Neil Nova
Alhambra, CA, United StatesThis tour is called "Taste of Yanaka" but we hardly tasted at all. We stopped by two shops for sweets and they were unique to their own, which were great. But that was hardly "taste," more like sampling. I expected a little more than that. Also, The summary had Ginza Yanaka as a place to cover, but we didn't go there at all. I felt we spent too much time wandering in the cemetery, which I thought was rather morbid. I traveled to see different things, not cemeteries.
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: We visited Monumental Image of Buddha,Last Shogun Tomb,Shitamachi Museum Annex, organic rice cracker store,traditional cake store,old temples,traditional houses in hidden alleys,food store,Modern Art Museum and privately owned wood block print museum upon request.I did my very best to fulfill all your family's request.Your requested pace was slow so we could not visit Yanaka Ginza.I am sorry I could not meet your high expectation but take your comments into consideration for the future of this tour.
TOURSBYLOCALS RESPONSE: The guide manager touched base with the guide to make sure that the comments are considered for the next tours.
Andrew Ross
United StatesYasuko-san was a tremendous tour guide. She asked us lots of questions before and during our walk to Yanaka and altered the tour wherever possible to align with our interests. Yasuko-san was also fantastic at explaining details about buildings, sites, and people in Yanaka, as well as about Japan and its culture in general. She was also never shy in sharing her opinions, which we loved hearing; it was like spending time with a good friend.
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: I very much appreciate your comments. Because of your word choice, tone, and knowledge, I remembered my college professor. I learned a lot from you. The more we learn, the more we enjoy.
Helen K.
SwitzerlandI had 4 private tours during my trip to Japan. The one with Yasuko was the second best. We asked for a general Tokyo trip instead of Taste of Yanake. Yasuko was very flexible to meet our interests; well versed in the history; took us off the tourist pass; showed some really interesting places in Tokyo and also Yanaka. She recommended THE best sushi restaurant for lunch. I would highly recommend a tour with Yasuko!
Steven Silver
United StatesYasuko represents the benchmark for tour excellence! We highly recommend her as a guide and would tour with her again.
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: I very much appreciate your words. I think you touched Japanese heartstrings when we rung a temple bell.
Shelley Diane
United Statesguide was informed, organized, kind, and fun. This was a great day to see the overlaps in religious beliefs and budhism. Walk and explore a part japan with locals. The street food was great and the guide knew who had the best. I highly recommend this guide and this tour.
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thank you for a rewarding comment. To walk Yanaka is to know local people's life. I am glad that you enjoyed street food, puppet play, small rice cracker store, making a line to eat a snack for celebrities, and everything. There is always finding in this quiet town.
John Wooden
United StatesYasuko was terrific at showing me the secrets of this charming Tokyo district. Her familiarity with all the street food made me very, very happy!
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: I am glad to know that we shared the charm of this town. You discovered hidden appeal in the backstreets!
Kathleen Ryan
United StatesWe had a wonderful day seeing Yanaka with Yasuko. This is a less visited area of Japan, and the small shops and their merchants are generous and charming. You will have opportunity to browse and sample foods in a very intimate unrushed atmosphere. Yasuko is a wonderful guide who knows much about the history of the neighborhood and Japan.
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thank you for your words. It was my pleasure to show your family around this nice, old neighborhood.
Julie Durivage
CanadaYASUko is a great guide. She was good with my two teenagers answering all questions. Lots to learn in history of tokyo and japan.
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: This last minute booking was a New Year surprise! It was sunny but chilly, while your kids were patient enough to complete the tour. I am glad that your children learned something about Japan by walking around temples and shrines. I wish the experience will foster understanding the different culture and customs in the world.
Danielle S.
United StatesYasuko got sick on the day of our tour but quickly arranged to have another guide, Wakako, lead our tour. Yasuko was easy to work with via email; she even came to the station to ensure we met up with Wakako. Wakako was a great guide! Aa a native of the Yanaka area, she shared her knowledge of the area and architecture. Do bring small coins as offerings for the many temples/shrines. The tour was unhurried and flexible; we ended with dinner with Wakako, where she translated the menu for us! Superb!
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks to a little break, I recovered very quickly. I know she is a perfect guide, still, your warm comments made me so easy. You tasted delicious Yanaka!
Heidi von der Rosen
MexicoTOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Arigato! Thank you!
Sandra Lim
SingaporeYasuko was as perfect a guide as you can wish for! She was welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable about the area! She was extremely thoughtful as it was snowing in the morning and she suggested that we meet at a later time, saving us much hassle; though we were sure at her inconvenience! Hidden gems of Yanaka await you under the expert guidance of Yasuko!
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thank you for your words. Despite the weather in the morning, it cleared up at the end of the tour. I am glad to learn that you enjoyed walking around Yanaka.
Ann Gordon
United StatesI was hesitant to tour Tokyo by myself so when I found ToursByLocals I immediately booked a tour with Yasuko. We communicated frequently by email and worked out the logistics of meeting at Shibuya Station. She shared information about Yanaka so naturally I felt as if I was touring with a friend. She's delightful, enthusiastic and charming. I truly enjoyed my time with her!
TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: I greatly appreciate your warm comment. I was so lucky to have you as my client, co-traveler, and friend. I remember how misty and mysterious Yanaka was after a rain. We lucked out everything. Thank you for choosing my tour.