Highlights of Hokkaido Tour: A Paradise in All Seasons

This was a five-night trip focused on nature, wildlife, rural, and agricultural places in northeastern Hokkaido. I enjoyed it very much. Zicasso's trip planner found a very good (female) guide to accompany me (traveling solo for this part of my time in Japan) through the region and I always felt safe. My trip planner was attentive to details. She was in touch with my local guide periodically. 

This part of Japan is exquisitely beautiful and I hope to return to take in still more wildlife and agricultural/rural areas. I loved all of the places we visited. My favorites were Bihoro Pass and Lake Kussharo, the village of Tsurui (near Kushiro) and the wildlife observation area at Onnenai, Lake Mashū, Shiretoko, the drive from Shiretoko to Memanbetsu Airport, and the drive from Lake Akan to Shiretoko.

We knew very little about Japan and even less about our travel company, having been referred to them by Zicasso. We explained to our assigned coordinators our interest in food, exercise, and culture. They diligently created an itinerary and then worked with us patiently as we evaluated the presented options, and efficiently helped us to evolve our travel plans all the way through our departure.

Based on the professional manner in which they listened to us and helped us plan our trip, we had a good feeling. Still, we left for Japan not fully knowing what to expect.

The outcome was a trip that far exceeded our expectations. Every aspect of the plan unfolded with impeccable professionalism, reliability, ease, and comfort. When we needed to move from one destination to another, the transportation was arranged with remarkable attention to detail. For example, on our two encounters with the Shinkansen (bullet train), with our prearranged reserved seats, we were pleasantly surprised to find that, each time, our seats were located exactly where it was easiest to store our luggage, in space available only to the four of us.

Our hotels and planned dining events were four- and five-star quality.

We received white-glove treatment throughout the trip, such as an unforgettable private tea ceremony with one of Kyoto’s preeminent hostesses. Our visits to shrines, onsens (hot springs), cultural events, and overnight stays at remote Buddhist monasteries were orchestrated with impeccable planning, delivering us to each locale with hospitable private drivers. Everywhere we went, we were always made to feel like VIPs.

Perhaps most impressive was the selection of our private guides. We had three during the course of our two-week trip, and each was well versed in English, incredibly knowledgeable, well prepared, and could not have been more accommodating and kind. They coordinated our adventures, which included biking around Mt. Fuji, canoeing in Lake Kawaguchi, hiking in the Wakayama mountains, visiting the Hakone hot springs, touring us through Koyasan at the top of a sacred mountain, and educating us on the many historical sites, such as the Imperial Palace and the Kongobuji Temple, the famous shrines of Fushimi, the burial grounds at Okunoin, and the innumerable sights, sounds, and dining pleasures of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, and Koyasan.

Our takeaway was that Japan is a land of wonder, with happy, kind people, a culture that values technology, hygiene, spirituality, sustainability, and discipline, and we look forward to returning to explore it further. When we do, we will again utilize the services of this travel company. Their remarkable choreography and orchestration, down to the finest detail, had us singing their praises at every turn of this trip.

My husband and I recently returned from an incredible 17-day journey through Japan arranged by Zicasso’s travel company as part of our 40th anniversary celebration, and we could not have been more pleased with the experience.

From the very beginning, communication was exceptional. The planning process was smooth, included several meetings to refine our itinerary, and the final detailed itinerary provided everything we needed, including dinner reservations, transportation arrangements, after-hours contacts, guide information, and helpful Google Maps links in both English and Japanese. The team was also very responsive throughout our trip, giving us confidence and peace of mind.

The itinerary itself was thoughtfully designed and perfectly paced. We traveled through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Nikko, Sendai, Matsushima, and Ginzan Onsen, experiencing an excellent mix of large urban cities, cultural activities, guided tours, scenic destinations, and personal downtime. Highlights included the Tsukiji Fish Market, an immersive digital art experience, a private tea ceremony, a traditional geisha experience, visiting a knife artisan workshop, Hiroshima, Nara, and Nikko.

The accommodation selections, including hotels, ryokans, and onsens, were excellent.

The guides were another standout feature. Every guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and communicated very well, helping us gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s culture and history. The private guides and carefully planned experiences added tremendous value throughout the journey.

Transportation arrangements were flawless. Every driver arrived early, vehicles were spotless and comfortable, and all transfers were handled professionally and safely. Whether meeting us at airports, train stations, or hotels, the drivers were reliable and courteous, making travel between destinations stress-free.

What impressed us most was how seamlessly everything came together. We saw everything we wanted to see while never feeling rushed. The balance between guided touring and independent exploration was exactly right for us.

Thank you to Zicasso’s travel specialist and the entire travel company team for creating such a memorable anniversary trip. Your attention to detail, professionalism, and personal service made our Japan adventure truly special. Special thanks to the travel specialist and her colleagues as well as the exceptional guides and drivers you provided to us. We would happily recommend this travel company to anyone seeking a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable experience in Japan.

Our mother-daughter trip to Japan was truly unforgettable and much of that was thanks to Zicasso’s travel company. From the very beginning, they listened carefully to our interests and designed an itinerary that felt completely personalized to us.

