Wise Choice – Private Tours with Government-Certified Guides

Hank

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01456
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hello! My name is Hiroshi Fujii, a tour guide in English since 2020. Please call me Hank. I got this nickname in United State. I have been five years in Chicago, near O’Hare Airport. When I was school days, I traveled one year Mexico and South America with backpacking. I love travel. After graduation, I joined machine parts company that I wanted to work at foreign countries. Fortunately, I have been 11 years in Germany, 5 years in USA, and 3 years in Brazil as a business. I had a very warm communication with local people and wonderful experience during my stays in foreign countries. Therefore, I came to want to be a tour guide, so that I would like to assist you to have an unforgettable experience of Japanese culture and interaction with local people during your stays in Japan. I love my job guiding and to interact with you. As a hobby, I love running. I run every weekend and marathon twice a year. I was born and raised in Nara in the vicinity of Kyoto and Osaka. It is famous for great Buddha and lots of deer. I have two sons; my elder son was born in Germany, and he is just married last year. Now my wife and I live in our hometown Nara. During our tour, I would like to be a representative of Japanese people for you. You can ask me anything related Japanese culture and life. I can explain you using my own history and experience. If you have a special interest, please let me know. I am confident that you will have a unforgettable experience with me as your guide. I am looking forward to seeing you soon in Japan!

Tomoe

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01923

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hi,everyone. I’m Tomoe. I was born and raised in Osaka, so I’m a genuine Osaka native and the mother of three boys.I have a deep passion for my hometown, Osaka. Tokyo is a flagship city of Japan, but Tokyo is not everything that Japan has to offer. Osaka is known for having the friendliest and the funniest people in Japan. We Osakans often strike up conversations with strangers. Humor is a big part of our culture and we love to joke around making people feel approachable and lively. Don’t you think that , as a true Osaka native, I’m the perfect fit to be your guide? In the Kansai region, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara have so many fascinating places to visit. I’d love to show you not only iconic tourist attractions but also the places that only locals know. I love meeting people from various backgrounds. I always enjoy entertaining people. I’m thrilled to help make your trip an unforgettable experience. I’m looking forward to meeting you soon.

Yuko Smiley Hirai

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01045
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Castle,FOOD

I am an English-speaking tour guide based in Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. I was born in Kobe and raised in a small town near Kobe where I live now. I have worked for a TV station in Kyoto as a reporter. Therefore, I am familiar with lots of attractive spots loved by locals as well as well-known sightseeing spots in Kansai area. I especially love showing my guests around Japanese castles such as Nijo castle and Himeji castle, both of which are well-known UNESCO world heritage sites in Japan, Japanese Sake breweries, Japanese gardens, traditional temples, and shrines. Besides English, I am a fluent speaker of Indonesian since I used to study and work in Indonesia for three years. I love traveling around the world, too! I am flexible and love pleasing guests during the tour. Let's enjoy exploring cities in Japan like locals! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

ToshiGG

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00548
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Shopping

Hello everyone. I'm Toshiaki Ohbayashi, a cheerful and talkative tour guide. I have been guiding small groups around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, and other places in Japan since 2018, which has exceeded 500 days. My top priority as a guide is to be able to offer many options besides temples or shrines. such as Samurai and Ninja experiences. I'm also familiar with lunch restaurants and sweets shops. My nickname is GG, which means grandfather, as I have two grandchildren. I love being a GG, but I also love guiding. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your party soon. Let's have an amazing time with me!

Noko

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Hiroshima,Shiga,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00314
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Japanese Garden,ART,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, my name is Noriko, but you can call me Noko. As a native of Kyoto, I have always been close to events, landscapes, and everyday scenery of Kyoto. I spent a year in a small town in Arkansas, U.S.A. as an exchange student. Living there with no one from a similar background gave me a flexible perspective from a young age. Since then, I have been interested in how people communicate with each other from different cultural backgrounds. I joined an international enterprise and learned to work with people from different countries. I became a National Guide/Interpreter in 2015 to share my love for Japanese art, crafts, food, and nature with my guests. After completing the courses for the City of Kyoto Visitor's Host, I came to believe that it is my mission to re-discover the hidden gems of Kyoto and shed light on them. Why not find out a surprise not written in your guidebook with me?

