InsideJapan ToursReviews 

Listened carefully to our requirements and came up with a relaxed, but memorable bespoke itinerary at very short notice (under 8 weeks). All arrangements were well-chosen and went off very smoothly. All our guides were excellent. Some of the experiences were well out of the ordinary, if not unique. Despite some trepidation we were able to navigate our self-guided tour of Japan without a problem. Some minor timing issues with two of the many transfers, which I didn't notice at time of booking, but we were able to rearrange these ourselves on the ground easily. I would recommend checking these before you book.

Perfectly curated hotels and tours asked on my preferences. Would recommend for anyone afraid to go it alon and just needs logistics taken care of. No issues

I just finished a three week visit to Japan and 2 weeks was part of a tour group offered by Inside Japan Tours. It was so bad that I ended up leaving the tour halfway through to go on my own. As an older solo traveler I was constantly having issues with hearing the guideEverett. He would not put anything in writing and after explaining to him, several times, that I did not hear his instructions he began to treat my questions as an inconvenience. He was extremely disorganized and made spur of the moment plans for the group. After complaining to the tour company he eventually started to use WhatsApp but by that time I was off on my own. This trip was a bucket list experience of a lifetime. ISfter 3 or 4 frustrating interactions I eventually left the group and planned my own tour. The company was sympathetic but the fact is that this disaster cost me several thousand dollars. I would not consider myself handicapped but slightly hearing impaired. The company's indifference to this issue and jack of proactive solutions made leaving the tour the only way forward for me. To be fair, Everett was a substitute guide to replace a regular guide at the last minute but the issues he created for me as a 77 year old solo traveler were inexcusable.

Inside Japan listened to what I was looking for and came up with an itinerary that was very close to what I wanted. After a discussion by phone, they made additional changes that made the itinerary perfect. Or at least as perfect as time and money allowed! They made all the arrangements including hotels, train reservations and private guided tours. The guides were excellent — very knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. We received a booklet with all of our arrangements and helpful suggestions on how to spend our time. This information was also online. It saved me so much time and kept me from making mistakes.

I would not hesitate to recommend Inside Japan to anyone planning a trip to Japan. They know the country, their customer service is superb, and they are reliable.

Two out standing travel experiences 2025 and 2026.

It was super well planned with so many interesting places out of the mainstream tourist spots. Everything went smoothly. The hotel rooms were good, our travel companions were most interesting, and our guide was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable and fun. We felt very well taken care of.

Inside Japan provided excellent service starting with our travel agent Bobbi to the Japan staff that promptly answered the phone when I needed help with getting our packet at our first Japan hotel. The hotel rooms, car service and guides were all exceptional.

Great itinerary, great guide, great organization pre and post departure.

Meticulously planned trip. My favorite parts were the mountains and small towns, places that I never could have navigated on my own. Savannah was everything you could ask for in a tour leader and more. Her knowledge and running narrative made the trip so much more valuable, and her energy and people skills really set the tone. I appreciated her flexibility and extra help when I needed it, especially for the post trip traveling. The home office staff were also very helpful with my pre and post trip planning. Just ask. All the local guides they used were great. Food and lodging were excellent, with Kotahira being just wow. More small group tours to rural areas, please. And could you arrange to have fellow travelers as enjoyable as my group?

Everything about my trip was excellent. Very well organised and an excellent group leader in Michael. The itinerary was also excellent with a wide variety of places visited which provided a very good introduction to Japan. I would definitely recommend Inside Japan to anyone considering a visit.

Wonderful tour logistics leader (his own term) and guide (our award to him given his knowledge and ultra friendly nature) - big shout out to Michael . Tour structure gave a impeccable view into Japan both with obvious cities and numerous hidden gems that fully fulfilled the 'Inside' part of the name. Pre tour amazing help via phone consultations, and endless help to configure extra days and answer any and all (many) questions for every last detail - big shout out to Archie.

Good accom choices
Easy transport connections

Fast paced tour with lots of walking and trains, but loved every minute. Our tour guide, Hanan, was such a delight and made each day a terrific experience.

