Essence of Japan was amazing! The Cherry blossoms were spectacular!
Here are my tips for your trip:
1. The QR code has changed from 2 codes to 1 - even some of the staff at the airport is still confused, but there is just one code. Print it, you will be glad.
2. I took $300 USD worth of yen with me - it was too much, most took Credit cards but taxis I was glad I had yen. And some small shops
3. We used our rain coats and umbrellas on two days extensively - glad I had them
4. Fun Fact! The reason Kit Kats are such a thing in Japan is that in Japanese Kitto Katsutoo means YOU SHALL SURELY WIN! They give Kit-kats to kids before tests as a good luck gift! I brought home peach, strawberry and sake flavors!
5. All the hotels were great except the Gero Onsen - I had a rough time getting off the floor to use the washroom at night and I didn't like the food there. The rest of the hotels are great. I especially love the Japanese toilets. I want one! Have a great trip!
If you have trouble getting up off the floor, at the Onsen, you can request an American style room. There are a loimited number, so you still may not get it, depending on the choice of others in the group.
Thank you so much for posting travel sheets - a lot of great information.
We are leaving April 23 and I have a few questions.
What do you wear to take a bath at Gero Onsen? Do you need a bathing suit?
Where did you change dollars into yen?
Is there time in Kyoto to book a 1/2 day excursion to Nara? Has anyone in your group done it?
They don't allow swimsuits in the Onsens at Hakone or Gero - separate men's and women's areas. It was nice, you should go. I never changed dollars to yen, I took too many yen. I don't know of anyone who booked an excursion in Kyoto but the last day there was time in the afternoon. The Sumo demo was at the welcome dinner - it was great!
I posted the itinerary sheets because that is always what I wish others would do - its so helpful for planning.
Also, we flew into and out of Tokyo, taking the Shinkansen back from Kyoto before our flight. It worked great - the Japanese train system is very efficient!
Brought back wonderful memories! I went last year on March 24 and had fabulous time. Is your TD Nicole or Larry? They were wonderful.
Truly amazing trip.
The onsen and the castle are new this year. Last year we went to a different castle and stayed at a different onsen. I had the same problem, the futon arrangement was very uncomfortable and the washroom was difficult to get to, involving one step.
We were on this tour last year at this time and had Larry as our TD. The cherry blossoms were very early last year, but we saw some beautiful ones in Kyoto and Hakone. You were fortunate to be at this years peak.
Thank you so very much. We are on the May 9 small group. I was wondering just how was I going to manage our 2 nights away without luggage. Feel more reassured that it is doable. Loved seeing the daily schedules.
Hope we will enjoy our trip as much as you did.🌸👍
If it is like all the Onsens I went to in Japan, or rather, the Ryokan Onsens, there is not even a toilet in your room, you use shared facilities which includes remembering to put the ‘toilet slippers’ on when you enter the area. If you want to experience Japan authentically, this is what you do. The Japanese hotel Onsens may have regular bathrooms. We loved our entire time in Japan.
The Onsen bathing areas are separated for men and women. There is usually an attendant who supervises the area where you remove your clothing and either put it in the locker or personal basket. You put on a bath robe, but once you enter the bathing area, you must remove it. A very very small modesty towel is provided which you can chose to cover part of your body. You go into the bathing area, sit down on a low stool in front of a low removable hand held shower head. You wash yourself down with the provided soap, rinse off and then go into the communal bath. You must not put your head under water or put your little towel in the water, you can fold that and put it on your head while you luxuriate in the warm water. You dry off with the small towel. There are lotions and potions and hairbrushes and hairdryers to use when you get back into the changing area. I just loved the whole experience.
If you are the shy type, you can go down extra early in the morning and you may be the only one there.
No toilet in a hotel room! Communal toilet! You must be kidding me. I don't think Tauck is budget touring. Please tell me the name of the tour company to avoid. I think the only time the tauck tour used the communal toilet was at the highway stops. Yike!!!
Rest assured, there is a private bathroom per guest at Tobira Onsen last year. It is a bathtub/shower combination. According to the hotel management, the same water that fills into the onsen is the same water that feeds into the guest rooms.
Please do not go extra early in the morning. One male Tauck guest went the first minute in the morning while the attendant must be napping or taking a break, A woman not speaking a word of English walked in in her birthday suit at the Hyatt Hakone men's onsen. The male Tauck guest was so concerned that he did not want to get upright to confront her. Security ended up getting called! Remember the attendant is not glued to the onsen every minute 24/7.
The check in suitcase goes with the bus. The carry on goes with you on the train.
