We dealt with Patrick who is the New Zealand agent of Japanese Custom Tours. While it is not... read more
We dealt with Patrick who is the New Zealand agent of Japanese Custom Tours. While it is not... read more
We had a great time travelling around Japan with Patrick and our small group of fellow travellers... read more
We were looking for a comfortable, hassle-free way to get a sense of Japan and these two weeks did not disappoint. Patrick looked after us all the way through, adjusting things to meet our energy levels and interests. We saw so many things we would have missed had we been travelling independently. His fluency with the transport systems was impressive as was his wide-ranging knowledge of things Japanese. He had arranged quality accommodation throughout including two ryokans with memorable meals.
If Japan is not on your bucket list then you should put it there, move it towards the top and then use these guys!
DocJon - it was our pleasure to show you around and provide an overview of Japan. Two weeks is a good length to cover many of the facets that make Japan a fascinating and intriguing place to experience. And showing off the bits that so many people might otherwise miss, that is one of the things that we like to do for our guests.
Following a five days by ourselves in Tokyo (including Typhoon Lan), we met up with Patrick and set off by rail to Takayama. Great train trip, with impressive mountain scenes and many hydro electricity generating facilities.
Takayama overnight accommodation was fine.
Next morning, Patrick took us on a very interesting walking tour, before heading off to Kanazawa. A great day with very fine accommodation overnight.
Next day off to Kyoto,
Patrick's knowledge of the rail system, railway stations (where the escalators rise and fall!) made traveling with our medium wheeled cases far less traumatic for a couple of 77 year old (relatively fit) Australian tourists. Patrick excelled in his management of all our rail and subway travel!
Kyoto railway station is most impressive (and new). Our hotel was close by and despite undergoing renovations, proved very comfortable.
A further talent of Patrick's, lay in his knowledge of local eateries. One of which was on the 7 floor of a shopping mall. Doubt that we'd have ever found several without his guidance. Interesting and very tasty food!
Patrick's arranging of a fine Japanese whisky tasting during half-price Happy Hour in our hotel was the highlight of my 78th.
Two standouts; the Inari Fushimi Shinto shrine (10,000 Torii gates) in Kyoto and a visit the following day to Nara. Passing showers did not detract from the visit.
All in all an excellent 6 day 5 night mini tour closing with a Shinansen trip back to Shinagawa, then onto Narita airport to return to Perth, Western Australia.
Graeme and Wendy, it was a real pleasure to show you a slice of Japan. We did a lot in a short trip. With the "whiskey tasting" i was able to share my knowledge of fine Japanese whiskies with someone that really appreciated it and it was a fitting occassion (I priced some of them today at a store I know - we got a bargain!! A really serious discount). Retracing some of our tour steps currently and still remebering your tour fondly. Thank you.
Was our holiday excellent? No, it wasn’t, it was INSANELY excellent. The tour met all our expectations and much more. It was tailored to meet all demands.
Our guides, Wendy, Koji and Patrick could not be more kind, friendly, patient, helpful and knowledgeable.
Hotel accommodation was luxurious.
We have no reservations recommending the Japan Custom Tour agency.
My partner and I were looking to get married in Japan during our holiday in October. After finding Patrick and his company on a trip advisor forum we approached him to create the ultimate custom tour.
Patrick communicated with us via email in advance- taking on board our tight schedule. He made everything really simple. Then accompanied us to various appointments across Tokyo.
I am pleased to say we were successfully married in Tokyo. Thank you Patrick- we could not have done it without you!!
I would highly recommend Patrick to arrange your logistics!
Rachael and Ian, you both looked great for your wedding day in Tokyo. As our 2nd "wedding" it was interesting how the requirements changed so much in just a year, but we were well prepared and that preparation paid off. While it was a very niche "tour" it was great you got to see Japan while we looked after the documentation side of things here in Tokyo. Maybe we will see you when you visit next time.
If you are planning a visit to Japan and need some help with the logistics and language then this is the company for you (unless you really like being on a bus in a large group). We recently completed the 4 week grand tour of Japan with Patrick and can honestly say we have never had such an easy and stress-free holiday. The train travel is a marvel and being just ourselves there was plenty of opportunity to vary the itinerary and do something different. We had experiences we would have struggled to find had we been on our own. What we learned with Patrick did mean we were more than comfortable looking after ourselves for our add-on week in Tokyo.
In late March we did the first of Patrick Harnett's cherry blossom tours in Japan. I found him excellent for all the pre tour organisation...nothing was a problem and everything was taken into account. Amazingly most of my enquiries were responded to within hours. The cherry blossom was a little later than expected but had no impact on our trip...we saw beautiful plum blossom in many gorgeous gardens earlier in the trip, and some stunning cherry blossom towards the end. The mix of old and new in every aspect of Japanese life was a highlight. I loved the stress free manner in which we moved from place to place with a great mix of experiences. The food was a highlight..and the art...and the architecture, gardens...etc. Kanazawa was a highlight in the tour we took. Japan is a photographers delight...and I am very keen to go back to see the autumn colours one day. If I do I will spend more time researching the food and restaurants in the places we go to - to expand our knowledge and experiences. Highly recommend Patrick and Japan Custom Tours.