"I want to give my parents a trip as a gift. But they are getting weaker, so it might be difficult for them to walk around..."
Are you putting off a trip to show your gratitude to your parents while holding onto such feelings?
Tabinoito's completely private tours are especially chosen by families who have such concerns. This time, based on the experiences of customers who have actually used our services, we will introduce "why trips to show gratitude to parents are a good match for private tours."
The real reason why you can't show gratitude to your parents on group tours
Group tours from travel agencies may seem convenient at first glance, with affordable prices and set itineraries. However, when you take parents who have concerns about their mobility, the following problems often arise.
- It takes time to get on and off the bus, and you end up worrying about those in the back.
- "There's only 30 minutes until the next meeting time," making it hard to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
- The timing for bathroom breaks doesn't align, making it physically tough.
- There’s an atmosphere that makes it hard to say, "I'm tired, I want to take a break."
- Worrying about falling makes it hard to enjoy the scenery as you focus on walking.
What should be a wonderful trip to show gratitude to your parents ends up being a "trip that makes them feel uneasy." This is counterproductive.
What changes with a chartered Alphard
On Tabinoito's tours, you will have a Toyota luxury minivan, the "Alphard Z," exclusively for your group.
🚗 Reasons why the Alphard is chosen for "showing gratitude to parents"
- Easy to get in and out: The wide opening with sliding doors and minimal steps make it easy for assistance.
- Spacious and deep seats: Comfortable for long periods, making it easy to doze off without worry.
- No other passengers: You can request bathroom breaks or rest without concern.
- Plenty of room 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 to show her 80-year-old parents Aizu. Her father has a chronic condition affecting 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 walked slowly to a bench with a great view, about 50 meters away. Even that distance allowed the blue of the lake to spread before her father's eyes.
“I feel like this is the first time I've seen such a large lake. I'm glad we came.”
——Father (in his 80s)
The philosophy of private tours is not 'travel is impossible because I can't walk,' but rather 'delivering the best views within walking range.' Even just moving while gazing at Mount Bandai from the car window provides ample excitement.
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 local Aizu 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,' leading to a lively conversation filled with memories around the table.
To ensure that you can enjoy your meal as a family without the guide present, our style at Tabinoito is to secure seats and assist with orders, then wait at a distance.
Afternoon: Tsuruga Castle and Aizu's History
In the afternoon, we head to Tsuruga Castle. Considering your father's stamina, we changed the course to a stroll along the stone pavement of the castle town while admiring the exterior, instead of climbing to the top.
🏯 The Story of Tsuruga Castle Told by the Guide
The history of the Aizu domain and the Boshin War, the story of the young members of the Byakkotai, and the bullet marks left on the castle walls—these narratives of Aizu shared by the guide are the "human stories" not found on tourist information boards. Your father nodded repeatedly, saying that he had learned about Aizu's history in his youth and that "the stories he knew connected with the actual places."
Just as we noticed he was starting to feel tired, we took a break at a nearby café. Instead of saying, "Please let me know if you are tired," the guide, observing his expressions and walking style, proactively suggested this break—a thoughtful gesture unique to a guide who has 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 in your daughter's heart as well.
Those Who Prefer Private Tours for a Filial Piety Trip
- Those who have been avoiding 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 their 70th, 77th, 80th, or 88th birthdays)
- If you want to show your parents who live far away the "real Aizu" that only locals know.
- If you want to be in a photo with your parents (and avoid having someone else take the picture).
"While I'm still a bit healthier" — please don't postpone that feeling.
[How about gifting a trip to Aizu for your parents?]
"I'm worried about my parent's health..." "I want to consult about which courses would be suitable."
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via LINE first.
We will think together about a day that matches your parents' pace.
