Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Hakone
English
4 hours on average
1 day ago
KON-NICHI-WA (Hello) I’m Mitsuru (Mark) Sakai .
I was born in Hokkaido, the north part of Japan.
I moved to Seattle, USA when I was five and the name MARK was given by my classroom teacher then. It was also when I started to learn English, though it was a kid English, still I may using.
I came back to Japan when I was eleven and I experienced difficulties adjusting to new circumstances.
It was tough one.
Though, It forced me to notice the differences and similarities between the two countries.
Definitely these experiences became my precious back bone to be a tour guide still today.
My favorite subject is Japanese history especially regarding Shintoism, Buddhism and samurai-culture.
Also, since I studied architecture in university, I' m happy to introduce you our unique buildings and structures on the way.
However, my most favorite thing above all is to make your trip ever enjoyable.
I’d like to make you feel relaxed, safe and secured.
I wish I could see you someday soon..
Thank you.
Mitsuru Mark Sakai.
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
We may walk a lot so wear flat shoes .
Please note there are few area even in Tokyo where I have difficulty to get to your place.
Mark was my guide for one day. He was so extremely knowledgeable and committed to making sure I had the trip of a life time. He made a travel plan based on my interest when he picked up me at the hotel lobby in the morning, I learnt the history and culture of Tokyo from his introduction. Very impressive. He showed me important areas that were not well known and that I would not have found on standard tours or on my own. I will introduce him to my friends whoever want to visit Tokyo for sure!
Thank you so much for your generous comment. It was my great pleasure to show you around my favorite historical sites in Tokyo. Also your various kind of appropriate questions made me realize my lack of knowledge. I definitely need to brush up. See you again.
Mark was a wonderful guide and easy to speak and deal with. He very helpful especially considering we were a big group with kids and seniors. Thanks Mark!
Thank you so much for your most generous review. It was my great pleasure to introduce my favorite places in Tokyo. Next time please let me introduce Kamakura. Looking forward to seeing you again.
By the time we met Mark in Tokyo, we had had 4 other guides in other cities so we asked him to focus on the things which make Tokyo really unique and he worked hard to make that happen for us. From ancient Shinto religious services to the inside tour of the National Diet (parliament) building and the Imperial Palace, he really gave us a sense of how special Tokyo is. He even took us to the kitchen and cookery supplies area in Asakusa to fulfil a last-minute special request. You can trust him to guide you where you want to go.
Thank you so much for your kind review and also patience during the tour. I should had organized the tour more thoroughly to avoid unnecessary traveling time. Yes, we tried to find something unique in Tokyo, but I don’t think I have done anything special even that was the best for me at that time. It was my great fortunate to spend wonderful time with you. Thank you again.
We booked with Mitsuru (Mark) on our first day in Tokyo. He met us early at our hotel, and he asked and listened to what we were wanting to do and see. He made a plan on the spot, and we were off. He took us to beautiful shrines and temples, and we attended a ceremony at a Buddhist temple. It was unlike anything I could have imagined-drums, horns, chanting and fire! He took us to a small restaurant for one of the most amazing meals I have ever had. Our day continued on with a museum visit, Shibuya crossing and Harajuku. We were with Mark for over 8 hours, but the time flew by. His knowledge of history and tradition is exceptional. He taught us how to navigate the subway system and the following day my daughter and I traveled by subway and bus thanks to Mark’s introduction. I highly recommend Mark and this tour. It is a must for anyone visiting Tokyo.
Thank you so much for your great review. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed my “Private tour ‘My favorite Tokyo" I had tried my best to visit various kind of places as much as possible in the most efficient way and find out what are you looking for. It was my fortunate that things went well, definitely due to your generosity and your patience. Again, thank you so much.