Mariko was so sweet and fun! We had an amazing time in Kyoto with her. She brought us to wagashi class to start. We had lunch, visited some temples that she recommended (there are so many in Kyoto; I was so glad to have an insight on which ones are good to visit). We were also lucky enough to be visiting during one of three weekends a year when there are Autumn nightime temple lightings. Without her suggestion, we would have no idea they were even happening! Mariko took us to the temple lighting and dinner at a hotpot restaurant. She even found places to eat that would be fine for an allergy. She planned all of this even before we left for Japan and was a great communicator. Her English is excellent too! Thank you, Mariko!

We had a fantastic time with Kazuhisa! He was very flexible and took us to all of the places that we were interested in. There is no way that we would have been able to see so much and be so relaxed without his help. Tokyo is an enormously large and overwhelming city if you don't know where you are going. Kazuhisa really knows Tokyo and made our day wonderul and fullfilling. Thank you, Kazuhisa! We hope to see you again in the US!

We took Mariko's Tsukiji Fish Market tour yesterday and we really had a great time! Mariko went way out of her way to pick us up when we had problems getting a cab and she was a perfect guide. She brought a book while we were waiting for the auction to start and explained the process. During the auction she translated what was happening and after she brought us all around the fish market to see the shrines, sellers, restaurants and sweet omelet makers (so good; she, of course, knew the best one!) We had some minced fish and shrimp "meatballs" on a stick from a street vendor ( super yummy!) and our children bought some sweets. It was such a great start to our trip. Mariko is thoughtful and easy to be around; we would recommend her without reservations.