Susan Wright  & Adam Stead

We’d never done a group tour before, and frankly totally put off by the whole idea – but Jane’s beautifully curated Zenbu Zen tour with an eye fordetail, exquisite cultural nuances, a lively pace with time to reflect not to mention some of the finest dining and hospitality experiences we’ve enjoyed is something we happily rave about. To anyone that will listen. If you’re a first time traveller to Japan (which we were) this takes all the hassle out of researching and planning a trip. It excited and inspired in equal measure and provided a wonderful cultural immersion in a way that we would never have experienced trying to do a trip on our own. Not to mention enjoying the company of some charming travel companions. So if you’re contemplating a trip to Japan that provides a whistle stop tour, check off an attractions list and fit in as many cities as you can – then you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re after an experience that takes you to places you’d never find in the tourist guides from the most moving temples to the most delicate tempura, then seek out Jane and her Zenbu Tours of Kyoto.