Andrew Mar
2026-06-03 
Akiko is a very personable, knowledgeable guide. When we toured Nijo Palace, she pointed out the single pillar that has a bird in the brass works. She explained the dynamic between the Shogun and the Emperor and the Tokugawa crest that is found underneath the Emperor's crest. In the shogi screens she explained why the tiger had spots instead of stripes, why their eyes at at a certain level and why there was a maple tree instead of a pine tree in one screen. When we visited Kiyomizu-dera temple, she met us at the hotel and advised us to go early (before 8 am) and take a taxi to the entry as the train station is a 15 min. walk uphill to the entry and more steps up to the temple. She pointed out places where we can make a wish or receive a blessing by striking a bowl or lifting a round stone. When we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, she advised us what train line to take that drops you off right in front of the entry instead of having to walk 5 min uphill. We enjoyed her company and recommend her highly as a guide.
Rob Hinrichs
2026-05-31
Akiko was a very knowledgeable tour guide and provided our group with history, perspective and interesting stories about the Kiyomizu-dera temple, Ginkakuji temple, Fushimiinari Taisha shrine and Nijo-jo castle. Her pace and style fitted the needs of our group, and she took us to places of significance, where many groups would not go, to help deepen the experience. Thank you Akiko-san.
Rob Wells
2026-04-07
We met Akiko first in Vancouver, Canada before she moved back to Kyoto. We had a wonderful day with her seeing fabulous cultural and historic sites of the city. She led us through the transit system with ease. She shared her immense knowledge of Kyoto and answered way to many questions we had about the social and cultural aspects of Japan. We finished the day fulfilled with a deep understanding of Kyoto. Thank you Akiko!
