|
|
Destination Japan Testimonials
|
|
Read below what people have to say about Destination Japan!!
|
|
|
|
Traveling with Earl and the Destination Japan crew is always a pleasure and each trip I've taken with them has turned into an education in the often unseen nooks and crannies of Japanese pop culture. Even someone like me who's been to Japan numerous times finds something new and fascinating. Wether it's that little hidden gachpon shop that you would never have known was there or discovering some of the amazingly small places that you can find the most incredible food ( ask Earl about the black miso ramen ). It's those types of things that make the tour special, because no matter how well you think you know Japan there's always much more that you don't know.
Unlike most tour groups that would just be happy with packing you into a bus with fifty other people and whisking you from tourist spot to tourist spot, [...]
Read more >>
the Destination Japan crew go out of their way to provide you with the experience of what it's like to live in Japan and to take you to those places not on the normal tour list. Sure you get the must see tourist spots too, who would want to miss the blissful serenity of Meiji Shrine or the smells and the shopping at Asakusa. But when traveling with the destination crew you get out there on the street with the people, walk the little streets and alleys that are the real Japan and see how the people live. Really nothing beats the experience seeing Japan with a small group of people. You would never think that just riding the train or subway across town could be so entertaining but again it's seeing the cities at the street level and with your guide there to clue you into what your seeing that gives you that feeling that your not just visiting but living there. Learning the daily in and outs of how to get by in Japan, wether it's how to figure out the train/subway routes, station and tickets or were to find cheap food and late night snacks is what gives you the ability to function away from the group and you won't hesitate to strike out on your own and be submerged in the glory that is Japan.
From the people that I've met and the things I've done I have never regretted any experience I've had with Destination Japan. The only down side is the time I spend each day starring out the window wishing I was back in Japan.
[sic]
|
|
|
- Paul Lusby, [ San Diego, California ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
My son and I wanted to go to the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, but couldn’t find an organized tour to join. When a new company called Destination Japan appeared on page 5 of my Google search, I had to call them. When I found out that Earl Gertwagen was behind its organization (and would be our tour guide), I was sold. Out came the credit card, and I signed both of us up immediately.
The Tokyo Summer Maximum tour was amazing. It was very well organized, and the only surprises were pleasant ones (the blessing of the Formula-1 race car at the Buddhist temple in Asakusa comes to mind). A perfect balance of organized outings and free time made this trip to Tokyo our best yet. The accommodations at the Keio Plaza were first-rate, and Earl was the consummate tour guide. His vast knowledge of the area and command of the language were invaluable, and his infectious spirit helped to make this a most memorable trip.
I can’t recommend Destination Japan and Earl-san highly enough.
[sic]
|
|
|
- Bruce Upchurch, [ Scottsdale, Arizona ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
I have been to Japan several times in the past (twice with Earl) he is an amazing tour guide. Every time that I go I have the attitude that I know alot about Japan but everytime I learn so much, Earl is very good at making destination Japans tours fun and new for first timers and returing travelers. He is willing to help you make plans if you want to do something by yourself. Just ask about Enoshima, or Hakone both places are fun and worth a look. Destination Japan is definiatly the company I will go with the next time I need a group.
[sic]
|
|
|
- Mathias Nani, [ Los Angeles, California ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Destination Japan was a pretty fun experience. Like most tours were nicely structured so I didn't get lost; as well, we had enough free time to venture on our own and discover Japan our way. Very good price and excellent services!! I would, no I am going to go again using the very same services.
[sic]
|
|
|
- Will Tse, [ Gardena, California ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Well the Tokyo Anime Freedom 08 tour has come and gone. Now I am left with all the wicked souvenirs, pics, friendships, and awesome memories I brought back. If I had to describe this tour in a word it would be EPIC. Watching this tour unfold and develop was an incredible amount of fun. Originally I had decided not to do any of the optional tours, but after hearing what they were I couldn’t resist! The icing on the cake was hearing that we had a chance to see the monumental X JAPAN reunion concert; yeah this wasn’t going to be your average tour...
Destination Japan does a great job of preparing you and making you aware of all your options. Nothing is more exciting then getting emails from Earl after you have signed up telling you itineraries, travel tips, and events. Actually this is my second time going on tour with Earl as my guide and once I met up with him and the group I remembered exactly why I chose to be a repeat customer. You couldn’t ask for a more helpful and responsible guide. He’s always in good form helping with picture taking, answering questions, or just having some laughs. I extended my stay and he even gave me some of his valuable time to help plan side trips.
