“Shirakawago and Takayama”

This is the 2nd time that we have engaged Tomoe-san as our guide. This time, she guided us in our 2 day trip to Shirakawago and Takayama. We were glad that we did Prior to the trip, she actually made a trip to Shirakawago and Takayama to find out more about the transportation, places of interest. The homework that she did allowed us to travel smoothly from point to point. This is especially important because transport in and out of Shirakawago is limited especially during peak period. During the 2 day trips, not only were we were able to visit the key places of interest at both Shirakawago and Takayama. More importantly, her presence allowed us to communicate freely with the locals at Shirakawago and Takayama. These conversations with the locals allowed us deeper insight into the culture and customs of the Japanese living in these 2 locations. Throughout the 2 day trips, Tomoe san was very patient with us even when we took longer than usual to take photos. She would paced us so that we would still be able to complete what we aimed to do. She also enjoyed photography and she was able to help us capture wonderful moments with her phone. Definitely the guide to engage when you visit Japan

Tomoe S.

(123 reviews)

Dear Chan san, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I was really glad that you have remembered me since our first meeting, sent me a mail of inquiry again, and I was able to spend such a wonderful time with you in Shirakawago and Takayama. I will never forget such incredibly supreme days I spent with you. That's one of my best memories as a guide. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide again! I miss you so much. TOMOE

“A great and enjoyable experience”

If you're planning a trip to Kyoto and want to truly immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture, look no further than Tomoe, our exceptional guide for a full-day tour. From the moment we met, Tomoe's calm demeanor and cheerful disposition set the tone for what would be an unforgettable experience. Kyoto, with its bustling streets and countless attractions, can be overwhelming for visitors. However, Tomoe effortlessly guided us through the chaos, transforming what could have been a stressful day into a pleasant journey of discovery. Her intimate knowledge of the city's layout allowed us to maximize our time and see more than we ever thought possible in a single day. One of Tomoe's most impressive qualities was her ability to breathe life into Kyoto's ancient stones. As we explored iconic sites like Akando, Nanzenji, and Fushimi Inari, Tomoe's knowledgeable commentary transported us back in time. Her stories were not mere recitations of dates and facts, but vivid narratives that painted pictures of samurai, geishas, and emperors walking the very paths we trod. Traveling with children can be challenging, but Tomoe's approach made our family tour a delight for all ages. She had a special knack for engaging our son and daughter (10 and 11), adapting her stories and explanations to capture their imagination. What truly set Tomoe apart was her storytelling ability. Her tales were a perfect blend of historical facts and engaging narratives. From amusing anecdotes about ancient emperors to poignant stories of Kyoto during wartime, Tomoe's repertoire seemed endless. Her passion for Kyoto's history was infectious, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the city long after our tour ended. Our day with Tomoe was very enjoyable. Japanese culture. Her calm and pleasant demeanor, coupled with her vast knowledge and storytelling skills, made for an enriching experience that appealed to all ages in our group.

Tomoe S.

(123 reviews)

Dear Joanne, Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. I'm glad to hear that you were satisfied with the day with me. I also enjoyed the day with you, taking more than 40! pictures of such a nice family with autumn foliage. I hope that you like the pictures of you, which I sent. Kyoto has many other places with long history. I hope that you will come back to Kyoto. TOMOE

“A delightful and charming guide to Kyoto - we would love to repeat this tour!”

From the moment we met Tomoe, we knew we were in good hands. She guided us exploring temples and gardens in Kyoto during autumn. Although the leaves weren't at their peak this year due to hotter weather than usual leading up to our visit, we still had a wonderful day. Tomoe took us to both popular and less visited spots, and although some were busy, her cheerful and positive demeanour kept the day feeling fun and surprisingly relaxing. She enhanced our visit with her excellent knowledge of each site. One of the things that makes Tomoe special is her ability to charm everyone she meets, including various locals. Throughout the entire day, she made everyone around her smile. She really has a gift with people, on top of her knowledge and ability to organise well. She's also a talented photographer with an eye for great shots, and I'm grateful for the photos she sent us afterwards. She showed us many great viewpoints we would have missed walking through on our own. We enjoyed the excellent local place she suggest I highly recommend her if you are visiting Kyoto, and we will certainly hope to see her if we visit again. Thank you for a superb tour, Tomoe!

Tomoe S.

(123 reviews)

Dear Fiona, Thank you very much for your really warmhearted review! Visiting places and sharing so many pictures with you was so much fun for me, too. Nice meeting with the local souvenir shop owner on the local bus, talking with the ladies at local okonomiyaki restaurant while they are cooking our lunch, another talking with local 93 years old lady owner at local coffee shop... I will never forget such a wonderful day with you. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I miss you so much! I do hope that you will visit Kyoto and I can see you again! TOMOE