One of the things that impressed me most was how thoughtfully they incorporated our interests into the trip. I mentioned that my daughter loves animals and they built in experiences that became some of our favorite memories, including animal cafés in Tokyo, the bowing deer in Nara, and the monkey park in Arashiyama.

The hotel selections were outstanding. Every hotel was perfectly located, allowing us to easily explore the surrounding neighborhoods after a day of sightseeing and discover great restaurants and local gems. The highlight was our stay in Hakone at a traditional ryokan. Our room felt like something out of a movie—beautiful, serene, and almost dreamlike—with its own private onsen overlooking nature. It was one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip. They also booked us into a luxury hotel in Tokyo for our final nights and its beautiful spa was the perfect place to relax and recharge before our flight home.

The guides they selected were exceptional. They tailored each day to our interests and provided wonderful local insights that we never would have discovered on our own. In Nara, on an especially hot day, our guide suggested a local shaved-ice shop, and it was pure bliss—a cool cloud of deliciousness when we needed it most. Our guide at Fushimi Inari seemed to know everyone and took us to hidden spots that most visitors never get to see.

The attention to detail throughout the trip was remarkable. One example that stands out is the train seating they reserved for us. We had luggage that was slightly larger than a standard carry-on and they managed to book the only seats in the train car with convenient baggage storage space. It made traveling between destinations so much easier and more comfortable.

They also arranged unique cultural experiences that became cherished memories. We participated in a calligraphy class at a beautiful Kyoto gallery with a knowledgeable and encouraging teacher, and we left with meaningful keepsakes we created ourselves. Another highlight was a Japanese home-cooking experience with a gracious local hostess who not only taught us traditional recipes, but also took us on a walk through her neighborhood and a beautiful local park. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life in Japan beyond the typical tourist attractions.

What sets this travel company apart is its ability to combine flawless logistics with authentic, meaningful experiences. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and every recommendation felt personal. They helped us experience not only the famous sights of Japan, but also the culture, hospitality, and local moments that made the trip truly special.

I would recommend this travel company without hesitation and would happily work with them for a future trip to Japan.

Overall, the trip was culturally enriching, enjoyable, and educational. The guides were outstanding. The communications through the app with Zicasso’s travel company were easy and prompt. Having the tickets for the Shinkansen took away any stress with navigating the system, and the reserved seats were always at the end of the car with the extra luggage storage, so thoughtful! Everyone did their best to help me navigate restaurant dining, and for that we are so thankful. It was a challenge!

Kanazawa was delightful. The restaurant suggested by our travel company was terrific. Kyoto is magical. Concluding the trip at our hotel near Mount Fuji was wonderful, restful, and beautiful. Quite a contrast to Tokyo.

We have a couple of observations. We struggled with jet lag, which made the first 2.5 days of guided tours exhausting. We arrived on Monday afternoon and would have been better served with a free day on Wednesday or Thursday instead of Friday. By the time we arrived in Kanazawa on Saturday, we were hungry and tired.

While we appreciate the uniquely Japanese onsen experience, it was not to our liking. The chef did an amazing job accommodating my food restrictions, but set multi-course dining is not our style. And to have huge meals for dinner and then again breakfast in an environment with little opportunity for activity was uncomfortable. This experience is not for everyone, and it is expensive.

We would prefer to have stayed another night in Kyoto and made a day trip to Hiroshima. The guide and driver were not needed in Hiroshima.

We would recommend our travel company to friends and family. The guides and ease of train travel made the trip!

I was very pleased with our trip, the accommodations, and the personal touch. Zicasso's travel specialist was excellent and even when we had some hiccups during the trip, he was there to make an adjustment. I was very pleased. Some really nit-picky tips for future travelers from out of town.

The Shinkansen is a fun ride and everyone should do it. However, when you need multiple tickets at a time, remind the passenger that you put all the tickets into the ticket turnstile at one time, not individually.

We had to visit in July, but I think the best time to visit Japan would be in the three other seasons because of the heat and humidity (with the exception of Hokkaido).

There are still some places that need cash, like public baths etc. I would carry a little on you. Also, visiting the public baths was one of the truly authentic Japanese experiences we had. If a traveler is into the authentic experience, don't underestimate that experience.

You can get "shrined out." They are great and we appreciated every one. We even caught a monk actively praying at a fairly remote one, which was tremendous. I'm not sure if it's possible to know approximate times, but seeing this happen as a traveler was immensely gratifying. It was 6.30am on a Saturday. So if there is a way to figure out an approximate schedule, you will have elevated your travel game above all the rest. It would be a differentiator for you.

Letting travelers know about the bento boxes and grab-and-go foods is a plus. I was so impressed by them and that info should be shared with every traveler, especially the kiddos.

The Japanese do some things really well and a side list of them might be helpful for tours. For example, we stopped for some anime magazines, kitchen knives, street food, and a baseball game, baths, and hot springs. I'd lean into this and provide some lists for people to pick from, especially the kitchen knives.

Explain the concept of luggage forwarding and the approximate costs. It's a uniquely Japanese thing, and it's awesome and affordable, but needs some getting used to.

Google Translate and the app to read the signs (I forgot its name) is a must. Share the links early and often.

I have so many more ideas, but we will start there. I hope it helps.