Reviewed by: denise
The guide was great! Knowledgeable and the places we visited awesome
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2020/03/27 |
Activity Date: | 2020/03/22 |
Reviewed by: Chu Chee Peng
Our tour guide Mr Tetsuya "Teddy" ISHIDA, and driver 林 were very punctual and very friendly. He speak good in mandarin and English.
This trip is completely tailored to suit our family of five (3, 9 and 12 year old)
We were all blown away with how well we all enjoyed our day trip. We managed to get some brilliant images of Mt. Fuji. Highly recommended- money well spent
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special / Diamond Fuji Viewing and Lake Yamanaka Winter Tour |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2019/12/07 |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/07 |
Reviewed by: Sara and Walt
We hoped to see Mt. Fuji, but, unfortunately, it rained the day of our booked tour and Mt. Fuji was not to be seen. But all was not lost. Our driver, Toshi, picked us up promptly at the scheduled time and drove us to the Mt. Fuji area. On the way he gave us information on local sites that we passed. Our guide, Yuko, was very knowledgeable and gave us options for our rainy day. Our driver and guide learned that we liked to hike so we went to a beautiful shrine at the base of Mt. Fuji and hiked on an ancient trail to the first station. A great way to experience Mt. Fuji on a rainy day. Yuko gave much information on local customs and the Shinto religion involving the mountain. We then had a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Following this, we chose to go to a museum featuring a world renowned textile artist who made kimono art. These were fabulous. It was then late in the day and we traveled back to Tokyo. A different experience than we hoped for due to the rain, but a memorable and enjoyable day thanks to Toshi and Yuko. We definitely recommend their services for guide and driver for the Mt. Fuji tour. They’re the best!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special / Mt.Fuji Viewing & Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/12/01 |
Activity Date: | 2019/11/22 |
Reviewed by: DazzS
We had a wonderful day out with our driver, Tuk and our local guide, Yuko. We saw a quick film of Fuji and the information centre then went to fifth station to visit the shrine and to admire a closer view of Mount Fuji and the surrounding areas. We then visited a local restaurant for delicious noodles and sake. We then continued to Arakurayama Sengen Park to take photos of Mount Fuji with the Pagoda and continued to enjoy the local markets and stalls and the Autumn Leaves Festival at Kawaguchiko. We were able to take phots of Mount Fuji from a variety of different locations and our day was well paced as we have young children (3, 6 and 11 years).
Our day was pleasant as our guide and driver were very knowledgeable, polite, friendly and accommodated our preferences. Highly recommend this tour if you like your own space and you’re travelling in a small group.
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji Viewing and Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2019/11/09 |
Activity Date: | 2019/11/07 |
Reviewed by: MC from Canada
My family (3 adults, 2 children) had an incredible time during this tour which was individualized for us based on our requests and preferences. Our guide Takashi was extremely knowledgeable, spoke excellent English and taught us so much about not only Mt. Fuji but Japan and Japanese culture. Additionally, Takashi’s broad international knowledge and understanding provided an added perspective and important context on Japan’s place globally today. Our driver Toshi was also excellent and entertaining and because of his understanding of weather patterns on the mountain, we made 2 critical stops along the way that allowed us to see the peak despite some poor weather conditions overall. Takashi took us to an incredible restaurant for lunch, a meal that all of us enjoyed and none of us will forget. An incredible trip overall which was made even better by the connection we made with our guide Takashi. On a personal note, I left my phone in the vehicle and Takashi & Toshi ensured that it was returned to me the same evening! It was much appreciated! I would highly recommend this private tour and ask for Takashi!
Thank you very much for your excellent review with such detailed description. It is very kind of you. Toshi and I are very pleased to know that we contributed to your family having a good time in Japan. It was our pleasure to have such a lovely family as you as our guest. We also had a wonderful time with you as we really enjoyed discussing various issues relating to Japan, Canada and the rest of the world. I hope that you also enjoyed your travel in Western Japan. Please give our best regards to the rest of the family. All the best wishes. Takashi
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/07/20 |
Activity Date: | 2019/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Intan
My family and I took the private tour arranged by Tokyo Star Agency to the Mt. Fuji area, not to the Mt. Fuji itself, but rather to the surrounding areas such as Lake Saiko, Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba, Hanaterasu, Mt. Fuji Ropeway and also a visit to the local sake brewery, Ide Sake. Our tour guide, Mrs. Yuko Matsuka was an amazing lady and spoke good English. She lives in the Mt. Fuji area so she has extensive knowledge about this particular region. I really adored her. She also paid attention to my daughters' needs, I could tell that she's sincere and thoughtful. She took us for lunch at Maple Restaurant, the food was very good, enjoyed by my kids and also myself. It was one of the many great meals I've had during my trip in Japan.
