Laura Wolfe
2019-06-13 
Kiku is a wonderful guide who I would highly recommend to all future travelers. I asked Kiku to plan a day for my family of five aged 13-50, and since it was the beginning of rainy season, she was thoughtful to pick some locations that had indoor/sheltered areas. Thankfully though, we had great weather with no rain! Communication before, during and after our day with Kiku was and is excellent. She is very personable and patiently answered our many questions with her vast knowledge of the area.
We visited Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, Sanjusangendo, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaju (The Golden Pavilion) and Zen gardens. At each stop, Kiku would pull us to the side and explain the history of what we were about to see. Then during the visit would point out the "extras" that you would not get by reading the display signs. We traveled to each location by local train and buses, but if you wanted to spend more for taxis that would be fine too.
Maryann Armbrust
2018-10-22
My husband and sister and myself toured the Philosopher's Walk with Kiku. Kiku was the perfect guide to Japan, to Kyoto, to the Philosopher's Walk. She was knowledgeable about the history of her country and answered all of our questions, she was flexible about the details of our tour so that we could spend time on what we were interested in, she had a great sense of humor, and she spoke very good English. We felt like we had made a true friend and we highly recommend Kiku.
Yevgeniya & Vladimir
2018-04-14
We spent a wonderful day in Kyoto with amazing Kikuko. She is extremely nice person and a very knowledgeable guide. She showed us so many interesting places which we would never find ourseleves. The day with Kikuko felt like a day with a good friend. We highly recommend her to everyone who wants to explore beautiful Kyoto.
Thank you so much, Kikuko! We wish you and your family all the best!
Robert Stephens
2017-11-02
Kiku guided me around Nara and Kyoto for two days. She was interesting, informative and charming. Her knowledge of local customs and Japanese history is deep. On our walk through the Nishiki Market, Kiku explained the myriad food offerings and then recommended an outstanding ramen place for lunch. In Nara, we visited the iconic Todai-ji Temple where she explained the Giant Buddha and his guardians. There was a column with a hole in it with children lined up to crawl through it. Kiku explained the superstition that doing so would give one wit and wisdom.
To conclude, if you are looking for an excellent English speaking guide, Kiku should be your choice.
Kristin
2017-07-13
Kiku was a very good guide.
We had two very good days with her.
She knows Kyoto very well and we learned a lot .
We recommend her highly. It was a pleasant trip.
