From LA to Tokyo: Wesley’s Perspective on Life and Guiding in Japan

Over 4 years ago, Wesley swapped the chaotic energy of Los Angeles for a new life in the busy streets of Tokyo. Today, he is fully immersed in Japan’s endless discovery. A true adventurer at heart, he navigates the country with a deep curiosity for the stories behind every local dish and neighborhood. From the quiet, snowy landscapes of Tohoku and Hokkaido to the vibrant food scenes of Kyoto and Osaka, Wesley’s travels are all about finding those authentic moments that make this country special. Now, he uses his firsthand expertise to support our team and help every guest discover the real Japan.

Get to know more about Wesley’s transition to life in Japan and the perspective he brings to our team. It’s the personal stories like his that truly define the Arigato Travel family.

Welcome, Wesley! Could you please introduce yourself and your current role here at Arigato Travel?

I came to Japan more than 4 years ago, and I did a complete 180 in my life direction. I am currently working at Arigato as a full-time guide and part of the HR support team. Before my life here, I enjoyed a fulfilling career as a hairstylist. It has been quite the change, but it has also been very rewarding.

What was the initial spark for your interest in Japan, and how did that early fascination evolve into your current expertise?

My initial spark for Japan actually started when I was a kid. My mom was a hairstylist, and I remember watching fashion exposés with her. There was one segment that focused on Tokyo, specifically Harajuku, and I must have been around seven or eight years old. Seeing the bold colors, creative styles, and wild hair left a huge impression on me. Even at that age, I remember thinking, “I want to go there someday.”

Later on, I briefly dated someone who was Japanese, and while the relationship didn’t last, it deepened my curiosity about the country and made it feel more real and accessible. From there, that early fascination really grew into something much bigger. Over time, I became more and more interested in Japan’s culture, history, and daily life, and that curiosity eventually turned into a genuine passion. It’s something I’ve continued to explore and build on ever since.

You swapped the sunny hills of Los Angeles for the high-paced metropolis of Tokyo more than 4 years ago. Looking back at those first few months, what was the one thing about daily life here that was the hardest to get used to or something you were surprised by?

Well, the fashion and hair world in LA is anything but slow-paced, so I actually found Tokyo to be calmer and less stressful than the life I was living before. I think that was one of the biggest surprises for me. That said, I definitely miss the sunshine and year-round perfect weather. Having four distinct seasons has been a really nice change, though. It’s something I’ve come to really appreciate over time.

Looking back at those first few months, I think the thing that shocked me the most was actually fruit. It sounds simple, but fruit in Japan is surprisingly expensive. Back in California, I ate fruit every day without even thinking about it. Here, while bananas are affordable, most everyday fruits feel almost like a luxury. Even with the exchange rate, it still feels expensive when you compare it to the U.S. It’s a small thing, but it really stood out to me, and honestly, it’s still one of my ongoing frustrations because I love fruit.

Since you’ve been in Japan, you’ve covered a lot of ground, from your home base in Tokyo to the quiet landscapes of Tohoku and the urban energy of Osaka. Beyond the obvious changes in scenery, what is the biggest difference you’ve noticed in the ‘pace’ and atmosphere between these regions?

I think people are the biggest difference I’ve noticed. Every time I leave Tokyo, I’m blown away by how nice and approachable people are almost everywhere. Tokyoites are so quiet and in their own little world that you barely have any meaningful interactions. Of course, people in Tokyo are very polite, but genuine friendliness feels more prevalent once you leave the big city.

What are your top dishes from each region/place, and out of all the places you’ve explored, do you have a favorite regional dish that you think every visitor should try at least once?

I wouldn’t say I’m an expert in every regional cuisine across Japan, but I can say with confidence that I’m a ramen devotee. I love all styles of ramen. Miso ramen from Hokkaido has always been a favorite, but recently I’ve found myself leaning more toward lighter options like shio ramen. That said, my current top choice is Tokyo-born abura soba. It’s a soupless ramen with a rich, oil-based sauce that you mix into the noodles, coating everything in this incredible umami flavor. What I love most is how customizable it is. You can add different seasonings and toppings, and I usually take full advantage of that and make mine as spicy as possible.

Another regional dish I always recommend is gyutan from Sendai. It’s a local specialty made from grilled beef tongue. I actually went in a bit skeptical since I never liked tongue before, but it completely surprised me. It ended up being one of the most memorable and delicious meals I’ve had in Japan. So if I had to narrow it down, I’d say abura soba in Tokyo and gyutan in Sendai are two dishes every visitor should try at least once.

In your dual leader guide and HR role, you’re often the one supporting our guides behind the scenes. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about what makes a great local guide really stand out in a city like Tokyo?

I think it starts with a genuine passion for Japan. The best guides go beyond just learning the core materials; they’re constantly discovering new things, not because they have to, but because they’re naturally curious and excited by what they find. That kind of curiosity really comes through on a tour. Storytelling is also a big part of it. A great guide doesn’t just share information; they bring places to life in a way that feels engaging and personal.

And just as important is the ability to connect with people. Personally, I’m always excited to meet new guests and share what I love about Japan, but I also really enjoy listening to their experiences and perspectives. That back-and-forth is what makes each tour unique. In the end, I think what makes a guide stand out is a mix of passion, curiosity, storytelling, and genuine interest in the people they’re guiding.

