“A heartfelt and unforgettable experience with Michiko”

We had the great pleasure of spending two and a half days with Michiko — starting in Nara, then traveling by car to Kyoto. Together we explored both cities as well as a beautiful tea plantation along the way. Before our trip even began, Michiko had already prepared everything in detail. She arranged our sightseeing routes and even secured local train tickets that we, as visitors, would never have found on our own. Thanks to her, we discovered many hidden gems that made our journey truly special. Michiko perfectly represents the gentle and gracious spirit of Nara — calm, polite, and deeply kind. Though she is a quiet person by nature, her explanations at each site were thoughtful and rich in detail. She guided us not only through places but also through culture and history with great insight. On our last day, saying goodbye was truly emotional. Michiko had to travel more than two hours each way from her home in Nara to meet us in Kyoto, and she still took the time to help us find a taxi at the train station before leaving. She even gave me a beautiful silk scarf as a farewell gift — a gesture that deeply touched my heart. Michiko is not only an excellent guide but also a wonderful human being. Through her, we came to understand and love Nara and Kyoto even more. It was a truly memorable experience, one that we will cherish for a long time.

Michiko T.

(77 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I feel truly fortunate to have been chosen as a guide for such a lovely couple as yourselves. Hans, I was impressed with your extensive knowledge and insight of Japanese politics, economics, and culture, gained from previous experience living here. Sharon, I was moved to see how you appreciated each moment with intelligence and rich sensitivity. I was also touched with your thoughtfulness. We hope this tour becomes a wonderful memory for both of you. Please do visit Japan again to discover more hidden gems. I wish you all the best!

“Discovering Kyoto’s Quiet Corners with a Wonderful Guide”

My wife and I enjoyed a truly wonderful guided tour with Michiko-san in mid-October. Because Kyoto is so popular with visitors, we had asked Michiko-san if she might show us a few places “off the beaten path.” She crafted a thoughtful itinerary that included Gion Shinbashi, Nijō-jō Castle, and several lovely sites in the Arashiyama area. Apart from the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama (which we especially wanted to experience, even knowing it would be crowded), every place she brought us felt calm and unhurried. I particularly appreciated this, as I had injured my knee shortly before our trip and needed a gentler pace throughout the six-hour tour. Michiko-san also arranged a delightful sushi lunch at a small restaurant in Arashiyama — a meal that remains near the very top of our list from our seventeen-day journey across Japan. Her kindness, attentiveness, and insights into each location enriched our understanding and deepened our appreciation of Kyoto. It was truly a five-star experience, and we are sincerely grateful to have had Michiko-san as our guide to this remarkable city.

Michiko T.

(77 reviews)

Dear Andrew, thank you for your thoughtful and heartwarming review and the lovely photo you shared. It was my great pleasure to see how deeply you both cherish Japanese culture, history, and nature. I was also deeply impressed by how you savored each place and moment, enjoying your journey with such joy. I hope you'll come back to Japan again with Lisa sometime in the future!

“Visited Nata”

Michiko as a very kind, soft spoken and very knowledgeable tour guide. I would highly recommend engaging her services as a tour guide.

Michiko T.

(77 reviews)

Thank you for choosing me as your guide and for writing such a wonderful review! I was impressed by your enthusiasm in exploring the cultural sites and natural beauty, including the bowing deer. I hope you will remember Nara fondly. All the best!