Idyllic Japan Tour for Seniors in One Week

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.

From planning to execution, it was truly an exceptional trip. My husband, 17-year-old son, and I spent two weeks in Japan this June. We visited Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka. We covered a lot of ground, but Zicasso's travel specialists made sure it was a stress-free experience, with activities for our varying interests. They really listened to what we wanted and provided a trip that exceeded even our high expectations.

I highly recommend planning a trip to Japan a year ahead. One of the highlights for us was a stay at our hotel in Osaka, with only 18 rooms, which made it hard to book. Favorite activities were knife making, the Osaka food tour, and the Nintendo Museum. We are glad we went in mid-June to avoid crowds and extreme heat. It was also easier to get into restaurants and shops that are otherwise packed.

Thank you to the tour operator and all the kind guides and drivers for two weeks of amazing memories.

Zicasso's travel specialist and the team at our travel company planned an outstanding two weeks in Japan for our family of six. From our first calls, the itinerary was tailored to what we wanted, and everything was covered before we left, including hotels, private guides, trains, and transfers.

What impressed us most was how she handled changes mid-trip. She swapped a Hakone stay for an extra night in Kyoto, added a Mt. Fuji day trip on short notice, and arranged forwarding our six bags to our final hotel, all seamlessly, without a moment of stress on our end.

The guides she booked were excellent. This is how travel should feel.

Thank you to Zicasso’s travel agent for a trip of a lifetime. The guides and drivers took the trip to the next level. We loved the hotels and the tours! Everything went flawlessly, and we are grateful for all the advice we were given at the beginning of our conversations on where to go and what to do throughout Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo. We would highly recommend this travel company to anyone considering Japan.

This trip was a wedding present for my son and his wife. Zicasso’s travel specialist and travel company did an outstanding job planning an adventure we all loved. It was a balance of guided days, planned experiences (sushi making, matcha art, samurai fighting), and independent exploration of Japan. Just what we asked for!

We visited Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka as well as day trips to Kamakura, Enoshima Island, Nara, Uji, and Himeji. The hotels we stayed in were all well-located with restaurants and train stations nearby.

The guides we had were knowledgeable and friendly. We especially enjoyed the two days our travel specialist guided us around Kyoto, Nara, and Uji.

Zicasso’s travel specialist and her entire team did a great job helping us plan our trip to Japan. With five people coming from multiple locations and having many different interests, our travel specialist and the travel company put together a two-week tour for us that was exceptional. It was the perfect balance of touring with outstanding guides and free time for shopping and exploring Tokyo and Kyoto on our own.

Our travel specialist really listened to what was important to us and that made all the difference in how much we enjoyed our trip. I would highly recommend them if you are planning a vacation.