Review

GoWithGuide has many good team members capable of making  your trip to Japan memorable. However, one guide stands out far above the rest, Yukiko-san.  How do I know this?  I have worked with other guides, but I was singularly impressed by how Yukiko plans each tour with the needs of the customer in mind. So on my second trip to Japan in 2024 it was my good fortune that she was able to fit me into her busy schedule.

My first visit to Japan in 2023 was one of those seven-day whirlwind trips that many first timers make. I had one full day in Tokyo. I had a long list of things that I wanted to see, more things than time would allow. Yukiko-san worked with me before my arrival to blend what I wanted to see most with some interesting places off the beaten path that she recommended (see my review from 2023).  She was well versed on Japanese culture and history, had handouts, ipad presentations, and even inquired about food allergies.  She coordinated the transportation for that day so that we could visit almost all of the places on the itinerary.  My wife and I had a great time.

On the first visit to Japan I realized that there was so much more to see in Japan.  I had become enamored of Hachiko- the loyal dog.  In 2024 I returned to Japan and fortunately for me Yukiko-san had time in her schedule for two days of exploring Tokyo.  Together we created a “Hachiko Tour” that covered the major Hachiko related sites around Tokyo.  Next came some of the places that I had missed the previous year, and three unique temples (very few tourists know about the Goma ritual at the Fukagawa Fudodo Temple).  When a very rainy day intervened, she modified the day’s tour so that we were toured new buildings like the Shibuya Hikarie and Scramble hirise malls until the storm cleared.  I had also expressed an interest in learning how to use the train system in Tokyo, and she helped me to learn the basics and then tested my comprehension by having me meet her at one of the sites far away from my hotel.  It worked, I did not get lost.  Yukiko-san was always careful to make sure that the walking distances were not too long for my arthritic knees, and at the train station located elevators or escalators to avoid those long steep stairs.  She selected places to eat based on my desire to sample real Japanese food that would not affect my food allergy. When she learned that I was going to make the pilgrimage to Hachiko’s birthplace, she prepared a handout of places to stay and things to see in that faraway city. At the beginning of the tour, she presents you with her own booklet that summarizes the tour, has information on customs, a few useful words, how to use the TOTO toilets, and that very complicated looking map of the train system.  She takes the time to modify the booklet for each tour group.  I know this because she included information on how to get to Hachiko’s birthplace.

I realize that my admiration of Yukiko-san’s tours seems a bit overwhelming, but after two wonderful tours, I can attest that she is worthy of such praise. I felt that I was being guided by a family member who wanted to create a great experience, rather than a hired tour guide.  If you select her as your guide, you will not be disappointed.

A side note: Do not be concerned that her overall review rating was not a perfect “5.” I did not understand this, so I looked at all 220 reviews dating back to 2015, and found that three reviews rated the tour as a “4.5.” I read those reviews and all of them said that every aspect of the tours was outstanding, no negative comments. So, my conclusion is that these people were outliers, who could never bring themselves to award anything a full “5.” So, rest assured, Yukiko’s tours are all five stars!

I hope to visit Japan one more time, and guess who I will contact to be my guide. Thank you, Yukiko-san, for memories that will last a lifetime.

Ronald　October.2024

Our family recently had the wonderful opportunity to go to Tokyo together. We were a group of four adults and four children, ranging in ages from 8-48 years old. We had been fortunate enough to go on another tour with Yukiko two years ago in Tokyo - to Asakusa and the fish market. It was such a wonderful, delightful, fun and educational experience for us that we asked for another tour during this trip as well. Yukiko did not disappoint. When planning our trip, she was prompt at replying. Yukiko listened to all of our requests and then suggested wonderful itineraries to interest all in our family. We decided to explore the Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All of us learned so much. It is a special gift to capture the attention of children - and Yukiko is an expert at this! All four of the children were captivated. Lastly, we went to a samurai experience which Yukiko suggested and recommended. She kindly stayed on to take photos and translate for us. What an experience for us all! It was so unique, so fun, and educational. We couldn’t have had a better evening learning to be samurai’s.
Thank you so much Yukiko for sharing your knowledge, kindness and time with us. We cannot wait to return to your gorgeous country and city to learn even more in the future. Thank you.

