Far Fung Places
Far Fung Places
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Far Fung Places is an ethno-cultural travel company that specializes in travel to 'other worlds' in search of in indigenous art, body adornment, intact cultural and religious traditions that have not been affected by westernization.. One of the first niche travel companies to enter Bhutan in the early 1990s, Far Fung Places values and supports the arts, which permeate every aspect of life. Treading sensitively into foreign lands has forged bonds of friendship that assure our return with open arms. It is our pleasure to share these personal joys with our clients.
San Francisco, California
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
94 reviews
Excellent
92
Very good
0
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Gerd G
Bangkok, Thailand9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We contacted Kathleen and her team just a few weeks before our trip to Bhutan. Thanks to Kathleen's extensive experience and deep knowledge of the region, she quickly designed a personalized itinerary to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The accommodations she chose offered breathtaking views of the local scenery. Her connections with the community even enabled us to receive special blessings at temples. Kathleen is highly responsive, professional, and well-connected. Having traveled extensively in Bhutan herself, she ensures a unique, authentic experience. If you're looking for a bespoke travel plan that includes close interaction with locals, immersive cultural experiences, and high-quality accommodations, Kathleen is an excellent choice.
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Gerd,
Thank you for taking the time to write about your recent trip to Bhutan to celebrate your wedding anniversary.
Journeys with a quest are the best. I am delighted that you enjoyed the variety of accommodations including the
Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd tented rooms in Gantey. We were impressed that you and your wife wanted to purchase the formal attire for the festival, and I must say you looked sensational in your Kira and Gho.
On behalf of my team in San Francisco and at Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd., kadrinche-la (thank you) for
selecting us for your special journey to Bhutan.
Best wishes,
Kathleen Fung
Written April 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris R
17 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Recently returned from Thailand and Bhutan which was my 14th trip with Kathleen and Far Fung Places. Both country visits were exploratory in nature especially Thai provinces of Buriram and Chanthaburi along the Cambodian border which few tourists visit, but are loaded with Khmer style temple complexes and small fishing villages along various waterways. Visited several Thai rural community markets obtaining food items to then cook at a local house; needless to say, the ingredients were fresh as for example the whole chicken was selected and then all parts chopped. I most definitively learned how to cook Thai style and turned out to be a highlight of this itinerary that few others experience.
The Bhutan itinerary included the far eastern section of the county as well as the more rural central valley areas. This was my second trip to Bhutan with the first (also with Kathleen and Far Fung Places) during the 2008 king coronation event. Getting to the eastern section is now easier since there are air flights to a small mountain top airport allowing stunning snowcapped Himalayan mountain views. The Mongar festival included masked dances at the monastery as well as the carnival like fair in town with pop-up restaurants / bars, street type vendors selling local items and gambling games of chance. One of the largest Buddha statues in the world located within the rural Lhuntse valley is simply over the top in scale with three temple floor levels, design and traditional decorations as well as having outstanding views of the valley. We were able to stay onsite in small bungalow type dwellings that also serve as housing for monk meditations all of which added to the overall serene experience.
After now 14 trips, Kathleen and Far Fung Places knows what they are doing and I am already planning my 15th trip!!
The Bhutan itinerary included the far eastern section of the county as well as the more rural central valley areas. This was my second trip to Bhutan with the first (also with Kathleen and Far Fung Places) during the 2008 king coronation event. Getting to the eastern section is now easier since there are air flights to a small mountain top airport allowing stunning snowcapped Himalayan mountain views. The Mongar festival included masked dances at the monastery as well as the carnival like fair in town with pop-up restaurants / bars, street type vendors selling local items and gambling games of chance. One of the largest Buddha statues in the world located within the rural Lhuntse valley is simply over the top in scale with three temple floor levels, design and traditional decorations as well as having outstanding views of the valley. We were able to stay onsite in small bungalow type dwellings that also serve as housing for monk meditations all of which added to the overall serene experience.
After now 14 trips, Kathleen and Far Fung Places knows what they are doing and I am already planning my 15th trip!!
Written February 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Chris,
Thank you for posting this five-star review of a part of Thailand and Eastern Bhutan that so few travelers get to experience.
I think we are all hungry to discover unique parts of the world, untouched by mass tourism. Eastern Thailand gave us a big dose of local culture, and world heritage sites. A special thank you for all the families who took time from farming, weaving, and daily life to be our local guides, including a hotel manager who jumped in as our guide in Nan, when our travel plans were changed.