If you are not a weightlifter, pack the carry on light so you can go up and down stairs at the train station or ask the TD so you can use the elevator.
One person took a long time to pull out her heavy carry on from the overhead compartment, she left her purse on the seat since she had to run out before the door closed. Nicole and Larry ended up having to retrieve the purse for her the next day.Luckily, the Japanese are honest people. Nothing was missing from her purse.
Our TD told us to get ready before the train reached the station stop. The stronger and fitter were at the back after we split into two groups to make sure every one get out before the doors shut.
The bullet train can get very full and it is not Tauck exclusive, meaning the tourists from other countries and the Japanese also can have a lot of luggages.
Henrypoon. We had a fantastic time in Japan. Having been to Japan three times now since the 1990’s, we wanted to have a much more authentic experience than Tauck gives and see a lot more of the country, including Mount Koya when we stayed in an inn which was in a Temple with monks, we experienced meditation with them and a fire service/ceremony. We also went to see the famous snow monkeys. The Ryokans are gorgeous, the natural stone onsens with wonderful views of the forest as you bathe are serene and peaceful.We’ve stayed in fancy hotels in Japan in the past including one where we had the huge presidential suite and we’ve stayed with friends in their Japanese home.
Another thing about Onsens is that the male and female areas get swapped around daily. It is posted to make it clear, so maybe it was the guy who was in the wrong one!
Thank you for posting the itinerary sheets. My husband and I will be going on this trip in September. We are going in a few days early to see some additional sights. I know that sometimes Tauck adds some additional tours and I was wondering if anything was added. Shibuya Crossing? Ueno park? I know the tour goes to the fish market but did you have enough time to eat anything there? Speaking of food if anyone can recommend some nice places for dinner, I know we have a few dinners on our own in Tokyo and I’m looking for a good Japanese, French and Waugh beef restaurant.
Thanks in advance!
I was on the Essence of Japan tour in March 2024 as well with Nicole as TD.
The Gero Onsen hotel is terrible. The food at Gero Onsen is inedible, and the rooms (and entire hotel) are dated and smell. The hotel Tauck used historically is currently under renovation. Everyone in our group disliked this hotel and wished we had just skipped it rather than stay at Gero Onsen. You get an onsen experience at the Hyatt in Hakone.
We had the opposite experience at Gero Onsen, but we were looking forward to the traditional experience, and we're adventurous eaters. We enjoyed the dinner and breakfast experiences. The Kaiseki dinner is more traditional, and some of the food was a bit out there for the more conservative diners in our group, but we loved trying everything. We had a (somewhat) American style breakfast, compared to what the Japanese guests were served, with scrambled eggs and sausage instead of grilled fish and rice. The mattresses on the floor were comfortable, and the rooms were large. Some guests said their room had an odd smell. What we noticed was the dried grass smell of the new tatami mats on the floor. I wish we'd had more time to use the outdoor baths and explore the hotel more.
MM Walsh, I welcomed your positive comments about the Gero Onsen. Its amazing how two people can have the exact same experience but come away with very different feelings as to whether something was good or bad. I take this tour in May 2025 with someone who is a Tauck 1st timer so I hope we have a great time!
Hi GM: Gero Onsen was built in 1931 and they've kept it as traditional as possible, while also providing modern bathrooms and amenities. It is like stepping back in time, and that is what we loved about it. But that also means, don't expect it to be the Ritz. Notice the workmanship that went into this historic building, and look for the fun details. Take a picture of the light above your room number in Google Translate, and translate the name of your room to English. The rooms in our hallway were all named after flowers. In the public restrooms outside the dining area, you have the opportunity to try using a squat toilet. Where else are you going to see that? If you look at it as an opportunity to experience what Japanese lodging was like almost 100 years ago, you will have a great time, even if the tatami mats in your room do smell like dried grass.
I highly recommend reading "A Geek in Japan" by Hector Garcia before you go. The author is a European who lived and worked in Japan and he explains the culture from the perspective of an outsider looking in. It gave me a much better understanding of Japan, and the Japanese people, and I recognized so much of what he was explaining throughout our journey.
MM Walsh, I actually ordered Mr. Garcia's book several months ago and plan to read it after the holidays. The Forum has proven to be a great source of information on what to expect, see and do while on this tour and so your comments are appreciated and of great value. Thank you.
Comments
Essence of Japan was amazing! The Cherry blossoms were spectacular!
Here are my tips for your trip:
1. The QR code has changed from 2 codes to 1 - even some of the staff at the airport is still confused, but there is just one code. Print it, you will be glad.
