I want to gift my parents a trip. But since their mobility has weakened, it might be difficult for them to walk around...
Are you postponing the filial piety trip with such thoughts?
The completely private tours of Tabino Ito are particularly popular among families who have such concerns. This time, based on the experiences of customers who have actually used our services, we will introduce why "filial piety trips are well-suited for private tours."
The real reason why filial piety cannot be fulfilled on group tours
Group tours offered by travel companies seem convenient at first glance due to their affordable prices and fixed itineraries. However, when taking parents who have concerns about their legs and back, the following problems tend to arise.
- It takes time to get on and off the bus, and you have to be considerate of those in the back.
- You are rushed with "30 minutes until the next meeting time," and cannot take your time to enjoy the scenery.
- The timing for bathroom breaks does not align, making it physically challenging.
- There is an atmosphere where you cannot say, "I want to rest because I'm tired."
- Worrying about falling makes it hard to concentrate on walking, and you cannot enjoy the scenery.
The precious filial piety trip ends up becoming a journey that makes your parents feel "considerate." This is counterproductive.
What changes with a chartered Alphard
On Tabino Ito's tours, you will exclusively use the Toyota luxury minivan "Alphard Z" for your group.
🚗 Reasons why the Alphard is chosen for "filial piety"
- Easy to get in and out: The sliding door provides a wide opening, and there are few steps. It is designed to make assistance easier.
- Spacious and deep seats: Even after long hours of riding, you won't get tired easily, and it's safe to doze off.
- No other passengers: You can request bathroom breaks and rest without worrying about others.
- Spacious for luggage: Wheelchairs, canes, and large bags are all welcome.
- Door-to-door pick-up: We will pick you up from the station or hotel.
Actual tour experience: A family visiting from Sendai (daughter + parents).
This time, we introduce a case where a daughter living in Sendai applied because she wanted to show her parents in their 80s the beauty of Aizu. Her father has a chronic condition in his legs, making long-distance walking difficult.
Morning: Views of Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai.
The first destination is Lake Inawashiro. We parked the car in a lakeside parking lot and slowly walked to a bench with a great view, about 50 meters away. Just that distance allowed the blue of the lake to spread before her father's eyes.
"I feel like I've never seen such a large lake before. I'm glad we came."
——Father (in his 80s)
The philosophy of a private tour is not 'travel is impossible because I can't walk,' but rather 'delivering the best views within walking range.' Just moving while gazing at Mount Bandai from the car window is enough to create a significant emotional experience.
Lunch: Lunch at a small local diner.
For lunch, we suggested a small eatery in Aizu frequented by locals. It's a place tucked away in an alley where large tourist buses cannot stop.
The menu features Aizu's local cuisine. We enjoyed local flavors such as kozuyu (a traditional Aizu soup dish) and pickled herring with sansho. The mother remarked, "This tastes similar to what my grandmother used to make," sparking a lively conversation filled with memories at the table.
To ensure the family enjoys their meal without the guide present, we only assist with securing seats and taking orders, then wait at a distance, which is the style of the journey.
Afternoon: Tsuruga Castle and the history of Aizu.
In the afternoon, we headed to Tsuruga Castle. Considering the father's stamina, we decided not to push for climbing to the main keep and instead changed the course to stroll along the stone-paved paths while admiring the castle's exterior.
🏯 A guide tells the story of Tsuruga Castle
The history of the Aizu domain and the Boshin War, the story of the young members of the Byakkotai, the bullet marks left on the castle walls—what the guide shares about Aizu's history is a "human story" not found on tourist information boards. It seems that your father learned about Aizu's history when he was young, and he nodded several times, saying, "The stories I knew connected to the actual places."
Timing a break at a nearby café when fatigue sets in. Instead of saying, "Please let me know if you’re tired," the guide, observing expressions and walking patterns, proactively suggests a rest—this attentiveness is unique to guides who have lived in the area for many years.
At the end of the journey
In the car on the way to the hotel, your daughter quietly said.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my parents having so much fun. I’m really glad we planned this."
——Your daughter (in her 50s)
The trip chosen for your parents became a day that deeply resonated with your daughter as well.
Those suited for a private tour for a filial piety trip
- Those who have avoided group tours due to concerns about their parents' mobility and stamina
- Those who have missed opportunities while thinking, "I want to take them someday"
- Those who want to create special memories for anniversaries (such as Koki, Kiju, Sanju, Beiju, etc.)
- Those who want to show their parents the "real Aizu" that only locals know
- Those who want to be in photos with their parents (and avoid having someone take the pictures)
"While they are still a bit healthier"—please don’t postpone that feeling.
