Our Team

YOUR TRAVEL AND FOODIE FRIENDS IN JAPAN

Our team is what makes our tours so special. One look at our TripAdvisor page and you will see that our guests just love our talented, well trained, tour guides and support staff. Read more about our local experts below. Live in Japan? Want to join us? You can see our available positions here. 


Management




Anne Kyle
CEO and FOUNDER

Anne is the CEO and Founder of Arigato Travel. She founded the company in 2016 with tours in Japan, realizing her calling to create amazing experiences for international visitors. She was a featured speaker at the New York Times Travel show and continues to share her love of tourism. Read more about Anne, her story, and her media appearances here: https://elizabethannekyle.com/


Matt Kyle
Co-founder

Matthew is the Co-Founder of Arigato Japan alongside his wife, Anne. He focuses on strategy and business development. In addition to his work at Arigato Japan, Matt is CCO at weConnect, helping global companies discover a better way to manage their finance and payroll functions.


Lauren Shannon
Partner/General Manager

Lauren is our GM and a partner in the company. She has degrees in education and art and a background in multicultural businesses. She is a lover of food, wine, travel, design and LIFE! Lauren has worked in Tourism in Japan for the last 7 years. She is a long-time resident in Japan.



Jessica
Marketing, Sales and Business Development Director

Jessica was born in Paris but loves Japan. She is our Marketing, PR, and Sales Manager. Jessica worked for a gaming company for over 6 years before she quit everything to follow her dream in Tokyo. She has a passion for Aimyon, Japanese culture, language, music, and food.


Jenkie
HEAD OF FINANCE

Jenkie was born and raised in the Philippines. She is a marketing graduate and former manager of Kirelis International for 10 years. She joined Arigato Japan in 2017. Jenkie is our Head of Finance and is working hard to manage our financial and budgeting operations.


Norma
HR and Training Director

Norma is our Training and HR coordinator. She shares her knowledge with our guides and also runs Spanish-language tours. Norma is a passionate etching and woodblock artist who came from Mexico to learn Ukiyo-e. As a foodie, Japan was the perfect place to explore and share! Read more about Norma!



Kristine
ADMIN MANAGER

Kristine is our Admin Manager. She is dedicated and committed to providing excellent service to clients and continues to be responsible for our goal in offering the best food and travel experience to visitors from around the world, by showing Japan’s unique culture.


Sae
HR & TRAINING MANAGER AND REGIONAL COORDINATOR KANSAI

Sae was born in Japan and has studied in New Zealand and Canada, working as a makeup artist, beauty advisor and English tutor. She is genuinely passionate about sharing her love for Japanese culture, beauty and ultimately, unforgettable fun memories with her guests. Read more about Sae!


Jessop
TRAVEL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Jessop is our Travel Operations Director. He is fascinated by the wide range of opportunities to connect with locals and immerse in local areas of Japan. He has 20 years of experience in Asia plotting out unique adventures. You can also find him fishing with Japan’s top anglers.



DeeJay
Finance Team Operations Lead

DeeJay is from the Philippines with a Master's in Business Administration and a degree in Financial Management. He may be a Filipino, but he has a heart for Japan. He believes that his leadership skills were honed by the anime he watched growing up. He is a proud fur-dad of 3 dogs and enjoys spending quality time with them. In his free time, he volunteers at local community church groups as one of their leaders. With a passion for continuous learning, DeeJay is always looking for new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Travel Operations




Ramona
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SUPPORT ASSOCIATE & SENIOR GUIDE

Ramona is Italian and LOVES food. She ran restaurants in Italy before moving to Japan where she now lives with her husband and kids. She aims to instill a passion for Japanese cuisine in our guests, is a part of the Ops Team, and is in charge of the Travel consulting service.


Josh
LEADER GUIDE & TRAVEL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Josh came to Japan in 1983, living in Sapporo for a short time. He then moved here and lived and traveled extensively around Japan. He's an expert on many parts of Japanese food culture and loves answering questions. His favorite food in Japan is the Hokkaido specialty jingiskan.


Carlotta
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Carlotta is from Rome and is proudly in love with food. She became passionate about Japanese history and culture during her travels, which were always “too short,” as she feels Tokyo especially is a never-ending story. She now lives in Tokyo after acquiring her Master's degree.



Kate
ADMIN ASSISTANT MANAGER

Kate has a great love for Japan and its food. She strives to provide great customer service and makes sure everything is arranged accordingly. She’s also a traveler and plans to travel to Japan someday, since she's been a fan of anime since childhood.


Annalyn
SENIOR ADMIN ASSOCIATE

Annalyn is from the Philippines and aims to give our guests a smooth, amazing and memorable travel and food experience throughout their stay in Japan. Her love for food and interest in Japanese culture makes her want to travel to Japan someday.


Megumi
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SUPPORT ASSOCIATE

Megumi, originally from Tokyo, headed to Hawaii for her studies. Upon returning home, she was determined to spread her love for Japan. An avid onsen enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new Ryokans to visit and indulge in the delicious Kaiseki cuisine.



Karina
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Karina graduated from Sophia University in Tokyo. Originally from Kazakhstan, she has lived in Japan since 2016 and has developed a deep passion for Japanese history and culture. In her free time, she maintains a blog sharing insights on education and Japanese history.


Diane
ADMINISTRATOR

Diane is passionate about art, food, travel blogs, and lifestyle vlogs. She has been working in the customer service industry for almost 5 years. Her main goal is to provide an excellent travel experience and good memories to as many guests as possible.


