Thank you so much for your kind review! You were both so thoughtful and wonderful to talk with. I really enjoyed our meaningful conversations and learned a lot about your city and culture — now I’d love to visit someday. I’m also so glad that you enjoyed the onsen and Kobe beef shabu-shabu! It was such a pleasant and memorable day in Kobe with you. Enjoy the rest of your trip and have a safe flight home! Rika

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I still vividly remember that day — all the walking we did, the laughter we shared, and the delicious food we enjoyed. I often tell my family and friends about it, as if it happened just yesterday. It made me so happy to hear you speak about the beautiful things you discovered in Japan. And of course, the highlight was our outlet shopping adventure! I still wear our matching earrings often — they take priority over many of my other accessories, hahaha. Shopping with girl friends is truly more fun, and I guess that’s something universal! I look forward to seeing you again in Japan someday. Warm regards, Rika

Hi Tim, Thank you so much for your wonderful review — it truly warms my heart and encourages me. I still often think back to the wonderful time we spent together and share those memories with my friends and family. It was more than just sightseeing — I truly enjoyed our many conversations about different cultures with your intelligent and insightful mother, and I learned a great deal. Thank you for giving me such special memories. I’m planning to take a friend to that Belgian restaurant in Sannomiya’s dining district — the one with the delicious beer — and I’ll be sure to send you my impressions and some photos afterwards. Until recently, I thought Belgian chocolate was the most famous thing from Belgium, but thanks to you, I’ve discovered so many more charms of your country. Over the years, I’ve guided many international guests, but you and your mother asked the most thoughtful questions and truly engaged in cultural exchange. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on and deepen my own understanding of Japanese culture. Thank you so much for that! This work allows me to meet so many wonderful people and serves as a window to the world. I will continue to share the beauty of Japan — and Kobe in particular — with people from all around the globe. I hope our paths cross again someday — it would be a pleasure to see you both in Kobe or elsewhere in the world. Warm regards, Rika