Emi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

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

Languages

English

Qualifications

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

Expertise

World Heritage,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I am Emi Matsuda, a professional interpreter and tour guide with 6 years of experience. I am also working as a secretary in Osaka University with over 20 years of experience, which has honed my ability to offer flexible and elegant attention to clients. I have a license of museum curation, which extends my knowledge and expertise in the arts and culture field. Based in the fashion city of Kobe, I feel privileged to share Japan's rich cultural destinations with travelers from around the globe. Having lived in this beautiful country for years, I have developed a deep passion for the country's rich heritage and customs, making every tour experience I offer more insightful and meaningful. As a professional tour guide and interpreter, flexibility and adaptability are vital aspects of my job. I've learned to anticipate and respond quickly to different issues that may arise during tours, ensuring that my clients enjoy a worry-free experience. I take pride in creating unforgettable experiences for my clients, each tailored to their preferences and interests. In Japan, we have many beautiful destinations, from the traditional temples and palaces to breathtaking gardens and festivals. I'm passionate about showcasing all the hidden gems of my country, and my extensive planning and research reflect this. Moreover, I enjoy creating customized tours, combining culture and leisure outings, giving clients the opportunity to witness Japan's breathtaking sites and experiences. In conclusion, I look forward to welcoming you to Japan and curating an unforgettable tour that showcases the country's history, culture, and beauty. I strive to create unique memories for my clients, and I am confident that you will have a wonderful experience with me as your guide.

Miyu

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,The Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00262
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,Japanese History

My name is Miyu. I am a guide born and raised in Hiroshima. I am honored to share the preciousness of peace with all of you coming to Hiroshima. I worked for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government as a public servant for nearly 40 years and was involved in implementing supporting programs for A-bomb survivors for 12 years before retiring. During that time, I heard various stories directly from A-bomb survivors. I have also deepened my knowledge of the effects of radiation on human health and have been involved in activities to contribute to medical care for radiation-exposed people around the world. I feel privileged to guide you to the A-bomb Dome, Peace Park, and Peace Memorial Museum and share my experiences. Let's also enjoy a trip to Miyajima, the Island of God. You will be refreshed by the scenic beauty of the deep green of the ancient forest, the blue of the Seto Inland Sea, and the vermilion of the Otorii gate. As for Japanese culture, I sometimes demonstrate tea ceremony as an attraction at international conferences held in Hiroshima. I also have experience in calligraphy and the art of flower arrangement. My hobbies are skiing and playing the harp. Regarding spectator sports, I am a baseball fanatic and sometimes get into the baseball talk with my guests. I am serving as a medical interpreter occasionally. I look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful city of Hiroshima.

Yuki

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

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

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : E123456
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Sake,ART,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hello! My name is Lee Yukiko. Please call me Yuki. I was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. I have been living in Hyogo prefecture (next to Osaka) more than thirty years. I am cheerful and friendly, and I really love meeting people. I had many guests like celebrities, politicians, CEOs, artists and so on. I am capable of guiding whoever you are. You would definately have a wonderful time if you picked me as a guide. I have a license of Japanese dancing and flower arrangement. I like classical ballet, Kimono, Japanese culture, theater going, like Kabuki. I like meeting new people and want to help you have a wonderful trip in Japan. I’m a Kodo (the way of incense) Master. Kodo is a traditional Japanese culture to appreciate the incense wood of more than 100 years old. It is quite authentic and esthetic culture that Japan can boast. Though, the number of people who enjoy this interesting culture is decreasing in Japan. I’d like to introduce this quite a unique culture as many people as possible. Why don't you try this unique and authentic Japanese culture? [Places to guide] I’m good at arranging a special trip according to your request. Please tell me your interests and favorites. I’ll arrange the best trip only for you. I mainly guide Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, Naoshima. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Remi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,The Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00217
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Traditional Culture

Welcome to Japan! I feel very fortunate & grateful to be able to meet wonderful people from all over the world. I'd be happy to do anything for you to make special & unforgettable memories in Japan! I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I have learned a lot about the history of Hiroshima & met many survivors. It would be wonderful if I could share my experiences with you. Also, I live just 10 minutes away from the island of Miyajima. We love Miyajima Island and often visit there to attend festivals and rituals. There are so many beautiful places on the island, including great 'locals’ favorites'! It's my greatest pleasure to show you around my hometown. Let me show you our favorite restaurants as well! I am flexible. I love meeting people. I enjoy cooking, especially Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima's specialty)! I used to be a schoolteacher & mother of two children. I got the National Tour Guide & Interpreter license in 2010. Since then, I have experienced many tours including FITs from varieties of countries, special needs individuals, Cruise ship offshore tours or School Trips. It’s been SO wonderful, and they are all unforgettable memories! I'm really looking forward to meeting you!! Arigatou gozaimasu

Masahiro

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama

Languages

English,Italian

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00436
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History

I am a certified professional guide with national qualifications in both English and Italian. I am also fluent in Spanish. My goal is to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for every guest, always keeping their comfort and satisfaction in mind. At the same time, I prioritize safety to ensure a secure and worry-free journey. I pride myself on adapting quickly and effectively to unexpected situations, providing everyone a seamless and pleasant experience. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I am the third generation of atomic bomb survivors, and I would like to help you learn about what happened here on August 6, 1945. I also would like you to feel how important peace is. At the same time, your smile and satisfaction are my pleasure. I will do my best to make your trip the best one. Hope to see you soon.

