Japan Kansai- 7 Days
2018
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THE SUPER VALUE TOURS DIFFERENCE
A BETTER WAY TO TOUR: To us, 'value' means making a better way to tour. We love to surprise our guests with unique experiences, top-notch service, hidden local delights, & memories of a lifetime. Our tours are designed to balance sightseeing & free time while avoiding crowds and tourist traps.
HIGHLIGHTS OF KANSAI (KYOTO, NARA, OSAKA):
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Ride the high speed Shinkansen (Bullet Train). See the beautiful countryside from the comfort of your seat as we travel from Tokyo to Kyoto in just 2.5 hours.
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3 nights in Kyoto (2 city - 1 ryokan): Enjoy its timeless antiquity and the beautiful distinction of each of the four seasons with our carefully-designed itinerary.
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Kyoto is an intimate city best explored on foot! We've created the perfect walking tour to share the hidden alleyways and local neighborhoods with you.
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Avoid the crowds of Kiyomizudera with our specially-arranged itinerary.
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Take a historic tour of Japan’s first capital in Nara.
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Feast in Osaka's Dotonbori restaurant district, known as the “Kitchen of Japan"
LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
- Tokyo: Imperial Hotel Tokyo- Iconic, luxurious, and walking distance to the famous Ginza district and Imperial Palace.
- Osaka: Imperial Osaka or Westin Osaka- Exquisite luxury located in the heart of Osaka.
- Biwako Hot Spring: RYOKAN style hotel. Soak in an outdoor onsen and dine on a Kyoto-style Kaiseki banquet dinner.
- Kyoto: Kyoto Hotel Okura- Local favorite and walking distance to Gion district and shopping.
*Please note hotels in Kansai are seeing unprecedented demand. For some departures during busier seasons, we may use alternate hotels, and we will let you know in advance.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
- Arranging great culinary experiences is a specialty we are very proud of. Before a restaurant is selected for our itinerary, our development team spends countless hours sampling dozens of restaurants for comparison. On this trip, you will have a chance to taste Japanese delicacies, including hand-made tofu, Wagyu Beef, Sashimi, and traditional Kaiseki banquet dinner.
SUPER VALUE STANDARD
- Charismatic and knowledgeable Super Value trained guides.
- A comprehensive travel insurance plan. Details
- High quality headsets to hear our tour guide's presentation clearly.
- Porterage service is provided at most hotels (where available).
Depart North America for Tokyo, Japan
- Depart from your home airport, have a great flight!
Arrive in Narita (NRT) 
(48 miles, 2 hrs) Tokyo【Dinner】
- "Yokoso" or "Welcome" to Japan! A Super Value Tours Representative will meet you at the arrival gate and bring you to the hotel via limousine bus. Airport pickup is available for flights arriving Narita (NRT) from 12:30P-6:00P
- We're sorry - airport pickup is not included for guests arriving in Haneda or Narita Terminal 3. Please take the Airport Limousine Bus service directly to our hotel. Our group will meet in the hotel for dinner.
- Narita Terminal 3 details available on the Narita Airport website.
- If you arrive early, take the rest of the day to rest up. Or, if you’re up for it, take advantage of our centrally-located hotel and explore the local area on foot. For guests arriving after 6pm, we will refund 2,000 JPY per person for dinner.
Due to limited luggage space on the Shinkansen (bullet train) tomorrow, please prepare a carry-on bag with belongings for 2 days & 1 night use. Your tour guide will arrange the transfer of your large suitcases to our hotel in Kyoto.
DinnerLocal Specialty HotelImperial Tokyo or Keio Plaza
Tokyo (6 miles, 30 mins) Shinkansen 
(288 miles, 2.5 hrs) Kyoto (13 miles, 1 hr) Biwako【3 meals】
- Shinkansen: Experience a true modern marvel by riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto Station (2.5 hours).
- Miho Museum: See an incredible collection of antiques from Asia and Europe at the Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. (When museum is closed, we will visit Nijo Castle)
- Unwind in a magnificent outdoor onsen (hot spring) at a Ryokan style hotel.
- Roll up your Yukata sleeves and indulge in a traditional Kyoto-style Kaiseki banquet dinner.
