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Customer Reviews for Go Ahead Tours Highlights of Japan
Go Ahead Tours Highlights of Japan
Experience 11 centuries of history and cutting edge modernity—all in the same trip.
Average Customer Rating:
(31 Reviews) 31
12 out of 13 92% of customers would recommend this tour.
Customer Reviews for Highlights of Japan
Review 1 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by MSANDERS |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:04/19/2012
Location:MD
Age:Under 30
Gender:Female
I traveled:with friend(s)
by MSANDERS |
May 13, 2012
Best Trip Ever
This trip exceeded my expectations. The tour group was kind and friendly. The tour guide was nice, knowledgeable and friendly. There was so much to do and see and it was all wrapped up nicely. It felt a lot more than 12 days with the amount of scenery and sites we visited. Glad I went and I'll be going again in the near future.
Recommended for: Nature & Wildlife, Art, History, & Culture, First Time Travelers, Relaxing Retreat
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Review 2 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
4
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by HGOLDSTEIN17 |
Number of past tours:4
Traveled on:04/19/2012
Location:CT
Age:60+
Gender:Male
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by HGOLDSTEIN17 |
May 13, 2012
Intense tour of Japan - great county to view and
Tour director did a great job . Really loved the portions of the tour that covered Kyoto and Tokyo - and especially the optional excusion to Niko from the latter . I would downplay the time spent in Osaka and Kobe - not of the same magnitude of importance as the rest of the tour - perhaps stay only one night in Osaka and then spend the rest of the time elsewhere . With adjustment to pacing in this manner - this could have been a five start tour throughout . As is - a really enjoyable experience - with emphasis on the abilities and heat of the tour director , "Mickey" .
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Anniversary Trips, Solo Travelers, Experienced Travelers
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Review 3 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by LITTLEGYPT |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:04/19/2012
Location:IL
Age:30-39
Gender:Female
I traveled:with friend(s)
by LITTLEGYPT |
May 12, 2012
Japan- where old and new collide!
What can I say... Japan was amazing! The service go ahead provides exceeded my expectations and I cant wait to go again! I have new found love for the people and culture of Japan~
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Family Vacations, Trip Of A Lifetime, First Time Travelers, Experienced Travelers
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Review 4 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
4
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by CJENSEN26 |
Number of past tours:5
Traveled on:04/19/2012
Location:WA
Age:60+
Gender:Female
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by CJENSEN26 |
May 12, 2012
First Asian Trip
Extremely interesting; full of well-presented facts and fun activities; tour group was friendly and compatible
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers
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Review 5 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
4
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by Anonymous |
Number of past tours:2
Traveled on:04/19/2012
Location:IN
Age:60+
Gender:Female
I traveled:solo
by Anonymous |
May 12, 2012
5.8 Earthquake as a Send-off!
Including the numerous shrines and temples, the attractions on the itinerary are quite enjoyable...museums, Mt. Fuji (visible weather permitting), and experiencing the bullet train.
I recommend the optional trips even though they are quite expensive. They are worth the additional money.
Japan is expensive so allow additional money. I paid over $7.00 for 16 strawberries...a bargain. Many melons cost over $50.00 each and some cost $100.00 each. Our guide (Miyuki) stated that tips are NOT given. I left a tip for the hotel maid and it was returned to me. Nearly each day we had a different bus and/or driver so tips were not given here either. Note: no bathrooms on the buses but you will find Western and Asian toilets at each stop. Each traveler will need to give a tip to the program director.
Japan has recovered from the earthquake of March, 2011, but that doesn't mean there aren't any more. I experienced a 5.8 on the 22nd floor of the hotel. It was a little unnerving, immediately reported on the non-English television,but there was nothing in the next day's newspaper. Ho-hum!
Any time would be a good time to visit, but our April visit proved to offer some of the over 200 varieties of cherry blossom trees. Incredible beauty.
I only found English speakers in the Tokyo area; most hotel staffs though are able to provide needed information. Hotels were all great, offering free wi-fi though most required you to go to the lobby to access it. Each hotel room also had tea-making facilities.
This was my 20th Asian country, and I did enjoy my experiences; however, it does rank toward the bottom as far as attractions and experiences. My trip last year to Turkey (with Go Ahead Tours) was much better.
I recommend the optional trips even though they are quite expensive. They are worth the additional money.
Japan is expensive so allow additional money. I paid over $7.00 for 16 strawberries...a bargain. Many melons cost over $50.00 each and some cost $100.00 each. Our guide (Miyuki) stated that tips are NOT given. I left a tip for the hotel maid and it was returned to me. Nearly each day we had a different bus and/or driver so tips were not given here either. Note: no bathrooms on the buses but you will find Western and Asian toilets at each stop. Each traveler will need to give a tip to the program director.
Japan has recovered from the earthquake of March, 2011, but that doesn't mean there aren't any more. I experienced a 5.8 on the 22nd floor of the hotel. It was a little unnerving, immediately reported on the non-English television,but there was nothing in the next day's newspaper. Ho-hum!
