added bonus for us.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Maddy provided helpful information when requested.
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
The accommodation was fine, with excellent location making up for any possible concerns about cramped rooms in one or two hotels.
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
Very impressed by the way in which the Japanese rail system operates. With numbered carriages set against designated areas of the platform there was no panic in boarding at all so we could relax and enjoy the trip.
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
We thoroughly enjoyed the set meals but I would suggest that the first meal is set around a table where all tour members can mingle. Also a little more variety in the range of set meals would enhance the experience ever further.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
Our only reservation about the tour is that in the last few days meal times were very late which caused my husband to have hypos. This could have been avoided by adjusting the day very slightly to ensure lunch was in good time - and could have been done with impacting on any other of the group at all. The misunderstanding was in his thinking that snacks alone would be effective: what is required is a meal which allows one to take insulin at the same time at a regular period from the last meal. I strongly recommend that, in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act to make reasonable adjustments to your service, you do two things: a) disability information course or brochure for all staff; and b) that travel consultant red flags people with disabilities so that not just the illness but the possible implications/symptoms of and mitigating actions for that illness are spelled out for tour leaders. I don't see this as a tour leader responsibility actually, but one for Inside Japan as a whole company issue as many older people travel and a number of them will have some kind of health issue. In fact this is a growing market if you can do this well.
We particularly enjoyed being in Asakusa - the last day in Shinjuka was amazing but it would help if your information pointed up that the department stores there are upmarket ie more expensive generally than the charming Ekimise department store in Asakusa. I also wonder if cancelling one stop - tho' it would be hard to choose which one, would make for a slightly more relaxied trip.
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Japan is a more accessible country than it appears and I would feel much more confident, now that we have experienced a led tour group, to do a self-guided trip to explore some of the areas we didn't have time for on Spring Elegance.
Review submitted: 03rd May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Welcome back Marie. Thanks for your comments. We spoke on the phone after you returned, to discuss your concerns regarding meal times and diet/medical requirements. We take these issues very seriously, and do actively ask our customers to share this information with us before they travel, and this is then passed on to the tour leader, so they are prepared in advance. We will certainly check up on this system to make sure that this is working as it should be.
Good point about the chopsticks - we will look into that!
Thanks again for travelling with us on our Spring Elegance tour. Happy travels in the future! Harry, for Maddy.
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| Katharine Mcgrane - Japan Unmasked, Apr 2013 |
Overall Satisfaction
Excellent
|
1.
How would you describe your overall level of satisfaction with us as your tour operator?
Service from you was excellent, but we were unhappy with some aspects concerning Andrew, the tour leader.
2.
Tour Leader name and satisfaction rating:
A personable young man, but organisational skills slightly lacking. Failed to take into consideration the variety of ages of the people on the tour. Often walking off into the distance leaving us to rush to keep up. Also, on our final day, when we has to consider our journey to the airport, as we had an early flight, he gave differing travel information, even telling us that we could not use are JR passes to get to the airport. A number of our group had the same experience & we wasted at least 1.30 going between railway station & tourist information to obtain correct travel advice & reserve our seats on the airport express.. I would point out that this information could have been included in our info pack, as the guidance was a bit sketchy.
3.
Consultant name and satisfaction rating:
Mark kept us informed at all times, when we had concerns he was easy to deal with, like talking to a friend. On one occasion, he was in available but I spoke to Jocelyn who was equally good, answering my questions on the phone & even emailing us with further information.
4.
How would you rate your package in terms of value for money?
5.
How would you rate the accommodation against your expectations?
As we have been to Japan before we knew what to expect
6.
Please give us your comments on the transport included in your package.
JR passes & Pasmo card excellent value for money.
7.
Please tell us your thoughts on the meals included during your tour.
Breakfasts were what we expected. Japanese breakfast takes bit of getting used to. Bit disappointed with some of the evening meals as although we would have liked to have dined as a group, some of the choices of our tour leader were a bit strange & his belief that e wished to eat the same thing at 6.30 every evening disconcerting. Also when out with him, he insisted on ordering for us all without any explanation of what he was ordering, or asking for any preferences.
8.
How do you rate the usefulness and standard of information in the Info-Pack?
General Comments
I think we have covered most of this in previous answers.
9.
Would you consider travelling to Japan again?
10.
Would you travel again with InsideJapan Tours?
Felt as we have been to Japan twice now, it's transport system is not as overwhelming as we thought & the tours cover a large distance & too many one night stops, which can be tiring. An example being our last night in Yokohama, which in view of the time we arrived,could have been missed out & we could have gone straight back to central Tokyo.
Review submitted: 02nd May 2013 at 17:29
InsideJapan Tours says:
Welcome home Katharine. Many thanks for your honest feedback. Glad Mark in our office looked after you very well, but sorry to hear that there were some elements in Japan that were not so satisfactory. Our tour leaders are a vital part of our operation, so we will take your comments onboard, and ensure that future customers get the very best service from us. Harry, for Mark.
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