About Tour Guide Shawn D.

“Kobe Done Right—Thoughtful Planning and Genuine Care”

"Shawn gave me an amazing day in Kobe. He planned everything perfectly —from the walk around Arima and my visit to the onsen to wandering around the herb gardens and eating Japanese curry at CoCo. We went to extra places along the way outside of what was listed in the trip too. What really stood out was how much local knowledge he shared about Kobe and living in Japan and how genuinely he cared about giving me an authentic experience. He was easy to talk to the entire time and was always looking out for me. Highly recommended!"

Shawn D.

(3 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure spending the day with you and showing you some of my favorite places around Kobe. I’m so glad you enjoyed Arima Onsen, the Herb Gardens, CoCo Ichibanya, and the extra stops we made along the way. My goal is always to create a relaxed, authentic experience that’s tailored to each guest, so it means a lot to hear that you felt well looked after. Thank you again for choosing to explore Kobe with me, and I hope to welcome you back to Japan someday for another adventure. Safe travels!

“Mr. Friendly and Patient ”

Shawn was our guide yesterday. He was on time, had a plan, moved at our pace, and just one of the nicest humans you ever want to meet! We were a family of 4 ( 3 adults and one male). He took good care of us all and the male was quite happy! We enjoyed the herb garden in Kobe and Fushima Inari gates in Kyoto, a bit of shopping, plus a lovely lunch! Over 21,000 steps accomplished!! The only reason for 4 stars vs 5 is because he is still learning to navigate public transport. It was not a big deal and certainly we were not capable. Would definitely seek him out again!

Shawn D.

(3 reviews)

Thank you so much for the kind words. It was a real pleasure spending the day with your family, and I'm glad everyone enjoyed it, including the one who racked up all those steps with us. The herb garden and the gates at Fushimi Inari are two of my favorite stops, so it made my day that they landed well for you. You're right that public transport is something I'm always sharpening, and I appreciate the honest note. It helps me get better. I'd love to guide you again whenever you're back in Japan.

“Western perspective, Japanese Insight”

Shawn brings a level of insight and experience that comes from decades of living in Japan, along with his personal skills and talents of being an effective communicator, a life long skill set of identifying and listening to customer needs and a spirit of entrepreneurship that he brings to life. He is constantly monitoring every person in the group to access their level of comfort and safety and responding to their needs. And on top of all this he shares cultural myths and the Japanese story. And did I mention an ability to guide you through the experience you are looking to have filled with information and lore about the sites you are visiting. This is a level of guide that I have only dreamed about. And just a good person to know.

Shawn D.

(3 reviews)

Marty, thank you for such thoughtful words. Spending two days with you and the group in Kyoto and Osaka was a genuine pleasure. From the moment we met at the port, everyone brought great energy and curiosity, which made my job easy. Wishing you, your wife, and your friends safe travels for the rest of the voyage, and I hope our paths cross again in Japan or Hawaii!