Jay A. (United States)
Attended Tour: 8 Days Essence of Spring | Southern Japan - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour From Osaka To Osaka

Overall satisfaction:

Thursday, May 26, 2016 Updated

Friendly, informative and good explanation of sites

Best Place Visited on the Japan Tour: Hiroshima A-Bomb Site

Best Experience on the Japan Tour: Seeing the cherry blossoms at Kumamoto Castle

Want to Visit again/next time: Tokyo

1) A list of Japanese words at the Beginning of tour would be helpful

2) it would be helpful for tour group to have a place/time to make formal introductions (name, where from), at the beginning of the tour (perhaps at the first diner together)
3) places that did not allow enough time to experience: Himeji Castle, A-bomb Site, Miyajima Island
Places that had a good amount of time: Kumamoto Castle, Takachiho Gorge, Umijigoku, Ritsurin Park
4) Tour Guides very friendly, attentive, and informative
5) Bus driver very good driver w/ excellent skill and safety

1. How would you rate the accommodations? (Comfort, cleanliness, location)

Good

Hotels had Wi-Fi
Sheraton - Very good
Prince Hiroshima - Good
Fukuoka Hotel - not good (did not meet expectations)
Takachiho Hotel - Room did not seem clean
Matsuyama Hotel - sleeping on floor :(

2. What did you think about the food? (Taste, variety)

Fair

Dinner @ Takachiho Gorge was excellent traditional Japanese beautiful
Dinner @ okonomiyaki very good
lunch @ Udon noodle not so good

3. Was the tour guide helpful? (Knowledge, communication, attitude)

Very Good

Very friendly, informative and good explanation of sites.
Also good job of keeping group together and on time.
I liked Addie's explanation of Japanese history, culture, and customs

4. How would you rate the sightseeing spots we have visited? (Favorite place, least favorite)