BreakfastWestern & Japanese Buffet LunchChoose Your Own Bento Box! DinnerKaiseki Banquet HotelHanakaido Ryokan or Equivalent
Biwako (19 miles, 1.5 hrs) Kyoto Gion【3 meals】
- Arashiyama: Walk through the flourishing bamboo forest and discover the alluring beauty of the surroundings.
- Kinkakuji Temple: Visit the icon of Kyoto, the "Golden Pavilion," covered with gold foil.
- Gion: With only about 100 Geishas remaining, Gion is the only place you might catch a glimpse of these elusive figures.
- For dinner, enjoy a delightful meal of authentic wagyu beef. Wagyu is the most desirable breed of cattle raised in Japan, known worldwide for being more tender and flavorful.
BreakfastJapanese Breakfast Set LunchKyoto specialties DinnerWagyu Beef Steak Dinner HotelKyoto Hotel Okura or Equivalent
Kyoto【3 meals】
- Kiyomizu Temple: Avoid crowds and enjoy an early morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple for a birds eye view of Kyoto.
- Walking Tour in Kyoto: One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Kyoto's elegance is on foot. Join our guide to explore the quaint alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and appreciate historical neighborhoods and sites (In case of extreme hot or cold weather, seasonal adjustments will be made to our walking tour in order for you to have the best experience)
- The first part of the walking tour covers a distance of about 1.5 miles on fairly flat ground over approximately 1 hour of time. We will take a break in a local cafe near Maruyama park for about 1 hour.
- The second leg of our walking tour will end at the foot of the pilgrimage path to Kiyomizu Shrine. This distance here is 0.8 miles over fairly flat ground in about 45 minutes. The footpath up to Kiyomizudera is uphill.
- After lunch, guests will have free time to further enjoy the area. We encourage guests to see the area with the below suggestions:
- Appreciate architecture and tour the Nishiki Market with your tour guide.
- Take in more of Gion's unique character.
- Visit Fushimi Inari independently either by train or taxi. Transportation and entrance fee will be at your own expense.
BreakfastWestern & Japanese Buffet LunchJapanese-Italian Cuisine DinnerKyoto Style Pork Cutlet HotelKyoto Hotel Okura or Equivalent
Nara (20 miles, 1 hr) Osaka【2 meals】
- Todaiji Temple: Stand in awe in the presence of one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues- Daibutsu and interact with temple deer.
- Osaka Castle Park: Explore the largest castle in Japan filled with historical and cultural significance.
- Shinsaibashi: We built in free time so you may freely roam through Osaka's largest shopping district and get to know the city at your own pace.
- For dinner, "eat till you drop" in the Dotonbori restaurant district, known as the "Kitchen of Japan." Be sure to try local specialties such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Hakozushi, and Kitsune Udon. Suggestions and maps will be provided to help you navigate the bustling district.
BreakfastWestern & Japanese Buffet LunchJapanese Lunch Set DinnerDinner is Not Included: Explore Dotonbori Restaurant District with our Recommendations HotelImperial Osaka or Westin Osaka or equivalent
Osaka (KIX) or (ITM) 
Next Destination【Breakfast】
- "Sayonara!" or "Goodbye!" After breakfast, guests with morning flights will be directed to take the shuttle bus bound for Itami or Kansai airport.
- For guests with afternoon flights, your morning is free and our tour guide will provide directions for you to explore Osaka city for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Based on your departure time, the tour guide will direct you to take the airport shuttle bus.
*Airport send off available from 9:00am-7:00pm (KIX) or 7:55am-2:45pm (ITM).
BreakfastWestern and Japanese Buffet
Health & Safety
- This tour involves standing and walking for up to 1 hour at a time over inclined or uneven streets.
- Guests in wheelchairs may be accommodated, but please understand some historic sites in Japan are not wheelchair accessible.
- In traditional ryokan hotels, we will overnight in tatami rooms and sleep on futons on the floor.
Upgrades
- In the spirit of "Travel Happy" we do not believe in hidden fees - no options are sold on tour.
