“Outstanding Tour & Tour Guide”

We had an amazing day exploring Asuka Village and Imai-Cho with Michiko! Our entire group of five left the tour talking about how much of a highlight this experience was for us. We wanted to explore a more rural part of the country and Michiko’s guidance allowed us to scratch that itch. As a guide, she was well prepared, extremely communicative in planning, very friendly, and beyond accommodating. For example, we had an itinerary we were following but wanted to try local strawberries - a speciality of the area. Hearing this, Michiko went out of her way to call multiple shops and ask various locals to make this happen for us. She found a space and seamlessly incorporated it into the tour - something that made our day. It may seem minor but this type of guidance is what allowed our whole tour to be so special. All in all, our tour was an amazing. Japan’s countryside is truly beautiful and I wouldn’t recommend any else to guide you through it besides Miko-San! We’re looking forward to future tours - thank you.

Michiko T.

(91 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Visiting Asuka Village—the cradle of Japan—and Imai-cho, which well retains historic townscape, with kind-hearted people like you made for a truly memorable spring day for me! The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, as if welcoming you all. As for me, I pedaled my bike just as hard as you young, full-of-energy guys, so it was really good exercise. I hope you enjoy Beppu and other places, and have many wonderful encounters and experiences. I look forward to seeing you all again.

“Michiko’s warmth and care helped create the perfect honeymoon day!”

This was our first time in Japan for our honeymoon, and while stopping in Kyoto, we wanted a local to show us around and help us discover places we wouldn’t have found on our own. Exploring Kyoto with our guide Michiko was one of the best decisions we could have made. The entire experience was thoughtfully planned, and her attention to detail and care truly stood out. We began the morning at Fushimi Inari Shrine to see the torii gates—arriving early made all the difference. Walking through the thousands of gates felt peaceful and surreal, and Michiko’s explanation of the history and meaning behind the shrine made the experience even more meaningful. Next, we visited the Silver Pavilion, including its stunning Zen garden and historical grounds. Learning about Zen philosophy and its influence on Japanese culture added depth to what we were seeing, and the garden was one of my favorite parts of Japan. Lunch at Cafe Chikoro was a charming, traditional experience with delicious home-style dishes made from fresh, local ingredients—somewhere we never would have found on our own. Our absolute favorite part of the tour was the bonsai nursery, Housyun-en inside Daitokuji Temple. This was a last-minute addition Michiko suggested after hearing about my interest in bonsai. Seeing trees that were hundreds of years old and the incredible care behind them was unforgettable. We ended the day with a stroll through Teramachi Shopping Street, a fun and lively way to wrap up with some shopping. Throughout the tour, Michiko was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making everything feel seamless yet relaxed. We learned so much and truly felt immersed in the culture. My wife and I cannot recommend her enough—her warmth and care helped create the perfect honeymoon day.

Michiko T.

(91 reviews)

Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful review. I am also truly grateful that you chose my tour as a gift for a lovely newlywed couple like them. They love vintage items, nature, Japanese gardens, and bonsai, and Kyoto was the very perfect destination! They were filled with a sense of wonder—delighting in the charms that others might overlook, such as the ancient trees along the way and the small garage sales, in addition to the understanding of the history and culture. I wish their happiness and look forward to seeing them and their sweet aunt, Christine again!

“Fantastic day trip ”

Fantastic day trip seeing Nara and even doing Indigo Dying activity. Excellent tour guide. Most personable and a lot of fun. Highly recommend.

Michiko T.

(91 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was an honor to guide such insightful and well-traveled guests like you in Nara and Osaka. What impressed me most was how open-minded you both were in enjoying a variety of experiences, such as Nara’s persimmon-leaf sushi and indigo dyeing. Your many stories about Canada, including that of winter boat races on frozen rivers, are really fascinating. It’s made me want to visit Canada again. I hope you continue to have a wonderful time! I hope you win the lottery!