Tom Yoshida

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01586
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Trains

Hi there, I am Tom Yoshida, the guide that a Five-star hotel in Kyoto requests as a priority, National Certified Tour Guide, Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager and Certified “Tea Sommelier” by Kyoto Prefecture. I have experience guiding a variety of patterns, from individual travelers to groups, from day trips to 3 weeks in duration, and from Tokyo to Hiroshima in site. For private guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, I have requests from several hotel concierges as well as travel agencies. In addition, I accommodate more than just sightseeing. For example, model shoots for clothing brands and hiking tours. I live in Kyoto for 30 years, so I can guide travelers to every corner of the city. I also lived in Osaka for 20 years. I became a businessman and stayed in the U.S. for five years and in Germany for a half year. Because, I traveled backpacking through Europe when I was a student. It was a sightseeing trip and I was not happy with just looking from the outside. After that, I wanted to get into Western society. Now I would like to push you to enter Japanese culture. For example, in Kyoto, where I live, there are many historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. I would like to make Buddhism and Shintoism easier to understand rather than simply show them to you. My sports are cycling, hiking, skiing and marathon running. My other hobbies are trains and the visiting of ramen restaurants. After finishing my bachelor's degree in science and engineering, I used to work as a designer and marketer for a manufacturing equipment manufacturer, so I am also very happy to do industrial tours.

Yuki Nozaki

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00031
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hello, I’m Yuki. I live in Kanazawa. I was born and raised in Kanazawa. Kanazawa is a city full of seasonal charm, surrounded by the blessing of the sea and mountains, and a fusion of the new and the old, such as traditional crafts and contemporary art, multi-course meals and creative cuisine. As a castle town, Kanazawa is also an indispensable place to talk about samurai culture and history in Japan. I love history of my country. I love the crafts and the artisans who make them. It is my mission as a guide to introduce you to the history that still lives in this city, the crafts that have become art, and the aspirations of the craftsmen who create them. And of course, I love to eat! Kanazawa is a city of food! I will introduce you to a lot of delicious foods. My greatest strength is flexibility. When traveling, things often don’t go as planned for various reasons. But no matter the situation, I am here to help you make your journey the best it can be. Japan is a country of respect, courtesy, honesty and harmony. I would like to share these wonderful spirits with you.

Hiromi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN05978
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

I currently live near the Sumida River in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. I have lived in the United States for 10 years and in China for 2 years due to my husband's work. In particular, I obtained a Teaching English as a Second Language certificate from UCI Extension in the United States. I aim to be a relaxed and fun guide. I would like to introduce a variety of experiences, such as traditional and modern, high places and waterside, lively places and quiet places. As for food, I am very careful about food safety because my mother has a wheat allergy. I also love introducing delicious food. I would be happy if my guests could fully enjoy their visit to Japan.

TK

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00557

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Trains,Shopping

Hi there! My name is Tetsuya KAWABATA, a government certified interpreter and guide. I was born and raised in Shiga Prefecture, 8 miles or 14 km east of Kyoto. I spent seven years of high school and college in Kyoto, Japan. I worked for a company in Osaka for over 30 years before becoming an interpreter-guide. Additionally, I am well versed in the history and local information of Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. The Kansai region, especially Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, is the motherland of Japanese history; it has always been the center stage of Japanese history for over 2600 years. In addition, I can take you on tours that not only introduce you to Japan's ancient and traditional cultural treasures and wonderful experiences, but also give you a glimpse into the future. For the foodies among you, we offer plenty of choices, from the most exquisite gastronomic restaurants to casual eateries beloved by the locals. Come join me for a great trip!