Dietary Restrictions
- It's important everyone has a great dining experience while traveling with us! If you have a special meal restriction (i.e. no sashimi, no lamb, etc), please let us know. We will do our best to oblige, but we regret some dietary preferences may not be available due to cultural differences.
Luggage Handling
- Due to limited space aboard Shinkansen (bullet train), please prepare an overnight bag (carry-on size) for 2 day/1 night use on Day 5. We will arrange the transfer of your large suitcases to our next hotel.
- Porterage service included in all hotels where available (most ryokan hotels do not offer porterage).
2018 Schedule Adjustments
- Miho Museum
- When Miho Museum is closed, we will visit Nijo Castle instead. Please note, Miho Museum’s hours of operation are subject to change without notice.
- Departures affected by closure: Jun 11, Jun 19, Jun 22, Aug 27, Sep 3, Oct 8, Oct 15, Dec 3, Dec 22, Dec 25
- Nijo Castle
- When Nijo Castle is closed, we will visit Osaka Aquarium instead.
- Departures affected by closure: Dec 25
In Ginza, set your soles on some of the most expensive real estate on our planet. This part of Tokyo is the quintessential, high-end shopping mecca for people to see and be seen. In Ginza not everything (or anything) is affordable, but for the same reason people visit Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles or Fifth Avenue in New York, the intrigue is the essence of the surroundings. So whether you’re browsing the extravagant department stores and towering, glossy retail shops or simply lounging with a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as you watch Tokyo’s high society pass by.
Enclosed by mountainous terrain on three sides and the crescent-shaped Osaka Bay to its west, the Osaka region is located in the outskirts of Japan’s Midwest. The area was fueled by a network of transportation channels by land and sea and also its close proximity to two ancient capitals, Kyoto and Nara. Consequently, by the 9th century, Osaka had grown into the largest commercial center in Japan and is still well-known for its savvy merchants today.
Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, the current Osaka castle, five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, is the result of a privately-financed renovation completed in 1931. The first seven stories are devoted to museum display while the eighth floor serves as the observation deck. The Osaka Castle is not only the largest castle in Japan, but also the trademark of Osaka tourism.
Inside the Todai-ji is Nara Daibutsu, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Visitors come from around the world to visit this humbling and immaculate figure in hopes of attaining a little extra luck.
The park not only showcases many important historical monuments of Nara (such as the Todaiji, the Kofukuji, the Nara Public Museum, and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine), but also keeps a number of spotted deer for the enjoyment of visitors. If you're feeling adventurous, you may purchase some crackers and treat the deer to some snacks!
Standing 14.98 meters tall, weighing 380 tons, with a face that stretches 5.33 meters and a 2.56 meter long hand, the Nara Daibutsu is one of the largest bronze statue Buddhas in Japan. Rumor has it that you will get astounding results from your fortune telling drawings in the presence of this kind-faced Buddha. Try it and see for yourself!
Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts is dedicated to preserving a variety of handicraft industries which has been passed down for over 1,000 years. The museum displays about 500 artifacts, all created by traditional craftsmen, including luxurious kimono, obi sashes, lacquerware and ceramics, allowing visitors to discover the traditional beauty and culture of ancient Kyoto.
Our guests can enjoy a traditional Yuzen dyeing experience.
This hidden treasure is off the beaten path and seldom included in most tour itineraries, but the beauty and serenity makes the trip worthwhile. Designed by famed Chinese architect I.M Pei (Louvre Reception Hall in France, JFK Library in Mass., and Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong), the building houses the private collection of patron Mihoko Koyama which includes over two thousand pieces of painstakingly curated Asian and Western antiques.
Built in 1603, the Nijo Castle in Kyoto was the personal residence of the great Shogun Tokugawa. Apart from its splendid architecture, the castle has witnessed two major historical events within the last 400 years. The first when Toyotomi Hideyori formally surrendered to Tokugawa Ieyasu inside the castle, officially ending the civil war and the second when Tokugawa Yoshinobu announced inside this castle the return of sovereignty to the Meiji Emperor, officially ending Shogunate governance in Japan.