Ryan K
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SUPPORT ASSOCIATE

Ryan hails from California, and his passion for video games and Tokusatsu has led him on a quest in search of what Japan has to offer beyond the TV screen. Since moving in 2013, his motivation for making lasting and lifelong connections has been his never-ending journey.



Nicole
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Nicole is from Los Angeles and graduated from university in Tokyo. She’s been living in Japan for 7 years, having been influenced by Japanese culture from a young age. Nicole enjoys Japanese fashion and art, and when she's not painting, she loves spending time with her hamsters.


Heder
ADMINISTRATOR

Heder lives in the Philippines. She loves to travel and explore the unique qualities of every country. Among all the places she has visited, Japan holds a very special place in her heart. Bringing joy to others has always been her passion.

Customer Service & Administration




Michael
ADMINISTRATOR & ACCOUNTING

Michael is a huge fan of Tonkotsu ramen and fell in love with Japanese food at a very young age. He is also a fan of Manga, Kobe Bryant, and riding the Bullet Train. He supports our teams in both Kansai and Kanto.


Bertely
ADMIN ASSISTANT MANAGER

Bertely lives in the Philippines. Her love for traveling led her to explore the best tourist places in her country, and now Japan is on her international travel bucket list. She is very eager to help visitors plan their most unforgettable travel experience in Japan.


Berlyn
SENIOR ADMIN ASSOCIATE

Berlyn is from the Philippines and loves watching anime, traveling, and taking photos. Her goal is to share her knowledge and collaborate effectively with the team, ensuring that she provides excellent customer support for visitors that want to explore the beauty of Japan.



Aira
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Aira hails from the Philippines. With a strong background in customer service, she helps our guests have an exceptional time in Japan. Her fascination with Japanese culture and its traditions, particularly Japanese street cars, fuels her desire to come see them in person.


Sandra
LEADER GUIDE & HR ASSISTANT

Sandra is a passionate food enthusiast from Barcelona who found her heart captivated by Japan a decade ago. Now deeply rooted in the country, she embraces Japan as her second home, savoring its diverse culinary wonders and joyfully sharing her love for Japanese cuisine with others.


Wesley
LEADER GUIDE

Wesley is an adventurer who swapped LA for Tokyo two years ago and never looked back! His passion for food and exploration has taken him from the snowy landscapes of Tohoku and Hokkaido to the cultural gems of Kyoto and Osaka and given him many unforgettable experiences.



Nikka
ADMINISTRATOR

Nikka is a proud hardworking mom from the Philippines. Her main goal is to assist customers and provide them with exceptional service. Nikka has a passion for exploring new places and trying new things and embracing every opportunity to discover the world's wonders.


Ry
ADMINISTRATOR

Ry is from the Philippines and loves gaming and adventuring. She loves discovering the best foods her local area has to offer and recommending them to those she cares about. In her free time, she also loves learning about the newest technology and gadgets.


Erika
FINANCE & PAYROLL MANAGER

Erika is from Manila, Philippines, and graduated with a Business Economics degree. She loves to cook and travel, and her visit to Japan in 2017 made her appreciate and love Japan and its culture, food, and scenery, as well as Arigato Travel even more.



Jacob
LEADER GUIDE

Jacob, originally from Israel, first found himself in Japan back in 2013 and returned every year until he decided to move completely in 2021. Whenever he gets the opportunity to travel to a new prefecture, he tries local famous dishes to make a list of the best foods in Japan.


Claire
HR ASSISTANT & GUIDE

Claire is a vegetarian and absolute foodie from the U.S. She spent many years learning about Japan and studying the language and has come to love her new home here in Tokyo. She does yoga, plays video games and goes to vegan/vegetarian meetups with friends in her spare time.


Charina
ADMINISTRATOR

Charina loves Japanese food and culture and has been part of our Admin team helping mostly with customer service, back office support, and assisting our Kansai team members. She loves anime, udon, and cooking Japanese food.



Fernando
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

Fernando, a travel and music enthusiast, is from Manila, Philippines. Along with photography, he enjoys playing mobile games and watching anime, which has piqued his interest in Japanese culture. It is also the reason he became a member of Arigato Travel.


Aimee
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

Aimee is a Registered Nurse from the Philippines. She has you covered from bedside care to numbers and spreadsheets and is thrilled to join Arigato Travel as part of the Finance Team.


Kathleen
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Kathleen is from the Philippines and worked as the assistant to the principal and a preschool English teacher for four years. She's passionate about music, arts and crafts. A food lover and travel enthusiast, she looks forward to exploring Japan’s rich culture and cuisine.



Liah
ADMINISTRATOR

Liah is from the Philippines and loves exploring different cafes, especially matcha cafes. One of her bucket list goals is to experience an unforgettable matcha experience in Japan. She also enjoys watching melodramas, singing, and dancing as hobbies.

Marketing




Jason
MARKETING ASSISTANT MANAGER

Jason was born in the US, but grew to love everything about Japan. He wants to share his passion for Japanese culture, food, music, and more with people all over the world. Jason loves playing video games and cooking in his free time.


Sarah
MARKETING ASSISTANT

Sarah is from Trinidad and has loved anime since she was young, which led to her passion and love for Japan. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and creating content for Instagram. One of her main goals is to become fluent in Japanese one day in hopes to travel to Japan.


Chloe
MARKETING ASSISTANT

Chloe is from a small town in Australia. She has always loved foreign cultures and languages, majoring in Japanese in university. As a creative, she loves to draw the modern and traditional styles of Japanese art. She also enjoys studying and writing about Japan.



