Our Team of Japan Experts & Guides

We know the hidden treasures of Japan. Our team of Japan travel experts are here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff

Tour Sales Director
Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan, with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, road cycling, mountain biking, and training & teaching the martial arts of Aikido and Iaido.
His suggestion in Japan: Hakone for its excellent cuisine and gorgeous hot springs.

Michiyo

Tour Arrangement Leader
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life are traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures. And she would love to introduce her beautiful country of Japan to everyone around the world.
Her favorite destinations in Japan: Izu Peninsula with a view of Mt Fuji, Islands in the Seto Inland Sea, and Ishigaki Island.

Misaki

Tour Arrangement Leader
Misaki was born in Osaka which is known as “the Kitchen of Japan”. After graduating from university, she spent a year in Canada studying the language and then returned to Japan to join Rediscover Tours. She enjoys subcultures and has attended various events such as Comic Market.
Her favorite trip in Japan was to Tomonoura, Ishigaki Island, and Ise.

Izumi

Tour Arrangement Team
Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Her favorite place to visit in Japan is Okinawa (especially when to relax on a sunny beach). She is also rediscovering Kyoto. She has been living in the Kansai region for many years now, but still, there’s always something new to discover no matter how many times she explores the region.

Her dream holiday would be to soak in an onsen from morning till night, have a meal brought to her room, and be truly pampered!
Her suggestion in Japan: Ishigaki in Okinawa

Mikiko

Japan Travel Specialist
Mikiko was born in Fukushima prefecture and raised in Tokyo, but she now resides in the United Kingdom. Before joining Rediscover Tours, she worked as a tour guide for overseas travelers that mainly come to Tokyo, and found that every traveler she met came back with amazing memories of Japan.

Her hobbies include watching movies and traveling. She also has a passion for food, so it’s absolutely a pleasure when she finds delightful restaurants while traveling or even in her mother country of Japan!
Her suggestions in Japan: Shirakawa-go as a must-see traditional town, and Harajuku in Tokyo for its mix of J-pop culture and traditional sights with Meiji Shrine.

Our Guides

Rediscover Tours only hire the best guides for your tour. They will make the difference between a good day and an experience that you will never forget. Years after years we have selected the best specialists around Japan. Hiring a great guide will add a whole new depth to your time in Japan and the destination you are exploring. All of our guides are extremely professional and knowledgeable. They will meet you at your hotel, listen to your travel style, and will suggest a sightseeing itinerary that is specifically designed for you. If you have any specific sights you want to visit with your guide please let us know.

Fukiko Teramachi

I was born and raised in Kyoto and spent my career as a travel advisor for both international and domestic travel as well as being a tour guide. I live in my father’s family home in a traditional village near Kyoto called Kameoka. Here I welcome travelers from all over the world to show them rural Japan and authentic Japanese activities. My motto as a tour guide is to not only show travelers famous sights but too also present authentic experiences and opportunities to connect with people and local festivals. This helps them to better understand Japan. My hobbies are visiting new countries to see how the people there live and organic gardening using traditional Japanese methods.
Find out more about Fukiko: The Hospitality of Rural Kyoto

Junko Dogauchi

I was born and raised in Kyoto and have been showing travelers Japan as a certified national tour guide for over 10 years. I lived and studied in the United States for 2 years and love international travel. I mainly guide around Tokyo as it is a fantastic city with a lot of charm. One of the best parts of Tokyo is its diversity where you can enjoy art, architecture, food, history, gardens, and other aspects of this dynamic metropolis. I can also guide in Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone. Your sighting itinerary will be created just for you so let me know what interests you about Japan and I will create a very special day for you.

Miichi Yoshiro

I am an A grade guide of the Japan Guide Association and certified Japanese Sake sommelier so let me know if you want to try sake. I have guided travelers all over Japan including 35 different prefectures. My main focus is guiding travelers in Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and my hometown of Osaka. I have a lot of information about these cities from a local perspective. I love to show my travelers the hidden gems that not all tourists get to experience.

In addition to non-traditional tourist attractions, I will also guide you to top-rated tourist attractions, such as World Heritage Sites, iconic landmarks, picturesque Japanese gardens, historic spots, and Japanese restaurants. These experiences can also include a mixture of hidden secret places where only locals visit. Depending on how much time you have in Japan, I can advise you on how to get around and provide options for exploring on your own. I am able to customize the tour experience as you want, whether this is your first time in Japan or your tenth trip.

I have an enthusiastic and warm personality. I also pride myself on having an engaging sense of humor. I deliver high quality customized sightseeing to meet your needs and share my knowledge and passion about the charm of Japan. I love touring and meeting guests from all walks of life, sharing who I am, and sharing my country with travelers. It is my experience and belief that your smile is of the utmost priority. I work hard to make every tour fun and interesting.

Junko Shinoda

I am a native resident of Kanazawa and a nationally licensed tour guide. I specialize in guiding travelers around Kanazawa and its surrounding areas like Hokuriku Region and Gifu Prefecture. My work experience at Walt Disney World Florida has helped me develop a deep respect for the understanding of cultural differences.

While touring in Kanazawa and other sights, I would like to assist visitors to help them feel comfortable with my warm hospitality. After my tour, I want guests to love Japan even more. Some of my interests in Japanese culture are art, calligraphy, and especially tea ceremony. For example, I like to visit museums and art festivals such as the “Oku-Noto Triennale” which is held in Ishikawa Prefecture. It would be my pleasure to guide you and I look forward to meeting you.

Kenji Yokoyama

I was born and brought up in Sapporo which is the capital of Hokkaido prefecture, Japan’s northernmost island. I’m an experienced guide around Hokkaido and Tohoku. If you are interested in another aspect of Japan, untouched nature, beautiful mountains, and mysterious blue lakes, tasting fresh seafood then Hokkaido is one of the best destinations. Especially in the winter season, you will be able to enjoy plenty of snow activities including skiing, snowboarding, or riding snowmobiles in wild snowfields.

Makoto Tagami

I currently live in Gero Onsen, which is famous for its hot springs. I used to be a high school PE teacher in Takayama. So, I know these cities like the back of my hand. I also visit Matsumoto, Kanazawa, and Toyama, quite often. Occasionally, I guide in Kanto and Kansai area, too. After retirement, I studied English and medicine and am now acting as a medical interpreter and volunteer for various sport events as well.

Michio Saito

A very warm welcome to Japan! I have been a licensed tour guide since 1997. Japan has a lot of different faces. There are modern skyscrapers as well as historical sites like shrines, temples, and castles. Beautiful views of the mountains and lakes also attract our hearts. This harmony of modernity, tradition, and nature is the charm of this country. I would love to travel with you to show various attractive aspects of Japan.

I spent thirty years working in a major bank as an executive. I also worked for more than ten years at a listed food service company as a member of the board. In the past, I lived in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and Indonesia on business. I traveled around 35 countries including frequent visits to the United States. I also stayed in Brazil when I was a schoolboy where I went to an American School. I can guide you in English or French in Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Mt Fuji area, Nikko, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima.

Junko Arai

A very warm welcome to Japan! I will be glad to guide you around Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Nikko, and other areas in Japan. I hope you are living in peace and when the right time comes, please visit Japan. I am, from all my heart, looking forward to showing you around this beautiful country.

Our Team of Japan Experts & Guides