“A Truly Special Guide and a Wonderful Person — Our Time with Ritsuko”

Spending two days with Ritsuko was one of the highlights of our time in Japan. She is an exceptional guide and a genuinely warm, kind, and thoughtful person who made our experience feel personal. Day 1 – Tokyo Ritsuko showed us the wonderful contrasts of Tokyo, beginning at Senso-ji in Asakusa, where she explained the history and traditions in a way that felt both accessible and meaningful. We then enjoyed a peaceful visit to Meiji Shrine and time exploring Harajuku. Her explanations were engaging and insightful, and her English is excellent. Day 2 – Kamakura Our day in Kamakura was equally memorable, although it was very rainy. Ritsuko guided us through Hokokuji, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, and Hase Temple, sharing rich historical context while also allowing time to simply enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of each place. She was very patient, never rushed us, and always made sure we were comfortable and happy with the pace. What made our time with Ritsuko especially meaningful was the personal connection she shared with us. We loved hearing about her family and her life in Japan—it gave us a deeper appreciation of the culture beyond the sights themselves. Touring with her felt like spending time with a friend rather than just following an itinerary. And one unforgettable gesture deserves special mention: after our Tokyo tour had officially ended, Ritsuko kindly went out of her way to take us back across the city to the one store that sells licensed merchandise for all Japanese baseball teams, just so we could find the perfect gift for our grandson. That level of thoughtfulness and generosity is rare and speaks volumes about who she is. We cannot recommend Ritsuko highly enough. She is knowledgeable, extremely patient, warm, engaging, and truly cares about the people she guides. If you have the opportunity to tour with her, do not hesitate—you will leave with wonderful memories and a deeper connection to Japan.

Ritsuko K.

(143 reviews)

Hi Steve and Inna, Thank you so much for your truly wonderful review. Our tour was in October last year, but despite the time that has passed, your fantastic feedback brought back fond memories of our time together. I still remember that our first contact was back in 2024, and after a few twists and turns, it was a true honor to finally meet you both on the tour one year later. Unfortunately, we weren't blessed with the best weather, but I'm glad I was able to guide you through the highlights of both Tokyo and Kamakura. It was also a fun experience for me to help you look for Giants and Fighters merchandise at the Selection shop! Thank you again for choosing me as your guide and for your kind words. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future. Until then, all the best!

“Amazing custom experience in Tokyo”

My tour with Ritsuko was amazing, she paid attention to my individual interests and found a way to include them in the tour. She included history and context, and brought me to see many sides of Tokyo I wouldn't have experienced without her. Thank you for such a great day!

Ritsuko K.

(143 reviews)

Hi Amy, Thank you so much for your kind review! I am delighted that the personalized itinerary met your interests from the Seiko Museum to the small Japanese garden. It was MY pleasure sharing those hidden gems with you. I also truly enjoyed our conversations throughout the day. Best of luck with your new job! Please take good care of yourself, and I hope to see you in Japan again someday.

Sally M.

5 / 5

Jan 10, 2026

A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit

Jan 10, 2026

Tokyo

7 hours

“Fabulous Day in Toyko”

Our day with Ritsuko was perfect for us. She tailored the day to what we wanted to see and do. She gave us history and context to the sights we were seeing on a very personalized level. Remember touring this way means taking local transportation and a lot of walking. This was just the way we like to see a city. She helped us with everything from buying train and subway tickets, picking a local restaurant when it was lunch time and helping us navigate the shopping district and department store purchases. We were a party of four and everyone agreed we were 100% satisfied with our day in TOYKO. We highly recommend her.

Ritsuko K.

(143 reviews)

Hi Sally, Bob, Peter, and Melanie, Thank you so much for your kind words! I had a fantastic time guiding your group during your cruise stopover. Thanks to your great walking pace, we covered a wonderful mix of Tokyo, from the historic sites you requested to the vibrant pedestrian paradise in Ginza. It was a pleasure showing you the "local way" of navigating the city using the subway and Yurikamome, and I’m glad you enjoyed the ramen lunch and shopping experience as well. Knowing that everyone in your party was satisfied makes me very happy. It was a privilege to be a part of your precious single day in Tokyo. I hope the rest of your cruise is filled with amazing discoveries and beautiful memories. Take care and stay healthy!