Japan Travel Guide

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.

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Overall, we had the most informative and enjoyable trip of a lifetime.

Two people in particular should be commended. One of our Zicasso trip planners provided excellent pre-trip advice. He promptly responded to all of our emails and made itinerary changes when we requested them. Our first guide was the most incredible human being; prompt, kind, generous, and efficient. Her restaurant selections were all five-star. The information she provided was most enlightening. She was careful to explain, in advance, our daily activities, including important timelines.

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We just returned from a fantastic trip to Japan, our third family adventure with Zicasso. Our travel company provided excellent support throughout the planning process and outstanding resources for use during our trip. The accommodations in three cities were amazing and the mix of one-day guides, plus flexibility to wander and discover on our own, was ideal. Our entire experience was seamless. Thank you!

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Zicasso's travel specialist and her team planned an absolutely outstanding 16-day trip for me and my family. We visited Tokyo, Ghibli Park (near Nagoya), Kanazawa, Kyoto (with day trips to Nara and Osaka), and then wrapped things up with two nights at a beautiful and luxurious ryokan in Hakone.

Communication leading up to the trip was clear and efficient, and whenever we had a question during the trip, we were able to get quick answers from our travel company's rep in Japan.

I would absolutely book another trip with this company.

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As a family of four with a deep passion for travel, visiting Japan had been on our bucket list for years, and this year, we indulged ourselves with a Zicasso trip. It was nothing short of magical!

From the very start, the planning process was thoughtful and personalized, and the detailed preparation we received before our departure made us feel confident and excited.

Once we arrived, every part of the trip felt curated with care to our needs and family interests, with our personal highlight the origami experience our son had been dreaming about!

From biking through the vibrant streets of Tokyo to soaking in the beauty of the bamboo forest in Arashiyama to walking through the living history of Kyoto or admiring the Osaka Castle, every day of the trip was unique!

A special thank you to the Zicasso travel company's entire team, who were always just a message away. When we had to adjust cities and accommodations due to our flight schedule mid-trip, our travel specialist stepped in with calm and expert support, turning what could have been a stressful situation into a smooth transition. We truly felt cared for every step of the way.

Whether it was indulging in sushi at nearly every turn, embracing our inner geeks at Nintendo World (not even the rain could stop us!), or simply being present in the magic that is Japan, this Zicasso trip was unforgettable!

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Japan is amazing and Zicasso's travel specialist planned the most incredible trip. I can't think of one thing I would change. Our agent was easy to work with and perfectly nailed the trip!!

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