Simply outstanding. From planning to exciting trip. Every aspect was great! Professional, sincere, and exciting. No hassles and every bit wonderful!

We completed our Japan trip a few days ago and we did the Must See Japan tour. It was the best guided tour we have been to, and this is down to one person: our truly amazing guide, Hanan. She was not a guide but a member of the family who took a group of 16 people of varying ages from all different parts of world on a wonderful and magical 11 day journey across Japan.
Her enthusiasm and love of the country infected us and we were eager participants in wanting to see as much as we could in the 11 days. Even on our free days we happily agreed to her suggestions of vsiting additional sites not included in the itinerary.
Her knowledge of the country is deep and she explained to us the traditions and etiquettes of the nation. Although we were a group of 16 it felt we were on our own personal tour as she made sure that our requirements were met. My wife is a vegetarian, and she ensured that there was a suitable place for her to eat at each stop.
Navigating the train network in Japan can be overwhelming and with military precision she negotiated our way to numerous changes including changing up to 6 trains one day without any difficulty. On timing she set us a challenge which we all rose to so that we could get the most out of our day. Her planning and attention to detail is faultless and throughout the whole she always had a big smile!
At each town we tasted the local dish and during our train journeys on the ”bullet train” we were treated to a taste of the dessert from the town/city we had left.
We all became friends during the 11 days guided by an amazing friend (and guide), Hanan.
Thank you Hanan!

The trip was fantastic from start to finish.
Our tour leader Hanan was exceptional. Her ability to manage the logistics and keep the group on schedule was amazing. Her knowledge and expertise, and sense of humour helped deliver an excellent fast paced trip across Japan.

Everything very well planned. And everything happened as arranged: taxis waiting for us, guides waiting for us, train tickets as stated. And when we wanted a change of hotel, it was arranged very quickly.

A fantastically organised trip for a family with 2 kids. Great accommodation and activities booked for us taking into account all our interests. We had a brilliant time and would highly recommend using Inside Japan.

I have recently returned from my trip to Japan. I did the Must See Japan tour. There were only 16 people in our group, which was the perfect size. This was by-far the best trip I have ever taken, and I owe it all to our amazing tour leader, Hanan. Hanan is the most incredible tour leader. The love of her job is evident in everything she does. We did so much more than was listed on the itinerary and learned a great deal about Japanese history, culture, and customs. We utilized every type of public transportation available, and with Hanan as our leader, we navigated them like pros. I loved how in tuned she was to our group. Hanan could sense our energy and would change plans accordingly. When we were full of energy, she would add extra little stops. When we were obviously exhaused, she would give us the option of taking cabs instead of trains. I am quite introverted and quiet and often struggle to feel comfortable in group settings. However, Hanan would check on my often which helped put me at ease. Whenever it was time for meals on our own, Hanan would show us various options that met all of our dietary preferences and needs. She even shared little treats with us that were specialties of the place we had just visited. Everything Hanan did was kind and purposeful. I have never met anyone as organized and detail-oriented as Hanan, and this made everything flow with ease. She was also a joy to be around, was funny, and warm (and quite the karaoke rock star!!). After 10 days in Japan, I now see why Hanan loves Japan so much. This trip has left a permanent imprint on my, and I owe it all to Hanan for all she did to make Japan so memorable. I can't wait to return, and when I do, I will definitely want Hanan as my tour guide! She is truly the BEST!!

Inside Japan
There were 16 of us on your tour we met as strangers but we left as friends and had the best holiday. The main person responsible for this was our tour guide her name was Hanan she was truly amazing her knowledge of Japanese history and culture was superb. She ensured from the start to the finish that everything went like clockwork. Her energy and kindness had no bounds nothing was too much trouble.
The tour itself was truly amazing and well designed by this company.
I would have no hesitation In recommending this tour to everyone especially if it’s with your tour guide Hanan she is a leading light in your company.
Thank you. Inside Japan it’s a magnificent tour.
Mick Murphy