Samantha   October.2024

Thanks again for a wonderful day in Tokyo.

It’s been a most memorable tour. Thank you as well for the photo and the restaurant and sightseeing tips.

Ute and Jörg        May. 2024

 

We had the pleasure of meeting Yukiko Fujii from OLOM Japan Tours. She was introduced to us by a family friend from Australia and we were able to contact Yukiko via email. She always replied promptly. She asked us whether we had any specific requirements in terms of what we wanted to see and she offered suggestions as well. We arranged a full day private tour with Yukiko and had no issues with paying the tour charge before leaving Australia. Yukiko met us at out hotel at the agreed time and she was delightful. Lovely personality, a sense of humour and an obvious knowledge of the places we visited. The full day tour and lunch she had organized at our request at an old style Japanese restaurant was truly enjoyable, not to mention the last little surprise when she took us to Cafe Imasa run by friends of Yukiko. It was a Japanese tea house that had been created in the restored premises of an old timber supply shop. The restoration and presentation of the premises was spectacular and it was clearly the pride and joy of the two beautiful ladies that ran the tea house and allowed us access due to their friendship with Yukiko. Yukiko provided us with a summary of the tour at the end of the day. We had many laughs and exchanges of information on Japanese and Australian cultures. We truly cannot recommend Yukiko highly enough. She was very knowledgable and a delight. The full day tour seemed to end in a flash. You will not be dissapointed, seek out and request Yukiko specifically.

Tony. C    May 2024

 

Our second time hiring Yukiko as our tour guide! She took great care of us from start to finish. We basically just told her what we want to do and where we want to go and she took care of everything else! It was really great being able to have a native speaker with us to travel outside of Tokyo since we wanted to see more of what Japan has to offer without having to worry about getting lost or not being able to communicate with people. It was definitely worth it since the entire time we were in Gunma, we didn’t see any other foreigners all day that day! We love Yukiko and highly recommend customizing your tours with her! There is so much more to see outside of Tokyo and Yukiko is the person to take you around as she is so knowledgeable, attentive, professional and overall just a wonderful person to be around! Hope to have her with us again next time we’re in Japan!

 

Sophie. H     March 2024

Had a fabulous time! Super friendly and very knowledgeable. Was great with our 2 teens. The best way to see and learn Tokyo. Would book again.

Jim   March. 2024

Thank you so much Yukiko for a wonderful tour. Full of information and lots of fun. Thank you for being so flexible on the itinerary and timing. We will definitely book again and recommend you to all our friends. Thank you . The Wests !

Caro    December. 2023

Yukiko is soooo Amazing, she gave us such a perfect experience in Tokyo. She picked us up from our hotel, We started the tour in Tsukiji Fish market, she introduced to us the most wonderful thing on earth, “strawberry Daifuku Mochi” ( with custard inside). Then we had the most fresh tuna in our lives, then she took us to Asakusa, we loved it, my kids had Kobe beef sushi, which they loooooved. Then Yukiko took us to Akihabara which was lovely, we bought many little gifts and we finished in Takeshita street. She is very knowledgeable and we learned a lot from her regarding the japonese culture.

Viviane. R     December 2023

Yukiko has been great. She is knowledgeable and passionate about what she does and we’re very happy with the services that we got. We will be back.

Philip. M     December.2023

This is the third time we had Yukiko as our tour guide in Tokyo. She is fabulous and the best tour guide! She is very knowledgeable, patient and pays alot of attention to the details of what we want to do, see or buy during our tours. She is always well prepared. She is very informative and she does research and gives us the history and information of the places we are visiting, she evens uses an iPad to show us the information! She is very detailed and can design an itinerary that will fit exactly what we are looking for. My son and I had an amazing time as always and will definitely book Yukiko again for our next visit to Tokyo!
Some places we visited on this trip: Nikko day tour, Akihabara, Robot Café, Shibuya Sky, Sunshine City

Christine Y　October.2023