I was born and raised in Hakone, but my journey took me far from home.
After living in France and the United States for more than a decade and graduating from the University of Southern California, I built a career in international business and education. Those years abroad taught me something unexpected: the farther I traveled, the more I appreciated the place where I grew up.
When I returned to Hakone, I saw it through different eyes. Beyond its famous hot springs and iconic views, I found a place shaped by remarkable people, living traditions, and landscapes filled with stories. I founded Explore Hakone to share that deeper side of Japan with travelers from around the world.
I don't simply guide visitors through Japan.
My goal is to introduce you to the people, traditions, and landscapes that have shaped my own life. The most memorable journeys are rarely defined by the places we visit—they are remembered because of the people we meet and the stories we take home.
If you leave Japan with a deeper understanding of this country than when you arrived, then I have done my job.
Every journey I design is personal.
Whether we are walking the historic Old Tokaido Road, sharing a meal with local hosts, or exploring the forests around Mount Fuji, my aim is always the same—to help you experience Japan beyond the guidebooks.
I look forward to welcoming you to my home.