Although what we hoped for was to see Mt. Fuji from a far unfortunately didn't come true due to the weather (it was covered with clouds), yet we weren't disappointed since Mrs. Yuko tried her best to entertain us and took us to alternative spots for us to enjoy the day. I also need to mention our driver, Mr. Kenichi Higashi, who was a good driver and also very friendly. He made sure that we're well informed about the traffic condition; also was keen to offer us to make stops at the rest station along the highway.
Overall, I do recommend everyone who's interested in taking a private tour to Mt. Fuji area, to choose the Tokyo Star Agency's service.
Dear Intan-san,
Thank you for writing such a positive review for the driver, Kenichi-san and me!
We are so flattered. Also, we appreciate your detailed description of our tour.
I suppose your recommendation will invite other people, especially the people who want to travel with their family,
to the places you have visited. I would like to say thank you again and I expect hopefully we will be able to meet you and your family here in Japan next time.
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji Viewing and Five Lakes Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/06/17 |
Activity Date: | 2019/06/01 |
Reviewed by: MBL
Some aspects of the tour was interesting and even charming but not a tour I would want to repeat even though our guide was excellent. The food was not to my liking but the wife liked it.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/24 |
Activity Date: | 2019/03/21 |
Reviewed by: Koufax
Entire tour the guide said almost NOTHING. We were virtually on our own. On one stop he just began walking and no one knew whether we should follow him or wait. On another stop he began to lead us back away from where the buses were, then suddenly realized he was going the wrong way. Worthless.
Dear Koufax,
Thank you for choosing VELTRA for your travel needs.
We regret to hear that the tour was not able to meet your expectations. We have confirmed with the tour provider regarding this matter, and they have given the following reply:
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Due to the peak season and the volume of people, the guide encountered difficulties in making sure his voice reached everyone. For this, we sincerely apologize.
Please rest assured that we will be more careful moving forward.
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Again, we regret that your experience was unsatisfactory. Allow us to use this case to improve our services so that we may serve you better next time.
We wish you a good day ahead.
VELTRA Staff
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/04/10 |
Activity Date: | 2019/03/29 |
Reviewed by: 一般人
・なかなか 見れない 景色は
よかったです
・もう少し 食べ物や飲み物 持って行けばよかった
・終わったあとの ゴミの回収は 助かりました
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Packages: | お花見周遊プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/04/09 |
Activity Date: | 2019/04/07 |
Reviewed by: LKL
Higashi is my Chinese-speaking Japanese born private
tour guide and having worked in China for many years, he is a gem that could give us Japanese culture and yet be able to relate to us - we are a Singaporean family (I was with my 70 year old mother and 2 sisters). He paced the entire trip nicely taking into account our speed, to the extent of serving our food needs and even accompany us to shopping to wherever we want and with such patience for a man! Encourage all to book him!
东谦一是我们的日本长大又能说中文的私人导游。他在中国工作了很多年,所以美好的融合了日本传统又能够跟我们的文化接近。由于我带了70岁的妈妈和两个妹妹,他完美得随我们的步伐导游,恰到好处。他更帮我们照顾周到, 餐饮和购物都随我们一起走,帮我们翻译,难能可贵的一个导游。大家请指定他为你的导游!
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji Viewing and Five Lakes Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/04/04 |
Activity Date: | 2019/04/04 |
Reviewed by: Oneida
Excellent tour and worth the money. The guides were very knowledgeable and shared wonderful history of Japan. The best only downside was the wisteria was not in bloom
Hi ! Many thanks for the feedback! We are sorry that now it is not wisteria season yet; hope you got to see other lovely flowers and enjoyed the trip!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2019/04/04 |
Activity Date: | 2019/03/31 |
Reviewed by: AJAK
LOTS of walking. Please be prepared but very satisfying
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/04/01 |
Activity Date: | 2019/03/27 |
Reviewed by: Gap
Our tour is operated by Hato Bus, which is reliable and famous in Tokyo. The meeting point is easy to find. The guide name is Karoi and we really appreciate her services and knowledge about the place we go and things about Japan. Her English is excellent. No problems in communicating at all. Our tour is combined with Chinese tour but that’s not a problem at all.
