Discover Kansai with Sae: Food, Culture, and Memorable Moments

Meet Sae, our vibrant HR & Training Manager, Kansai Regional Coordinator, and guide, whose love for Japanese culture radiates in everything she does. Born in Nagoya and shaped by experiences in New Zealand and Canada, Sae brings a fresh, global perspective to sharing Japan’s charms. From her early days as a makeup artist to guiding unforgettable cultural experiences, she thrives on creating meaningful connections and lasting memories for guests. Passionate about beauty, food, and the subtle magic of Kyoto, Sae has a unique knack for revealing the hidden stories and authentic moments that make every visit to Japan truly special.

Now let’s dive into the next interview!

Sae, could you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and what you do here at Arigato Travel?

I grew up in the countryside of Seto, Aichi Prefecture — a town famous for its pottery and ceramics. My childhood was spent in a Zen Buddhist temple, surrounded by traditions and Zen philosophy. Those early experiences deeply shaped how I see the world.

After living abroad for several years, I began to see Japan from a fresh perspective. That time away made me realize how special our culture truly is, and inspired me to share it with travelers in a way that feels personal and meaningful — through my own interpretation.

Today, I work as a full-time guide (or as I like to say, a connector — bridging local businesses with curious travelers) as well as a Regional Coordinator and HR Coordinator for the Kansai area. I’m involved in hiring, training, discovering hidden local gems to include in our tours, and supporting our truly wonderful team of guides in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

What ultimately inspired you to join the team?

Arigato Travel genuinely feels like a family — one that really cares about each member’s growth and well-being. Everyone is kind, supportive, and always ready to help one another. We celebrate birthdays and achievements together in our community thread, which creates such a positive and encouraging atmosphere.

What I appreciate the most is how open and approachable our management is. I always feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings, knowing they will be listened to.

From my very first day, I’ve felt more and more inspired to contribute and grow with them. It’s rare to find a workplace where you can truly say, “I belong here — and I’m needed.” That feeling is deeply refreshing and keeps me motivated every day!

Before joining Arigato Travel, you traveled and worked as a makeup artist and English tutor. How did those experiences prepare you for guiding guests and managing a team?

The jobs I’ve had across different fields have all involved human connection and the need for empathy to serve others. Teaching, for instance, is never one-directional — each student’s personality and learning style shape how I should teach. Similarly, guiding and showing people new places requires me to imagine how my guests see each experience, what might spark their curiosity, and most importantly, what could add meaning to their lives.

I’m still learning to become a better leader by observing my wonderful bosses. I believe leadership, too, is rooted in empathy and understanding each team member. What I’m still working on is communicating with greater clarity and precision, and learning to see the bigger picture. I’m in the middle of my journey to grow into a more efficient leader, and I’m grateful to every member of the company for their constant support and trust.

How do you ensure that the tours and experiences in Kansai maintain the authentic, insider feel Arigato Travel is known for?

Our guides and staff love going out, making friends with local shop staff, and collecting new information! We constantly share our findings within the team, and then carefully research to ensure each shop or experience meets our standards.

What we value most are stories — how we built the connection, what makes each place special and meaningful to us, and why we want to share it with our guests. Every member of our team is always on the lookout for ways to make our tours even more authentic and memorable.

What do you enjoy most about welcoming guests to Kansai and sharing local culture?

Kansai has always been the heart of Japanese culture. The first capital was founded in Nara, Kyoto served as the imperial capital for over a thousand years, and Osaka thrived as the center of commerce, providing the finest goods from all over the world and inventing unique dishes and goods.

As we share our stories on Kansai tours, guests naturally become more aware of the flow of Japanese history. Every area, every piece of architecture, even the air—and of course, the food—serves as a vivid reflection of those stories.

It truly feels like a luxury to be able to showcase the depth and richness of our culture here, engaging all the senses.

Which lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture are you most excited for guests to discover?

As many people know, there are many rules and restrictions in Japan. I get excited about travelers gaining a deeper understanding of the reasons behind them. There are always considerations for others behind almost everything Japanese people follow. I grew up in Japan, not knowing the whys, and I always dreamed about the freedom in other countries. But after searching for the reasons behind things, I came to understand—and even appreciate—the rules and social expectations we share in our culture. The cleanliness, tranquility, peace, and harmony all come from this mutual understanding among people here.

As a guide, of course, I am here to serve my guests and entertain them, but I also want them to feel that they are learning why we follow these customs. By following them together, I hope they can have deeper experiences that make them feel they understand Japan better.

Aside from work, how do you like to spend your free time, and do you still travel around?

I love spending quality time with my family and partner. Naturally, I’m always the planner — we enjoy visiting temples, shrines, restaurants, and shops to keep our minds fresh and curious! For me, one of the greatest joys is visiting long-established shops in Kyoto and using their products when I cook. Each of these places teaches me something new — a philosophy, a story, or a piece of history that feels truly special.

When I was a child, my parents took me to many countries, and I was lucky to experience international travel early on. Now, I find myself more fascinated by exploring my own culture — traveling within Japan to deepen my understanding and appreciation of everything this country holds. All 47 prefectures have their own unique charm — there’s still so much about this country that I don’t know!

Do you have a favorite Kyoto neighborhood, hidden gem, or culinary spot you love to visit and introduce people to?

Well, if it were my true favourite, I wouldn’t wanna tell anyone…haha  But, I really love the Daitokuji area. You definitely should get a guide to take you there to fully appreciate and understand the place!

Finally, what is one travel tip or a “must-do” experience you would recommend for first-time visitors to Japan?

Having a traditional experience, such as a tea ceremony or zazen (seated meditation), offers a rare glimpse into the true beauty of the Japanese spirit. By immersing yourself in the quiet and stillness — breathing in the scent of incense, sitting on a tatami mat, and feeling the calm yet focused energy of the monk or tea master — you begin to appreciate the essence of mindfulness and presence. It’s a special feeling that words can’t fully convey; you can only understand it through the experience itself.

It was great getting to chat with you, Sae, and hearing about your journey from Nagoya to Kyoto and beyond. Learning about the important role you play behind the scenes — supporting the team and helping create unforgettable guest experiences — was truly inspiring. Thank you for giving us a peek into your world and your love for Kyoto; it’s been a fun, insightful, and memorable conversation!

Follow Sae on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sae-kajita-24611b118

Check her profile on our Team page: https://arigatotravel.com/about-us/our-team

Featured Photo Credit: Sae

Make sure to join Sae on a tour in Kyoto or Osaka to experience the country like a local!