Review

Joe Roark

Best of Hokkaido and Tohoku

April 14, 2024 - April 28, 2024

This was our first guided tour. The small group was good and will be our way for any future tour vacations.

Itinerary

For the time of year, maybe it would have been better to go in reverse order and end up in Sapporo. Spring had not quite hit Sapporo so the hill sides were brown (no leaves yet) and very few sakura. And it was a bit chilly there.

Lodging

The Kinugawa Onsen in Ouchijuku, however, was not up to par with the other hotels. Perhaps something closer to Nikko?

Food

But I never quite adapted to the Japanese breakfast, which was more like dinner to me! But all food was really good.

Guides

Having guides meet us at the airport and train station was very helpful, and the guides were helpful as well. But the outstanding guide was Chiko-San (Mukai). She was tremendous! Very organized and a great \"den mother\" guiding us through all the train stations and taxis. I give her 10 stars!

Pre-Tour Handbook

Very helpful along the trip as well.

Tour Organization

Tour Transportation

Lots of trains but that was fine with Chiko-San providing the tickets for each of us and guiding us to the right locations to get on the trains.

Would you go on another tour operating by Samurai Tours: Yes!

Would you recommend Samurai Tours to friends or family: Yes!