George
VIDEO CREATION ASSISTANT

George is from the UK, where he graduated with a degree in Film & American Studies, and designs strategy board games in his spare time. His real passions are film and Japanese culture–two obsessions he is thrilled to be able to indulge in and share with others at Arigato Travel.


Maria
MARKETING ASSISTANT

Maria is from Spain and moved to Japan in 2020 to experience a new culture for herself, falling in love with the country in the process. She cannot live without drinking Matcha every day and loves picnics in places where she can enjoy the beautiful sights of Japanese nature.


Kristian
MARKETING AND CONTENT ASSOCIATE

Kristian is from South Carolina and enjoys fishing, hiking, and the outdoors. From a young age, he had a strong interest in exploring Asian countries and cultures due to his interest in martial arts. After coming to Japan for college, he hopes to continue to live and work here.



Catherine
Community Manager Marketing and Sales

Born in Hong Kong, Catherine pursued human resources and corporate branding in Toronto. Fascinated by Japanese culture, she now studies Japanese in Kyoto. Combining her passion for branding, travel, and storytelling, Catherine aims to share Japan's incredible sights worldwide.

Guides




Ramona
TRAVEL OPERATIONS SUPPORT ASSOCIATE & SENIOR GUIDE

Ramona is Italian and LOVES food. She ran restaurants in Italy before moving to Japan where she now lives with her husband and kids. She aims to instill a passion for Japanese cuisine in our guests, is a part of the Ops Team, and is in charge of the Travel consulting service.


Josh
LEADER GUIDE & TRAVEL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Josh came to Japan in 1983, living in Sapporo for a short time. He then moved here and lived and traveled extensively around Japan. He's an expert on many parts of Japanese food culture and loves answering questions. His favorite food in Japan is the Hokkaido specialty jingiskan.


Russ
SENIOR GUIDE

Russ is a musician from Wales who first visited Japan in 2010 with his band after discovering a record he released in 1980 was selling for 7000 yen. He has since undertaken 8 tours of Japan and regularly plays solo gigs in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Read more about Russ!



Yappy
SENIOR GUIDE

Yappy moved to Tokyo from Osaka and has worked in the entertainment industry ever since. As a bartender and DJ, he has the chance to use both his Osaka dialect and his English. An unforgettable experience hosting guests in an Airbnb made him want to share his love for Japan. Read more about Yappy!


Ike
SENIOR GUIDE

Ike was born in Japan and moved to Boston in 1983 to go to music school. During his 35 years in Boston, Ike was a sushi chef, a manager at a Japanese market, and owned a restaurant. He is excited to share his knowledge about Japanese food with you. Read more about Ike!


Miyuki
SENIOR GUIDE

Miyuki traces her lifelong fascination with travel, culture, and world cuisine back to reading “People” by Peter Spier and eating food at her father’s Teppanyaki restaurant. She has lived in 8 countries for school and work and loves to share her knowledge of Japanese soul food.



Thomás
SENIOR GUIDE

Thomás is a Brazilian who came to Japan to pursue his Master's and Ph.D. in computational neuroscience. But even while enjoying these abstract subjects, his passions extend to many areas. He strives to share his love for Japan and his appreciation of all things, big to small.


Alexandro Renee
SENIOR GUIDE

Alex is originally from Mexico and has had a deep love for Japanese culture since childhood. He also runs Spanish tours, has many stories about this amazing country, and is always happy to meet new friends from around the world! He is an artist and an anime and manga fan. Read more about Alex!


Kumie
GUIDE

Kumie is from Osaka and has lived in Tokyo since 2014. She studied food science and nutrition, working as a food researcher. Living in both urban and rural areas all over Japan, Kumie has a strong knowledge of regional specialties and local culture and loves to share it.



Haruka
SENIOR GUIDE

Haruka was born and raised in Tokyo and lived in Florida working at a Japan-themed store in Walt Disney World. After her return, she started organizing tours and events for foreigners in Tokyo and enjoyed working with talented Japanese chefs, craftsmen, and performing artists.


Norma
HR and Training Director

Norma is our Training and HR coordinator. She shares her knowledge with our guides and also runs Spanish-language tours. Norma is a passionate etching and woodblock artist who came from Mexico to learn Ukiyo-e. As a foodie, Japan was the perfect place to explore and share! Read more about Norma!


Kay
SENIOR GUIDE

Kay is a Korean who grew up in Osaka and Tokyo and went to college in the US She has visited 12 countries and enjoys meeting new people around the globe, exploring new cultures and trying the local food. She’s easygoing and wants to share tasty food and a fun time with you.



Michie
SENIOR GUIDE

Michie was born and raised in Tokyo, attended college in Iowa, and also lived in Hong Kong while working as a flight attendant. Michie believes enjoying food is the best way to relax, and that sharing good food helps people build relationships and understand other cultures.


Yuko
SENIOR GUIDE

Yuko was born in Yokohama and raised in Tokyo. Until recently, she lived in Hawaii with her two children for 7 years. She brought the Aloha spirit back to Japan with her. Yuko is happy to share Japanese food and cultural facts so guests can bring wonderful memories back home.


H
GUIDE

H was born and raised in Kyoto, and has worked at several companies engaging in overseas marketing & sales before his retirement. His job brought him to many countries around the world, and he made many friends overseas and enjoyed trying food from diverse cultures everywhere.



