Meet the team

Managing Director

David

Travel became a passion at university and I had always wanted to learn a language ‘properly’. I found Japanese to be very logical and the ‘kanji’ characters give the language another dimension which is not possible in European languages.

Thirteen years on, it is always a thrill to go back and I love that my job allows me to do that at least four times a year. It has been especially rewarding to show others the exotic culture, tradition and sheer excitement of Japan. I am always reminded of my amazement and bewilderment when I first arrived. I really look forward to helping you plan your trip and possibly escorting you on a tour.
If I were pushed to choose a favourite place in Japan it would probably be Mount Aso. I think the thrill of seeing an active volcano is easy to understand coming from somewhere where it is so foreign. Yet the awesome panoramic views of the caldera and the mountains beyond simply take your breath away.

My favourite Japanese experience is the outdoor hot springs. There is nothing to compare with dipping in and out of these pools surrounded by the bracing air and Japanese garden complete with bonsai trees. I have been known to spend hours there (when I am not a group escort!).

When it comes to food, sashimi (raw fish) has got to be the best of Japanese cuisine although sukiyaki (a kind of sweet soy sauce flavour beef hotpot) is hard to beat in the winter. I have to admit it took a while for me to like sashimi but now I love the simplicity, freshness and vividness of the flavours.

Japan Specialist

Guillaume

I worked for several years as journalist specialising in the Middle East and Asia and was editor of magazines specializing in health and Asia. I’ve also been a tour guide for French travel agencies.

I’m now based in the Oxford office and I do my best to help the European clients and travel agents.

Here are some experiences in Japan I recommend: biking in the isolated Amakusa islands, western Kyushu; hiking in the Shiretoko peninsula in Hokkaido (but be careful of the bears!) and walking in the peaceful atmosphere in Hagi, southern Honshu.

My favourite foods are the Japanese gyoza, the vegan meals in the temples of Koyasan sacred mountain, and the aboriginal rice served in some Taiwanese restaurants in Japan.

Japan Specialist

Naomi

I was born in Japan and started learning English when I was at junior school. Some of my relatives emigrated to the US before the war so I have many relatives there and have visited many times.

When I was in Japan I took the travel qualification required to establish a travel business. There is no equivalent in the UK but this knowledge has been extremely useful in understanding how the travel industry works in Japan. In 2002 I decided to come to England and I was interested to discover the differences between the UK and US. I really enjoyed it and decided to stay. I still visit Japan at least once a year.

My favourite place in Japan is Hokkaido, the most northern island. Hokkaido is less populated than the main island and the countryside is magnificent. The winter is a particularly good time to visit; the skiing is spectacular. Last time I was there, we went to the top of an active volcano and we could see steam coming out of the snow.

My favourite Japanese foods are yakitori (barbequed chicken on skewers), tempura (lightly fried battered king prawns etc.), sashimi (raw fish!) and especially Kobe beef sukiyaki (lightly cooked beef dipped in raw egg). But you have to eat them in Japan, because the Japanese restaurants here in the UK don’t quite manage to get them right. I would also recommend Japanese beer, especially Sapporo black beer.

My favourite activity in Japan is going to an onsen (hot volcanic baths). I find there’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying one with friends, before a proper Japanese traditional feast.

Japan Specialist

Rebecca

After studying French and Spanish at University, I decided it was time for a new challenge and I applied to the JET Programme. I was placed in Sapporo, on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido. Whilst there I learned Japanese, studied traditional calligraphy and even became an avid supporter of the local baseball team!

I had no idea what to expect but during my two years there I fell in love completely with Hokkaido and its people. The island is so colourful, from the amazing blue of Lake Toya, to the vibrant purple of Furano’s lavender fields, to the sparkling white of the drift-ice up in Mombetsu and Abashiri. It may be cold and snowy for five months of the year here, but the people are some of the warmest you’ll meet.

My favourite Japanese food is a Sapporo speciality, Soup Curry. It’s a huge bowl of a light curry often served with chicken and vegetables. You can choose all sorts of things to add to the curry itself, pumpkin gnocchi and gyoza being my personal favourites! Served piping hot with a side of rice, it’s the perfect thing to combat the cold of a Hokkaido winter.

Japan Specialist

Lucy

People always ask me: ‘Why Japan?’, and I never really know where to start. Honestly, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather let consume my life in the way I have this marvellous country. Perhaps my intrigue began as a young girl when some Japanese high school students came to my school to teach us origami and calligraphy (upon entering the Into Japan team I discovered this was in fact set up by our Managing Director, David, years ago).

Aged 15 I decided it was time to put my self-taught Japanese basics and my massive curiosity in the country to good use, and I set my sights on a degree in Japanese at Oxford Brookes University, in my hometown.