Kyoto was the nation’s capitol for a period of 1075 years (from 794 to 1869 A.D.) and is now considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city draws its beauty from its sophisticated, unique art culture and its rich, glorious history. It is no surprise that Kyoto lays claim to 17 of the world’s landmarks which have been inducted into UNESCO’s World Heritage list (Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, Tenryuji Temple, etc.).
Kiyomizudera is a historic Buddhist temple established in 778. As a part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, an UNESCO World Heritage site, the temple is one of the most celebrated and iconic temples in Japan. The wooden stage affords visitors a spectacular view of the Kyoto city center. Twelve meters above the ground, the stage is supported by high keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) pillars assembled without a single nail. The temple is also the home of Otowa Waterfall. Spring water has been flowing here since the temple was built. The water flows down into three separate streams and visitors may drink the water for longevity, prosperity, and love.
Designated by Japan as an important historical architectural preservation district. The age of the district is evident where well-preserved streets emanate an air of the distant past. The shops that fill these streets sell local specialty goods of Kyoto such as Kiyomizu (pottery ware), Yusen-Zome (colorful and artisan tapestry), shichimiya (seven aromatic spices), otabe (sweet snack made of dough), tsukemono (pickled products), Kyogashi (assortment of sweets), traditional hand-held fans, incense, green tea, and more.
Built in 1397, the Golden Pavilion was originally a country chateau for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, later named Rokuonji and converted into a Buddhist temple. Because it is covered with gold foil, the temple is also known as Kinkakuji. Mishima Yukio, the Japanese novelist and political radical, used this place as a setting for his widely celebrated novel, “Kinkakuji”, making this scenic spot internationally known.
Gion was a red light district during the Edo period. Today, apart from the presence of many traditional shops, still hidden within the streets and alleys are many of the classic up-scale tea houses and restaurants. The art of Geishas entertaining guests with their dances still exists in this area. If you are lucky, you may run into a genuine, fully-costumed Geisha of Kyoto while roaming these streets.
Serving as the center of the Arashiyama scenic area, the bridge of a timber surface stretches over the Oi-gawa River with its frame resting on steel pillars. Its antiquated beauty complements the pristine natural surroundings of Arashiyama.
A flourishing bamboo forest lies near the Arashiyama train station. The walking path runs between bamboo trees of cloud-reaching heights which sway with alluring beauty at the passing of a breeze. Take a stroll on a forest trail to discover hidden poetry within the engulfing serenity.
Figuratively regarded as the first of five magnificent “mountains” in Kyoto (“mountain” in Japanese also means Buddhist sect). The temple's garden, designed by Musō Soseki, features a circular promenade around the Sōgen Pond, creating a perfect blend of the elegance of nobility and profound tranquility of Zen Buddhism. Tenryuji's garden is one of the most famous gardens in Kyoto and is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Landmark.
Here in the largest and most significant shopping district in Osaka, you will find a gathering of giant shopping malls, more traditional stores, and an endless array of tiny shops owned and run by the locals. There are also numerous eateries, among which you will not only find a wide variety of Japanese food, but also cuisines from all over the world.
Assembled within an area no more than 200 meters wide and 700 meters long, are the most popular restaurants of Osaka. The area also has the highest concentration of eateries serving Japanese delicacies. Osaka is reputed as “the kitchen of Japan” with Dotonbori as its culinary center.
The choice of world leaders, diplomats, and foreign dignitaries, this iconic and prestigious five-star hotel features an impressive setting overlooking the lush Imperial Palace Gardens and walking distance to Tokyo’s most affluent Ginza and Marunouchi neighborhoods. This hotel has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for luxury and service several years in a row.
A sleek upscale hotel enveloped by skyscrapers and the vibrant Shinjuku district. Find yourself just a short walk from the world’s busiest rail hub, densely dotted with depachikas, underground shopping arcades, and the most popular restaurants, shops, and attractions in the heart of Tokyo.
Surrounded by tranquil mountains, the Yumoto Kan is a ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) featuring hot spring baths and stunning views of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Ogoto Onsen, the local hot spring for the hotel, has been supplying natural mineral-rich water for 1200 years.
The Hanakaido Ryokan embodies the elegance Kyoto is so famous for. Featuring hot spring baths and lakeside views of Lake Biwa. Enjoy their indoor bath, outdoor onsen and a beautiful Kaiseki dinner in traditional Kyoto style.