Hannah
SENIOR GUIDE

Hannah is a Canadian with a background in Graphic Design and Pastry Arts and is the head Baker of an up-and-coming cafe in Tokyo. She has an admiration for the bold Tokyo subcultures and now seeks out more unique cafes, bathhouses, and seasonal festivals in her free time.


Sae
HR & TRAINING MANAGER AND REGIONAL COORDINATOR KANSAI

Sae was born in Japan and has studied in New Zealand and Canada, working as a makeup artist, beauty advisor and English tutor. She is genuinely passionate about sharing her love for Japanese culture, beauty and ultimately, unforgettable fun memories with her guests. Read more about Sae!


Sandra
LEADER GUIDE & HR ASSISTANT

Sandra is a passionate food enthusiast from Barcelona who found her heart captivated by Japan a decade ago. Now deeply rooted in the country, she embraces Japan as her second home, savoring its diverse culinary wonders and joyfully sharing her love for Japanese cuisine with others.



Noboru
GUIDE

Noboru was born in Kyoto and has been there for decades and decades. He would love to help you discover the city he loves so much and make your day memorable. He hopes to introduce you to the Japanese concept of Ichigo Ichie; one lifetime, one encounter.


Shigeki
SENIOR GUIDE

Shigeki is originally from Kagoshima but has lived in Tokyo for decades. He loves to travel and has visited many foreign countries and prefectures in Japan. He always makes sure to check out regional specialties and can give you the best sake and food pairing recommendations.


Sanae
SENIOR GUIDE

Sanae was born in Kyoto and brought up with delicious provincial food. As such, she is an expert in cooking Kyoto dishes. She never fails to make umeboshi, plum pickles, every summer and hopes to share her passion for Kyoto's best food with people from around the world.



Miyuki
GUIDE

Miyuki was born and raised in the city of Hiroshima. She likes eating and especially loves Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima’s soul food, and hopes that everyone can enjoy it. She also likes visiting shrines and enjoying Kagura performances and want to share her passion for Hiroshima. Read more about Miyuki!


Makki
SENIOR GUIDE

Makki was born and raised in Kawasaki and lived in New York for dancing. After that, she worked as a guide throughout Japan and in the US for Warner Brothers. After early retirement, she wants to help guests from all over the world fall in love with a second culture as she did.


Motoko
GUIDE

Motoko was born and raised in Kobe and moved to Chiba in 2007. She enjoyed her experience staying in California in her 20s and loved meeting many people while she was there, so she became a guide so that people can be happy and enjoy Japan just as she enjoyed her time in the US.



Wesley
LEADER GUIDE

Wesley is an adventurer who swapped LA for Tokyo two years ago and never looked back! His passion for food and exploration has taken him from the snowy landscapes of Tohoku and Hokkaido to the cultural gems of Kyoto and Osaka and given him many unforgettable experiences.


Satoko
GUIDE

Satoko was born in New York and raised in the States, Japan and Switzerland. She is a foodie who loves meeting new people and sharing experiences. She received her governmental tour guide license and wants to welcome each guest like they are one of her friends visiting Tokyo.


Daniel
GUIDE

Daniel brings a touch of California spirit to the mesmerizing landscapes of Japan. As an aspiring filmmaker and adventurer, he found an unexpected love for the Land of the Rising Sun during his first visit to Hokkaido and its rich culture, history, and breathtaking scenery.



Vanessa
GUIDE

Vanessa is originally from Portugal but fell in love with Tokyo after completing an internship there. She decided to move to Japan, where she pursues her love for exploring and trying new things, including strange dishes like Cricket Ramen and sharing her love for the country.


Trevor
GUIDE

Trevor is an American who has been residing in Japan since he came in 2017 to spend a year working overseas. He liked it so much that he decided to stay. His favorite Japanese food is Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, and he’s looking forward to sharing Tokyo tips and tales with you.


François
GUIDE

François is from France, but came to Japan after transferring within his company 15 years ago. When he is not at the office or on a food tour guiding guests, he enjoys outdoor activities like snowboarding, cycling, trail running and also experiments with Japanese home cooking.



Eduardo
GUIDE

Eduardo is a Mexican who moved to Japan for his Ph.D. While he enjoys several hobbies like photography and boxing, he discovered he loves cooking Japanese food when he started his life in Kyoto. He loves sharing his love for ramen and sharing his funny experiences in Japan.


Glenda
GUIDE

Glenda is an outgoing Singaporean who loves food and exploring nature and can speak English, Japanese, and Mandarin. Having gotten a taste of life in Japan during university, she moved to Tokyo to satiate her love and immense passion for its food, language, and culture.


Melissa
GUIDE

Melissa is American and has lived in Osaka for over 20 years with her Australian husband and children. In the daytime, she works as an English narrator, but now that her children are a bit older she has decided to share her love of Osaka and Japanese food with visiting guests.



Jacob
LEADER GUIDE

Jacob, originally from Israel, first found himself in Japan back in 2013 and returned every year until he decided to move completely in 2021. Whenever he gets the opportunity to travel to a new prefecture, he tries local famous dishes to make a list of the best foods in Japan.


Ray
GUIDE

Ray first came to Japan in 2015 and immediately fell in love with the culture, people, and food! Ray is a former traveler, having visited more than twenty countries and ended up living here in Japan. His wife is Japanese so he has deep knowledge of the country's culture.


Claire
HR ASSISTANT & GUIDE

Claire is a vegetarian and absolute foodie from the U.S. She spent many years learning about Japan and studying the language and has come to love her new home here in Tokyo. She does yoga, plays video games and goes to vegan/vegetarian meetups with friends in her spare time.



