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Visits
Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Nara, Tokyo
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Hiking & Walking
What travelers are saying
"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."
Visits
Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Small Ship Cruise
What travelers are saying
"I didn’t know what to expect on a group trip, but this ended up being one of the best vacations we’ve ever been on! Being an intense planner, I had a hard time giving the reins away, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Annie truly found the best of the best in Italy! We felt like we were on a luxury, private vacation that was perfectly customized for us! The tours, the food, the accommodations, while booked for the group, truly felt personalized, making the experience absolutely magical and so much fun! Not to mention, it was a huge value! Being in finance, I 'ran the number'. For accommodations, daily transportation, daily meals, and excursions, I thought the cost made sense. What I didn't factor in was the intimate experience. We ate amazing meals in local's private homes! Our tours were limited to our group and we we're shuffled into tour buses but privately chartered luxury vans to travel between destinations. It's hard to vacation without these amenities these days, I hope The Table Less Traveled continues to offer a new tour yearly, or else my vacations will be limited. :)"
Visits
Hakone, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Shirakawa, Tokyo
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks
What travelers are saying
"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"
Visits
Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Imperial Palace, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Nara, Tokyo, Tsumago
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays
What travelers are saying
"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"
Visits
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hakone, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Tokyo
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Nature & Wildlife
What travelers are saying
"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"
Visits
Hakone, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Osaka Castle, Tokyo
What travelers are saying
"My experience with TruTravels has been one of the best travel experiences to date. I was a little concerned about having a small group - but the tour leaders have made every activity fun and engaging. I would definitely say they are friends. The organisation and local knowledge was great, they were great fun whilst remaining professional and in control. The nights out in Canggu were great, getting to meet the other tour leaders and Tru staff meeting the other tour groups is a great idea. I really cannot stress enough how much of a great trip I've had with TruTravels. From booking, to pre-tour communications, through to the last 10 days - it has been well organised, managed and delivered by amazing guides. Thanks so much to Rianna, Marta and Jonny for their enthusiasm throughout the tour, their concern for when I was sick and generally for everything they did to make this an amazing Bali Experience. Much love for the tour guides!!!I would definitely recommend a trip with TruTravels!!"
Generous cancellation
Visits
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ginza, Hakone, Hasedera Temple, Kamakura, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kusakabe Folk Museum, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Mt. Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Osaka Castle, Senso-ji Temple, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Education / Learning, Nature & Wildlife
What travelers are saying
"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"
Visits
Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Osaka, Osaka Castle, Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo
Highlights
Themes
Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife
What travelers are saying
"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"
Visits
Arashiyama, Kawaguchiko Lake
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Nature & Wildlife
What travelers are saying
"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"
Best Meiji Shrine Tours by Price
Great group tour experience. I was glad that I packed light! It was a small surprise to take so much public transportation everywhere. But our guide was amazing, an...
Tour: Iconic Japan
First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfor...
Tour: Walking Japan
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