“We highly recommend taking a tour with Akira-san!”

Akira-san was our guide for the Ghibli Museum at Mitaka. We were unable to secure Ghibli Museum tickets on our own and we were so grateful that he was able to obtain them for us! Before we left our home country for Japan, Akira-san kindly emailed us with recommendations for a couple of Ghibli movies to watch--each depicting important aspects of Japanese culture and history. He also shared interesting historical information about our hotel and the surrounding area. What we learned from Akira-san enhanced our time at the museum and during the rest of our stay in Japan. Akira-san met us at our hotel and helped us navigate the train and bus to get to the museum stress-free. During the travel time, each of our family members took turns walking with or sitting next to Akira-san and asking him questions about Japanese culture and history and Ghibli. Akira-san is very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable about all of these topics! He speaks English very well and it was easy to understand his thoughtful explanations. Outside the museum, he gave a short, interesting Ghibli presentation. We mostly moved through the museum on our own, although he was nearby to be sure we did not miss certain things. The Ghibli Museum fairly small but it is magical and amazing! We loved the short movie, and my sons, who are artists, were especially captivated by the many original drawings in the museum. We took our time moving very slowly through the museum because we wanted to appreciate every detail! Because of this, we needed much more time in the museum than the average visitor. Akira-san had kindly arranged lunch for all of us after the tour, but we decided to cancel lunch because we wanted more time in the museum. Akira-san was very understanding! Whether you are new to Ghibli, a fan of Ghibli or animation, or someone who is interested in Japanese culture and history, we highly recommend Akira-san! Your visit to Japan will be enhanced by spending interesting and enjoyable time with him!

Akira S.

(52 reviews)

Hi, Dana-san. Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It’s one of the most encouraging words. And also your family is one of the nicest families I’ve ever met. I’m sure that this tour has become my fruitful and rewarding one. I had a good chance to talk with Jay-san on the train. Sam-san was taking a very careful look at many works inside the museum, and Zack-san was asking about Shinto and local ghost or something in the bus. And you talked about environmental problems and the current situation in the US. Each one was very exciting time for me. I’m very much looking forward to telling me your address. I really want to send you something for your birthday. I’d like to keep in touch. Please say heartfelt “Hi” to everyone. Thank you again. Best regards, Akira

Judy C.

5 / 5

Mar 31, 2024

Asakusa, Hamarikyu & Tsukiji

Mar 31, 2024

Tokyo

7 hours 30 mins

“3 Day Tour With Akira!”

Akira-san was our guide for my family of four including a teenager and my 90 year old mother for the three days we were in Tokyo. He was very communicative right from the start spending a lot of time and effort planning our itinerary according to our interests. We spent two days touring Tokyo and the last day in Hakone to see Mt Fuji. He took us to must see spots like the Outer Tsukiji Fish Market where my husband had the best sushi, Hamarikyu Gardens, cruising on the Sumida River, Asakusa to see the Senso-ji Temple and the National Museum of Tokyo to name a few. Throughout the three days Akira-san was very friendly, solicitous, always asking about our well being and especially the well being of my elderly mother. We appreciated he made sure she always had a seat on the subways and trains we took. He was always willing to adjust our itinerary and requests as needed. We appreciated all he did for us during the three days. In short, if you are looking for someone who is friendly, responsive, knowledgeable about Tokyo and Japanese culture and who truly cares look up Akira-san!

Akira S.

(52 reviews)

Dear Judy’s family, Judy-san, Boyle-san, Lee-san and Jonathan. I’m most grateful to you for such an encouraging review! That’s too bad that the weather wasn’t good, on the first day drizzling, on the second day pouring. We had to stand in line in the rain outside of the museum. Furthermore, in Hakone, unbelievably crowded. I really hope everyone is fine after you got back after you had all those conditions and also after long flight. However, I’m very happy to see very nice people like your family. I’m very impressed by the way that you take good care of your mom. I also had a good time while we were talking about small things at Tsukiji sushi restaurant. As you also told me, if you have a chance to visit Japan some day again, I suggest you have more relaxed time and schedule. Thank you again. Regards, Akira

“Excellent tour guide in Tokyo”

We were fortunate to have Akira as our guide in Tokyo and would highly recommend him. He was kind and very knowledgeable and very considerate to our mother regarding comfort stops. In order to minimise walking for our mother, Akira was able to facilitate us covering several places via train and taxi (not costly). He was also very helpful regarding navigating the Tokyo train and subway system and directing us to the JR Office to book trains for our ongoing journey through Japan. Thank you, Akira.

Akira S.

(52 reviews)

Dear Patricia-san, Mary-san and Elizabeth-san. Thank you very much for sending me such a marvelous and encouraging review, which becomes great incentive to me. I’m happy to have had a chance to introduce several feature places in Tokyo. I really had a great time with you, although it was just for six hours. And I also remember I showed you how to eat “soba” buckwheat noodles in Japan. Hope you remember it too. Thank you so much again. I’m looking forward to seeing you if you have a chance to visit Japan some day again. Take care. Regards, Akira