This hot spring hotel is known for its comfortable fusion-style rooms, each offering a private lakeside balcony view of Lake Biwa. Enjoy an expertly-prepared Kyoto-style banquet dinner and fabulous service.
Near Shijo-karasuma, in the heart of Kyoto, this luxury hotel is conveniently situated for sightseeing and shopping activities. In addition, all hotel rooms and banquet rooms feature Free Broadband Internet Access.
Centrally-located in Kyoto city, the Okura is within walking distance from Gion, popular restaurants, and exciting shopping areas. The Kyoto Okura is a Kyoto icon and has long been regarded by locals as one of the best places to stay in the city.
Hotel Nikko Osaka is a high-end hotel located in a prime area of central Osaka. The hotel faces the famous tree-lined Mido-suji Avenue, the city's main boulevard which is home to the headquarters of major corporations and the city’s main shopping and leisure district. Our inclusion of the Nikko Osaka ensures we always have easy access to fun shopping districts and the delicious restaurants Osaka is so famous for.
Known as one of Osaka's best luxury hotels, the Imperial is located near Osaka Castle on the cherry tree-lined Okawa River in a relaxing, resort-like setting. Free shuttle service to Osaka Station is available as well as complimentary bikes to explore the area (10-min. ride to Osaka Castle).
This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Osaka and is within walking distance to the Floating Garden Observatory. The hotel is also a recipient of the TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence.
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Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu is thinly sliced beef cooked quickly in pot of boiling water along with vegetables, served with a variety of dipping sauces. The onomatopoeic name comes from the sizzling sound of dipping beef twice into the hot water: "shabu shabu~"
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Kaiseki Banquet
Traditionally only served to royalty, a Kaiseki banquet is a multi course dinner of many small plates. The banquet is considered an art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food.
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Yakiniku (Japanese Grilled Beef)
Yakiniku literally means ‘grilled meat. This style of preparation allows the eater to cook small pieces of meat individually on a small grill in the center of their table, in order to ensure that every single bite is as fresh as possible, and cooked to perfection.
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Japanese-Italian Cuisine
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Udon & Tempura Set
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Tonkatsu
Since its introduction into Japan by Portuguese traders in the 19th century, Tonkatsu has been transformed into a uniquely Japanese dish. Good Tonkatsu must be prepared with a perfectly crispy crust while keeping the meat juicy and moist on the inside.
Anonymous( Apr 03, 2018 )
I took the 6-day Kanto and 7-day Kansai tours at different times (same itinerary as the 10-day classic tour). From the time I first contacted Super Value to my flight home, this company is the first rate and should be the standard all tour companies should strive to achieve. The sights, food, and hotels were first class and exceeded my expectations. Sachi, the person I contacted to book the tours provided the best service...EVER!!!! She made me feel as if I were the only person she dealt with...never too busy to answer questions and going beyond the call of duty. Any time I contacted Super Value, I received an immediate and thorough response. On my last trip, my daughter realized she left a sweater in one of the hotels. Not expecting much, I contacted Sachi to see if there was a way to see if the sweater was found. She contacted the hotel and the next day told me they found the sweater and would be able to send to it me. Luckily I have another daughter studying in Japan, so we asked to have it shipped to her. My tour guides were also first rate. Having gone on 2 tours, it was obvious to me every guide is thoroughly vetted and focused on taking care of their “guests”. There was never any confusion or mistake about getting to and from the hotel at the airport. They were very organized, informative and very congenial. The tour was all inclusive with the exception of the last dinner. The food, both quality and quantity, was superior and far better than other food I’ve had with other tour companies. I had extended my stay on one of the tours and they gave me cash (yen) to compensate me for the ride to the airport that I did not use at the end of the tour. I can’t say enough positive things about this tour company. I’m quick to criticize and expect good service but Super Value goes above and beyond to make their customers and their travel experience the best.
