We were highly recommended Yoshi as our guide for the day by a family friend who has travelled many times to Japan. Yoshi speaks fluent English and, having been educated in Europe with a History degree, is exceptionally informed and interested in world history from the last 250 years. His insight into Japan’s history was fascinating and how it’s society and culture has evolved since the 17th century.

Having been introduced to Yoshi he set about organising an itinerary for us. To assist, he asked of us what our interests are and what we might like to do and discover. He then created a day trip for us — taking us to and from central Tokyo by train to the seaside town of Kamakura. Which we learned was of huge historical importance. The whole experience was absolutely brilliant and illuminating - it was a day that many locals were visiting the various shrines to pay their respects. We had said to Yoshi that we wanted to experience the kind of day out from the city locals really enjoy which included experiencing the hustle and bustle of the local train service. Having told Yoshi about our interest in History and Garden design he created an expedition — that contrasted the ancient with the modern. 

One standout experience was being introduced to the Zen scholar, D.T. Suzuki, as well as the city’s rich literary heritage. Without Yoshi's guidance, we would never have discovered their writings, visited the temple where D.T. Suzuki practised zazen meditation, or explored the surrounding gardens. It was a perfect fit for us, especially given our love for the Japanese garden aesthetic.

Yoshi catered for our different interests and ages too, as we had a 6 year old grandson to entertain. His sharing of information was respectful and not overwhelming at all, and he sympathetically recognised when we needed to have a rest suggesting suitable and authentic places to eat or get a refreshing drink or whacky flavoured snack!

We visited a number of famous temples and shrines all impressive, and Yoshi gave us an insight into the history associated with each place but one highlight of the day out, particularly for our grandson, was being taken to the beach where we observed locals having a lot of fun and also interesting local birdlife, too. We paddled in the sea — which was so unexpected and fun.

I cannot recommend Yoshi more highly as a guide. He was not over bearing and sensitive to our differing energy levels — knowing when it was just the right moment to take us to a less busy place and try out a local snack to renew our energy. When asked by us - He was comfortable to draw on his experience as a young man working and living in Tokyo and what it is like for his generation to work and live in contemporary Japan: Broadly what the cultural interests are for young professionals and how this compares to the aspirations of young people his age in the UK.

Finally the organisation for our tour was efficiently arranged by Yoshi. His organisational skills — and the knowledge he shared were superb. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a guide.

Yoshi looked after us for a few days in Tokyo and its surroundings. He was excellent company — cheerful with a keen sense of humour. Perfect English — educated in English schools — and completely at ease with, and enjoying looking after, us Westerners. He has a deep and intellectual interest in history and religion, which added a great deal to our appreciation of our surroundings.

We had a brilliant day out with Yoshi and I would happily recommend him to anyone visiting Japan. Without his help I don’t think we would have really appreciated what we were looking at, and he took us to some places we never would have found on our own. Thanks, Yoshi!

We had a brilliant day out with Yoshi and I would happily recommend him to anyone visiting Japan. Without his help I don’t think we would have really appreciated what we were looking at, and he took us to some places we never would have found on our own. Thanks, Yoshi!

I would highly recommend Yoshi as a guide and interpreter. This is the second time that my family have employed him. He helped us navigate off the tourist trail and took us to some really outstanding places. His English is perfect and he has an incredible wealth of knowledge about Japanese history and culture. He's also a really lovely addition to any group.