Japan Cherry Blossom Travel Guide

Overall, the trip was truly fantastic, and we really have nothing to complain about; quite the contrary. We were extremely pleased with the experience. All of the services provided by Zicasso's travel company were very professional, and despite some occasional language limitations, everyone went out of their way to make the trip enjoyable and memorable. We greatly appreciated all the thought and effort that went into organizing everything.

If I were to mention a couple of areas that did not quite live up to the otherwise exceptional experience, I would highlight the hotel in Kyoto and one of the tour guides.

The hotel in Kyoto was probably the biggest disappointment. Both the accommodations and, particularly, the location were not ideal. It was quite far from many of the places we wanted to visit, which meant spending a fair amount of time getting to and from transportation and ultimately to our destinations. Given how wonderful the rest of the trip was, I think a more centrally located hotel would have made the Kyoto experience even better.

One of our guides was also not quite at the same level as the other guides we had. She has an excellent command of English, but she often seemed to be in a hurry, and we sometimes had to engage her quite actively before getting explanations about the places we were visiting. This was in contrast to our other guide in Kyoto, who was exceptional. She was knowledgeable, engaging, warm, and very attentive to our questions and interests, and she really helped bring the experience to life.

These are relatively minor points in the context of what was otherwise a phenomenal trip. We truly enjoyed every aspect of the journey and are very grateful for the care, professionalism, and attention that went into making it such a memorable experience. Thank you again for helping create such a wonderful trip for us.

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.

Very professional. We had zero issues and communication was excellent.

We were very satisfied with the whole trip. Only one hotel (our hotel in Kyoto) was not as good or well located as the other hotels on our 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.

Each of the guides was wonderful. We enjoyed them all and learned an amazing amount. The hotels were great, especially our hotel in Kyoto. We loved the neighborhood.

All of the logistics worked out and we felt very well cared for. Thanks for getting everyone to offer birthday wishes. We adored the food.