Mika

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Kobe

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01687
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese History,Pottery,Art Crafts

Hello, everyone. I’m Mika, your guide in Japan, here to help you create unique travel experiences. Although I officially became a licensed guide during the pandemic, my guiding experience began much earlier. Since childhood, my family has frequently hosted international visitors, including friends, exchange students, Guides and Scouts, and travelers from various backgrounds. I have been guiding them in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Nara, Kobe, and the surrounding areas for many years. This has always been a great joy to meet guests from all around the world and show them Japanese culture. After studying Museum Studies at the University of Leicester in the UK, I worked at the National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo. I also have experience working with an embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have always loved museums. During my studies in the UK, I had the opportunity to intern at the British Museum. As a guide, I view all of Japan as a "living museum" and take great joy in introducing its wonders to my guests. Guiding and scouting have also been significant parts of my life. I have been involved with the Girl Scouts of Japan and was a Girl Guide in both New Zealand and the UK while studying there. Additionally, I served as a resident volunteer at Pax Lodge, one of the WAGGGS World Centres in London. I look forward to meeting you and sharing an unforgettable experience in Japan.

Yoshi

Guide Experience

20 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00131
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, there! My name is Yoshimi Nakao. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I worked for All Nippon Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways as a flight attendant. When I worked as a cabin crew member for ANA, I lived in Osaka, and during my time with Virgin Atlantic, I lived in London. Customers often say to me, "You have a British accent, don't you?" I now work as a tour guide, an interpreter and an instructor for manners and etiquette. I have been working as a nationally licensed tour guide including for VIPs for more than 20 years since 2001. Since I live in Hiroshima, I mainly offer tours in and around western Japan. I sometimes work as an embarkation guide for cruise ships, covering various locations from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. For FIT (Foreign Independent Travelers), however, I mainly guide tourists around the attractions in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures. In addition to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of the most requested destinations is Naoshima, the art island. For repeat visitors who have already been to the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I recommend exploring the Seto Inland Sea, which offers numerous scenic spots to enjoy. I truly love Japan, the country where I was born and raised. I hope everyone visiting Japan will come to love it as much as I do. With the perspective of a guide who travels across the nation, I am committed to showcasing the charm of Japan. Why don't you join me to make your stay in Japan one of a kind and a once in a lifetime experience?

Eriko

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00100
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Traditional Culture,Textile,Pottery,Pop Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hi! My name is Eriko. I live in Okayama and have enjoyed guiding tourists and doing interpreting jobs for guests from all over the world for about 20 years in total. I used to work as a registered nurse in the ward of cardiovascular disease at a general hospital. Then I stayed in U.S. to study and do an internship program for seven months. Now I am an interpreter guide and also a peach farmer working with my husband, especially in summer. My hometown Okayama is peaceful countryside called "Land of Sunshine" and "Fruit Kingdom" that produces high-quality fruits like white peaches and grapes. Okayama is not a big city, but I love to feel peaceful and comfortable being surrounded by nature, orchards, farms and traditional attractions like Okayama Castle, Japanese famous beautiful Korakuen Garden and Kurashiki Bikan Area. In addition to Okayama, I also guide tourists around neighboring area: popular Art Islands in the Seto Inland Sea; Naoshima and Teshima and historical World Heritage sites; Hiroshima and Miyajima. I am excited to guide you to fascinating destinations around Okayama as well as bring you to Japanese authentic local life! Let's explore and have fun in Japan with me! Eriko

Yosshi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN04316
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery

My career as a tour guide began as a volunteer guide at the Edo Tokyo Museum located next to the Sumo Stadium. The experience at the museum gave me a good opportunity to learn deeply about Japan's history and culture. In addition, these experiences ultimately taught me the joy of guiding. I am passionate about sharing my experience and knowledge gained through my work with my guests. MY interest is not only the history but also Japan's traditional crafts like pottery,lacquer wear,wooden carvings, Bonsai, the way of tea, contemporary art, Buddha statues and so on.

