Testimonials

Honestly, coming in as an American not knowing the Japanese language was a little frightening and embarrassing. Though, Akiko made the whole experience AMAZING, and easy with her great English. Yet also, without realizing it, teaching me and my husband Japanese along the way. The tour was absolute magic! Akiko had this amazing energy that was open and honest about Japanese culture. This revealed to me and my husband out new desire to dive deeper into this peaceful culture and integrate learning the language. She knew all the right spots to go and sites to see that the average person walking around without a tour guide wouldn't know. I enjoyed the moments allowed the meditate and feeeeeel all the incredible energies around. Plus, the trivia that we learned was well timed with the bus and train rides so we were engaged the entire way through. If you're thinking of taking this tour, don't wait now. Your cells and DNA in your body will thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lovely time meeting with Akiko and visiting power spots and holy shrines in the Yamato region. Our highlight was learning about Japanese spiritualism and experiencing an authentic lunch of somen noodles. We especially loved Hasadera Temple which was peaceful and beautiful. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Reiki session Akiko set up for us with Aya. It was so relaxing and left us with great energy.

Akiko Murakami's cultural tour of Kyoto was a captivating exploration, seamlessly blending historical depth and local insights, as her expertise and warmth brought the ancient city's traditions and landmarks to life.

Our day with Akiko in Nara was one of the loveliest and most inspirational days of our entire trip to Japan. Akiko offers a wealth of information on the roots and practice of Japanese spirituality, on ecology, on the history of the women in Japan. She guided us to areas we would never have discovered on our own. We delighted in every aspect of our time with her…. from the somen noodle shop and vending machine crepes to the traditional Japanese ceremonies we witnessed with her to the shrines and temples. Through it all, we so enjoyed not only Akiko’s knowledge, but also Akiko as a person… her passion, her curiosity, her commitment to so many good things. I highly recommend spending a day or more in Akiko’s company. You will be so glad you did!

This tour is perfect for anyone that has an interest in Japanese traditions and culture, as Akiko is very knowledgeable about both. She provides a unique and interesting perspective, having grown up in the Nara prefecture, but also studying abroad. It was great to have a local take us to some off-the-beaten-path temples, and explain some lesser-known facts about Japanese culture. She definitely went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable, and was able to answer all of our various questions! Akiko is very personable, and always has a new fact to tell you. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her!

After a few days wandering in Japan in Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto and Toba, meeting wonderful people, visiting a few temples, eating exquisite food and drinking delicious sake, I ended up without any expectations in Nara. NARA!!! Unexpected, what a surprise! Akiko is quite responsible for this wonderful experience. Annoyed not being able to understand the beauties and complexity of the temples, their content and their “cultural rules or ethic behaviors to observe”, Akiko was referred to me and I spent the most valuable part of my trip in Japan with her, where 2 days ended being 4 in Nara and its surroundings.  More than a guide, Akiko is a sparkling woman eager for knowledge and just as generous in sharing them. She knew exactly what I was looking for, and passionately allow me to spend time with her, in marvelous places where I could at last really appreciate Japan, a part of its culture, its spirituality, its history, its creativity and more…sake ice cream ;-) The greatest discover Akiko made me realize was this one: Japanese are native people, still close to their environment and embracing spirituality in balance with mother earth quite identical to the native people in Quebec /Canada. I wish there was an Akiko everywhere I travel!!!

Akiko Murakami is a knowledgeable, personable and kind guide. She will go the extra mile so you encounter Japan deeply, feel cared for and happy. It is a pleasure to be with this beautiful, intelligent, effervescent woman. I recommend her 100%.

I really loved the tour. All the information about Mt Kurama and Reiki was very helpful and nice to learn about. I particularly loved the secret hidden areas under the shrines that most people don't know about. And it was really sweet to get a special brush drawing from Akiko of the word of our choice. It was all very special and she had amazing energy. She felt like an instant friend.

Akiko connected the history of Japan with today's culture, giving me a deep perspective into what can be done to improve the well-being here and around the world. Being the only guest on the tour during my visit, I was able to immerse into the experience deeply and have a remarkably unique experience. Aligned with my personal work, Akiko cleverly customized the experience for what I was seeking.

