We went on a tour with Simon Bernard this week and had a great time. We are visiting our son and daughter-in-law and this is our first visit to Japan. They arranged the tour of the area so we could see more of the sights and local events. We took the mountain roads to Aomori and stopped at several shrines along the way. Simon tailored the tour to my husband’s interest in farming and showed him some of the local crops and discussing the local farming techniques. We traveled the Hakkoda ropeway around the mountains and unfortunately the day was foggy so we could not see the splendor of the beautiful vistas but we were able to get the flavor of the entire region. We had a wonderful lunch after viewing the floats of the Aomori Nebuta festival while they were preparing for the parade. Simon knows all the ins and outs of the area and was able to get us into places and to meet some wonderful local people. We had a marvelous time and would definitely recommend him for a memorable tour of the area.

The Perkins from Pennsylvania, USA

While visiting my son in Japan I took a tour with Simon Bernard, an American who has been in Northern Japan for almost 25 years. He is without a doubt one of the most interesting, personable and intriguing individuals that I have ever met and had the pleasure to spend a day with! I spent a day with Simon driving to and from Misawa to Lake Towada, taking a guided boat tour of Lake Towada and riding the gondola to the top of Hakkoda Mountain. Simon’s knowledge of Northern Japan is literally incredible. EVERYTHING about my day with Simon was pleasant, informative and enjoyable. Simon has a knack for sharing local history and culture with information and fact that is entertaining and almost spellbinding.

Bob Hultz, Quincy, IL USA

I want to say thanks again for the fantastic tour a few weeks ago. While this was the second visit to Japan for my in-laws, it was the first time for their friends and the first visit to Northern Japan for all of them.
Their visit was comprised of a week in Tokyo, three days in Kyoto, and four days in Misawa. While they had guided walking tours in both Tokyo and Kyoto, we found your tour much more fulfilling and exciting. The tour guides in Tokyo and Kyoto did fully explain the places we visited they gave the basic 'tourist' speech.
However, your tour of Misawa and Aomori not only provided information about the places we visited but also with more information on the local people and cultures.
It was fascinating to learn about the fresh water spring and how the local people feel about it. Stopping by for the free tea was also impressive because we would have never of thought to just 'stop and try the free tea'. Your knowledge of the local people and customs left a lasting impression on them and us as well.
Thank you again for the tour. I've uploaded our pictures from the trip to our picasaweb site (www.picasaweb.com/waltons.mail). Once there, simply click on the album named "Simon". Feel free to download and keep any of the pictures there. After all, if it weren't for you and your fantastic tour we would have never had any of them!!

Thanks again,

Joe & Suzanne Walton

The whole Walton family getting in the act of pushing one of the giant "Nebuta" festival floats!

After all the sightseeing, it was time for a bit of gourmet feasting at the best restaurant in Aomori City!

My day with you was more than I'd hoped for. Your knowledge of Aomori, Misawa and the surrounding area was so informative. As a tourist from the states visiting Japan I was not too enthusiastic about the trip. I was looking forward to seeing my new granddaughter and grandson. When my daughter Sarah suggested calling you to guide me around the area I was a little skeptical. Needless to say I enjoyed my experience tremendously. Knowing the language, where the nice restaurants were and your outdoor experiences just added a nice touch to the day. I would recommend anyone visiting Northern Japan or visiting people in the military there to take a day and spend it with you as their guide. My trip was to Japan was completed with my time with you.

Mike Shaddick, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 8/2010

Mike, Sarah Cross's dad, getting the "zen" experience at the big Buddah's giant temple bell in Aomori during our one day sight-seeing tour.

Here are my parents' favorite photos from Monday, so you can pick the ones you want to post :)
The fall colors at Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada were exquisite, and only
enhanced by your expertise and knowledge of the area. Thank you for tailoring our walks to accommodate two seniors and a toddler. What a perfect family day!

Grace & Peace,

Renee for the Beyeas and the Richards, 10/2009

PS The taxi picks us up in about 30 min for our great Hakodate adventure...more on that when we return.

Note from Simon:
After our all day tour at Lake Towada I took them to a travel agent who hooked them up with a trip to Hakodate City which will include a round trip train ride underneath the 2nd longest undersea tunnel in the world and hotel reservations with a seaside view and their own private hot springs bath on their balcony among other things! How may I help you?

Everyone enjoying the view of the autumn colors on the Yasumiya peninsula jetting out into Lake Towada!