Hidden Japan Traveller Reviews

Hidden Japan was a great experience, focusing on some of the lesser known and quieter areas of Japan. With a wide variety of accommodation, food and places to explore. We had a fantastic Tour leader, Mike, who was really informative and a great guide on our journey round. I would highly recommend this tour.

Inside Japan were very helpful, helping me choose the tour and some extra excursions following the tour.

Hidden Japan experienced and uncovered. Travelled from Kyoto though the artist's island of Shikoku and on to Hiroshima. Every day was a new experience, meeting a trainee geisha, visiting the puppet theatre, trying our hand at Kendo, riding on local buses, jumping on the bullet train, bathing in the hot baths and wearing a kimono to dinner. We walked and talked, laughed and ate incredible food and met some very interesting people.

Hidden Japan are consummate experts. The tour was comprised of many interesting and varied experiences and every single day we immersed ourselves in the local culture.

A really varied small group tour of Japan from expansive high rise cities to quiet traditional towns. We travelled around using public transport and private coach and ate a variety of different foods all exquisitely prepared. The hotels were comfortable and provided a good choice of breakfast dishes. The holiday included visits to castles, temples, shrines, gardens, theatres, performances, galleries and more.

Inside Japan Tours were excellent, the tour exceeded my expectations as everything was well thought out and meticulously planned. The guides were knowledgeable and made us feel special.

Our 12-day tour of 'Hidden Japan' took us from Kyoto to the island of Shikoku, to Hiroshima and back to Kyoto on the bullet train. The tour was carefully and imaginatively put together, and included some fun activities (including noodle-making and learning kendo [Japanese swordplay]!) as well as visits to some amazing shrines and temples, and the island of Naoshima, world-famous for its collections of contemporary arts. We stayed in very comfortable hotels, and bathed in some very atmospheric onsen (hot spring baths). We were given delicious and beautifully-presented meals, and were looked after extremely well by our brilliant tour guide Yuri. Altogether one of our very best holidays!

InsideJapantours were incredibly efficient and thoughtful. They have developed a number of fascinating and varied tours, designed to enable visitors to explore many different aspects of Japan. We hope very much to use them again.

A three week visit to Japan incorporating bespoke elements and a small group tour (Hidden Japan). First part covered Tokyo (with a private guide) and Hakone area, then the 10 day group tour which included areas which normally you would not gain access to as a normal tourist. Finally the Shimanami Kaido cycle ride which topped off the trip. Each day a new experience.

Very professional and knowledgeable. Dealt with an outbound flight delay re-arranging our pre-booked guide and ensured interested parties were kept informed. Managed the typhoon which hit part way through faultlessly and ensured that alternative arrangements were in place to deal with the impact on the local transport with minimal impact

Wherever we went the Japanese were helpful. With minimal spoken English, and no Japanese on our part, we arrived at Tokyo Shinjuku Station looking totally bemused and a beautiful young Japanese lady went out of her way to get us where we were heading and everywhere we went people were helpful and kind. We experienced the cities and the countryside from Koya San to the beaufifully renewed city of Hiroshima, as well as Kyoto, Hakone and many places between. We resided in various Ryokan, and Buddhist temple lodging, as well as hotels. We were treated to many different aspects of Japan and its secrets. A dance performace at Awa Odori Kaikan Museum where they involved us on stage; Awa Jurobe Yashiki puppet theatre which was a very moving gift; an introduction to a beautiful, graceful young Maiko; and a very special welcome into the peaceful village of Joge where their Kabuki Theatre had a really special ambience and it would have been amazing to see a performance there. We had the amazing experience of the Shinkansen as well as all forms of transport - travelling with the Japanese - including ferries, local buses and trains and taxis, and the cleanliness was something special despite the many crowds. Our trip also included shrines (with lots of steps for exercise), outdoor museums in beautiful settings, wonderful food at breakfast, lunch and dinner - a special treat of Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima. In the many contrasts of the Japanese environment what struck us most was the inner quietness and sensitivity of many people and their real wish to connect with us as human beings - we hope to visit Japan again but if we do not manage it this will always be a very special memory that we will treasure all our lives.

InsideJapan Tours really did a great job introducing us to Hidden Japan. It was really special having chance to connect with the locals and their traditions and sense the pleasure and pride they had in wanting to share this with us as well as experiencing the benefits of the modern way of life. Travelling on public transport and eating in the many Japanese restaurants was a great way of mixing with the Japanese and getting a feel for the culture. Nothing was too much trouble for this tour operator - they not only organised and ran the tour perfectly but gave us a great deal of help in organising transport, accommodation, meals, suggestions for itinerary etc. for several days when we were travelling on our own and this was invaluable especially with the difficulties of language in Japan (though the google translation app was also useful). We would definitely travel with InsideJapan Tours again and highly recommend their professionalism and well-informed tour leaders/guides. (Cannot upload images as we are having a transfer problem with computer/camera)

I took a two- week long tour "Hidden Japan". The group consisted of 14 travelers. We visited 8 different geographical areas in Southern/ Central Japan

David was as perfect as it gets: personal, knowledgeable, attentive, freindly, organized, efficient and easy going. He is fluent in Japanese and he communicated with the locals very easily.

We had a group of 12 from England, Australia, Holland and USA. The tour provided us with experiences which would not be experienced on other tours. The Tour Leader provided us with a wonderful understanding and appreciation of Buddhism. He spoke fluent Japanese and took us to his favourite restaurants in the places we visited. A highlight of the tour was a night staying in a Buddhist Temple at Mt Koya. Also a visit to the village of Joge where we were followed by a TV Crew from Hiroshima. We learnt Kendo from the children in the village and the local shop owners were keen to sell us their wares. The visit to the Iya Valley included an unexpected visit to the Hashikuraji Temple where we discovered 88 icons representing the 88 temples of Japan. We experienced the Japanese culture through the places we visited and the food we ate. I enjoyed travelling on public transport as opposed to travelling in a coach.

Our Tour Operator was outstanding. His knowledge of Buddhism was extensive and provided us with an extensive understanding of the religion. His organisation was excellent. He was funny and very entertaining. He managed the individual personalities of the group extremely well, ensuring we all got on well together. He went out of his way to arrange meals for those of us with dietary requirements.

A small group holiday in Hidden Japan- well thought out itinerary, outstanding tour leader and a wonderful group. We had our best holiday so far. We learnt so much about Japan- the history, culture, religions(especially Buddhism), people, food, etc etc. Added bonus was that we were there for the peak of the cherry blossom. We could not have had a better holiday.

Great service from tour operator, everything ran so smoothly particularly the holiday. Itinerary was great as was the tour leader. We would definitely use them again,

I went on the Hidden Japan tour and it was an incredible experience. I hesitate to say there was a favourite moment because there was many. The majority are unable to be compared. I loved that we were able to see parts of Japan untrodden by tourists. It made us understand the countries culture and give a deeper respect for the people’s customs. The additional information about the countries past history and current affairs along the way also increased made me want to know more about this lovely country. Couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing, enjoyable and satisfying holiday.

Inside Japan is the most well organised tour company I’ve used. They think of every little thing to make sure that your holiday goes off without a hitch. If there ever is a problem or query then its always answered quickly and efficiently. I will recommend them to anyone considering Japan or even if they aren’t!