Our Team

Anne is the CEO and Founder of Arigato Japan. 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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, 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.

Josh is originally from Australia, but has settled in Japan and now calls it his home. He is dedicated to being a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world. Tourism and travel are his passions, but outside of these, he enjoys having good food with good friends.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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, 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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!

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 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.

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 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 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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hayato is a Tokyo-born local tour guide but has lived in several other countries, including Australia, the UK, and Canada. He spends his free time exploring hidden gems (especially Showa cafes) in Tokyo and is always passionate about sharing what he has found with his guests.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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!

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 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 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!

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!

An avid traveler, Hiroko was raised in Hiroshima and lived in Tokyo for about 15 years. She loves okonomiyaki and oysters, Hiroshima’s local specialties! She looks forward to sharing them with her guests and important cultural aspects like kimono, calligraphy, and tea ceremony.

Naru was born and raised in Hiroshima. He traveled around the world as a backpacker in his twenties and found his talent is to be loved by children. He now runs and teaches at a cram school. Naru is a nickname that came from his friend saying that he's a bit of a narcissist.

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 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 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.

Born in Hiroshima, Yoshiko got her undergraduate degree in Commerce & Accounting in Sydney. She loves matcha tea and drinks it every morning. She also likes meditating at temples. She enjoys meeting new people and looks forward to sharing delicious food and good times with you!

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 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 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.

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!

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.

Chiyoe was born and raised in Osaka. She loves cooking and eating, Ikebana flower arrangements, playing the Koto and contemporary visual arts. She’s excited to tell her guests about Japanese food. As an Osaka auntie, she carries candy around to give to others.

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.

Ed is from the UK and has been living in Japan since 2008. He loves Japanese history and is happy to share his knowledge of the fascinating culture and this amazing country. He is a keen cyclist and makes use of the amazing train network to escape the city and explore Japan.

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 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 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.

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!

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.

Mic was born and raised in Hawaii. He has a deep love for Japan, its rich culture, and its traditions. Being a foodie, Mic loves to cook and explore new restaurants in his free time, always seeking out the best culinary experiences Tokyo has to offer.

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 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 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 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, 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.

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 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 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.

Hiro was born and raised in Tokyo and lived abroad in London working as a software developer. The experience of living abroad made him realize anew the wonder and splendor of Japan and he’d love to share it with you! He’s an admirer of Pikachu’s charm and the magic of Disney.

Camila is from Chile and now lives in Osaka, surrounded by friends and fully immersed in the culture. Her background in arts sparked a deep love for Japan’s history, architecture, and cuisine. She collects goshuin from temples and shrines and enjoys crocheting in her free time.

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.

Sayaka grew up in the countryside of Japan. Her lifelong ambition is to see the whole world, which led her to study and work in New York for five years, but the pandemic brought her home. She chose Osaka as the next chapter of her life and is excited to discover Japan with you!

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.

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, 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 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 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 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.

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.

Madeleine is a junior at Creighton University studying Economics and International Business. She has a passion for learning different languages and cultures through her travels. She is excited to explore Japan and its rich culture while meeting new people!

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.

Amit is from India and loves Japan’s rich culture, panoramic coastlines and amazing cuisine. He is fascinated by languages and is currently learning Japanese. He speaks English, Marathi and Hindi fluently. Someday, he hopes to walk along Japan's Nakasendo and Michinoku Trails.

Raised in France, Madhuri has always been fascinated by Japan and its culture. From its regional differences to its similarities, she wants to explore it all and share her passion with others. She loves taking photos of the landscape, writing stories, and learning new languages.

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.

Malaika, as part of being an army brat, was raised across the globe. This fostered not only a writer’s imagination but an intrigue for cultures outside her own. Falling in love with Japanese literature and history at an early age, she continually seeks to deepen her knowledge.

Born in Oahu, Hawaii, Yovella's love for Japanese pop culture and language has brought her to Japan. She attends Temple University and hopes to explore more of Japan before graduating and returning to the islands. Her interests include anime, cosmetics, and collecting trinkets.

Bengisu, an International business student, travel enthusiast, and lover of Matcha & Ghibli from the Netherlands, is passionate about exploring cultures and cuisines as a FOODIE! With a love for meeting people and having lived abroad before, she’s now living her dream in Japan!

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.

Livia is a student from the Netherlands. Her long-standing fascination for Japan led her to an internship here. With her excitement and curiosity, she is determined to uncover Japan's unique culture and most beautiful places whilst growing her marketing knowledge at Arigato.

Meet Koelin, an advertising arts student at the University of Santo Tomas! She's a huge art and design nerd, and she's super excited about Japan's appreciation for creativity. She can't wait to share her passion and make new friends while learning all about Japan's rich culture.

Natalie was born in America, but due to her love for studying Japanese, she came to Japan to minor in it. Also majoring in tourism and hospitality, she has gained a passion for the tourism industry in all shapes and forms and is always eager to start planning her next trip.

Luis, hailing from Bolivia, is an International Business Studies major at Temple. Passionate about Japanese culture and cuisine, he immerses himself in both academic pursuits and culinary adventures. When he's not studying, he's exploring the flavors and traditions of Japan.

Hallie is a Communications student at TUJ and has lived in Tokyo for over a year. She is especially passionate about Japanese fashion, thrifting, exploring the countryside, and sipping coffee at cozy cafes. She can’t wait to continue to explore Japan while sharing it with others!

Tahsina Haque is a Bangladeshi national who grew up in Japan and Malaysia and is a Communication Studies major at Temple University. Even as a self-proclaimed foodie, her camera always eats first, blending her creative skills with her love for exploring Japan's culinary culture.

Born in Indonesia, Clairine holds a Japanese literature degree from Waseda University. Her love of Japanese culture seeps through her creative writing and rumor is anime brought her to Japan. She could usually be found in cafes, writing whilst listening to J-Rock.

Richard is a student from the UK whose passion for Japanese culture and cuisine inspired him to pursue an internship here. Keen to share Japan's rich traditions and flavors, he aims to explore its unique offerings while expanding his knowledge and skills.

Sarah-Marie is an exchange student at Tsuda University from France. She loves trying cultural experiences like ikebana, calligraphy, and kyudo. Her favorite thing to do in Japan is to travel to different cities and find local restaurants, especially soba and tempura spots.

Megan traded the beautiful forests of Washington for the hustle and bustle of Tokyo in 2009. She became interested in Japanese culture and history as a child through the pop culture boom. She loves using her creative side by taking photos, sewing clothes, and making accessories.

Yuki is a third-year international business major in Gunma. After moving to Japan from Brazil, she discovered a passion for tourism, travel, and Japanese culture, especially food. When not working, she’s enjoying movie marathons, hanging out with friends, or exploring the city.