During my studies at OBU I spent a year studying at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. I can’t begin to convey the captivating charm of this city – 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wonderfully warm people, history and culture to be found in every nook of the city, and a wicked Kansai flair. I consider Kyoto my other home, which is handy as it’s a must-see location for first-time visitors to Japan!

Through my role here I enjoy using my first-hand experience to craft a trip not only to showcase the best of Japan, but to suit exactly what you are looking for – and suggest things you might not have even thought of! Whether you are taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or simply visiting out of intrigue, I can absolutely guarantee that the magic of Japan will change your life.

Japan Specialist

Robin

I returned to the UK in 2007 after spending 15 years living and teaching English in the city of Gifu in central Japan.

Having now spent around 30 years either living there or taking annual trips to explore more, I’m now happy to be able to share my knowledge and love of this fascinating country with our clients.

There are so many amazing places to visit and experiences to have while in Japan. I love the happy coexistence of the very traditional and the very modern and both the cities and rural areas have so much to offer visitors. I’ve been lucky enough to visit and explore almost every part of this wonderful country, from Okinawa in the far south, to Hokkaido in the North; only Nagasaki & Niigata Prefectures remain to be crossed off the list.

I’m a huge fan of driving as a way of exploring Japan – so many amazing sights are hard to get to without a car and some of my fondest memories are of the driving trips I’ve taken to explore the various regions of the country. Driving in Japan is a doddle – especially for Brits, as the Japanese also drive on the left – and roadsigns everywhere are in English as well as Japanese, so navigating easy for everyone and all rentacars come with English satnav too.

Foodwise, I pretty much love it all and encourage you to try as much as possible and to be adventurous in Japan – make the most of your time there!

I look forward to talking to you and helping you plan the trip of a lifetime!

Japan Specialist

Alia

From a small town in North Yorkshire, I moved to a small town in Hiroshima where I lived for three years as an English teacher on the JET Programme. Learning Japanese and travelling Japan changed my life, and after returning to the UK in October 2021 I knew I wanted to stay in touch with the culture.

After studying Philosophy at Cambridge, and a masters in Global Diplomacy, I really came to appreciate the different perspective Japanese culture offers. In Hiroshima especially, the importance of peace and kinship is ever-present with the site of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Museum.

As well as history, Hiroshima is full of natural beauty. I lived a 50-minute cycle from Buttsuji temple, which was gorgeous in the autumn as the leaves changed colour, and short train from the Setouchi, akin to a mini paradise as you looked out over the sparkling, island-dotted Seto Inland Sea – I would HIGHLY recommend cycling along these Islands on the Shimanami Kaido, an unforgettable experience!

I will forever treasure my time in Japan (and that yet to come!), with the magic of the snow festivals in Hokkaido; the breath-taking views in Tohoku; the traditions of Kyoto; the spirituality and peace of Chugoku; the unique experiences of Kyushu and Shikoku; and the food of Tokyo and Kansai (Oh! The food!). Needless to say, working at IntoJapan, I’m excited to showcase some of the best of what Japan has to offer!

Accounts Wizard

Nao

I am delighted that many people are fascinated with travelling to Japan. And of course, I am happy, as a member of staff, to be able to help you travel smoothly and safely.

I am from Wakayama prefecture which is known for Koyasan (or Mt. Koya). Although Wakayama is located next to Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan, the area feels more rural and is surrounded by abundant nature – mythical misty mountains, rivers with pure and fresh water, sparkling beaches and a colourful underwater landscape.

There are unusual hot springs that can be found jutting out into the ocean, carving out river beds, and welling up inside a large natural cave. Also, although it is not well-known, Wakayama is actually said to be the birthplace of SOY SAUCE.

I really hope more people come to my region and experience these features that Wakayama has to offer!

Japan Specialist

Sarah

I have always been fascinated by Japan since a young age, which lead me to study Japanese Studies at Oxford Brookes University. I spent a year of my degree as an exchange student at Kitakyushu International University, then after graduating, I returned to Japan to live in Hiroshima as a kindergarten teacher.

I am so happy being able to share my passion for Japan with others. I couldn’t possibly decide on my favourite place in Japan as there is so much to see in every area of the country. But for a first-timer in Japan, I would highly recommend visiting the floating shrine of Miyajima in Hiroshima and exploring the hidden gems that the countryside has to offer.

The thing I miss the most about Japan is the izakaya. An izakaya is the Japanese version of a pub, where you can order many different types of Japanese food and drinks. Everything you eat in Japan is made from high quality ingredients and is so delicious. I particularly miss Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, which is a savoury pancake full of noodles and cabbage.

I guarantee your trip to Japan will go beyond any expectations. Whatever your reasons are for traveling, Japan has so much to offer!