Has anyone used a private tour company for Japan?
 

I am hoping to hear from Fodorites who have used a private tour company when they traveled to Japan. We are seasoned travelers (mostly Europe, Canada & South Pacific) but this will be our first time to Japan. In our past travels, we usually do all the travel arrangements except for Croatia where we used a private tour company. It was fantastic trip and my husband would like to use one again in Japan because of the language and crowds. My DH doesn't do well in crowds but he knows what to expect on this trip especially in Tokyo so he's getting prepared.

I'm still working on our itinerary but know that we will visit Tokyo, Kyoto and we want to go to smaller places like Hakone, Mt. Fuji and Kanazawa. We will probably be visiting for 2 weeks (not including travel days) in October, 2024.

I am hoping that we can have a good balance with visiting less populated areas. We are interested in the architecture, gardens, nature, art, birding, samurai history, food, traditional crafts. We are older so evening night life (clubbing) or pop culture isn't necessary.

Does anyone have a good recommendation of a private tour company or hotel suggestions in Tokyo & Kyoto?

did you consider going to Kamakura near Tokyo? You may like it.

You don't have to spend time in Tokyo, especially if you don't like big crowds. There is no one thing you must see. There are only a million other places to go.

Years (and years) ago, my family went on a tour with Japan Travel Bureau. They have an extensive list of tours from one day on up. They even have a 2-week tour to Shikoku. You could probably find just about any kind of tour in their listing. Sounds to me like you need to inform yourself about Japan first. The best way to to do this is with japan-guide.com

You don't have to go to places where everyone else is going. See what there is in Japan Guide and decide for yourself what interests you. You can have an amazing trip to Japan without even stepping foot in Tokyo.

I still think Tokyo is quite unique though and nice to see, but also so many beautiful places near Tokyo, like Yokohama's Minato MIrai. But also different type of beauiful things can be found anywhere in Japan, many most probably even more beautiful. But for the first-timers I guess its an unique experience to see Tokyo, especially if one's not used to big cities.

[QUOTE=LukaL;17528472]did you consider going to Kamakura near Tokyo? You may like it.[/

It looks like a great place to visit.

Thank you for the suggestion.

Shelemm,
You are right about me starting my task of first knowing where and what I want to do in Japan.😀 it is a bit overwhelming but it does help when you receive input from travelers who have been to Japan. Thank you for your recommendation on the tour group you used.

I appreciate all the responses so far.

My favorite place in Japan wasTakayama, Don’t miss it!

[QUOTE=portobelloB;17528827]If you go there in early morning from Tokyo, you should be able to enjoy most places in one day and come back to Tokyo in the evening.

I guess it's about "freedom of doing", I mean, private companies offer good knowledge and information, but you have to stick to the "plan", but when you travel on your own, you can be open, to what and when to visit and there is no expectation you will be at certain places at certain moment. Both ways of travel are great in my opinion. Certainly I appreciate information you gain when use the company.

We - 2 couples- used a company called The Art of Travel located in Japan. We worked with them to customize our trip and accommodations. They were great! We had a private guide at different locations and the company arranged our train tickets etc. Everything was waiting for us in a packet upon check in at our first hotel.

They arranged a private tea ceremony, a private visit to a sword maker, a private visit with a Noh mask maker. Several experiences we wouldn’t have thought of doing.

We had a wonderful trip.

I am excited to read your recommendation as I want to be able to customize our trip and accommodations. I hope they have an option where the guides can meet us at the hotel. Thank you Patandhank.

Thanks for this post! We are looking Japan for Spring 2025, and are in the same position. We have always done our own planning, but want to do a hybrid this time. We would consider a short cruise or short tour, and definitely guides along the way. We do want some independent time, to explore at our own pace and try places off the beaten path. Thanks for letting me piggy back!

We went pre-COVID so no idea if this works now but

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I remember also, when exchanging money near Shinjuku station, inside currency exchange places they had also great deals on trips and restaurants available. So I highly recommend checking them once in Tokyo or most probably other cities as well.

patandhank, The Art of Travel was (the late) KimJapan's company in Kanazawa. Did you deal with her? There was also a young American named Matt who I think has since moved on.

I have looked into, but not taken, multi-city tours in Japan. Look into the inter-city transportation arrangements, if any. Some are escorted bus tours. Others have you take trains on your own between cities. I believe that the bus tours are less flexible but no-brainers.

The shinkansen and the limited express trains between large cities are pretty easy to use.

I think LukaL is referring to travel agency offices which are located at many JR stattions. Many cities also have TIC (Ttravel Information Centers) that might book tours or at least give references. There is a big one in JR Kyoto Station. Another option would be with the concierge or tour desk at your hotel, if there is one.

I saw a car & driver in Kyoto waiting - for tourists I assumed - and was impressed. It was MK Taxi and is quite expensive. IDK if they arrange for guides.

The least expensive option to DIY would be to use Goodwill Guides.

Actually that's not what I meant, but that's a great idea you share! and other points. I checked, and it was Shinjuku 3-23-16, they have touristic magazines, deals for some trips, restaurants and onsens!. I haven't got any, but when I checked the deals some of them sounded very good, I just discovered them too late. But it has been over 4 years ago, so things might be different now, but I think it's still valid. Btw. if you bring cash, some places won't exchange 100 dollar bills, 20ies are safier choice to take with you.

Yes it was her agency but she actually assigned it to someone else within the agency. After one more shuffle we got assigned to Kyle and I had the impression the company had been sold. Be that as it may, Kyle was great and our 4 weeks in Japan brought some great memories.

Oh, I am so happy to see these replies because I kept getting the email you listed bounced back as undeliverable. If anyone knows the new company's name? I have searched on the Internet but it seems there are several other companies that are under the The Art of Travel- Japan tag line but I'm finding they are not based in Japan. Still working on my itinerary and when I have draft I will list it.

By entering Kanazawa and The Art of Travel it came up but doesn’t really have a website per se. It does show a phone number of +86 76 221 1586

Also see a lot of references to Linked In.