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Joined 2024
Sakie U.
Available Areas
Kumamoto (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
16 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Sakie U.
Hello, I'm Saki.
I am absolutely thrilled to be your guide to the enchanting wonders of Amakusa, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and the broader Kyushu region.
As a native of Amakusa, Kumamoto, I have a deep connection to this area, having lived until completing high school. After spending 15 exciting years in Osaka and Tokyo for university and work, I couldn't resist the magnetic pull of my hometown and returned to Amakusa, realizing just how irresistibly charming it truly is.
With my National Licensed English Speaking Guide certification earned in 2018, I've led tour excursions, private tours, Christian tours, and FAM trips, primarily in the Kyushu area. Additionally, my experiences traveling for business and leisure in Europe and various Asian countries have allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and meet incredible people from all walks of life.
Kyushu, without a doubt, harbors countless hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered and popular tourist destinations that will leave you in awe. It is my heartfelt goal to share the allure of this region with people from all corners of the globe. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey as we embark on an adventure together.
I look forward to meeting you!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Hidden Christians Tour in Amakusa (full-day tour by my car)
Discover the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites of the Amakusa islands, recognized as the "Hidden Christian sites in the Nagasaki Region." Dating back to the 16th century, these sites reveal the enduring legacy of Catholicism despite a 17th-century ban. Explore churches and museums that chronicle over 250 years of clandestine faith, offering a profound glimpse into the resilience and stories of Amakusa's Hidden Christians. This tour will be conducted in my car for your convenience.
Hidden Christians Tour in Amakusa (full-day tour by my car)
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Takachiho full day tour - Nature and Mythology
Embark on a magical journey to Takachiho, just 90 minutes from Kumamoto City. This private tour immerses you in the essence of Takachiho with a blend of nature, mythology, and culture. Begin at Takachiho Gorge with a serene boat ride through emerald waters amidst cliffs and waterfalls. Visit Takachiho Shrine, nestled among ancient cedars, and learn about Shinto myths. Explore Amano Iwato Shrine and discover the cave of the Sun Goddess.
Takachiho full day tour - Nature and Mythology
Reviews
Lydia L.
“A great trip to Amakusa!”
Sakie was a wonderful guide! We were staying in Nagasaki so we came over to the island via the Mogi Port Ferry to Tomioka port. I requested Tomioka port as a custom pickup location and Sakie got us from there instead of the usual spot with no issues. Sakie's English was very good and she was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. We learned lots of great things and interesting local stories. For lunch we chose to do the sushi option in Sakitsu which was tremendous. Very unique style of sushi where the chef spiced each piece for us. It was all delicious. Thanks so much Sakie! We couldn't have seen everything without you!
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Sakie U.
Thank you so much, Lydia-san, for your wonderful five-star review! It truly meant a lot that you and your friend made the journey all the way from Nagasaki to Amakusa. I really enjoyed our conversations during the tour—I wish we had had even more time to talk! I was so impressed by how much you had already researched about Amakusa’s history before the visit. I hope you’ll continue exploring Nagasaki as well—though I’m sure your list is already quite full! I’m also so glad you enjoyed the local sushi. It’s always a pleasure to share the flavors of our region. Please do come back to Amakusa again someday. I’d love to guide you once more!
Georg W.
“an unforgetable day with Sukie”
From the start til the end our custom tour was well organized. Communication with Sakie was easy and efficent. Due to bad weather we had to change our schedules and Sakie instantely added some new locations to visit. She booked a lovely japanese local barbeque restaurant, which was an unforgetable expierence. All in all Sakie is the perfect guide and I would highly recommend her.
Sakie U.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Gerog San. It was an honor to be with you and Marta San. I had a great time talking with you two experienced and topical people. I take my hat off to your observant eye for spotting that I have a daughter! I hope you had the chance to try the black beef in Kagoshima. We could not see the crater in Aso this time, so please visit Kumamoto the next time you come to Japan!
Hilary H.
“Amazing experience!!”