The places we go are really nice. We love the Izu panorama park but we wish they arrange more time at this place. We only had 1 hour and 20 minutes here which includes lunch time, and we had to allocate time carefully for this. We had quite a rush lunch but foods are ok.
We think the time for Kawazu is sufficient and we had a good time there. After Kawazu, it’s important that you have to be on appointed time for the train along Sagami bay. The seat is not reserved so you may have to stand on the train. All in all, we had a good time and the bus came back almost on time.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special / Standard Plan |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/03/09 |
Activity Date: | 2019/03/05 |
Reviewed by: Jeannette and Tony
Overall tour was excellent. Long drive, but that was to be expected. Nori was friendly and informative.
Climate control in van needed to be more efficient.
Lunch stop location was excellent. Participants pay for own lunch, not included with tour price.
Tour stops were not the typical tourist stops, but more local attractions which were wonderful and not at all crowded.
Thank you for your warm words! Very happy to hear from you... It was a pleasure for us as well to spend with you all!!! Cloud sea was so beautiful, wasn't it? So sorry for the climate control in van and thank you for letting us know... Please say hi to everyone and thank you very much again!!! Noriko
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/10/09 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/27 |
Reviewed by: DiJoyce
Endo-San was waiting for us at the appointed time in our hotel, he is truly fluent and an excellent guide and we had a knowledgeable and fun day. The other thing that was memorable was our udon lunch in a small restaurant (inn?) which was both delicious and good value. We ended the wonderful day with 45 minutes in an onsen - my first in an open-air onsen, looking at Mt Fuji. Of course thanks to God who gave us perfect weather and thus a marvellous view of the mountain. I would recommend Endo-San to anyone traveller.
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/04/06 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/03 |
Reviewed by: Don
This tour made me enjoy seeing Mt Fuji at our own pace. We were picked up by a good driver and a knowledgeable tour guide. Upon riding the van wee discussed first the final.itinerary. the guide Akiko detailed out the places we were visiting and their significance. So we proceeded as planned to the heritage center shrine lunch near the pond and the lake. My family enjoyed it very much especially at our own pace. I highly recommend this tour to small groups.
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/03/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/03/26 |
Reviewed by: TMBT
I really enjoyed going on this tour with my friend. On the bus ride, our guide pointed out interesting buildings and explained the history of the area.
The weather was not the best (it snowed in the morning) but Sankeien Garden would be beautiful in any weather. We had a little tea ceremony and then we were free to explore the garden and it's historical buildings. There were some beautiful plum blossoms.
Next we had lunch, which was surprisingly good! It was a western-style restaurant with a beautiful view. It had a salad bar and a pasta station. Lamb was served as the main course and the meal ended with a lovely dessert.
Finally we went to the area to see early cherry blossoms. They were about 70% bloomed, a little later booking than last year. There's a fair amount of waking and some stairs, but the view is nice. After, we walked towards the station, and were given some time to shop at the stalls set up for the fair. I got some yummy treats to take home and a little snack.
After shopping, we took the train to the next station so we could see the cherry blossoms one more time. Then we boarded the bus to drive back to Tokyo station. We got back a little late due to traffic.
Overall it was a really nice day with delicious food, beautiful scenery, and a helpful guide.
Thank you for joining hatobus tour and thank you for your comment, we will provide better service and look forward to see you again.
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Packages: | Review Rebate: Early Cherry Blossom Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/03/04 |
Activity Date: | 2018/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Erth C4
The tour was really enjoyable and educative. The sceneries were amazing. The tour guide was very kind and accommodating to assist us and extend extra services to his customers.
It was only frustrating that we did not reach the 5th station since the access was closed due to the climate condition. However, the overall experience was great
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/01/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/01/04 |
Reviewed by: MML
On the morning of our tour, our guide, Taiji was waiting when we exited our hotel lobby. After introductions, Taiji familiarized himself with folding my wife’s wheelchair. Once we were in our seats, we explained that we would prefer not to participate in the hot springs bathing. Taiji accepted this and said we should still see the lakes and towns along the way to Mount Fuji as they are quite remarkable.
Taiji took us to the World Heritage Site Visitor Center where we watched an informative video about Mount Fuji. It was there that my wife noticed photography by Rocky Tanaka. We later learned Taiji and he are friends. At the end of our tour Taiji arranged for us to meet with Mr. Tanaka so we could view his gallery and purchase a piece of his art.
