Most Inspirational Moment
The people, culture, efficiency of the transportation system and the food. We organised a trip ourselves to see the Sumo which was excellent and a major highlight. We adored Kyoto and the geishas, the little old streets and the Noku hotel was our favourite of the trip. We loved the alps and the scenery too. Our favourite temple of the trip was a slightly weird one on Miyajimi island which our guide recommended- excellent.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely brilliant. Very friendly, organised, great sense of humour, always made sure everyone was OK and knew how to get to things they wanted to do in their spare time. She was hilarious, great fun and showed us many thinfs we would never have seen on our own.
Would have liked to have known a bit more about Japanese peopke’s lives and how things work e.g. health service but it’s very difficult when using public transport. It’s not like being on a bus for hours with the whole group when such information coud be shared with everyone at the same time. Ayaka was always happy to answer our individual questions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do the Hakone trip. We didn’t and regretted it. I think it should be part of the itinerary rather than an option.
Trip notes need updating. Easy to obtain cash from Seven Eleven stores so you don’t need to being loads of cash. We used cards quite easily for meals etc, just not small purchases. We spent a lot less than expected. Wifi was excellent in all types of lodgings.
Tip! Use the hotel’s mobile phone in Tokyo and fiwnload the Tokyo metro and google maps. Brilliant! Saved us a lot of time.
Tip! Buy a 2 or 3 day metro/subway card. It aaves a lot of money and makes moving around a lot eadier. You need your passport to purchase one though.
Book Sumo tickets if it’s on. Very interesting and brilliant fun.
