Best Of

Just returned, ditto all Sue M said.. Small details to add, Best Buy for me a pair of comfy, cushioned slip on sneakers.You do a lot of shoes on, shoes off. Usually there are many people around you as you try to remove your shoes in the outer area and step into the “clean “ area in your socks. Small overnight bag that you can whip on and off the bullet trains. They stop for only a very few minutes and you will be in the aisle waiting for the train to stop. Once that door opens you need to move out smartly. The rest of your tour group as well as other passengers are also trying to get off and other passengers board. You do lots of temples, shrines, gardens and historical sites, uneven ground and steps. Bring a walking pole or buy a collapsible cane, pole there if needed at a Japanese pharmacy. They were very helpful for some. The hotels particularly the Shangra-La and the Four Seasons were outstanding. If you can find space bring a swim suit to use the pool facilities at the Four Seasons..wonderful.The others had pools but I was too busy to use.Dress is quite casual.Many wore nice activewear during the day and maybe elevated their clothing for the 3 group dinners. Note every hotel had nice pajamas or a cotton Yakata ( Cotton Kimona robe) waiting in your room. A bucket list trip for us. Pleasant , easy going travel companions and excellent guides made it so memorable. You might be out of your comfort zone but you will be very well cared for. Enjoy this special tour!

Debi, I absolutely do not want to take any trains on my return trip to the US. So will Tauck transfer me directly, by car, from the hotel in Kyoto to an airport? Which one?

Ellen, your comments were so appreciated. Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip. I better start learning how to use chopsticks!

Thank you Sue for writing again. Your positive comments were very welcome and put me at ease about taking this trip.. No doubt, touring Japan will be a unique and wonderful experience. Thank you again for sharing.