Akiko
GUIDE

Akiko was born and raised in Osaka. She is friendly and talkative and is pleased to share her passion and love for Osaka and its food with guests. Inspired by her time abroad, meeting kind people everywhere, she would now like to return that kindness to international visitors.


Kazuko
GUIDE

Kazuko is originally from the port town of Yokohama and lives in Tokyo. Kazuko has a degree in English Literature and studied Computer Programming in London. She spent her career working in Japanese animation production in New York. Now she travels Japan as a tour guide.


Junko
GUIDE

Junko was born in Osaka and has lived there all her life. Studying to become a tour guide taught her to love Japanese history, culture and people even more. She loves talking with locals in the many places she visits and hopes to become a good local for her guests.



Melissa T
GUIDE

Originally from Guatemala, Melissa came to Japan in 2018 to study the history of architecture. She was able to extend her stay from 2 to 6 years and counting. A foodie, anime, art and cooking lover, she'll be happy to guide you through the fun and interesting parts of Tokyo!


Saika
GUIDE

Saika is a foodie from Taiwan who loves traveling. She first came to Kyoto as a backpacker for 3 months and instantly fell in love with the food and traditions. Saika believes the key to understanding the customs and history of a country is through its culinary background.


Kentaro
GUIDE

Kentaro was born in Malaysia and came to Japan to study abroad in 1990, growing to love Japan and its culture. He mastered the language and learned all about the cuisine while working at an izakaya. His hobby is Karaoke and he lives in Osaka, the iconic Kitchen of Japan.



Masaki
GUIDE

Masaki is a friendly local host born and raised in Hiroshima. He says the area's landscapes are a sight to behold and wants to tell you all about its wonders. He knows the ins and outs of the city and can't wait to share the warmth and wonders of his beloved hometown with you!


Olivia
GUIDE

Originally from Indonesia, Olivia has been living in other countries for quite a while and moved to Hiroshima in 2022. She loves venturing out to interesting new places that people hardly know. She loves Japanese food and loves sharing new places and experiences with her guests.


Jane
GUIDE

Jane is from the Philippines. She travels often and loves exploring new places and making unforgettable memories. She loves Anime and has been living in Japan since 2018. She has a degree in Tourism Management and has been working as a freelance tour guide in Japan since 2019.



Hiro
GUIDE

Hiro is an engineer who grew up in the auto industry and is native to Kyoto. He loves his home town which is historical and beautiful. Spending some time abroad helped him appreciate the beauty of Kyoto. He loves nature, playing with children, singing and meeting new people!


Ami
GUIDE

Originally from Shimane, Ami studied travel and tourism in the US. After working various jobs, she returned to Japan to work for an oyster company in Hiroshima. Ami enjoys traveling and local foods and drinks. She's excited to share Japanese & Hiroshima culture with her guests!


Yoshiko
GUIDE

Yoshiko was born in Fukuoka and lived in Germany for 21 years. She is a musician who plays guitar and the shamisen and sings. She’s lived in Kyoto for 7 years and loves it very much! She values its seasons, beauty, and people’s sense of humor and positivity.



Giulia
GUIDE

Giulia is a cheerful and outgoing person from Italy. Her passion for Japan led her to move to Tokyo in 2022, and she now wants to share that love with others. She's looking forward to exchanging experiences and learning about your cultures while enjoying Tokyo together.


Cindy
GUIDE

Cindy is a seasoned sake professional, writer, and photographer. Having lived in various regions across Japan, she currently calls Kyoto home and is passionate about Japanese culture. She loves sharing her experiences of Japan’s captivating sights and flavors with visitors.


Sebastian
GUIDE

Sebastian is a nomad passionate about exploring new locations and cultures. He finds peace in nature and outdoor activities. He also practices the martial art Jiu Jitsu. He now looks to share all these experiences as a guide and to express his love for Japan to you!



Ryan
GUIDE

Ryan originally came to Japan from the U.S. on a bit of a whim, yet ended up falling in love with it and has been living here ever since. When people ask why he enjoys living in Japan, his answer comes down to three things: the scenery, the people, and of course, the food.


Chiko
GUIDE

Chiko spends her time between Tokyo and New York. She delights in sharing the wonders of Japanese food and culture with others. She is especially familiar with Japanese kimonos and traditional musical instruments, such as the shamisen, and cuisine using authentic ingredients.


Serena
GUIDE

An American whose lifelong love of anime and all things kawaii brought her to Japan in 2017, Serena has taught English in Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo throughout the years. But now she is excited to share her first-hand knowledge of her favorite city and foods with everyone!



Jahmelah
GUIDE

Originally from the US, Jahmelah has called Kyoto home since 2017. Her hobbies include playing music, cooking, exploring new places and photography. She strives to share her deep love for Japan and its unique food culture with visitors through meals and great conversation.


Atsuko
GUIDE

Currently residing in Kyoto, Atsuko has a passion for learning languages and loves talking to people. Additionally, she loves Japanese cuisine and hopes her guests will have a delightful experience savoring delicious food in Japan, as well as discovering the hidden gems of Kyoto.


Shasta
GUIDE

Shasta grew up in Australia, studied Japanese in university, and has lived in Japan for nearly eight years. Her hobbies are reading, playing too many video games, and finding interesting new spots! She loves Japan and is excited to share that enthusiasm with others.



Paul
GUIDE

Paul was born and raised in Ireland. He fell in love with Japanese cuisine since coming to Tokyo and has become a foodie enthusiast, searching for the best and newest foods that Japan has to offer. In his free time, he loves to watch movies and visit shrines.