Any time would be a good time to visit, but our April visit proved to offer some of the over 200 varieties of cherry blossom trees. Incredible beauty.
I only found English speakers in the Tokyo area; most hotel staffs though are able to provide needed information. Hotels were all great, offering free wi-fi though most required you to go to the lobby to access it. Each hotel room also had tea-making facilities.
This was my 20th Asian country, and I did enjoy my experiences; however, it does rank toward the bottom as far as attractions and experiences. My trip last year to Turkey (with Go Ahead Tours) was much better.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, First Time Travelers, Experienced Travelers
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Review 6 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by ALEVY27 |
Number of past tours:3
Traveled on:04/19/2012
Location:MD
Age:60+
Gender:Female
I traveled:with friend(s)
by ALEVY27 |
May 4, 2012
Excellent trip,
Very interesting and unusual. Japan is a mixture of the very modern and the oldfashioned and the tour showed both. We saw many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, but also the very modern city of Tokyo. We were also able to see museums, especially an outdoor museum that, with the combination of Picasso's art, was quite unusual and unexpected. I would take the very same tour (if with the same tour guide) again.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Anniversary Trips, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Honeymoons, Experienced Travelers
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Review 7 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by CKATH1 |
Number of past tours:3
Traveled on:10/06/2011
Location:MN
Age:60+
Gender:Male
I traveled:with a group coordinator/organization
by CKATH1 |
October 29, 2011
"Highlights of Japan" GoAhead Tours
Loved everything about this tour. Especially Miyuke, our tour director. She was going 'full bore' every second that she was with us.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Anniversary Trips, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Comments (1)
Anonymous
IN
Email address for Miyuke
Posted March 20, 2012
I need to let her know my independent arrival and departure information since it is vastly different from the norm..
0points
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Review 8 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
4
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by JCUTLER5 |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:10/06/2011
Location:CT
Age:60+
Gender:Male
I traveled:solo
by JCUTLER5 |
October 21, 2011
Experience a lot of Japan in short time
Our tour director, Miyuki, was outstanding and was key reason for the quality of the tour.
Given time constraints for travel, we still covered multiple locations and were able to see both urban and natural settings, e.g., Tokyo, as well as Hakone. The sites included museums, castles, shrines, temples, art exhibits, a lake, a river and shopping areas. The Hakone Open Air Museum was an outstanding surprise. Hotel locations were excellent to facilitate travel or exploring for one's free days.
I understand different people have different preferences. I personally would have liked more time in the country and less time at urban shopping areas, but the latter were not excessive. Be sure to study travel guides or ask advice for what to see and where to eat on the free days. And, don't be too hesitant to tackle the subway and train systems. Study routes carefully ahead of time and ask questions and you'll be rewarded with excellent access via excellent service.
Given time constraints for travel, we still covered multiple locations and were able to see both urban and natural settings, e.g., Tokyo, as well as Hakone. The sites included museums, castles, shrines, temples, art exhibits, a lake, a river and shopping areas. The Hakone Open Air Museum was an outstanding surprise. Hotel locations were excellent to facilitate travel or exploring for one's free days.
I understand different people have different preferences. I personally would have liked more time in the country and less time at urban shopping areas, but the latter were not excessive. Be sure to study travel guides or ask advice for what to see and where to eat on the free days. And, don't be too hesitant to tackle the subway and train systems. Study routes carefully ahead of time and ask questions and you'll be rewarded with excellent access via excellent service.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by GWALKER100 |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:6/12/2008 12:00:00 AM
Location:NJ
Age:50-59
Gender:Male
I traveled:solo
by GWALKER100 |
February 28, 2011
Do it!
An outstanding tour from every perspective. I took my teen-age daughter as a high school graduation present. The tour guide was outstanding. The pace, the hotels, restaurants and activities were all great. My daughter decided to study Japanese and study abroad there as well. We recently visited her and that trip made me appreciate even more the amount of ground and sites we covered. But I like to get out rather than laze around the hotel. Osaka and Kyoto were especially nice. The Hakone hotel was the only one that seemed a little off but its location was excellent and we were there only one night. Going to Hiroshima and Mijyama we did on our own and I recommend that. I was glad I skipped the pottery activity in favor of doing the Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Family Vacations, Art, History, & Culture, Trip Of A Lifetime, First Time Travelers, Experienced Travelers
+6points
8out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by CPRUNEDA1 |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:7/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Location:TX
Age:Under 30
Gender:Female
I traveled:with friend(s)
by CPRUNEDA1 |
January 17, 2011
FINALLY!
I've waited to go on this trip since high school! This was a dream come true and I loved it completely! Loved the language, the customs, people, shopping...need I say more? Our tour guide was great, she helped us alot and was solicitous in every single way. Can't wait to go back one day...! I recommend this tour for EVERYONE!