Eastern Bhutan has always been a favorite for those who want to see more than just the West. It reminds me of Bhutan twenty five years ago. Thank you for mentioning the good roads to Eastern Bhutan; the government has spent millions to connect small villages with the main highway through well-maintained feeder roads. You highlighted small bungalow type accommodations, which is the norm in Eastern Bhutan. But how special it is to stay at these family owned places where they prepare foods from their heritage. Eastern Bhutan is where you can see all the 13 royal crafts being made, some like textiles right in the artisans' homes. Kadrinche-la for 14 trips, and looking forward to the next one!
KZ Fung
Written March 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marianna H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
Our two week introduction to Bhutan was extraordinary. Our guide, Karchung, was smart, funny, accommodating, kind and flexible. We were given the portrait of Bhutan through stories and anecdotes and detailed tours through temples, dzongs and stupas. The meals were excellent and at varied restaurants and our overnight accommodations went from very comfortable to luxurious. I also loved that we did a great deal of walking and hiking.
The whole experience was beautifully organized and one that I highly recommend--both visiting Bhutan and going with the expert guidance of Far Fung Places.
The whole experience was beautifully organized and one that I highly recommend--both visiting Bhutan and going with the expert guidance of Far Fung Places.
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Marianna,
How nice to start the new year with such a lovely review of your trip to Bhutan with Karchung.
Yes, he is quite a remarkable person, self taught actually, and what a wonderful sense of humor!
I am glad you enjoyed his storytelling as that is his way of teaching. He was pleased to be with such an active group, and enjoyed exploring with you. On behalf of my team in San Francisco (Lori and Dennis) and our team in Bhutan, we wish you all the best for 2024, and thank you for your positive review of Bhutan with Far Fung Places.
Yours in Travel and Bhutan
KZFung
Written January 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beth L
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
What a fantastic experience! As always with Kathleen in the lead, and Karchung's excellent guiding and knowledge, this adventure into Eastern Bhutan was top notch traveling. Yes the roads were a bit problematic at times - but not with our driver Tenzin at the wheel. Yes there were some inconsistencies at some of the hotels - and all of us took it in stride. And should I mention the amazing scenery, the beauty of towns, shrines, temples, Dzongs, and best of all - the smiling friendly people! Kathleen's interest in, and knowledge of, the specialized artisans - particularly in weaving - brought personal insight into many of our stops in Eastern Bhutan. Overall this was truly a rewarding trip. We are wallowing in memories! Would we do it again? Here's insight - this was the second visit for 2 of our fellow travel mates! We'd be next as well.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Beth,
I am so fortunate to have traveled with you twice this year: once in West Africa and most recently to Bhutan!
Thank you for your excellent review of Eastern Bhutan, which is off most traveler's itineraries. Yes, it entails a bit more time, patience, and a 'go with the flow' attitude. Eastern Bhutan is not as developed as central or western Bhutan. The drives are long but spectacularly scenic (those snow covered mountains were breathtaking at the high passes), and some of the hotels were just getting set up after a three year closure due to covid. However,
the experiences you mentioned more than made up for it. Eastern Bhutan is where sacred dance all began, and we were privileged to see the Drametse Drum Dance at the Mongar festival, and even a practice session with a renowned dance master in Autsho. The master weavers and their incredible creations like the supplementary weft textiles of Khoma and the nine-legged aikapur of Radhi were such highlights. Thank you for mentioning this important aspect of the journey.
Kadrinche-la (thank you in Dzongkha) and I will let patience stay my spirit until the next one!
KZFung
Written January 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S L
Half Moon Bay, CA18 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Our recent trip to Bhutan with Far Fung Places, was one of our best vacations. There's so much to love of Bhutan: the serene and majestic Himalayas; the pristine high mountain air (and clean cities); the sweeping golden glacial valleys (covered in grass and cows); technicolor festivals (tshechus) with exotic dances, costumes and masks; exquisite embroidery, textiles, weaving and handicrafts; mesmerizing dzhongs (fortress-monasteries) and temples; the gentle, soft-spoken people and more.
We particularly enjoyed the impeccably-planned itinerary interspersing classic highlights (e.g. Punakha Dzhong, Tashichho Dzhong (aka Thimpu Dzhong), Tiger's Nest Monastery) with unusual, informative experiences (e.g. a musicologist specializing in Bhutanese, folk music, a reincarnate of a Tibetan lama) and aspects of everyday Bhutanese life (e.g. observing rural life walking through villages and rice paddies, attending a lama's blessing of devotees at a locals-only event, putting up prayer flags as we rode over the mountains). Some of these were unplanned such as the fabulous tshechu for a thanksgiving harvest that we were attended on our first full day in Thimpu. The dancers from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts and musicians were an absolute marvel to behold. We were also thrilled to be invited to lunch by our guide's wife to her farm in central Bhutan. The homegrown red rice and vegetables, and homemade cheese and eating with our guide's family was a delight.
