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Joined 2025
Aya N.
Available Areas
Hokkaido (Living), Otaru, Sapporo
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Aya N.
Hi! I'm Aya, now based in the Sapporo area!
After growing up in Hokkaido, I graduated from university in New York and have lived in 7 cities across Japan, Canada, and the United States. Exploring the world allows me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while sharing Japan through both a local and international perspective. I've also traveled Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and Latin America, and love learning about history, different story of local people.
<My Hosting Style>
As a global citizen, I love sharing the side of Japan that many visitors never get to see, from local culture and everyday life to hidden food spots and the stories behind them.
Whether you are interested in food, nature, culture, art, music, or simply experiencing Japan from a local perspective, I tailor each experience to your interests, mood, personality, and travel style.
<My Experience>
Over the years, I have guided amazing guests from east to west, in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and now Hokkaido.
I enjoy hosting culturally curious travelers who seek meaningful experiences, authentic local connections, and a deeper understanding of Japan beyond the typical tourist route.
My guests often tell me that spending time with me feels more like exploring with a knowledgeable local friend, and many ask me to guide them again on their next journey through Japan.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping create a memorable experience in Japan :)
P.S. I've lived in Vancouver Canada, Upstate New York, New York City, Tokyo, Osaka, and now the Sapporo area in Hokkaido!
Important
• Tours are based in Sapporo area, but I can guide throughout Hokkaido with additional transportation and guiding fees.
• Multi-day experiences are also available upon request
• Listed tours are only examples, each experience will be fully customized to your interests, travel style, personality, and itinerary.
• Dietary restrictions, allergies, and religious preferences can be accommodated as needed.
• Private taxis are often the best way to explore Hokkaido. Although I cannot book them on your behalf, I'm happy to suggest companies and help with the process.
• Feel free to reach out if you have a specific request or destination in mind.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Discover the Best of Sapporo: Culture, Food & Hidden Gems
Experience Sapporo like a local on a thoughtfully curated 5-hour journey. From iconic sights to hidden corners, discover Sapporo's distinctive pioneering spirit, Western influences, vibrant food scene, and unique Hokkaido lifestyle. Tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style, this private experience combines local insight, flexibility, and authentic encounters, creating a memorable introduction to Sapporo beyond the typical tourist route.
Discover the Best of Sapporo: Culture, Food & Hidden Gems
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Discover the Best of Otaru: Culture, Food & Hidden Gems
Beyond its renowned seafood and culinary scene, discover the charm of a historic port city that once served as the gateway to Hokkaido's development. Otaru is known for its nostalgic atmosphere, stone warehouses, elegant Western-influenced architecture, artisan workshops, and picturesque streets shaped by its rich maritime heritage. Tailored to your interests and personality, This private experience invites you to discover Otaru beyond the guidebooks.
Discover the Best of Otaru: Culture, Food & Hidden Gems
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Otaru Blue Coast Nature Experience
Otaru is one of the best places to experience Hokkaido's spectacular coastline and natural beauty. Beyond its famous canal, discover the Blue Cave, dramatic ocean views, peaceful nature, and fresh local seafood through a journey thoughtfully tailored to your interests, travel style, the season, and weather.
Otaru Blue Coast Nature Experience
Reviews
Matthew N.
“Deep Cultural Conversations, Unbelievable Food & Drinks, and a True Local’s Touch in Hokkaido”
Spending the days with Aya exploring Hokkaido was easily the best part of my trip! Aya knows so much about Japanese culture, but what's cool is that she has a lot of experience with other cultures too. This made conversations throughout the trip so much more interesting. If you love food and drinks, she’s the perfect guide. She is super energetic about food and knows all the best spots. We went to great cafes for Hokkaido coffee and sweets, ate incredible sushi and Japanese BBQ, and paired everything with local beer, wine, and spirits. Because she knows so many hidden gems, it really felt like I was experiencing Hokkaido like a local. What stood out to me most was just talking with her. After eating, we’d walk around and chat, and it felt like I was hanging out with a close friend who was easy to talk to and really listened. She pays attention to what you like and adapts the day on the fly. Plus, she’s super organized with train schedules and made sure the weather didn’t ruin any plans. I genuinely miss the trip and will definitely be back. Highly recommend booking with her!
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Aya N.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Matthew! It was truly my pleasure showing you around. You were so flexible, open-minded, and curious, which made it even more enjoyable for me to share some of Hokkaido’s hidden gems and local experiences with you. I really enjoyed our time together and hope you took home many wonderful memories from Hokkaido. I hope to welcome you back to Japan again someday!
Andrea M.
“The best way to experience Osaka!”
I can’t say enough good things about Aya. She made the tour feel less like a formal activity and more like exploring the City with a knowledgeable friend. Their passion for the area really showed, and they went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt included and engaged. This was one of the most memorable parts of my trip and I learned so much! I highly recommend Aya to anyone visiting the area. Thanks again!
Aya N.
Thank you again!! It was my pleasure Andrea :)
Nathaniel J.
“An Awesome Foodie Tour in Osaka where the locals love”
My tour with Aya was AWESOME! She was so knowledgeable about the local spots to eat, shop and enjoy culture. In addition to being great company, Aya had an encyclopaedic knowledge of locals gems for dinner, dessert and sightseeing. As a tourist, I would never have had the courage or skills to try to the places we went to, and I'm so glad to have had Aya as a guide! I can't recommend her enough!
Aya N.
Thank you for your kind review Nate!!
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Hector P.
Hello there! My name is Hector and I am a Hokkaido government-certified Adventure Travel Guide. I have been living in Hokkaido for over 15 years, and I have plenty of experience guiding small and large groups from various countries, both in urban areas and natural environments. I am a native speaker of English and Tagalog, with full professional proficiency in Japanese. I am based in Obihiro but I can work as a guide anywhere in Hokkaido upon request.
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Asad J.
Hi! I’m a passionate traveler and photography enthusiast, eager to show you the best of every destination. From nature and heritage to city life, mountains, festivals, and local cuisines, I’ll help you discover it all. I speak English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Pashto, and basic Japanese, so we can connect easily. Contact me for a tailored tour, and let’s explore together to create unforgettable memories!
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Kumiko N.
Hi,I'm living in Hokkaido,Japan.teaching English everyday,and sometimes working as a tour conductor or a tour guide both for Japanese and for foreign customers. and am a ski instructor in winter. So I can guide you to the many wonderful ski resort here in Hokkaido! My hobbies are tennis, swimming, movies, reading,and I am interested in history and culture. Hokkaido has so many attractive spots like beautiful nature, hot springs, active experience, and delicious seafood restaurant.I've been to Hawaii, Australia,Koria,and had exchange students from Canada for two months at my house several times.and I can offer you Kimono wearing experience.Hope having great fun experience together!.
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