Testimonials
Here you can find the experiences shared by our travelers. Their words are small guiding lights for us, especially on days when doubt creeps in, and they give meaning to the work we do alongside artisans.
These testimonials and photographs are published with the participants’ consent.
*Ces témoignages et photographies sont publiées avec l'accord des participants.
“Bespoke, human, unforgettable”
What struck me the most:
All it took was explaining my background to Julie to receive a full bospoke program. I arrived with many questions and left with all the answers. Wonderful encounters with people who truly take the time to share.
In short, a fantastic adventure in which I felt welcomed in a friendly, warm atmosphere.
And I tried not to overdo it—otherwise I would have told my whole life story and piled on so many compliments that people might have thought my testimonial wasn’t genuine!
Claire C. June 2023
“A journey far beyond our expectations”
What stood out to us the most:
It’s hard to narrow it down to a short list. I’d say the unexpected moments, the richness of the day’s discoveries, the many addresses Julie shared with us, her passion for showing us her city, and the hundreds of anecdotes we would never have known without meeting her.
The day was centered around meeting a local artisan and taking part in a creative workshop, but the experience went far beyond that. It offered us a tailor-made glimpse of Nagoya, shaped around our interests and passions. The result? Next time, we’re coming back to Nagoya — and for more than just 48 hours. (Oh, and the impromptu photo session was the ichigo on the mochi.)
Julie’s radiant personality and atypical profile completely won us over, and we already can’t wait to see her again — to talk, laugh, share, eat, and discover more together.
Benjamin L. April 2025
“Remarkable encounters and bespoke guidance”
What stood out the most:
The privilege of spending time with these remarkable artisans and trying our hand at their craft — and the spontaneity and kindness of Juri, who adapted perfectly to our profile and took us to discover her very best hidden gems! !
Sophie (coursdejaponais.com)
November 2024
“Memories that continue to resonate”
What stood out to us the most:
The shibori workshop was fantastic, as was the day spent discovering a small, peaceful village — all of it in great spirits!
Julian is still talking about the workshop.
Just yesterday, he unfolded the fabrics we dyed to look at them again and talk about what he did. He even spoke about it at school, in front of his whole class.
Elodie T. February 2025
“A heartfelt welcome from the artisans”
What stood out to me the most:
The relationship with the artisans—their kindness, and above all the trust they place in Juri. They were very open to discussion even though I don’t speak Japanese; they felt at ease and genuinely eager to share.
Maëlle N. February 2025
“Blacksmithing, the highlight of my travel”
What stood out to me the most:
The blacksmithing activity, which was simply unforgettable and the highlight of my trip. The kindness and skill of the blacksmiths deeply moved me. It was a truly perfect day — Julie is an incredible guide.
Nicolas R. October 2025
“Gujo from every angle”
What stood out to me the most:
The picturesque beauty of Gujō; walking along the river to look for giant salamanders; the tenugui screen-printing techniques; Juri’s explanations about the city’s history (including the use of water canals in front of the houses)… and definitely the regional specialty restaurant and the houbayaki dish!
Alix B. September 2025
“A conversation of rare depth”
What struck me the most:
I worked with Julie in order to interview a master artisan who creates traditional Japanese mechanical dolls in Nagoya.
Having her by my side allowed me to ask all my questions about this craft, which has developed here over many centuries. The encounter was incredibly rich, and it would not have been possible without Julie’s presence during the interview.
Deeply passionate about her work and gifted with a very warm, radiant personality, Julie supported us every step of the way. We recommend her services 100% — you’re guaranteed to have an excellent stay in Japan!
Léa V. February 2023
"A lively exploration of Nagoya"
What struck me the most:
She showed me the magnificent historic town of Arimatsu as well as the Osu district in Nagoya. Julie is a wealth of knowledge and a person full of joy and good spirits. It was a real pleasure spending that time with her. She knows Nagoya’s hidden gems and the places not to miss.
She also enabled me to meet warm, passionate people. In particular, I took part in a workshop with a young artisan who is reinterpreting the traditional art of shibori dyeing with a more modern approach—I absolutely loved it.
I wholeheartedly recommend Julie’s services. Personally, I would love to do it all over again!
Marine, March 2024
“From Pokémon to Kimono: a perfect day”
What stood out to us the most:
Julie helps you discover Japanese culture by connecting it with Western culture, which is incredibly interesting. She breaks down clichés about the Japanese, is straightforward, and makes you feel at ease very quickly. She can also help you find exactly what you’re looking for (for us, second-hand haori at great prices and high-quality ingredients).
Given our love of Pokémon, we went to the Nagoya Pokémon Center. It was great—and she was even able to translate the wordplay on the Pokémon stickers that we never would have understood without her. We also got to jazz up our rental kimono with our Pokémon plushies!
Julie also takes beautiful photos: they’re the best pictures of us from our entire trip to Japan.
Thank you for this incredible experience!
Jenifer L. April 2024
“Like spending a day with a local friend”
What stood out to us the most:
We loved meeting the metalsmith artisan and spending the evening in an izakaya. It was truly enjoyable to have a local intermediary who knows so many great spots, anecdotes, and bits of history. We never felt like tourists, but rather as if we were spending the day with a friend who lives far away and takes you out for a drink with her friends.
Going into a slightly hidden workshop and meeting a passionate artisan allowed us to discover a very real, authentic side of everyday life.
Ariel M. August 2023