Profile photo for Kishiko Shimizu
62 messages

Kishiko Shimizu

All of my life has been about discovering new territories. I was born in Kobe where I lived in a neighborhood which was home to many foreigners. This created a unique atmosphere that made me dream about living in a foreign country myself. My dream came true. I was able to spend much time exploring my home country, making me Japan specialist before I moved to Europe to share my expertise and help foreigners explore the beauty of my Japan!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Japan, tailor-made and boutique tours"

How did you get involved in travel?

"Being able to match my passion for Japan, its natural beauty and unique traditions, with serving a clientele who loves to explore these, has been the best thing happening to me. Even though I never planned a career in the traveling industry. After I moved to Europe to chase my dreams a local travel agency in the Netherlands recruited me as Japan specialist. It started as a small agency which gave me the opportunity to develop expertise in all areas of traveling to Japan. Gradually I was able to specialize in tailor-made Japan land arrangements, increasingly for boutique travelers. Japan has become a popular tourist destination, but I consider it my mission to make clients not just see the highlights, but have them experience the beauty, and discover the spirit of the land of the rising sun. I love my job, because I feel I can make dreams come true!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My family and I loved traveling. We spent every holiday traveling and discovering new destinations within Japan. I thoroughly explored 42 out of 47 prefectures in Japan, making me the Japan specialist I am today."

Kishiko is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents

Recent trip reviews for Kishiko

Japan Trip | 2016
Japan | Nov 15 - Nov 24, 2016

S
Sam D.
Tustin, CA | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2016
We had a great trip! It made planning easier as we could focus more on what we wanted to see and less about what hotels to stay in. One of the hotels in particular, the ryokan in Kinugawa, was definitely not something we would have chosen ourselves and was a highlight of the trip. One of things that could have been improved would have been a clearer picture of how the process worked. It wasn't clear when hotels would be booked, when final payment would be required, and expectations of what... Read more

We had a great trip! It made planning easier as we could focus more on what we wanted to see and less about what hotels to stay in. One of the hotels in particular, the ryokan in Kinugawa, was definitely not something we would have chosen ourselves and was a highlight of the trip.

One of things that could have been improved would have been a clearer picture of how the process worked. It wasn't clear when hotels would be booked, when final payment would be required, and expectations of what I could ask for before/during the trip.

In addition to suggested places/attractions, it would also have been handy to have restaurant/food recommendations that are culturally unique.

Kishiko was very helpful and cordial throughout the planning process. Her travel plan was very thorough and certainly came in helpful. The extra mile she went to ensure our train tickets were sorted during the trip was really appreciated!

What could have been improved was more upfront communication throughout the planning process. It wasn't always clear where things were at and it was left up to me to periodically check in.

Local specialist: Kishiko Shimizu
Kibune Shrine, Kyoto | Photo taken by Sam D
Traditional wedding ceremony, Tokyo | Photo taken by Sam D
Steps to Kurama Shrine, Kyoto | Photo taken by Sam D
Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko | Photo taken by Sam D
Set dinner at ryokan, Kinugawa-Onsen | Photo taken by Sam D
Ryokan room, Kinugawa-Onsen | Photo taken by Sam D
Kishiko
Kishiko Shimizu
Local specialist in Amsterdam | Replied on Dec 01, 2016

Dear Samsan,
Thank you very much for your review.
Sorry for some unclear parts, but I am glad that you seemed to have good time in Japan.
Best regards,
Kishiko