Marsha A.( Jan 02, 2018 )
We just returned from a family trip with SuperValue Tours (the Japan - Kansai 7 day) and it was better than I could have imagined. From the very start where we were met at the airport by a delightful woman who escorted us to our bus which took us to the hotel in Tokyo, to the fabulous hotels and restaurants included in the tour, to the most amazing, kind and helpful tour guide (Junko - “J”), every detail was taken care of for us. Junko was so good at working with and communicating with our group (a nice sized group of 19). I feel she went above and beyond my all my expectations. The tour was truly outstanding and Junko made it perfect. We saw so much, had experiences that were quite memorable (think karaoke in our Japanese garb at the Japanese banquet feast), to dining in beautiful restaurants. The bus and driver were an added bonus - so considerate and punctual. The hotels were all first rate - I was very impressed. I highly recommend this tour company to any one traveling to Japan. Using SuperValue Tours took the stress and challenge out of navigating a new country. I also was most appreciative of the Los Angeles office (particularly Sachi) who was always prompt in answering my questions. I feel the tour was an extremely good value for the price paid.
Excellent company, superb tour guide (thank you, “J”) and an experience of a lifetime!
Lisa L.( Nov 26, 2017 )
It was the BEST tour I have ever had! My family and I (4 total) joined the KanSai 7-day Japan tour from Nov.19th to Nov.26th. Everything was wonderful! Every hotel that we have lived in was the best in Japan, eg Imperial hotel Tokyo, Biwako Hotel etc (breakfast buffet were all included and Imperial hotel Tokyo has the BEST breakfast in the world!!) Our tour guide Eriko did a wonderful job! Because we stayed an extra day at Osaka, Eriko hand written us a step by step transportation instructions to tell us how to get to the airport. I HIGHLY recommend Super Value Tour, Japan Tour, it's worth every single penny and if my bank allows it, I would definitely go back to Japan by Super Value Tour every year!!
Cecilia S.( Oct 24, 2017 )
We were looking for a tour that could provide an overall experience of Japan and its culture. Super Value Tours offered all that and a very prompt and friendly service. Junko, our tour guide was super nice and accommodating while prior to our tour, with every question, Liz at the main office responded promptly. The hotels we stayed in were 5 stars, very comfortable and beautiful; cuisine excellent! We plan on joining another of their tours in the near future from our recent experience!!
Mary N.( Oct 06, 2017 )
Our trip with Super Value Tours was great. It was well planned so that we didn't have to worry about anything, and it was a perfect mix of old and new Japan.
We really appreciate the extra touches the tour and Junko, our tour guide took to accommodate my pregnancy. We enjoyed all the activities and it nice to try activities that aren't normally on the to-do list such as riding the Kameoka-Sagano Romantic Train and the Yuzen Dyeing experience. We learned so much and always felt safe. The tour gave us enough confidence and equipped us with enough skills to navigate the second part of our trip in Japan by ourselves.
Freddy E.( July 10, 2017 )
The experience was simply perfect. Colin (the guide) was very kind and with a lot of patience with us. We get delayed one day in our travel from Costa Rica to Japan, and the company made all the "moves" to wait us at the airport, and sending us to Kyoto! Very special! The food was great and the acommodations very nice (top hotels). We are gonna continue traveling with Supervalue tours!
Debbie M.( Jun 29, 2017 )
The tour was awesome, Mr. Collin Wu was the best tour guide ever. I wanted to take him with me as we are still in Japan finishing up the Disney portion of our trip. Collin was so helpful he got us information on how to get around after the tour was complete even took us to the rail station and helped us turn in our vouchers for rail passes. I am truly impressed with his professionalism. There were two very memorable experiences on the tour, the first one was the painting craft we all got to do, that was so fun I wish we had that in the States. The other was the ochazuke, that was yummy. The temples were beautiful and were a joy to see. I hope I get to experience another tour with you soon and will certainly be recommending your company to all of my friends!
