About Tour Guide Kumiko N.

“Wonderful experience, highly recommended!”

Kumiko is friendly, knowledgeable, and is a pleasure to hang out with! The tour is well-structured, and she offers great explanations and shares interesting bits of knowledge along the way. Kumiko speaks fluent English and our conversations were very engaging and insightful. We really enjoyed learning about the Ainu, seeing the beautiful Hokkaido nature, and to top it off, the wagyu beef restaurant she chose had some of the best food we have ever tried!

Kumiko N.

(26 reviews)

Wao thank you for the wonderful review for our tour . I also enjoyed with you all talking about so many topics from literatures , history and music . The first thing I got so impressed was how much you know about Japanese books and the essence of the stories , which made me think of reading his masterpieces again . I really appreciate your all polite and respectful attitude for both local people and our culture. Thank you again for making me happy to have the precious opportunity to share the time with you all !! Warmest regards Kumiko

Pamela J.

5 / 5

Apr 20, 2026

Driving to Lake Shikotsu and Hot spring, Ainu culture center

Apr 20, 2026

Hokkaido

8 hours

Customized

“Amazing Natural Splendor ”

Kumiko arrived on time and we began our trip to Lake Shikotsu. The scenery was very nice on the way up, however the lake was gorgeous. Walking around with Kumiko I appreciated her knowledge of the area as a local. We had a delicious kokanee salmon lunch at a very local place where kids were fishing and catching fish right in front of us. It brought back good memories of my childhood. My visit to the local Onsen was a unique treat, again, extremely authentic and local in a unique outdoor setting. We ended the day with a visit to the Sapporo Ainu cultural promotion center, an interest of mine since arriving to Hokkaido. The cultural museum is so well done! They encourage touching and hands-on exploration of many exhibits, making it a wonderful interactive experience. Kumiko is so fun to be with. She takes joy in sharing her love of all things Hokkaido and her history that has encouraged her to take on the tour guide/teacher role. Highly recommend her!

Kumiko N.

(26 reviews)

Dear Pamela San Thank you for your kind review for the each tour And I am sorry my reply for the first one was sent in the middle of the writing because accidentally I pressed the button. I am so impressed you remember all destinations we visited during the tours in details , which makes me so happy. The second day was like our happy holiday to enjoy the beautiful lakeside and just relax in the Pure nature. You seemed to blend into the fantastic Hokkaido landscape so naturally,as if absorbing its natural power. It reminded me somehow of your hometown,Colorado,and it gave me a very special feeling(^^). Sharing amazing scenery and experience in the local hot spring with the finest quality, I think we could make the best memories together! Thank you again for your generousity and kindness to make me relax and positive all the time . And please remember the taste of Hokkaido scallops and surf clam of your favorite! With many thanks Kumiko

Pamela J.

5 / 5

Apr 20, 2026

Driving to Yoichi and Otaru, fantastic journey

Apr 20, 2026

Otaru

9 hours

“Fantastic Views”

The day began with a lovely scenic drive to Yoichi and learning about the history of this coastal area as well as a visit to Nikka Distillery to learn about the founding of Hokkaido's Whisky making industry. The tasting was enjoyable! A fabulous grilled seafood lunch was served up at a wonderful local spot, we could see the food grilled and I must say I went a bit overboard with my order, the food was so, so fresh. Viewing the Fisherman’s home and dormitory for the workers at the height of the herring fishing industry was very educational. It was lovely to see the craftsmanship of the home. We went to a historical museum in Otaru to learn more about the fishing industry and the indigenous peoples of this land, the Ainu. A stop along the shopping area in the historic district capped off the day. Kumiko is pleasant to work with and fluent in English. Her openness to my suggestions was appreciated throughout the tour. Great experience!

Kumiko N.

(26 reviews)

Dear Pamela San Thank you for remembering all the places we visited on the day. I felt so happy to see your imagination could expand to see old buildings.