Our guide Karchung, was excellent, significantly enhancing our experience of Bhutan. He was responsive, very personal, informative and entertaining, always taking care of everyone's needs, and patiently answering the group's many questions. His brother, Tshering was an excellent driver tactfully maneuvering through miles of mountain roads and also acted as a guide aide on the Tiger's Nest trail.
Note on Tiger's Nest trail: While the trail is maintained and there are paved steps on the sharp drop to the monastery, it is challenging with many steep ascents and descents. Height of monastery: over 10,000 ft.; elevation gain: 1700. It is best if one brings your own trekking poles.
We particularly enjoyed the impeccably-planned itinerary interspersing classic highlights (e.g. Punakha Dzhong, Tashichho Dzhong (aka Thimpu Dzhong), Tiger's Nest Monastery) with unusual, informative experiences (e.g. a musicologist specializing in Bhutanese, folk music, a reincarnate of a Tibetan lama) and aspects of everyday Bhutanese life (e.g. observing rural life walking through villages and rice paddies, attending a lama's blessing of devotees at a locals-only event, putting up prayer flags as we rode over the mountains). Some of these were unplanned such as the fabulous tshechu for a thanksgiving harvest that we were attended on our first full day in Thimpu. The dancers from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts and musicians were an absolute marvel to behold. We were also thrilled to be invited to lunch by our guide's wife to her farm in central Bhutan. The homegrown red rice and vegetables, and homemade cheese and eating with our guide's family was a delight.
Our guide Karchung, was excellent, significantly enhancing our experience of Bhutan. He was responsive, very personal, informative and entertaining, always taking care of everyone's needs, and patiently answering the group's many questions. His brother, Tshering was an excellent driver tactfully maneuvering through miles of mountain roads and also acted as a guide aide on the Tiger's Nest trail.
Note on Tiger's Nest trail: While the trail is maintained and there are paved steps on the sharp drop to the monastery, it is challenging with many steep ascents and descents. Height of monastery: over 10,000 ft.; elevation gain: 1700. It is best if one brings your own trekking poles.
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Su and Grant,
What an amazing five-star review! Your descriptions say it all, and so eloquently. Bhutan did unfurl it's magic and beauty. It is a country that begs to be visited again and again for all the reasons you described in your review. I am in remote Eastern Bhutan now with Karchung and on behalf of all the Far Fung Places team in Bhutan and San Francisco,
kadrinche-la (thank you) for your excellent review.
K Zurich Fung
Written November 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neen H
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
A two week trip to Bhutan exceeded expectations. Everything worked itself to satisfaction. Our guide, Karchung , was a superb professional and we enjoyed being with him and learning so much. Also, the accommodations were superb-every site held beauty and comfort. I also surprised myself by enjoying Bhutanese food for the most part. Meals were healthy and delicious. Lastly, we felt safe and well cared for every step of the way which contributed to the peace of mind that I , personally, was seeking. Fortunately, we had mild weather which allowed us to hike and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Every day was a warm delight. Kathleen and her staff were accessible and informative. I am a very satisfied client who brings home precious memories—and many products from this lovely country. Neen
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Neen,
Apologies for this late response but I was in East
Bhutan with spotty internet. I was so touched by your personal review which referred to the food and hotels which you found pleasing. After Covid we were concerned about hotels not opening, and staffing problems,
but clearly the hotels we selected were up to the mark.
Karchung is a gem and looks after everyone like family. So many people work so hard to make our trips successful so on behalf of our wonderful team including Karchung, the staff and management of Dhensa, Le Meridien, Zhiwaling, Jakar Lodge, Ugyen Choling and Gantey resort, thanks for your compliments and support of our team in Bhutan and in San Francisco!
KZurichFung
Written December 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MeiYuk
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
A Taste of Japan led by Kathleen Fung is one of the best trips I’ve been on. Its inclusivity of cultural, artistry and culinary venues were outstanding providing an overview of its rich and beautiful culture.
