I spent my childhood in Hakone, and later had the opportunity to study abroad and returned to my hometown when I turned 30.

Since around 2013, Japan has been experiencing an unprecedented inbound boom. In Hakone, I often saw overseas guests sightseeing with guidebooks in hand. As I had more opportunities to help people in need, I thought, "Maybe it would be fun to start guiding business and introduce charm of Hakone", so I started studying and received certificates as an English-speaking interpreter and a trekking guide.

In 2015, I started a guiding business specializing in foreign visitors to Japan under the brand name Explore Hakone, and have guided more than 3,000 guests from 25 countries as a private tour limited to one group per day. What I am happy to hear from guests who are used to traveling all over the world are

"The beauty of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji from this spot is like Lake Geneva"

"Hakone was the highlight of my trip to Japan"

"It was like having an old friend of mine showing me around his hometown"

I feel every day that the appeal of Hakone, my hometown, is so universal that it has the power to transcend national borders. I would like more and more people to experience the beauty of Hakone while preserving its beautiful nature, culture, and history.

I am also involved in guide training projects in other areas of Japan, using my own experience as a guide.

- Qualifications & Certificates -

- Trekking Guide Stage II, Japan Mountain Guides Association

- National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)

- A member of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association)

- Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism by GSTC

- Goldwin Mountain Guide

- Leave No Trace Trainer