Lucas
GUIDE

Lucas was born in Hong Kong and came to Japan for love in 2020. He formerly lived in Australia where he studied and worked in hospitality. He enjoys the cultural differences between China, Japan and the West. A lover of snow & Japanese food, he is also a snowboarding instructor.


Makoto
GUIDE

Born and raised in Saitama, Makoto has since moved westward to Kyoto where he’s lived since 2022. His interest in Japanese culture drew him there, so he now calls Kyoto home. He firmly believes that understanding culture is one way of understanding yourself. Welcome to Kyoto!



Kazuno
GUIDE

Kaz is from the UK and has a British/Japanese background. A natural Japanese foodie, having grown up with the culture in the UK, he returned to Japan in 2006 to reconnect with the country. He loves discovering places with a camera in hand looking for moments that express Japan.


Mark
GUIDE

Originally from the US, Mark first came to Japan in 2006. He was instantly captivated by the culture and relocated to Kyoto in 2008. His favorite features of Kyoto include the abundance of nature, the ability to cycle everywhere, and the variety of good food and people.


Kevin
GUIDE

Kevin is from the UK and has lived in Japan for 23 years. He has a deep passion for fostering cultural understanding through his music and love for Japanese culture. He regularly performs live in Osaka, enjoying the opportunity to share his music with locals and visitors alike.



Ana
GUIDE

Ana came from Portugal to Japan for her studies after fostering a life-long love of the language and culture, mostly through anime and manga. She's lived in Kyoto since 2020 and completely fell in love with the city, its traditional culture, and, of course, the delicious food.


Miki
GUIDE

Miki was born in Chiba and moved abroad when she was 3. After living in 5 different countries, she returned to Japan 21 years later. She loves sharing stories & the land, the wind and the sea. In her free time, she likes to practice aikido, read books, and enjoy delicious food.


Clara
GUIDE

Clara, a Guatemalan who has lived in various regions of Japan, such as Nagasaki, Osaka, and Tokyo, had the opportunity to meet a diverse array of people and develop a deep appreciation for Japan's culture and regional cuisine. She loves sharing these experiences with her guests.



Masayuki
GUIDE

Masa, a certified sake sommelier, is recognized as an International Kikizake-shi. He is also a data analyst specializing in tourism. He was born and raised in Hiroshima but has also lived in Singapore, Texas, and Tokyo. Masa is passionate about promoting Hiroshima's sake.


Ully
GUIDE

Ully is Brazilian-Japanese and has spent 12 years in Japan with many back-and-forth trips between the two countries. Her passion for Japanese cuisine led her to create her food blog that has amassed 14K+ followers on IG. She hopes to provide a fun and informative tour with you!


Raquel
GUIDE

Raquel is a 4th-generation Japanese descendant from Mexico. She moved here in 2020 to pursue her graduate degree and reconnect with her roots. A fan of animation, languages, and cooking, she never lets an opportunity slip to learn, engage her writing passion, and make friends.



Patrick
GUIDE

Patrick is from the UK and came to Japan in 2022 to explore the fascinating culture here. He works in the craft beer industry here in Osaka. Having worked in this industry alongside various food tours, Patrick loves having a chat over a well-crafted drink and some delicious food.


Dani
GUIDE

Dani was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. He came to Japan to study Japanese after a trip to the country made him fall in love with Japanese culture and cuisine. He loves eating good and local food, photography, videography and playing football (or soccer) as a good Spaniard.


Ana Maria
GUIDE

After receiving her Master's Degree in Japanese Studies in London, Ana came to Japan in 2022 to experience its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and the ever-changing beauty of its seasons. She is based in Kyoto but her love of traveling has brought her all around Japan.



Nanako
GUIDE

Nanako, who also goes by the nickname ”d,” is very optimistic and positive about life. After working for 22 years as an art dealer, she has become what she calls a food experimentalist. Her dream is to become a food artist to express her “omotenashi” (hospitality).


Maru
GUIDE

Maru is from San Diego and has been in Japan for a little over a decade. He was brought here by his love of video games and anime. Enticed by the beauty of Japanese art, Maru is happy to share food and quirky cultural differences so you can take unique memories back home.


Yvette
GUIDE

Yvette is a passionate guide who loves Japan’s rich culture and local flavors. Originally from the Philippines, she challenged herself to move abroad to her dream country. She brings warmth and insight to her tours, making each experience memorable for guests exploring Japan.



Matt
GUIDE

Matt is originally from the United States and has been living in Japan since 2012. He is an avid gamer and a passionate fan of Japanese pop music, especially the Osaka-based girls group NMB48. Matt is excited to share his enthusiasm for Japanese food and culture with his guests.


Karim
GUIDE

Karim, originally from England, has lived in Japan for several years and has come to cherish the country’s culinary delights. One of his favorite dishes is Miso-nikomi-Udon, a rich and fruity clay pot dish. In his free time, Karim loves reading books and playing the guitar.


Yoshi
GUIDE

Yoshi, born in Tokyo, lived and studied in the UK before returning to Japan. His passion for the culture and love for the cuisine stems from his appreciation for Japanese sensibilities—emphasizing simplicity, balance, and mindfulness—qualities rooted in Buddhist philosophy.



Ema
GUIDE

Originally from Chile and now living in Tokyo, Ema is a musician, performer, and DJ deeply involved in Tokyo’s underground scene, producing original tracks and performing across the city. Ema thrives on sharing Japan's unique energy with visitors from around the world.