Our day in Kyoto with Akiko was delightful and informative. We cannot recommend her more highly. She was was masterful in providing context, explaining how Japan's history informs the older sites and modern innovations. She planned a perfect day that ranged from temples and spiritual moments to fun coffeeshops and modern delights. Her terrific English and time spent in the US helped her to adeptly bridge the different cultural perspectives. At the end of the day it was hard to say goodbye!

One of the few places on earth steeped in thousands of years of native spirituality and a loving respectful partnership with nature, that has not only spanned the millennia but has thrived and made Japan a modern marvel and a major influence on the world stage.

The spirit of Japan has many forms ... maybe as many as there are Shinto gods. It was through Akiko that I have been able to voyage much further on my own spiritual quest. She has deep knowledge of and is very well connected to the area, which opens wide the doors into Japanese culture, history and spirituality. That was five trips back, and each time Akiko has been a remarkable resource. Then, two years ago Akiko took me to me to Miwa--1 mountain, many Shinto shrines. She taught me how the Japanese purify themselves before talking with the gods. There, we visited one shrine dedicated to couples. It was there that I first knew that I would propose to the women with whom I would spend all of the rest of my spiritual days. A year later Akiko took my fiancé and I back to Miwa Mountain as a full moon rose above the shrine... it was then we knew we wanted our wedding to be in Japan. This year, I proposed to that wonderful woman at shrine in Kyoto, and along the way, Akiko has been my introduction to the spirits of Japan who are now my guides for living the rest of my life. What started as a series of spiritual encounters in JAPAN has led to a journey with the woman with whom I will live all of the rest of my days! Thank you Akiko!

We loved our day with Akiko! It was the most enjoyable, adventuresome, expansive and meaningful of all the tours we took in Japan!

Akiko is an exquisite guide. She brings depth to understanding the rich spiritual heritage of Nara.

Wonderful tour of Asuka and its history. We used an electric bike to get around and had a wonderful lunch at a cafe. Akiko is a very knowledgeable and open-hearted guide. she enjoyed giving the tour as much as I was enjoying the tour, making the experience very positive. It felt like i was having an experience with a friend. I would connect with her for future tours for sure.

The tour was fantastic and highly recommended. It was the best part of our first trip to Japan. I learned a lot about the spiritual aspects of this beautiful mountain. Akiko was very knowledgeable and excellent company throughout the day.

The beautiful Akiko is as ethereal & as vibrant as the blossoms she guided us to see. Walking along the Philosopher’s Path in the gentle light of late afternoon - after an exquisite day of being in & with the temples historically, spiritually and mythologically - we laughed, shared matcha & strawberry ice-cream and delighted in the beauty of Sakura. Akiko opens so many doors and her spontaneity, passion, grace & humour have touched us in a way that revealed a glimpse of Kyoto that made us feel truly blessed. Thank-you.

Each one of us enjoyed our time with you, your knowledge and willingness to share your space with us was truly special. The meaning of Yamato resinates so strongly within, meeting you and learning from you was the absolute best part of my trip to Japan, my only regret was how short the time was. I can’t tell you how great it was getting to know you, thank you for everything ️! Oh by the way how special was that blessing from the priest!!? I can still feel the peace from that moment. Akiko’s tour was extraordinary! Her knowledge and willingness to share her space was enlightening, we left with more knowledge about Japanese history and a definite resolve to go back. Akiko was insightful, light hearted, fun and engaging she was the absolute best part of our fabulous trip to Japan!

We were blessed to spend two private days with Akiko exploring beautiful temples in Nara and then the Kumara Temple. We were in Japan at the height of Cherry Blossom season which was amazing but very crowded at the most famous sites. Akiko took us off the beaten path where we could actually experience the beauty and serenity of these sacred sites. without throngs of tourists. She is a Nara native and clearly loves the area. She is very knowledgable about history and customs and well as the Spiritual traditions which infuse not only these sacred sites but all of Japanese culture. 　Her English is very good, allowing us to have a deep conversation. We are meditators and also wanted a contemplative experience and she was equally at ease sharing her wisdom and knowledge as allowing us to walk and sit in silence. Akiko was also very accommodating as I had gotten sick and could not do the more lengthy hiking we had planned to do. She effortlessly re-wove our days to be more gentle while still providing an immersive experience. We are very grateful.

We had such an amazing experience yesterday. Thank you so much for everything! Your deep knowledge of spiritual traditions rooted in the long history of Japan provided an enlightening experience. I look forward to being in touch! You are the greatest!! Thank you so much!!