2. I took $300 USD worth of yen with me - it was too much, most took Credit cards but taxis I was glad I had yen. And some small shops
3. We used our rain coats and umbrellas on two days extensively - glad I had them
4. Fun Fact! The reason Kit Kats are such a thing in Japan is that in Japanese Kitto Katsutoo means YOU SHALL SURELY WIN! They give Kit-kats to kids before tests as a good luck gift! I brought home peach, strawberry and sake flavors!
5. All the hotels were great except the Gero Onsen - I had a rough time getting off the floor to use the washroom at night and I didn't like the food there. The rest of the hotels are great. I especially love the Japanese toilets. I want one! Have a great trip!
Thank you so much! Very helpful.
If you have trouble getting up off the floor, at the Onsen, you can request an American style room. There are a loimited number, so you still may not get it, depending on the choice of others in the group.
Thank you so much for posting travel sheets - a lot of great information.
We are leaving April 23 and I have a few questions.
What do you wear to take a bath at Gero Onsen? Do you need a bathing suit?
Where did you change dollars into yen?
Is there time in Kyoto to book a 1/2 day excursion to Nara? Has anyone in your group done it?
Onsets are always naked bathing. Single sex. I really enjoyed them when I was in Japan last year. There is a certain etiquette you must observe.
I did not see any mention of a sumo demonstration on the itinerary. Has that been removed?
They don't allow swimsuits in the Onsens at Hakone or Gero - separate men's and women's areas. It was nice, you should go. I never changed dollars to yen, I took too many yen. I don't know of anyone who booked an excursion in Kyoto but the last day there was time in the afternoon. The Sumo demo was at the welcome dinner - it was great!
I posted the itinerary sheets because that is always what I wish others would do - its so helpful for planning.
Also, we flew into and out of Tokyo, taking the Shinkansen back from Kyoto before our flight. It worked great - the Japanese train system is very efficient!
Brought back wonderful memories! I went last year on March 24 and had fabulous time. Is your TD Nicole or Larry? They were wonderful.
Truly amazing trip.
The onsen and the castle are new this year. Last year we went to a different castle and stayed at a different onsen. I had the same problem, the futon arrangement was very uncomfortable and the washroom was difficult to get to, involving one step.
Our TD was Nicole - she is AMAZING, sweet, and wonderful! I am hoping to have her as my TD again in Europe!
This is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
We were on this tour last year at this time and had Larry as our TD. The cherry blossoms were very early last year, but we saw some beautiful ones in Kyoto and Hakone. You were fortunate to be at this years peak.
Thank you so very much. We are on the May 9 small group. I was wondering just how was I going to manage our 2 nights away without luggage. Feel more reassured that it is doable. Loved seeing the daily schedules.
Hope we will enjoy our trip as much as you did.🌸👍
At Gero Onsen, did you have a room with or without a bathtub?
If it is like all the Onsens I went to in Japan, or rather, the Ryokan Onsens, there is not even a toilet in your room, you use shared facilities which includes remembering to put the ‘toilet slippers’ on when you enter the area. If you want to experience Japan authentically, this is what you do. The Japanese hotel Onsens may have regular bathrooms. We loved our entire time in Japan.
The Onsen bathing areas are separated for men and women. There is usually an attendant who supervises the area where you remove your clothing and either put it in the locker or personal basket. You put on a bath robe, but once you enter the bathing area, you must remove it. A very very small modesty towel is provided which you can chose to cover part of your body. You go into the bathing area, sit down on a low stool in front of a low removable hand held shower head. You wash yourself down with the provided soap, rinse off and then go into the communal bath. You must not put your head under water or put your little towel in the water, you can fold that and put it on your head while you luxuriate in the warm water. You dry off with the small towel. There are lotions and potions and hairbrushes and hairdryers to use when you get back into the changing area. I just loved the whole experience.
If you are the shy type, you can go down extra early in the morning and you may be the only one there.
I found a link which just about describes exactly as I have done
https://www.kashiwaya.org/e/magazine/onsen/rules2.html
No toilet in a hotel room! Communal toilet! You must be kidding me. I don't think Tauck is budget touring. Please tell me the name of the tour company to avoid. I think the only time the tauck tour used the communal toilet was at the highway stops. Yike!!!
Rest assured, there is a private bathroom per guest at Tobira Onsen last year. It is a bathtub/shower combination. According to the hotel management, the same water that fills into the onsen is the same water that feeds into the guest rooms.
Please do not go extra early in the morning. One male Tauck guest went the first minute in the morning while the attendant must be napping or taking a break, A woman not speaking a word of English walked in in her birthday suit at the Hyatt Hakone men's onsen. The male Tauck guest was so concerned that he did not want to get upright to confront her. Security ended up getting called! Remember the attendant is not glued to the onsen every minute 24/7.
