I thoroughly enjoyed myself in all the amazing experiences Lyn organised and planned. In particular though, her deep ties with friends and neighbours made the holiday all the more special, giving us a privileged insight into the beauty and nature of Japan and its people that few other short-term visitors could experience.

Jo from Cairns, Australia joined Lyn’s ‘Cherry Blossom 1’ trip in March 2024

“What a wonderful Japanese experience  Lyn gave us. On this trip Lyn was accompanied by her daughter Kate. Both Lyn and Kate are fluent in the Japanese language which gave us the opportunity of joining in a conversation with Lyn’s wonderful friends in the village and also other Japanese friends that she with her husband and two grown up daughters have made in the 27 years she lived and worked there. 

 Her two homes in the village are ideal accommodation. One being in the old Japanese style of building and the 2nd a more modern style, but still with Japanese interior. From breakfast to dinner Lyn made us feel so welcome and at home. We loved the location, with rice fields, veggies growing with the locals tending their crops of cabbages, sweet potatoes & strawberries etc.

Our days were filled with everything Japanese, from the food (which is great- especially the omelettes) to visiting world renowned shrines to the city of Osaka at night. My husband John loved our visit to the Sake Museum, especially the tastings. I don’t think there was anything from the Japanese Culture that we didn’t experience. We totally enjoyed our time with Lyn, Kate and other guests Shelly & her mum Yvonne. If you want to see the real Japanese, travel with Lyn.”

Judy from Sydney, Australia joined Lyn’s “Autumn Fire” trip in November 2019

“A total immersion into Japanese culture from day 1. We could never have discovered all this information without the expertise of Lyn and her daughter Kate. Their fluent Japanese language and in-depth knowledge provided a great insight into a culture which varies greatly from our own.
We met neighbours and friends who opened their homes to us to talk about their own Buddhist shrine or teach us Ikebana- amazing. Every day was a surprise. I loved the food- no need to think that Japan is purely sushi and sashimi- all tastes are catered for. The Onsen - hot warm baths were an eye opener and 100% relaxing once you got used to the nubile Japanese maidens wondering around in the nude. Our last night was spent in Koyasan, a Buddhist temple high up in the mountains- a true highlight. We even got a bit of the background Buddhist gossip!
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone- even my 82 year old mother managed to walk multiple kilometres daily. We all had a ball!”

Shelley from Brisbane, Australia joined Lyn’s “Autumn Fire” trip in November 2019

“Impossible to have a better experience of Japan than this tour.
Lyn has an intimate knowledge of the language, the culture, the people.
Not only did we see the historical sites, temples, kimonos etc, but we were also introduced to the local Japanese people. A neighbour came to make sushi in our kitchen. We had an Ikebana session with a lady steeped in Ikebana history.
We travelled to a beautiful Buddhist retreat in the mountains, accompanied by a Japanese lady who could pass on the secrets. Saw many exquisite Japanese gardens with maple leaves in glorious autumn reds. This is only a taste of what we saw. Wish everyone could experience this.”

Yvonne from Capetown, South Africa joined Lyn’s “Autumn Fire” trip in November 2019

“Lyn's warmth, fluent Japanese, extensive knowledge of Japan and its culture opened our eyes to Japan at grass roots level. Her tour was well planned to include visits to Osaka and Kyoto as well as quiet visits to mountains, waterfalls and temples. An overnight stay on Miyajima Island in a traditional Inn has become a treasured memory, and the return trip to Hiroshima on the bullet train is a must. Lyn opened up a wide range of possibilities for our small group of four, from dressing in traditional costume in Kyoto, exploring the bamboo forest, wandering narrow winding streets lined with traditional shop houses to an impromptu visit to an interactive Japanese play. Food was an enjoyable part of our trip, ranging from tiny hole-in the-wall eating places as we ate our way around Osaka, to five star dining on Miyajima Island. After dining in a private room wearing the traditional sleepwear the Inn provided, we wandered the quiet streets to see the vermilion torii gates shimmer on the moonlit sea. Lyn guided us to aspects of modern Japan as well with the opportunity to view modern display homes, all suitably reinforced for earthquake protection, a chance to enjoy karaoke in a private room and the fun of cooking our own Okonomyiaki in a local restaurant. There was also the chance to relax in a traditional Onsen, Japanese bath house.
Lyn's tour was well-balanced, flexible and unbelievably good value for money. It was simply a highlight staying in either of Lyn's two houses, in the peaceful surrounds of the village. The lush green of the bamboo forest behind us, rice paddies and local vegetable plots in front. The chance to meet Lyn's delightful neighbours and to share a meal with them is something we would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. We recommend Lyn's travel highly.”

Graeme and Fran from Victoria, Australia joined Lyn’s “Nature’s Growth Spurt” tour in June 2019

“The personal touch that Lyn gave to our tour and her in depth knowledge of the country, the people, the customs and history.
Lyn's happy and caring manner ensured a satisfying and interesting holiday full of surprises from 'off the beaten track' to the traditional 'Must Do's'. A wonderful experience we will be back for more.”

Mervin and Robyn from Cairns, Australia joined Lyn’s “Nature’s Growth Spurt” tour in June 2019