Michael
GUIDE

Michael is an American born and raised in Kagoshima, but he currently lives in Tokyo. He is very interested in Japanese history and culture and has worked at multiple Japanese restaurants throughout his life. He would love to introduce you to everything about Japanese food culture, from its history to how it's made and even how it's enjoyed nowadays.


Daniela
GUIDE

Daniela is a Colombian-born creative whose passion for knowledge has led her to live in Oxford, Barcelona, and now Kyoto. Since her first visit to Japan in 2018, she’s been captivated by its culture and flavors. Blending her love for storytelling, culture, and cuisine, she seeks to ignite that same spark of curiosity in every guest, crafting unforgettable experiences through meals that can melt anyone’s heart.



Aleef
GUIDE

Aleef is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and now calls Hiroshima home. With a background in nutrition and biomedical science, he works as a researcher at Hiroshima University, leading health interventions for the local community. Whether guiding travelers through the city or diving deep into his research, Aleef finds joy in exploring Hiroshima and sharing its resilient history and unique charm with others.


Kenley
GUIDE

Kenley is an American who came to Japan as an English teacher. He is now finishing his master’s degree in Kyoto. He has several hobbies, including Japanese archery, martial arts, and a love for all things anime and video games. He loves trying regional delicacies all over Japan and is passionate about hidden gems in the countryside.


Ronan
GUIDE

Ron was born and raised in the countryside of the Philippines surrounded with rice fields. His love for anime, manga, and Japanese culture (and rice!) brought him to Japan. He is a self-proclaimed outdoorsy hikikomori because you can either find him binge-watching shows in a dimlit room, or feeling his oats in a sunlit grove of trees.



Kanji
GUIDE

Kanji was born and raised in Tokyo, where he has lived for over 30 years. While working as a test engineer, he was inspired to become a tour guide to share the joy of travel and the deeper beauty of Japanese culture with visitors from around the world. He has been passionate about cooking since childhood and specializes in Japanese cuisine. A fan of local craft beer, he also enjoys pairing it with his culinary creations. Kanji has traveled across Europe, particularly to Germany, which he has visited six times on backpacking adventures. These experiences have given him a strong appreciation for cultural exchange and connection. He is also deeply interested in Japanese spirituality and enjoys introducing guests to places that reflect the quiet essence of Japan, from ancient temples and shrines to serene natural settings. Kanji’s tours aim to offer more than just sightseeing, they are a chance to explore the soul of Tokyo through culture, cuisine, and meaningful stories.


Morten
GUIDE

Born in Denmark, Morten first became interested in Japanese culture and history in his childhood. After studying in Spain and France, he settled in Kyoto to pursue his PhD in philosophy. Living in Japan and discovering its exquisite and richly varied cuisine has only deepened his admiration for this country – a passion he loves sharing with his guests.


Livia
GUIDE

Livia is a passionate teacher, language enthusiast, and dedicated tour guide with a deep appreciation for cultural exchange. Having lived in seven different countries, she has developed a broad international mindset and a genuine love for exploring new cultures. With a strong interest in gastronomy, local history, arts and crafts, and nature-based tours, Livia excels at engaging with diverse audiences, creating memorable experiences, and building meaningful relationships with local communities. She is always eager to share her passion for food, culture, and Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi) with her guests!



Kaku
GUIDE

Originally from Beppu and now based in Hiroshima, Kaku is passionate about soccer, hot springs, and ramen. He enjoys traveling, watching movies, and sharing local culture with visitors from around the world.


Yuki
GUIDE

Yuki is a second generation Japanese-American from Southern California, and moved to Japan to get in touch with his heritage. He loves sharing his perspectives and insights into both countries being a third culture kid.


Natsumi
GUIDE

Natsumi was born and raised in Kobe, a beautiful port city located near Osaka. She studied abroad in Australia for a year, where she had many opportunities to interact with people and introduce Japanese culture. During her travels in Australia, she joined a local tour and was inspired to become a guide herself, this time, as a local Japanese sharing her own culture. That experience sparked her passion for guiding and connecting with people from around the world.



Melody
Guide

Melody is from Malaysia so you can trust her when it comes to knowing good food. She's been in Japan for almost a decade and is familiar with the ins and outs of Tokyo, but still enjoys hunting for the next hidden gem in the ever-so sprawling city.


Kurtis
LEADER GUIDE

Originally from San Diego, California, Kurtis first came to Japan during a study abroad in his Junior year of the University of California Santa Cruz, in 2008. Now a long-term resident (migrated in 2010), Kurtis leans toward outdoorsy, unconventional trips through Japan, but is also very in-tune with the most popular foods, locations, and attractions; not to mention is full of cultural, historical, and linguistic insight to make any trip more intriguing. A quick thinker, he never fears impromptu adjustments during travel, and is more than willing to take some physical exertion for the sake of the group's enjoyment. In his free time, he does a range of board sports from surfing to skateboarding, and even kitesurfing, but will also take the occasional weekend day to read or play video games. Oh, and while he misses the Mexican food of California, he doesn't think he'll ever get enough ramen here in Japan!

Interns




Amna
CONTENT AND MARKETING INTERN

Amna is from Pakistan and has been interested in content writing for a long time. Japanese culture has inspired her a lot, including the beautiful scenery and the captivating cuisine that compelled her to write about this attractive and delightful country.


Gijs
RESEARCH & DATA INTERN

Gijs is a student coming from the Netherlands. Wanting to explore more about Japanese culture and cuisine he chose to do an internship in Japan. When he is not working, he loves to explore everything Japan has to offer.