CJ P.( Jun 25, 2017 )
Super Value Tours was recommended by a friend of mine when I mentioned I was looking for a tour in Japan. My friend highly recommended them and I have to agree. We had a wonderful, wonderful time. Booking, confirmation, and payment was easy. Although it would have been more convenient if it can be done online it was fine. It was actually better talking to a live person. I loved everything about the tour and I must say my whole family did too. Miki Takanaka was our tour guide and she was the kindest, friendliest and most accommodating tour guide. You don't have to worry about anything when you join this tour. They take care of everything from the moment your flight lands to be picked up at the airport to the moment you get dropped off for your flight back. They book the hotels (high-end ones), set itinerary and take care of the bus and train accomodations as well as the majority of the meals. We booked the 7 day Kansai tour for my family and I. All in all the group was pretty small and manageable, 5 families, 22 individuals. We stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo at the heart of Ginza, as well as Imperial Osaka and Nikko Princess Hotel in Kyoto and Hanakaido Onsen Resort. Loved all the hotels. I also liked that they arranged some free time in the itinerary for you to explore on your own but sometimes it feels that it may not be as much time as one would like. I would suggest coming in 2 to 3 days before the tour to do your own exploring or staying a couple of days after. The pace is alright, I didn't feel rushed. The usual start time is at 9 am. I think that's enough time to have breakfast and get ready. I really, really love the food experience we had on this tour - specifically the Kaiseki dinner, Japanese breakfast in Hanakaido and the teppanyaki in Nikko Kyoto. It was exquisite and beautifully prepared. My family and I typically do not take tours but we booked this one because we were traveling with my 80 y/o mother who gets tired easily and did not want to go through all the hassles of worrying about hotels, transfers, transport, sights, and food. I have a better appreciation of tours and tour guides. It's so convenient and takes out all the worries of traveling. I also appreciate the knowledge and information we received on the tour not just about the sites but about Japanese culture, society, politics etc. I really enjoyed this tour. I plan to book again. I highly recommend.
Zorro J.( Dec 02, 2014 )
This was a trip of a lifetime! I took the 7 day Kansai tour and I really enjoyed it. I was nervous about what it was going to be like, but decided to trust in the system and was pleasantly surprised. They take care of you. All the accommodations and travel arrangements are set up so you don't have to make any decisions on your trip. It really makes the traveling much more relaxing and enjoyable. The tour goes to all the sites and temples you would have seen anyways. Our guide was Maiko who was really sweet and knowledgeable about Japan, and spoke perfect English.
The 7 Day Kansai is built for people who don't have much time to see Japan but want to see a little bit of everything. So the stops are pretty brief - you get your photos, stroll through the temples, learn tidbits of history, maybe buy some gifts then they whisk you away on the tour bus to another location. There were a few hours of built-in free time in a few of the cities that went by in an instant. They give you a "whisperer" which is an earpiece that allows you to hear everything the guide is saying as you tour.
The food on this tour was delicious. I thought that it was going to be touristy restaurants, but no. It was some of the most interesting, traditional Japanese food I have had (ie. Shabu Shabu, Kobe Beef, Sake Icecream!). And of course, since it's planned and booked ahead of time, there's no waiting to get a seat, no struggling with reading Kanji, or surprises in what you ordered (although the food will be surprising).
The hotels are all really nice- similar to a really nice Marriott or Hilton in the States. Free wifi and breakfast. They all had the view of the city too.
Recommendations: I would recommend getting there 1-2 days in advance in order to adjust to the time change and see Tokyo. There was an extra day built into our itinerary, which I realized represented the lost day due to time zone changes. If you get there the day as planned, on the Kansai trip you won't see Tokyo. Then again- you will get picked up from the airport. So it's your choice. Also, within the tour, there's not much flexibility if you want to see a site that is not built into the tour- so either plan to go late at night when you are tired, at dawn, or extend your trip. We were miraculously able to fit in a temple that was not on our tour with careful planning.
Another tip- Bring a few hundred USD to exchange into Yen. You will need it for tour gratuity, souvenirs, and drinks which are not included in the trip.
Thank you for a great tour!! Highly recommended!
Deborah K.( Sep 05, 2014 )
My husband and I just returned from the 7 day Japan Kansai tour and I can't say enough about how pleased we are with our entire experience- from booking our trip with our local travel agent here in LA to touring around Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Osaka with our guide, J.
Everything from the hotels, food, local transportation choices, and service was excellent. I can't think of one thing I would make better. The value is absolutely the best deal you can get! We will join another SV tour in the future.