When my aunt and uncle were visiting we wanted to visit takochiho gorge in the fall, and make transportation easy. Gowithguide offered the perfect your for this bucket list trip! Sakie was so knowledgeable and answered (extensive) questions from my family. We had some unavoidable issues (last minute weather cancellations) and some preferences (vegan food options) and she created a tour perfectly catered to us and gave us backup plans so we could have the perfect day! Our guide honda-san was so friendly and we enjoyed his company. 10/10 best guide ever!!! Thank you sakie!!!!
Sakie U.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Hilary San. It was an honor to be with you and your wonderful family. Thank you also for sending me pictures of you with your beautiful smiles. The weather was beautiful, and I was very happy to spend time in Takachiho with your wonderful family, who always smilie. Please visit us in Amakusa next time. I hope you have a wonderful time on your subsequent trips. Enjoy the grilled oysters!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kumamoto
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Steve R.
Hello! I'm Steve and I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, but I’ve lived in Kumamoto City for the past 28 years. I hold a Gold license. I’d love to take you on a tour of some of the region’s most historic and stunning sites. I took my profile picture on the balcony of my home, which sits high on a hill, offering great views of the city both day and night, with majestic mountain ranges in the distance. I was a school teacher here for 25 years, starting in Japanese public schools before transitioning to an American institution. I understand that when traveling abroad, many people prefer a local tour guide. While I wasn’t born in Japan, after nearly three decades here, I consider myself as local as it gets! Not only can I share insights about the local culture, but I can also offer a unique perspective as a foreigner who has grown to love this country as my own. With our comfortable 4x4 full leather interior SUV, we’ll explore hidden gems that typical tour buses can’t reach, making your experience even more special. On our way to the sites, I’ll describe anything that catches your eye so you don’t miss a thing. I know that returning back from a great trip can feel like the end of something special, so if there’s anything I can do to make the ride more enjoyable, just let me know. On the way back, feel free to play any music you like on the BOSE sound system in the car.
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Venus K.
Hi! I am Venus, and I have been living in Kumamoto for over 12 years. Since I realized how amazing this region is, I have wanted people from around the world to visit, experience its beauty, and create wonderful memories. Kumamoto is full of stunning nature, rich history, and warm-hearted local culture. Whether it’s the breathtaking Aso Volcano, peaceful gardens, or delicious local cuisine, every place has something special to offer. I truly enjoy meeting new people from around the world, and I am happy to be sharing smiles, good times, and unforgettable moments with my guests. My guiding style is friendly, flexible, and easy to understand, so everyone feels comfortable and enjoys the journey. I can also take photos for you, so you can fully enjoy the experience and bring home beautiful memories. To make your trip even easier, I offer private car tours (ideal for 2–3 guests), allowing you to travel at your own pace and visit hidden gems not easily reached by public transport. I will do my best to make your trip to Kumamoto fun, memorable, and stress-free. I look forward to welcoming you, sharing smiles, and creating an unforgettable travel experience together!
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Satoru O.
Bonjour, je m’appelle Satoru. Je suis guide certifié par l’Etat. Lors de votre voyage au Japon, vous aurez certainement quelques inquiétudes quant au fait de devoir vous exprimer dans une langue si différente de la vôtre. Vous serez peut-être aussi un peu stressé à l'idée de ne pas réussir à faire tout ce que vous avez prévu pour votre voyage. C'est avec plaisir que je vous apporterai mon aide pour que vous puissiez passer les vacances de vos rêves. Je ferai de mon mieux pour que votre voyage soit à la fois amusant et intéressant. Qu'aimeriez-vous manger ? Qu'aimeriez-vous acheter ? Vous serez surpris par la quantité de choix à laquelle vous ferez face. Je vous guiderai parmi toutes ces bonnes et belles choses. A chaque étape de votre voyage, vous vous poserez des questions telles que "Pourquoi?" ou "Comment?". Je serai là pour y répondre toujours de façon simple et rigolote. Je suis conscient que votre temps au Japon est précieux et qu'il représente aussi un gros budget. Je ferai en sorte que votre voyage soit inoubliable en partageant avec vous ma passion pour la culture japonaise. A bientôt au Japon.
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