Micaela
Graphic Design, Video Editing, & Wordpress Intern

Micaela is a junior at Chapman University studying Psychology and Graphic Design. She is currently studying abroad at Temple Japan, where she’s immersing herself in Japan’s culture, art, and daily life. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, video editing, cooking, and painting.



Viji
CONTENT CREATION INTERN

Viji is from India. She loves shopping and cafe-hopping and wants to travel the world someday. After hearing tales of Omotenashi from other travelers, she decided to explore Japan with Arigato Travel. She spends her free time with books, music, and puzzles.


Saffron
CONTENT AND EDITING INTERN

Saffron is a Literature student from Cornwall, England who has always had an interest in writing and editing. Wanting to see more than her small pocket of the world, she began travelling at 18 and instantly fell in love with Japan. From the diverse climate to tracking down rare Studio Ghibli merch, Saffron wants to see as much of it as she can.


Liam Rose
Video Editing and Creation, Photography Intern

Liam is a multidisiplinary visual storyteller with experience working globally as a photo and broadcast journalist for the US military. He enjoys documenting the changing world and the lines between nature and humankind with his camera, hoping to inspire people to travel and connect.



Brenna
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

Brenna is from the US and studied abroad in Japan while completing her undergraduate degree, where she majored in graphic design. She loved her time there and returned to continue her studies. She loves exploring new places and admiring all the creativity that Japan has to offer.


Angelina
VIDEO EDITING & CREATION INTERN

Angelina is a first generation Guyanese American from Brooklyn, New York, currently living in Japan. She has a background in Art and interest in Fashion and video games. She often spends time going to Fashion shows or Art shows and museums in Tokyo. Angelina also loves jellyfish.


Tristan
Content Creation & WordPress Intern

Tristan is a Master’s in Management student at Temple University Japan Campus. Originally from California, USA, he enjoys exploring new places, playing basketball, and building custom computers in his free time.



Espi
Content Creation & Social Media Intern

Espi is a second-year student at McGill University pursuing a degree in International Development. Having grown up in Tokyo, she is passionate about cultural exchange. In her free time, she enjoys exploring cuisines and spending time with friends.


Christian
Content Creation & Research Intern

Christian is an American living in Tokyo and a Master’s graduate in Management from Temple University Japan Campus. He helps to support the Marketing team with content creation, research, and marketing for culinary tourism. He has a passion for hands-on creativity, athletics, nostalgic aesthetics, and human connection.


Yu
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

Yu is a student at Temple University. She's from Taiwan and has experience living in different cultures. She loves traveling and is passionate about design, hoping people see the world's beautiful side.



Emma
Content Creation Intern

Emma has been obsessed with Japan since she was thirteen. After studying abroad in Sendai as a teenager, she returned to Japan and graduated from university in Tokyo. She loves anything beautiful, unique, or cute. She spends her free time snacking, collecting trinkets, and making art.


Sarah U
VIDEO EDITING & CREATION INTERN

Sarah is a Senior at Temple University, majoring in Communications. Driven by a passion to connect with her Japanese heritage, she explores various regions of Japan. In her free time, she documents her journey through photos and videos, capturing Japan’s unique beauty.


Stella
Content Creation, Social Media and Graphic Design Intern

Stella is a French student in International relations, and she dreams about traveling the world. As she loves Japanese culture—especially food and entertainment—she decided to take a gap year to explore more deeply the country, and share her passions to other travel and food lovers.



Nadia
Content Creation & Graphic Design Intern

Nadia is a psychology major with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and a love for nature. She enjoys writing, exploring creative design, and crafting engaging content. Passionate about storytelling and aesthetics, she finds joy in capturing emotions through words and visuals, bringing ideas to life with creativity and depth.


Bells
VIDEO EDITING & CREATION INTERN

Bells is currently studying film and anthropology abroad with TUJ. When she’s not working and making videos, Bells enjoys exploring the Tokyo area, trying the diverse foods, and meeting strangers. Her goal is to travel the world while creating films that are well-informed and evocative.


Miyako
VIDEO EDITING & CREATION INTERN

Miyako hails from the East coast of the United States. She has been living in Tokyo for two years and is a student of Temple University in Setagaya, Tokyo. She enjoys exploring and trying new, exciting foods, and likes to listen to podcasts about the supernatural and crochet in her free time.



Jiaqin
Content Creation Intern

Jiaqian Li is an International Business major at Temple University Japan, originally from China. Fascinated by Japan’s food culture, she loves sushi and ramen. In her free time, she enjoys playing billiards, cooking, photography, and riding roller coasters at Fuji-Q Highland.


Sherrye
Graphic Design & Social Media Intern

Majoring in both Graphic Design and Experience Architecture, Sherrye is passionate about crafting intuitive digital experiences, and immerses herself in design that blends creativity with strategy. In her free time, Sherrye enjoys dancing, listening to music, and visiting local art museums.


Alex
Content Creation Intern

Alex is an American college student at Michigan State University studying Journalism and International Relations. Wanting to expand his horizons, Alex travelled to Japan to explore its unique history and culture, whether it’s hiking up Mt. Fuji or spending the day in Shibuya. When not working, Alex enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and listening to music.



Liam C
VIDEO EDITING & CREATION INTERN

Liam is a video and audio editor originally from Chicago, but is now based in Tokyo and working on the Arigato intern team. He first visited Japan in 2024 as part of a university study abroad term, and fell in love with the country and its culture from there. Some of his hobbies include playing video games, reading, and learning languages.