Uiko

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00435

Expertise

Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Architecture,Japanese History,Art Crafts

Hello! I'm Uiko. I was born in the east part of Hiroshima Prefecture and raised in Hiroshima City which is a symbol of peace and Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture which is famous for haiku poetry and one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The Shimanami Road bridges these two prefectures between Onomichi and Imabari connecting small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. I have almost four decades of teaching experience at middle school in Hiroshima. Younger generations across Japan have been enthusiastic about building peace. They tour Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, listen to testimonies of A-Bomb survivors or their family members before writing their report. So do Hiroshima kids. My former students visited Nagasaki as well. They chose their topic in advance, explored Nagasaki and took a HIBAKUSHA's lecture during their stay, and then gave a speech or did a poster session. Through all activities both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, students faced their inner self and recognized their mission- "Contribution to a Better World". Their spiritual growth brought me profound joy and encouraged my introspection, "What's my mission?"- "The same." That inspiration led me to be your guide. I am so grateful to all my students. I love music and have been practicing the piano. My favorite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach. At the Cenotaph in the Park, I sometimes hear Bach's AIR inside my head. Some can hear John's IMAGINE. School kid's chorus. Summer cicadas. Or silence - the most solemn one. Here in Hiroshima, I believe your original music can resonate with the world. Through touring Hiroshima's two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, I would like to share Miyajima's natural beauty and Hiroshima's sincere hope for world peace with you. Adding to them, Hiroshima Prefecture has a number of hidden gems all over the place. I wish I could guide you to such marvelous areas someday. I am looking forward to seeing you!

Emi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00629
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Sake,Architecture,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I’m Emi — a professional interpreter and licensed tour guide based in Kobe. With years of experience in cultural curation and guest support, I create personalized, seamless, and inspiring journeys across Japan. Whether you’re seeking hidden gems, iconic landmarks, or meaningful cultural encounters, I’ll craft a tour that fits your interests and brings Japan’s beauty to life. I look forward to guiding you through an unforgettable experience in this remarkable country.

KeiKay

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Shiga,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00249
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping

Hi, everyone. My name is Kaori Kuzuhara. Call me KK! I live in Nishinomiya city in the vicinity of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji which is called Kansai. I’m a national government licensed tourist guide 2014- and enjoying taking guests from overseas to the best places in Kansai. My specialty is the friendliness and has bread knowledge about religion, culture, and behind- the-scenes stories. Let’s have a quality experience with me and go like a local ,which is only possible with a guide who loves the area. I will show you hidden gems in Kansai. Let’s dive into the deep Japan with me together! Your local friend, KK

Kaz

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN06414
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Architecture,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Trains,Art Crafts

Have you ever had such an experience when you hired a guide?　"Tell me more why that happen?" , "Show me how it connected to our current life?" I’m passionate about fulfilling your desire to know it more. Japan has nurtured its culture in an extremely unique environment that is rarely seen in the world. My tour is not only introduction of culture / history ,but also sharing “how do we live in what kind of way of thinking”. In addition to my expertise for Art, Beauty and Geoscience, my experience of R&D /marketing of skincare brand in Japanese cosmetic company and deep understanding the relationship between our way of living and climate as certified meteorologists will surely stimulate your intellectual curiosity. In recent 2 years, I have shared time with over 1,300 guests/300 groups. Examples of reviews are below. *This tour changed my life and made memories. I will remember forever (Honeymooner) *We loved seeing all the highlights, but what really made it special was you — your knowledge, kindness, and the way you shared everything with us. You made the experience easy, fun, and memorable, and we’re so grateful for all the time and care you gave us. Thanks again for everything! ( 3-generations family) *The personalized nature of the tour made it one of memorable experiences of my life (30’s couple) *Just totally outstanding. I have traveled the world for last 40 years and KAZ ranks number one and there is no way anyone can surpass him, just the best(70’s couple) *The attention and knowledge was unmatched. Book a tour by name again no questions asked and definitely recommended him for tours of all sizes if you want in a depth and personal tour (family with infants, kids) I will customize your timeline depending on your request/preference! Let’s get started!

