AMAZING! There is no recommendation big enough to show my gratitude and satisfaction with Shin Kaneko. I was giving his contact information from a friend who used him when their family traveled in Japan, and they insisted that we had to contact him. I did and he could not have been easier to communicate with including prompt and helpful responses, very detailed information, and a warmth that made me know he would be wonderful in person. Unfortunately, when covid hit and Japan closed it's borders, we had to postpone our trip for over two and a half years. During that time, Shin continued to answer my questions and help however he could as we cancelled and reschedule. He was truly wonderful and so helpful with his responsiveness. And, after all that time in limbo, we finally ended up in Hakone and absolutely loved our day with Shin. He was wonderful with my kids as a father himself. He was wonderful in putting together an perfect itinerary based on our interests and really helped us slow down and reconnect with nature after so many days in Tokyo. Everywhere we went, he knew people and had friends because he is a local and takes so much pride in his hometown and preserving the culture and history is has to offer. He provided tons of stories and history, introduced us to some remarkable people, showed us some local spots we could have never ever found ourselves that allowed us to gain an understanding of a different side of Japan we absolutely loved. Our time in Hakone was lovely because of Shin, and we hope that other people have the opportunity we did as a family to really have a wonderful time. Shin is also licensed as a mountain guide and would make for the perfect person to guide an outdoor adventure too. I high recommend him!