The check in suitcase goes with the bus. The carry on goes with you on the train.
If you are not a weightlifter, pack the carry on light so you can go up and down stairs at the train station or ask the TD so you can use the elevator.
One person took a long time to pull out her heavy carry on from the overhead compartment, she left her purse on the seat since she had to run out before the door closed. Nicole and Larry ended up having to retrieve the purse for her the next day.Luckily, the Japanese are honest people. Nothing was missing from her purse.
Our TD told us to get ready before the train reached the station stop. The stronger and fitter were at the back after we split into two groups to make sure every one get out before the doors shut.
The bullet train can get very full and it is not Tauck exclusive, meaning the tourists from other countries and the Japanese also can have a lot of luggages.
Henrypoon. We had a fantastic time in Japan. Having been to Japan three times now since the 1990’s, we wanted to have a much more authentic experience than Tauck gives and see a lot more of the country, including Mount Koya when we stayed in an inn which was in a Temple with monks, we experienced meditation with them and a fire service/ceremony. We also went to see the famous snow monkeys. The Ryokans are gorgeous, the natural stone onsens with wonderful views of the forest as you bathe are serene and peaceful.We’ve stayed in fancy hotels in Japan in the past including one where we had the huge presidential suite and we’ve stayed with friends in their Japanese home.
Another thing about Onsens is that the male and female areas get swapped around daily. It is posted to make it clear, so maybe it was the guy who was in the wrong one!
Thank you for posting the itinerary sheets. My husband and I will be going on this trip in September. We are going in a few days early to see some additional sights. I know that sometimes Tauck adds some additional tours and I was wondering if anything was added. Shibuya Crossing? Ueno park? I know the tour goes to the fish market but did you have enough time to eat anything there? Speaking of food if anyone can recommend some nice places for dinner, I know we have a few dinners on our own in Tokyo and I’m looking for a good Japanese, French and Waugh beef restaurant.
Thanks in advance!
elle0803, I'm taking this tour next May and would welcome your thoughts upon your return. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
I was on the Essence of Japan tour in March 2024 as well with Nicole as TD.
The Gero Onsen hotel is terrible. The food at Gero Onsen is inedible, and the rooms (and entire hotel) are dated and smell. The hotel Tauck used historically is currently under renovation. Everyone in our group disliked this hotel and wished we had just skipped it rather than stay at Gero Onsen. You get an onsen experience at the Hyatt in Hakone.
Otherwise, the tour was great!
We had the opposite experience at Gero Onsen, but we were looking forward to the traditional experience, and we're adventurous eaters. We enjoyed the dinner and breakfast experiences. The Kaiseki dinner is more traditional, and some of the food was a bit out there for the more conservative diners in our group, but we loved trying everything. We had a (somewhat) American style breakfast, compared to what the Japanese guests were served, with scrambled eggs and sausage instead of grilled fish and rice. The mattresses on the floor were comfortable, and the rooms were large. Some guests said their room had an odd smell. What we noticed was the dried grass smell of the new tatami mats on the floor. I wish we'd had more time to use the outdoor baths and explore the hotel more.
MM Walsh, I welcomed your positive comments about the Gero Onsen. Its amazing how two people can have the exact same experience but come away with very different feelings as to whether something was good or bad. I take this tour in May 2025 with someone who is a Tauck 1st timer so I hope we have a great time!
Hi GM: Gero Onsen was built in 1931 and they've kept it as traditional as possible, while also providing modern bathrooms and amenities. It is like stepping back in time, and that is what we loved about it. But that also means, don't expect it to be the Ritz. Notice the workmanship that went into this historic building, and look for the fun details. Take a picture of the light above your room number in Google Translate, and translate the name of your room to English. The rooms in our hallway were all named after flowers. In the public restrooms outside the dining area, you have the opportunity to try using a squat toilet. Where else are you going to see that? If you look at it as an opportunity to experience what Japanese lodging was like almost 100 years ago, you will have a great time, even if the tatami mats in your room do smell like dried grass.
I highly recommend reading "A Geek in Japan" by Hector Garcia before you go. The author is a European who lived and worked in Japan and he explains the culture from the perspective of an outsider looking in. It gave me a much better understanding of Japan, and the Japanese people, and I recognized so much of what he was explaining throughout our journey.
MM Walsh, I actually ordered Mr. Garcia's book several months ago and plan to read it after the holidays. The Forum has proven to be a great source of information on what to expect, see and do while on this tour and so your comments are appreciated and of great value. Thank you.