What’s the single, non-guidebook item you are most keen to share with a group when on a tour?

One thing I always love to share with guests is how important it is to leave Tokyo every once in a while. I love the city, but getting out, resetting, and spending time closer to nature really changes your perspective. My go-to recommendation is Kamakura. It’s only about an hour from Tokyo, but it feels like a completely different world. You’ve got beaches, great hiking trails, and a relaxed pace that’s hard to find in the city.

In the summer, it actually becomes my personal getaway. Once the season hits, you can usually find me on the beach throwing a football in the surf with friends, grabbing food from the seasonal beach stalls, or surfing as much as I can before summer ends. It’s one of the few places where I can fully switch off and just enjoy the moment.

What’s funny is that it reminds me a lot of parts of the California Central Coast, like Morro Bay or Pismo Beach. It has that same laid-back energy, with friendly locals, walkable streets, cafés with outdoor seating, and people out walking their dogs. At the same time, it’s still very much Japan, with its temples, shrines, and, of course, the Great Buddha. That mix is what makes it such a special place, and something I always encourage visitors to experience.

You also do a lot of filming/photography for Arigato and recently spent time filming our Heroes of Suruga series in Shizuoka. Could you tell us a bit about this project?

This was such a special project, and I was really grateful to be part of it. We packed into a van with a small crew, loaded up with cameras and lighting gear, and headed out to Shizuoka to film a series of stories centered around tea. Shizuoka is, of course, one of Japan’s most famous green tea regions, and the idea behind Heroes of Suruga was to highlight six unique individuals who are each doing something creative and inspiring with tea in their own way.

What I loved most about the project was the variety. We filmed everything from a beautifully prepared cup of tea served on a hillside terrace overlooking tea fields and mountains, to an artist creating 3D works using pigments mixed with green tea, to a chef and bartender crafting tea-based cocktails perfectly paired with a full dining experience.

The goal of the series is to bring more attention to these kinds of local experiences and encourage travelers to explore parts of Japan that are a little off the beaten path. It’s about showing that there’s so much more to discover beyond the major cities, especially when you start connecting with the people and stories behind places like Shizuoka.

After capturing so many local stories on camera, what was the most memorable part of that experience, and was there a specific artisan or spot that really stuck with you?

I think Washizu-san’s tea-dyed textiles really stood out to me. Honestly, all of the artisans were exceptional in their own way, so choosing just one is difficult, but his experience stayed with me in a special way. What makes it so memorable is that it is both creative and hands-on. You are not just observing the process. You get to choose a stencil design, work through each step with him, and watch the piece come to life from start to finish. I think there is something really fulfilling about being part of that entire process and leaving with something you helped create yourself.

Another thing I loved is that there is also a shop on site selling beautifully tea-dyed items, including bags and clothing that Washizu-san has made himself. So beyond the experience itself, it is also a wonderful place to find a unique souvenir with a real connection to Shizuoka and its tea culture.

When you aren’t working or guiding, how do you usually spend your free time? Is there a specific hobby or a local spot you’ve discovered that has become your go-to escape?

I’ve always had a passion for photography and videography. I actually majored in television and film production in college, so a lot of my free time naturally revolves around being behind the camera. Whether it’s exploring local festivals, shooting street fashion with friends, or working on my own YouTube videos, I’m almost always out with a camera in hand.

Tokyo at night is easily my favorite time to shoot. The city transforms completely after dark. The lights, the energy, the people. It feels like a different version of Tokyo comes alive, and I love capturing those moments through my lens.

Now that you’ve been here for over 4 years, what’s something people back home always get wrong about what it’s actually like to live in Japan?

I think the biggest thing people back home get wrong is just how safe it feels to live here. It’s honestly hard to fully believe until you experience it yourself. Simple things like leaving your bag, phone, or camera at a café table to save your seat while you step away still blow people’s minds when I tell them. But beyond that, it’s the overall feeling of safety. Being able to walk through almost any neighborhood at any time without really worrying is something my friends and family in the U.S. have a hard time wrapping their heads around. They usually think I’m exaggerating.

Of course, no place is completely crime-free, and there are always exceptions. But overall, the level of safety here is something that really stands out and continues to impress me even after all this time.

Lastly, for someone visiting Japan for the first time, what’s one practical tip, maybe about the trains, the shops, or the food, that makes navigating the country a lot easier?

One of the most practical tips I can give is to use Google Maps. Apple Maps has improved, and the train information is generally accurate, but in Japan, Google Maps is still far more reliable overall. This isn’t an Apple vs. anything debate. I’m a big Apple fan myself. It’s just the reality here. Having Google Maps on your phone will make navigating trains and getting around much easier.

When it comes to food, I’d also encourage people to be a bit flexible. In Japan, it’s not very common to customize dishes or remove ingredients based on personal preference. If you have allergies, of course, it’s important to be careful and communicate that clearly. But if it’s just something you’re unsure about, I’d recommend trying dishes as they’re intended to be prepared. You might end up discovering something you really love.

It’s personal stories like Wesley’s that truly make the Arigato Travel family what it is. Thanks, Wesley, for giving us a look at your life transition and your deep love for Japan’s hidden corners. We are so grateful for the dedication you bring to supporting our guides and showing our guests the real Japan, both on tours and through your camera lens.

Read more about Wesley on:

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

Featured Photo Credit: Wesley

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