Sato_san

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00626
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History

Hello! I am a tour guide Sato_san. Sato is my last name and sugar is called "sato" in Japanese, so I am your sweet guide! I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Nara, Japan. After living in Japan and the US, I started working as a travel guide in 2016. As a nationally certified English Interpreter Guide and Nara prefecture-certified guide, I will guide you to highlights and little known spots in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Would you like to know Japanese history and culture, appreciate art, meet craftsman, eat local dishes, taste sake, walk in nature, feel local life, or look for a place to heal? Please tell me your wishes. I will be happy to arrange an itinerary to make your day even more special and memorable!

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.

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!

Hiroshi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00118
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

FOOD,ART,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hi welcome to Japan! A lot of wonderful experiences would be waiting for you which would remain deep in your heart. I am Hiroshi Kawagoe, a tour guide in English certified by Japanese government. Please call me Hiroshi. I am passionate to introduce my country by considering your own interests and tastes. So I am committed to your enhancing unique and excellent memories in Japan. I hope it doesn’t sound arrogant, but I am always flexible and resourceful to meet your demand. Your requests on the site would be greatly appreciated, My pleasure as a tour guide is contribution to your making unforgettable memories in Japan and sharing them with you which would remain deep in our hearts. I was born and brought up in Nagoya city which is well known as an industrial city, Toyota automobile is headquartered in this area. Now I am living in the vicinity of Nagoya city. When it comes to Nagoya, many people would be reminded of Nagoya castle. Three big men, famous samurai rulers across Japan in samurai era, all come from this area. Besides appreciation of authentic samurai remnants, you can find various kinds of attractive spots in this area. I am willing to show you around some off the beaten spots which are not well known among travelers, commoners. As for Kyoto, I had been living in Kyoto for five years and now am enjoying showing many guests around Kyoto, so I have much knowledge about the old capital, where old traditions still remain and you can find authentic traditional, sophisticated settings so unique and attractive! You are my guest, so you are special, I am ready to serve you with bringing something special for you. Very excited at serving you as a tour-guide for your having a wonderful time during your tour and also in your recollections. Always waiting for you!! Thank you!!

Mick

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Okayama

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00111
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

FOOD,ART,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I'm Miyoko. I was born in Tamano city, Okayama prefecture, which is close to the Seto Inland Sea, a.k.a. Setouchi. Setouchi has over 3000 islands and its beauty has been cherished for a long time, and it also has been an important sea route from and to the Asian continent for culture, technology, goods and people for thousands of years. Nowadays, it is really popular and famous for its art islands, especially Naoshima. Kurashiki city, where I live now, has a shrine which dates back to 1700 years ago, and traditional merchants' streets. In Okayama city, I can show you around Korakuen garden, which is one of the best three Japanese gardens in Japan. I hope you will have a wonderful time in these places indulging in art, nature, culture, architecture and history.

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!

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.

Mie

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00241
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Architecture,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hi, this is Mie, a professional tour guide in Hiroshima. Born and raised in Hiroshima, I’ve been seeing this city's change and development, and I have many stories to share with you not only from the guidebooks. I am a nature lover, traveling inside and outside of Japan mainly for mountain climbing and taking photos of nature. Since I majored in Japanese literature and history in college, I have deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, religion, and architecture. Working as a professional tour guide, interpreter, and training coordinator for some international institutions to support foreign students and researchers in Japanese universities, I love to meet many people worldwide. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!!

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.

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!

Rumiko, Sunshine

（1）

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00067
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

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

Hello, I'm Sunshine! Growing up in a family deeply devoted to traditional Japanese cultures, such as classical dancing and Kabuki, I have been immersed in the rich heritage that defines this captivating land. Moreover, my professional background includes extensive training in high-end hospitality and presentation skills from diverse corporate environments, ranging from a publishing company to an advertising agency and an engineering firm. As a result, I've developed a unique blend of traditional charm and modern finesse. During our tour, I am thrilled to share with you the historical and traditional aspects of the cities we'll explore and the excitement of new cultures and cutting-edge technologies that define contemporary Japan. With a dash of theatrics, I may even step into the shoes of historical figures, offering you an intimate glimpse into their lives and stories. As we venture together, I will reveal hidden corners and historical gems that might otherwise go unnoticed, creating countless "Wow-moments" that will stay with you for a lifetime. It is my genuine desire to ensure you experience the true essence of Japan, immersing you in its past, present, and future. So, get ready to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure with me. I can't wait to meet all of you and make this journey genuinely extraordinary!

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.

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.

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

Kay Hagino

Guide Experience

20 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00045
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Castle,Japanese Garden,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hello! This is Kay! I have been guiding my guests around Kanazawa and its neighborhood since 2014. Let me tell you how I started. One day, I met a man who said, “Kay, it seems you really like your hometown because you are so passionate when you talk about it. Since you speak good English, why don’t you guide around people? I am sure they are going to enjoy it, and so will you.” I got hooked at the suggestion of this man, now my husband, and he was right. It brings me such joy to see my guests beam at those Aha moments when they connect the dots. So why don’t you extend your travel plan to include Kanazawa, a town full of history, art, and culture—where you will enjoy connecting these dots with its neighborhoods? And when you do so, please let me assist you in enjoying the time to its fullest!

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.

Makiko

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00632
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Traditional Culture,Pop Culture,Art Crafts

I've been introducing wide variety of Japanese culture and beautiful scenery to guests as a professional guide since 2016. I have lived in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and the US and traveled many different countries which deepen my curiosity about my own culture. Beside a tour guide, I work in an entertainment industry as an interpreter, coordinator, and production assistant for over 20 years. I’ve had opportunities working with many wonderful people including musicians, celebrities, and other professionals having an incredible talent, and I believe those unique experience made who I am now. I am a very cheerful person and strive to possess a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, especially about Kyoto, an ancient capital over 1000 years until 150 years ago. I love nature and appreciate traditional culture, so taking you to tranquil gardens and traditional craft studios, and experiencing Japanese culture (tea ceremony, pottery, cooking class, zen meditation and more!) are just some of activities that are available. I am a foodie and would be happy to take you a tour for yummy street food in my hometown, Osaka. I will try my best to make your trip in Japan memorable and unique and you can explore not only major sightseeing spots, but also local hidden gems and specialty shops, restaurants, or sake breweries. Having a local guide who will answer about Japanese culture and Japanese spirits without language problems will save your precious time and make your trip that much more special while you are in Japan. Looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

Emi

Guide Experience

10 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

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

KeiKay

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe

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

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)