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Anniversary Trips, Nature & Wildlife, Solo Travelers, Family Vacations, Art, History, & Culture, Trip Of A Lifetime, Honeymoons, First Time Travelers, Relaxing Retreat, Experienced Travelers
+6points
8out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by CERBAUGH2 |
Number of past tours:2
Traveled on:09/23/2010
Location:FL
Age:50-59
Gender:Female
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by CERBAUGH2 |
November 8, 2010
An amazing trip made even better by our tour guide
Our tour of Japan was simply amazing & wonderful. I would recommend the tour to everyone I know who loves to travel. Our guide Keiko was the best ever. She went above and beyond what was required of her - she is wonderful.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers
+1point
5out of 9found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by EROSE22 |
Number of past tours:4
Traveled on:09/23/2010
Location:FL
Age:60+
Gender:Male
I traveled:with friend(s)
by EROSE22 |
November 6, 2010
Highlights of Japan
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
This was a great experience. It truly gave us a picture of the country of Japan and its people, culture, and food. I would not have changed anything about it.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Food & Wine, First Time Travelers, Experienced Travelers
+2points
4out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
2
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by JBLANDINO1 |
Number of past tours:2
Traveled on:09/23/2010
Location:MI
Age:50-59
Gender:Female
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by JBLANDINO1 |
November 6, 2010
We enjoyed seeing Japan
We enjoyed the experience of seeing Japan but the trip was too long. Too many temples and shrines. Some of the events were "too touristy" or going to places to fill up time. Our tour director was excellent, very experienced and very helpful. She shared her knowledge and was a delightful person who was very caring and helpful throughout the whole trip.
Recommended for: Experienced Travelers
+8points
8out of 8found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
4
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by STAJII1 |
Number of past tours:2
Traveled on:05/13/2010
Location:CA
Gender:Female
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by STAJII1 |
August 11, 2010
A Spiritual Experience
Whenever I think back on our trip to Japan, a sense of peacefulness and tranquility fills me. Not only were the temples, shrines, and castles amazing, the people of Japan left a great impression. The hospitality and respect that we were shone will always have a place in my heart. Some of the shrines we visited had such an aura of calm and peace that it made me long for that simplicity when I returned to the United States.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture
+9points
11out of 13found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by AHOULE2 |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:07/23/2009
Location:FL
Gender:Female
I traveled:with friend(s)
by AHOULE2 |
August 11, 2010
Hightlights indeed
This tour is very properly called highlights of Japan. There is an activity for everyone! Love nature? This tour is for you! Love trying new, amazing food? This tour is for you! Want to learn about the culture of Japan? This tour is for you! Want to see the busy cities of Japan? This tour is for you!
This tour gives just the right amount of guidance and freedom, keeping you busy but not too busy and letting you explore on your own if that is what you want, but not so long that if you don't want to be alone. And our guide was amazing! Very sociable and knowledgeable.
If I could redo my first trip to Japan, I would definitely not change anything!
Recommended for: Anniversary Trips, First Time Travelers, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreat, Experienced Travelers
+13points
13out of 13found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
3
/
5
Tour Director
3
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by TWANG10 |
Number of past tours:3
Traveled on:05/13/2010
Location:TX
Gender:Male
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by TWANG10 |
August 6, 2010
Japan Trip
This customer did not provide a text review.
Recommended for: First Time Travelers
-15points
0out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by GGUTOVITZ1 |
Number of past tours:5
Traveled on:05/13/2010
Location:KS
Gender:Female
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by GGUTOVITZ1 |
August 5, 2010
This customer did not provide a text review.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, First Time Travelers, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers
-6points
2out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by agutovitz |
Number of past tours:5
Traveled on:05/13/2010
Location:KS
Gender:Male
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by agutovitz |
August 5, 2010
This customer did not provide a text review.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, First Time Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers
-6points
0out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by SFITZGERALD22 |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:07/10/2008
Location:GA
Gender:Female
I traveled:with a group coordinator/organization
by SFITZGERALD22 |
August 5, 2010
Great Family Experience
Exceptional value and exciting family vacation with knowledgeable guide who helped make this a wonderfully great experience.
Recommended for: Family Vacations, Art, History, & Culture, Trip Of A Lifetime
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Highlights of Japan
Overall Rating
Tour Value
5
/
5
Tour Director
5
/
5
Leisurely
Challenging
by STAJII19 |
Number of past tours:1
Traveled on:05/13/2010
Location:CA
Gender:Female
I traveled:with my spouse/significant other
by STAJII19 |
August 5, 2010
Memorable visit to Japan with my family
My husband and I always promised our kids that we would take them to Japan and this year, the timing was perfect. It was wonderful seeing our two children and our daughter-in-law interact with all the other people on our tour. Highlights were going to Hiroshima (my dad's family was from there), seeing Mount Fuji (perfect weather for it), the Miho Museum and the hot springs baths. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and it was so great to share this with our children.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Trip Of A Lifetime, Family Vacations, Art, History, & Culture
+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
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