Get a behind-the-scenes look into how Nellie worked with a family of 4 to craft an exquisitely curated, luxurious, and authentic trip to Japan.
Destination:
Japan
Who we were planning for:
Family of 4 (parents and two children in their 20s)
How long of a trip:
10 days in country
What we knew going into the planning process
- The family had worked with travel advisors before, but it wasn’t a great experience
- They were looking to go to the most popular locations in Japan, which is currently our hottest destination (beating out long-time favorite, Italy)
- They were looking for luxury accommodations and truly authentic cultural experiences
How we worked with them to create an unforgettable trip
From the very first conversation, we listened closely to the family’s previous experiences with a travel advisor to make sure they felt comfortable putting their trip in our hands. Once they understood our completely bespoke, hands-on, “insiders only” service, we were off to the races.
We knew the locations they wanted to travel to would be jam-packed with tourists and Instagram influencers, even in the low season. So we created an itinerary that gave them experiences they wanted—a traditional ryokan stay and visit to samurai sword makers—in unique locations that offered the level of service and authenticity that we knew would bring delight.
One of those delights was a visit to Kanazawa, an UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, also known as the cradle of Japanese traditional culture and arts for the last 400 years. We booked them a private-car tour of the city’s Nagamachi Samurai district with one of the area’s most experienced and thoughtful guides. And we were able to snag a coveted studio visit to a samurai sword maker in Higashichayagi, where they got to see a master at work.
"I’ve never experienced traveling this seamlessly. it was truly a five-star experience. A trip of a lifetime."
- Melissa, traveler
And to avoid the crowds at the most popular ryokans, we sent the family to a more luxurious, yet still authentic, stay at Beniya Mukayu in Kaga Onsen just an hour away. We loved our own visit to Beniya Mukayu and were thrilled to recommend it; the food and the deluxe accommodations are simply amazing.
In Tokyo, we were able to secure a rare private tour of the fish market, followed by a lesson from a renowned sushi chef and then a private tour of the city’s most coveted restaurants for dinner. Just the perfect day in one of the world’s most special cities. "It's hard to pin down just a few highlights,” says our client. “Aki, our rickshaw driver, created an incredibly fun excursion and really engaged with our kids. We all loved watching sumo in Tokyo. Staying at a ryokan and exploring Kanazawa were huge hits!" - Melissa
What else makes this a Nellie trip?
- Our team vetted every bit of this trip: the hotels, the guides, the transportation, the cultural immersion experiences.
- We crafted a trip that gave the family the things they wanted while using our deep expertise to ensure the itinerary exceeded their expectations.
- It was full of “insider-only” cultural experiences that just aren’t available to travelers who are planning their own trips. We’re able to secure these types of experiences because of the strong relationships we and our partners have built with locals in the destinations we serve.
- The private tours were all guided by people we know and trust and who go way beyond. They’re amazing people who offer next-level service, and they anticipated our family’s needs and desires to make sure it was an epic experience throughout.
- We hired someone to teach them how to navigate the train system and accompany them on their first ride. By the end of the trip they were pros!
- Because we happened to be visiting Japan ourselves a few weeks before the family went, we recorded “how-to” videos to share with the family about how to navigate the city. It’s obviously not something we can do for every trip, but we loved that we were able to go above-and-beyond for them.
"Nellie took the time to orchestrate an unforgettable family trip to Japan. I literally would not have changed a thing."
- Melissa, traveler