Voices of Our Guests

Client Testimonials

Meigetsuin Temple in the rain

What an absolutely delightful day we had with Makayla today! She managed to show us stunningly beautiful spots all around the west side of Tokyo that were not on the tourist radar. We were lucky enough to catch Sakura in full bloom, enjoy a charming lunch at a local soba spot and finished the day by experiencing a deeply moving fire ceremony at a beautiful Buddhist temple. It was truly memorable. Makayla was interesting and fun to spend the day with. We had a great time!

Tina R. — Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets Tour

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, designed and led by Makayla. Makayla is very personable and her English is perfect. We visited three shrines, Buddhist and Shinto. We saw very few foreign tourists, indicating to us that they were hidden gems frequented mainly by Japanese. Our immersion into the local culture and history will remain a special memory for us. Thank you, Makayla!

Mike Q. — Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets Tour

Japan is such an exotic culture to we Westerners. It was a fantastic experience to have Makayla guide us to the Buddhist and Shinto shrines, interpreting their meaning for us and showing us secret grottos and small details we would not have known to look for without her. Her enthusiasm and obvious love for Japanese culture is infectious. We procured fortune talismans and our family of four had so much fun as our fortunes were revealed. Can’t wait to attend another tour.

Kevin M. — Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets Tour

Makayla was a fabulous guide. She took into account my physical limitations and we spent a fantastic day outside Tokyo which is what we requested. We rode on subways and trains and a couple taxis and she made it seem a breeze. She took us to sights we never would have found and truly gave us a once in a lifetime guide to Japan. I would highly recommend her. Her English is excellent and she speaks several other languages! Feel confident booking with Makayla!

Nancy O. — Discover Ancient Kamakura Tour
Kannon of a thousand hands

We did 3 tours (Yokohama, 1st time visitor & Best Kept Secrets) w Makayla & would have done Kamakura if we could. Makayla is a wonderful guide. Yokohama is her home & she rightfully loves the place. All the Japanese gardens we visited were different & Sankei-en is a beautiful one. If you are on a cruise that stops in Yokohama, do this tour w Makayla. You won’t regret it.

Donald S. — One Day Tour of Yokohama

It was pouring rain but that did not dampen Makayla’s spirit. The bamboo grove was outstanding — maybe better with the rain — and the visit for Mancha tea was perfect. Our temple lunch was a highlight and her choice of temples to visit showed us a great variety. We learned so much on our visit. Makayla is a wonderful guide — would book with her again and recommend her highly.

Linda H. — Discover Ancient Kamakura Tour

I can’t thank you enough for the fabulous tour you took April and I on. It was amazing! You did such a fantastic job in your detailed explanations, and the stories that you told so well. Your love for the country, its culture, and its stunning beauty is apparent in the enthusiasm and passion you bring forth during your tours. I left the tour wanting more and can’t wait to visit your country.

Cynthia M. — Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets Tour

Our first day in Tokyo and we wanted something both peaceful and enlightening. This was perfect! Away from the crowds and very, very informative with plenty of time to absorb the sites and info. Guide was great and chose sites that provided a richness of the culture as well as a great lunch. Highly recommended!!

Linda H. — Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets Tour
Sankei-en in autumn

What a beautiful way to be introduced to Tokyo. Our enthusiastic guide Makayla walked us through magnificent gardens with blooming Sakura, conveying her knowledge about decades-old trees. She prepared a Hanami picnic for us that was done with great care since my wife has a gluten allergy. Makayla was extremely kind and patient with me since I use a walker. This was an exceptional tour. We would rate it a 10!

Allan L. — Hanami, A Private Cherry Blossoms Tour

Makayla was outstanding. I had two granddaughters with me as well as my son and sister-in-law. Makayla was great with the girls and besides preparing an outstanding itinerary was willing to listen to our ideas. In addition she added a site that was new in Tokyo she had read about that was great. I would use her again without hesitation. She was a five on a scale of 1–5.

Thomas M. — Imperial Palace and Nihonbashi Tour

We spent two days with Makayla (this tour and Yokohama), and thoroughly enjoyed our time, in spite of the rain both days. Makayla brings wonderful spirit, energy and perspective to her tours. We appreciated her flexibility to adapt the tour to the rain and accommodate our specific interests (such as pottery shopping) and occasional needs (such as coffee/food!).

Jackie L. — Tokyo Parks and Gardens Tour
A temple purification fountain

Makayla was amazing! We spent 3 days with her prior to our cruise departure out of Yokohama. She was very knowledgeable and flexible with our itinerary. She gave us many recommendations when we were exploring on our own. Most importantly, she spoke fluent English which can be a challenge in Asia. I highly recommend her to anyone traveling to Tokyo!

Nena T. — Two Day Tour of Tokyo and Yokohama