If you’re planning a trip to Japan, do yourself a favor and check out Tony at tokyo-travelassist.com. Whether you’re booking one of his curated tours or have a unique itinerary in mind, I’m 100% confident Tony can make it happen.
We visited Tokyo as a family and researched many tour options. We ultimately chose Tony for two big reasons: the tours are private (just us) and personalized. That made all the difference.
Our goal was to explore Nikko. Before our trip, we shared with Tony the specific sites we wanted to visit—and a few we wanted to skip. He assured us he could tailor the day to our interests.
On the day of the tour, Tony picked us up in a spacious BMW SUV—perfect for our American-sized crew! We started the day with a breakfast stop, then headed to our first destination: Nikko Cedar Avenue—a stunning, Guinness World Record-holding street lined with ancient cedar trees. Tony found a great photo spot and gave us time to take it all in.
Next, we visited the Toshogu Shrine. Tony secured parking nearby and personally walked with us through the shrine complex, sharing fascinating insights about its history and unique carvings. It felt like having a knowledgeable friend guiding us—not a cookie-cutter group tour.
One of the highlights was Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which was quiet, peaceful, and beautifully serene—even in the rain. (Tony thoughtfully brought umbrellas for us—such a kind touch!) The path along the Daiya River, lined with Jizo statues in red bibs and caps, was breathtaking. It must be spectacular in autumn.
For lunch, Tony took us to a cozy, home-style Japanese restaurant tucked in the mountains. It was literally someone’s home—with a few tables and delicious, authentic food. Definitely the kind of hidden gem only a local (or Tony) would know.
Afterward, we stopped at the Shinkyō Bridge for some iconic photos. Earlier in the day, I’d mentioned wanting to find Nikko-bori wood carvings. On the spot, Tony called a nearby shop, and we got to meet the sweetest elderly woman—an artisan herself. I found a beautiful piece to take home, and it was one of my favorite moments of the day.
Our final stop was the Wakayama Bamboo Farm, another one of our requests. If you’ve ever considered visiting Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, imagine a peaceful, secluded alternative where you can truly “forest bathe.” We ended our tour at the farm’s charming café—relaxed, recharged, and grateful.
My advice? Think about the kind of experience you want—cultural, natural, seasonal, culinary, modern—and call Tony. He will make it happen, seamlessly. And if you’re lucky enough to have him as your guide, you’ll be traveling with someone thoughtful, knowledgeable, and a joy to spend time with.
This was one of the best days of our entire trip. Thank you, Tony!
Cherie VCherie V from U.S.A