Read more >>
It should also be noted that being on the East Coast I opted for the Land Only package. I still booked my flight through H.I.S. and got a very impressive price. DJ is truly a full service and professional agency.
As for Japan? I won’t even go into what a great and exciting place it is except that if you go, prepare to not want to leave and when you leave, prepare to miss all the great food, awesome people, and unique places to go!
[sic]
|
|
|
- Cory Cone, [ Eatontown, New Jersey ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
I have wanted to travel to Japan ever since I began studying the martial arts at 12-years old. A seasoned admirer of Japanese pop-culture (...and not just the music, anime and manga, mind you ...but also the people, technology, cuisine, and history!) I desired to take this trip only when I knew, that I would get the absolute MOST out of an otherwise very intimidating and unknown adventure...
Allow me to start by putting things plain. I am not the "tour" type -at all. However, I was referred to H.I.S. and Destination Japan, often checking out the 'DJ' website from time to time... even for just a peek at the photo memories, or testimonials of past tours. When I noticed that the 2008 Anime Freedom Tour was "open-ended" (the tour days were optional, while the rest was 'free to explore' on your own…) I “pulled the trigger” and purchased it right away.
Read more >>
From the start, I had many questions about HOW to prepare, WHAT to pre-purchase, and overall inquiries in general to get me even more 'psyched-up' about this tour. To my delight, the staff at Destination Japan gave all the time I needed over the phone to get my questions answered, and they often took an extra moment or two...to help build a bit more confidence about making this much anticipated trip.
Once there, (and amidst all of the excitement) words cannot explain how smoothly the tour went.
Our guide, Earl Gertwagen (or "Taisho" -as WE liked to call him...) was so much more than we could have ever asked for!! Humble and patient, vastly knowledgeable, and a consummate professional... Earl was constantly dedicated to seeing that every single one of us got to see and take in - the absolute MOST out of exploring Japan!!!
And the places we went... (In a word) breathtaking. There is SO MUCH to do, see, and be humbled by. All amongst a people, and in a wondrous city that really should be experienced by EVERYONE! (and not just the fans of Japanese pop-culture either.) Everybody within this group had different reasons for making this journey; but ALL had their wishes satisfied in a BIG way.
Oh... and as a side note, this was my SECOND trip with Earl and Destination Japan...
And I for one... will DEFINITELY do this again.
[sic]
|
|
|
- Jeffrey-Thomas "J.T." De Socio, [ Writer/Producer - FOX News, Los Angeles ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
My experience with Destination Japan was phenomenal. From the very first contact, I knew that it would be an awesome trip. The friendliness that Earl displayed through initial emails and communications clearly conveyed his passion for what he does. I had been wanting to visit Japan for well over a decade, and I finally got the opportunity through Destination Japan! The trip was everything I could have dreamed of! Initially, I was a bit apprehensive of going on a "tour", since I was unsure of how much freedom it would allow. Looking back on it though, it was the perfect format! The Tokyo Summer Maximum trip featured awesome and informative guided trips, as well as plenty of time for me to roam the streets of Tokyo by myself. Earl always made sure that everyone was getting the most out of each moment of the trip. He was always there to answer my many questions while simultaneously guiding us to our super-awesome destinations. All-in-all, it was an experience that words can't describe. Japan is an incredible place and seeing it for the first time is totally mind-blowing!
Read more >>
For anyone who has been wanting to visit Japan, do it! And definitely use Destination Japan! When you visit another country, you want someone by your side who really knows what they're talking about, and can give you unbiased opinions and suggestions to make your trip unforgettable! Earl is that person! And for anyone who might be apprehensive about going on such a huge trip by themselves, don't worry! I had never felt more safe and secure in my life. And despite the incredibly awe-inspiring magnitude of Tokyo, the challenge of conquering it is all part of the experience! Not to mention there will be plenty of awesome Japan-lovers who will be right there with you!
There is no doubt that I will be returning to Japan some day with Destination Japan! :D
[sic]
|
|
|
- Eric Trammel, [ Davenport, Florida ]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Going to Tokyo was an amazing experience, and being part of a Destination Japan group just made it even better. Our guide was really outgoing and knowledgeable, and he was really helpful--even when we called him at the crack of dawn for directions to get sushi. DJ also helped us experience some awesome stuff that we otherwise wouldn't have gotten to check out, so it was definitely a really great time. Seriously, these guys are awesome, especially for first-time visitors.
[sic]
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