The shrines, temples, monasteries, museums, gardens, historical sites, sunset at the flooded rice paddies in Senmaida, local specialty and Michelin rated restaurants, local markets and artisans, Oki Islands/Nishinoshima (loved the local vibes, the beauty of its island supported by their community untouched by tourism) including getting around Japan by bus, trains and ferries.
Meeting renown artisans/masters learning the process of wood carving block art, Urushi lacquerware, gold leaf, paper making, and my all time favorite, the art of Kurume Kasari dying and weaving process creating beautiful textile for the eyes to behold.
Furthermore, the local guides and drivers were awesome adding depth and lens to their country. Amino-San, Tomomi-San, and Mr Now were my all time favorites.
Thank you Far Fung Places founder and trip director extraordinaire Kathleen and her manager Laurie for a wonderful trip - a treasure forever imprinted!
The shrines, temples, monasteries, museums, gardens, historical sites, sunset at the flooded rice paddies in Senmaida, local specialty and Michelin rated restaurants, local markets and artisans, Oki Islands/Nishinoshima (loved the local vibes, the beauty of its island supported by their community untouched by tourism) including getting around Japan by bus, trains and ferries.
Meeting renown artisans/masters learning the process of wood carving block art, Urushi lacquerware, gold leaf, paper making, and my all time favorite, the art of Kurume Kasari dying and weaving process creating beautiful textile for the eyes to behold.
Furthermore, the local guides and drivers were awesome adding depth and lens to their country. Amino-San, Tomomi-San, and Mr Now were my all time favorites.
Thank you Far Fung Places founder and trip director extraordinaire Kathleen and her manager Laurie for a wonderful trip - a treasure forever imprinted!
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mei,
Thank you for this beautifully written review, complimenting our master artisans. These gifted souls give their lives to their craft, and for some it takes weeks, months and sometimes years to create one piece. Yes, Akiko is a treasure - not only a renowned Tokyo guide but a published author. And, our wonderful national guide who does a lot of volunteer work in her spare time. That says a lot about her character.
You mentioned our fantastic driver Mr. Now, who looked after us from Wajima to the end of our stay in Fukui. He even helped deliver baggage at one hotel in Japan, upon hearing that the hotel was so understaffed, they didn't have porters. He gets a gold star for service, above and beyond the call of duty.
On behalf of myself and my team in San Francisco and Japan, thank you for your fantastic review!
KZFung
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia V
2 contributions
May 2023
Far Fung Places finally operated our cultural trip to Japan after 2 postponements because of covid. Every place, city, and thing we saw was a "highlight". Eihei-Ji Temple was a beautiful, massive monastery built in 1244 in Fukui. We even travelled to Oki Islands 3 kilometers off the west coast where few tourists visit. Local ladies entertained us with tea and handmade gifts, while local hotel provided us with kimonos for our Japanese dinners. Our guides, Tomomi, Yuko, Akiko, helped to bring out the very best of Japanese culture. Kathleen Fung was the real hero in creating this magnificent journey to Japan.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty,
Thank you for supporting our great team in Japan especially these talented group of women: Akiko who is a published author; Tomomi, who astounded us with her wide range of knowledge even on haiku poetry; Yuko, who not only was a top city guide in Fukui but an expert on regional cuisine and Japanese arts and crafts. The Oki islands deserves a shout out. The local women in Nishinoshima gave us a lesson on origami, taught us how to cook takoyaki, and the kitchen staff (all women) at our Japanese hotel prepared our incredible kaiseki meals. These women and many others who worked behind the scenes contributed so much to our unforgettable journey to Japan. Thank you again for this five star review.
Best,
KZFung
Written June 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Explore404670
2 contributions
May 2023 • Family
This was one of the very best trips I've ever taken. I had been to Japan twice before and seen many beautiful sites around Tokyo and in Kansai. This trip opened up whole new worlds - the natural world, the world of rural Japan, the world of traditional crafts and arts. We traveled to less frequented places and met interesting people - artists, entrepreneurs, even a Shinto priest. Some highlights were a hands-on experience making traditional lacquerware in the Noto Peninsula on the Japan Sea; visiting the elegant Buddhist monastery in Fukui; tabletop cooking our own mushroom udon in a lovely restaurant; exploring Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's most spectacular; visiting the weavers of Kurume Kasuri double ikat weaving, which has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset. These
and many other things we experienced would never have been possible without Ms. Fung's relationships with craftspeople and deep knowledge of traditional arts. Having a wonderful guide from Kyoto enhanced this trip immeasurably. As a cultural informant she was absolutely essential to our understanding of Japanese culture. It would take a lifetime to exhaust the wonders of Japan, but this memorable trip brought us closer to that goal. Accommodations, restaurants, and transportation were excellent.
and many other things we experienced would never have been possible without Ms. Fung's relationships with craftspeople and deep knowledge of traditional arts. Having a wonderful guide from Kyoto enhanced this trip immeasurably. As a cultural informant she was absolutely essential to our understanding of Japanese culture. It would take a lifetime to exhaust the wonders of Japan, but this memorable trip brought us closer to that goal. Accommodations, restaurants, and transportation were excellent.