ToshiGG

Guide Experience

5 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!

Yoshi

Guide Experience

20 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,The 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?

Yumi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00238
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

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

I’m Yumi, born and raised up in Hiroshima, deep knowledge of the area around the city of Hiroshima in every corner including 2 big spots such as Peace Park and Miyajima (Miyajima Certification Gold). At Peace Park, I sincerely share my knowledge and help you think about peace and have a meaningful time. Half-day tours of Peace Park are available. On Miyajima, you are invited to unravel the history of the relationship between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan and at the same time enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the unique nature island, the Shrine and the Otorii Gate (Grand Gate) built over the sea. My greatest strength is my curiosity. Curiosity has led to a wealth of topics and a wide range of information gathering skills. I hope we can have a nice chat. I love to read, almost a print addict. Touring cafes with friends and looking for delicious food and watercolor painting are my hobby, I like the time I spend coloring and love the feeling of art.　 I feel that it is my mission to guide you who choose Hiroshima as your destination of choice. I look forward to meeting you. Area of expertise ･Knowledge about the history and culture ･Knowledgeable to Museums, artistic buildings in Hiroshima ･Supportive to look for good restaurants, delicious food or special things to buy Qualifications ･STEP 1st grade in English ･National Guide Certificate ･Itinerary control manager (Travel Service Supervisor) ･ICM(International Society of Clinical Medicine) Certified Medical Interpreter

Rue

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00342
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, I’m Rue (Kaoru), a nationally certified tour guide and an easy-going host who loves creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere with light jokes and personal touches. My goal is to make your tour memorable and tailored to your interests – whether it’s history, culture, or a laid-back journey. I specialize in Hiroshima, sharing its rich history, including the atomic bombing, through thoughtful conversations. I graduated from the University of Oregon in the U.S. and have traveled to 15 countries, which helps me connect easily with international guests. I’ve also visited most of Japan’s major tourist spots, so I’m happy to share insights and ideas for your next trip. Let’s make unforgettable memories together! Take care and see you soon, Rue (Kaoru)

Kay Kondo

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,The Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00282
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

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

I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement for your upcoming journey to Hiroshima! My name is Kay, and I am thrilled to be your designated tour guide for this adventure. As a guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and interests. Whether this is your first-time visiting Hiroshima or you’re returning to explore it more deeply, my goal is to provide you with an enriching and memorable experience. Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests. My aim is to not only guide you but also to connect you with the heart and soul of Hiroshima. Before we begin our tour, feel free to share with me any specific interests or special requests you might have. Whether it’s a particular site you’re eager to visit, a type of cuisine you’re curious to try, or even a story you’ve heard about this place that you’d like to explore further, your input will help me craft an experience that is uniquely suited to you. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing in the discovery of all that this incredible place has to offer. If you have any questions before your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, I wish you safe travels and eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on what promises to be an unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Kay

Michi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00344
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hi. I'm Michi, a National Licensed tour guide in English. I would like to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first English tour was as a volunteer guide for visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. I spent all my life in Hiroshima except 6 years; 1 year in the UK when I was a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I have enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds. These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide. I am also an official 'A-bomb legacy successor' designated by the City of Hiroshima, a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud. I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. There we can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc. Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan! Hope to see you soon! With lots of love, Michi

Tom Yoshida

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Hiroshima,Shiga

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.

Fumi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Nara,Hiroshima

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.

Uiko

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Hiroshima,The 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!

TK

Guide Experience

5 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!

Masa

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00415
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Hello everyone, My name is Masayo Komatsubara, a nationally licensed English tour guide in Osaka. I am honored to have won the Hospitality Award 2024 from the Japan Guides Awards, recognizing the best guide for exceptional hospitality. I was born and raised in a very rural area of Yamaguchi Prefecture, where McDonald's, convenience stores, and Starbucks were unheard of. In fact, I didn't know how to order a Big Mac until I was 18 years old. It wasn't until I entered university in the Kansai region that I was able to experience a more diverse lifestyle. At the time, I majored in Japanese Culture. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to live in various parts of Japan, including Hyogo, Nagoya,Saitama,Okayama, Hiroshima, and Osaka prefectures. Each region boasts unique cultural traditions, dialects, and specialties shaped by its history and geography. Japan is a country filled with fascinating charms, and I'm eager to share its rich mythology, which is deeply intertwined with our imperial family's history and culture. My university studies and personal experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of these aspects. Rest assured, I've since mastered the art of ordering a Big Mac at McDonald's. I look forward to meeting you on our tour. Sincerely, Masa