Fumi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00160
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Traditional Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I am Fumi. I live in Kyoto and try to provide comfortable tours tailored to the travel style of clients. I do more than 200 tours annually in Western Japan. I have a passion for travel, both domestically and internationally. As a child, I had numerous opportunities to travel across various parts of Japan with family and my father's business partners. This allowed me to discover the joy of travelling to unfamiliar places, unknown local food, and chance encounters with new people. I am also interested in ancient Japanese culture. Influenced by my parents and aunt, who were Noh performers, I became interested in Noh and other traditional performing arts. In school, I had a keen interest in cross-cultural communication and felt the need to learn English. I passed English Proficiency Test Grade 1 with a high score and was invited to an award ceremony for outstanding achievement. Before becoming a guide, I worked as a teacher at a language school and as a training officer, but a friend working in the tourism industry invited me to work at international events for overseas guests, saying, 'you are suited to work in travel. I eventually qualified as a chief itinerary manager in 2003. Inspired by my aunt, who was an interpreter-guide in both English and French, I became a licensed interpreter-guide in 2014, making my professional debut a month later. Since 2015, I have been working primarily on luxury tours. Hobbies: exploring local cuisine, going to the gym, watching stage performances, and strolling through the city.

Hikari (or Henry)

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00467
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Sake,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Pop Culture,Shopping

I, founder of hirovip (professional guide agency in Hiroshima for VIP travelers) and a national government licensed guide, am a Japanese native who provides a unique fusion of cultural authority and a distinguished 15-year career in global finance. Having lived for a decade in major hubs like Paris, Boston, Hawaii, and Chicago, I offer a refined international outlook and full bilingual mastery of English and Japanese. With a MBA holder having worked for global 500 fortune French company for years, I am uniquely qualified to communicate with VIP guests and C-suite executives and delivers sophisticated comparative analyses of Japanese history, economy and culture. Deeply rooted in my hometown's legacy in Hiroshima, I offer a profound perspective as a third-generation atomic bomb survivor. I am dedicated to offer foreign travelers the space and opportunity to reflect on peace, ensuring VIP guests receive enlightened, high-level narratives that far exceed standard luxury travel. In Hiroshima, my clients enjoy the Peace Memorial Park(bomb dome building) and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima with the private cruise around the iconic shrine gate floating ocean that I can make arrangement exclusively for them. If requested, sake brewery tour in Saijo Hiroshima is also a great option to be added in their itinerary. On top of that, Naoshima and other Setouchi region where the cutting-edge contemporary arts meets beautiful ocean of Seto Inland Sea are also my expertise area. Very flexible in terms of schedule and I can commit myself to be an exclusive guide during the entire journey of my VIP clients with meet & greet service at the major airport and station.

Mickey

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00116

Expertise

Japanese Garden,Sake,ART,Wine,Pop Culture,Shopping

Hello and welcome, I’m Miki, born and raised in Kagawa, Japan where I developed a deep appreciation for both traditional culture and everyday local life. Before getting married, I worked as a junior high school science teacher, specializing in physics. Teaching young students helped me learn how to explain complex ideas clearly, patiently and in engaging way-skills that continue to support my work as a guide today. After marriage, I spent six years living in Germany. This experience had a profound impact on my life as a foreign resident, navigate cultural differences firsthand, and better understand the perspectives, expectations, and concerns of international visitors to Japan. It also strengthened my ability to communicate across cultures with empathy and flexibility. I am a passionate dog lover, and animals-especially dogs-have always been an important part of my life. I believe that this affection reflects my warm and friendly personality, which I bring to every tour. My guiding motto is inspired by the Japanese saying “Warau kado niwa fuku kitaru. “Good fortune comes to those who smile” I strongly believe that a smile opens hearts, and creates trust, and turns travel experiences into lasting memories. As a guide, my goal is not only to provide historical facts and cultural explanations but also to share the spirit of Japan through meaningful human connection. I enjoy tailoring each tour to my guests’ interests and walking together as we discover differences and similarities between cultures. I would be delighted to share joyful moments, laughter, and new perspectives with you while enjoying a truly enriching cross-cultural experience together.