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this special review. I initially developed this itinerary for the repeat traveler to Japan but was amazed how many first-time travelers were interested in deviating from the classic travel circuit. I am drawn to cultures that preserve their traditional arts and crafts. Japan is one country where artisanship has reached such high levels. It's amazing to meet master artisans who dedicate their entire lives to creating one art form. And, this specialized knowledge is still being passed down from generation to generation so there is continuity. We were fortunate to work with so many master artisans who were generous with their time, and allowed us to visit them in their homes and personal workshops.
Most travelers do not understand that in rural areas, the locals are still hesitant to open their homes to foreign guests since covid is still around in Japan. So our lovely artisans in many cases got the approval from their neighbors to allow us to visit!
Thank you for sharing your excellent review.
Yours in Japan,
KZ Fung
Written June 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim W
Phoenix, AZ22 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
We just returned from a fantastic trip led by Kathleen Fung, the owner of Far Fung Places. The trip, A Taste of Japan, was unique in so many ways. It was focused on Japanese art, gardens, culture and food and went to many off-the-beaten-tourist-track locations, such as the Oki Islands, Wajima, Kanazawa, Fukuoka and Yame (plus more well-known places like Tokyo, Matsue and Nagasaki). The culinary experence was exceptional, including an opportunity to dine at the Michelin two-star-rated Suginoi restaurant; lunch at a Michelin star restaurant in Wajima; having several kaiseki meals in a traditional ryokan; a visit to the Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market for a food sampling tour; lunching on okonomiyakie, buckwheat noodles and mushroom udon; having outstanding sushi in a famous sushi restaurant in Fukuoka; and a sake tasting. Kathleen was exceptional in the planning of this trip and her attention to organizational detail, and was an absolute pleasure to travel with. The guides Kathleen had on this trip also were outstanding, with a special shoutout to Tomomi Azuma who was our guide for the majority of the trip and was very knowledgeable, helpful and funny (an essential ingredient for a guide). We were able to visit many artisans—some in their homes or private studios—and learned about the process of making several traditional Japanese arts and crafts, such as Urushi (laquerware), porcelain ware, wood block printing, textiles produced by a rare Karume Kasuri technique and dyed with natural indigo, and washi paper. We saw many fabulous gardens and went to many temples, castles and museums. Several of the hotels were 4-star, in the more rural areas they were 3-star and in the Oki Islands we were able to stay in a delightful ryokan. There were many opportunties to use an onsen (hot springs and bathing facilities). There was quite a bit of walking (but an option was given for transport for the longer walks) and an opportunity for a great, scenic hike one day while in the Oki Islands. There were 14 travelers on this trip and it lasted a little over two weeks (there was a 3-day Kyoto extension that we did not do and immensely regret).
You would be lucky to go on this special and unusual trip. Based on our experience on A Taste of Japan, we will be doing other Far Fung Places’ trips in the near future.
You would be lucky to go on this special and unusual trip. Based on our experience on A Taste of Japan, we will be doing other Far Fung Places’ trips in the near future.
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kim,
Domo arigato gozaimasu for such a lovely five-star review. Japan is such a culturally rich country that it's difficult to select the cities, towns and villages to showcase but I am delighted you appreciated our small sampling.
Artisanship is respected in Japan, and it was a joy to meet master artisans who were preserving the time-honored ways of making ceramics, double ikat, urushi (lacquerware), woodblock printing, and fine washi paper. A special mention to our group who not only appreciated the Japanese art, but participated in a hands-on workshop on lacquerware and origami.
Tomomi-san worked her magic as she guided us through the trip with her fantastic knowledge and charming humor. Years ago, when I was doing research on this particular program, she took it upon herself to travel to all these remote regions so she could be prepared to lead this unusual program. Yes, she is a keeper! On behalf of my team in Japan, including the dedicated staff at Kintetsu Global in Tokyo, thank you for your generosity. Looking forward to our next journey!
Yours in Travel,
KZ Fung
Written June 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience