Joyce & Bob's Trip to Japan, 2025

Our trip couldn't have been better...

The flight both to Tokyo and returning went very smoothly. Flying at night to Tokyo-Haneda was perfect, sleeping on the flight made the first hours in Tokyo very good (14 hr. time difference).

All 3 hotels during our stay in Japan were A+++. Each of them was such that it was very easy for walking, site seeing and meeting up at our tour departure points.

Tokyo accommodation, the Keio Plaza Hotel, is very beautiful and centrally located. Tours departed from near the hotel, the restaurants were superb, and the staff very knowledgeable and cordial. The view from our hotel room window, 32nd floor, was amazing.

After a tour to beautiful Hakone Mt. Fuji and the garden area (driver, guide, and ourselves), we had a Japanese lunch, and toured a Japanese market. The hotel, Konansou Ryokan was conveniently located with stunning views of Mt. Fuji making it simple to explore the local shops and neighborhoods. At the hotel, we enjoyed delicious dinner meals served in our room example: including plum wine, sashimi, Koshu beef sirloin, and Fujisakura pork, and finishing with watermelon and passion fruit sorbet.

From Konansou, our driver took us to Odawara Train Station, where we boarded the Bullet Train to Kyoto.  The trip was just as fast and enjoyable as described.

The last 4 days were spent in Kyoto at the Hotel Okura, which was luxurious and accommodating. Our tour of sites in Kyoto was very good. The hotel, located very near the shopping area, allowed us a super time roaming! We enjoyed The Japanese Tea Ceremony 

Experience, which included not only a demonstration but also allowed each of us to take part in the ceremony.

From Kyoto a driver took us to Osaka Itami Airport, to board a plane to Tokyo Narita Airport for our return flight to the USA. 

We landed at KCI having enjoyed a trip of a lifetime!