From the Visitor Center, we traveled on to see lakes and ponds which have formed by snow melt from Mount Fuji. Some of the villages along the way also exist only because Mount Fuji is towering in the distance. Mount Fuji is a Religious symbol to the Japanese.
We saw and ate white strawberries for the first time. We saw a traditional Japanese home with a thatch roof that will last for 100+ years. We saw bonsai trees and gardens and shops and fish ponds with giant fish and markets. We ate a traditional Japanese meal in an authentic Japanese restaurant where no one spoke English except for us. The food was DELICIOUS and the portions were HUGE! Then we continued on to the Fifth Station.
Taiji is an exceptional tour guide: He was a very safe and capable driver. Even in the high traffic areas of Tokyo’s interstate, we felt we were in safe hands. His English is impeccable and he is extremely articulate. His manners are first rate and he was professional, observant and intuitive. He has a seemingly unending knowledge of Japanese history and culture.
Thank you so much for giving me such an impressive comment.
You posted actually few days after my birthday and I felt like a gift for having the best comment I've ever had.
I felt like you found me at the right moment and we've had a wonderful day and you finally found your favorite picture of Mount Fuji at the end of the day. It was beautiful one and I'm also telling Mr. Tanaka that I will one day get one of his picture and bring it to my place.
I also learned from you about the shift of power in US from an objective angle and could have a fair understanding witch keeps on helping me every time I'm asked what I think of your new president from US guests.
Everything that took part of the service I did it because I don't think as a part of the job, but I myself enjoy or even love to do it and I appreciate so much that you could keep such good memory of the day.
I really hope that your wife is getting better and we will have the chance to meet again.
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/05/26 |
Activity Date: | 2017/05/06 |
Reviewed by: Kit
This day was perfect as the Blossoms have just bloomed. Honestly the company should be more organized as the tour started late and no one knew where we were supposed to go. And the guide only had a hand written sign that said "chrrry blossom tour" on a piece of paper. It was a mad house. However I noticed that each tour had a separate colored sticker. Perhaps the guide can wear a sticker or coordinating shirt so they can be identified easier. Other than that our guide Amy was absolutely charming and super helpful. It was a lovely start to my first trip to Tokyo.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/04/10 |
Activity Date: | 2017/04/10 |
Reviewed by: Nicca.p
We went on the private Mt. Fuji pilgrimage tour. Our tour guide was Taiji Endo. We all had a good time and our our guide was great! Very informative and a safe driver. He also gave us a good restaurant recommendation for lunch. We would definitely recomment the tour and our tour guide as well.
Thank you very much for your comment. It was also great for me to attend your family. We've had a very nice day and I'm so happy that you enjoyed my plan. I hope you enjoyed the rest for your days in Japan. I wish I had more time to talk with you all and I really hope to see you again.
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Packages: | Mt.Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi Tour < 10-Hour > |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2016/11/13 |
Activity Date: | 2016/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Vicky Kunahlan
We had a very charming guide who was most pleasant. Unfortunately she was not very experienced and not very knowledgable too. She had minimum info to impart to us and while travelling could have enhanced us with a lot of historical, geographical facts about the places we were visiting. Also she cancelled the Mount Fuji climb,claiming we had to wait on the coach for half an hour to get to the base which a number of other coaches were willing to do. She took us to other locations around to show us Mt Fuji. Was very disappointed about that.
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Packages: | Japan Cherry Blossom Tour - 11 Days |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/04/25 |
Activity Date: | 2016/03/28 |
Reviewed by: Denise and Georges
Thanks to your efforts and those of your provider, we enjoyed every single moment of this memorable adventure. With our lovely guide Hiroko we explored some of the best highlights of Japan, Himeji Castle, Isuzu Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial and many many more beautiful sites. Of course Cherry Blossom trees were the stars of all the pictures !! I will sure recommend your Agency and specifically this trip to all my family and friends. Thanks again for exhausting our dream...
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Packages: | Japan Cherry Blossom Tour - 11 Days |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/04/23 |
Activity Date: | 2016/03/28 |
Reviewed by: Tatiana
Thank you for showing us all these beautiful sakuras in full bloom! We made amazing pictures!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2016/03/31 |
Activity Date: | 2016/03/29 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
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Hi, Denise thank you for the comment and pretty photo during the trip. We hope you had a good time with us and the guide was also helpful for you. It is a very difficult time now for lots of people in the world. Again we appreciate you chose to join our tour and got to see the scenery. We wish you safety and health no matter where you are and please take care!