Hi! I am Erika.
It felt like a natural progression for me to become a tour guide after working as　a journalist for many years—talking to people, learning from them, and sharing
knowledge.　Travel offers a unique opportunity to learn and to share memorable moments with family or even with strangers. It allows us to experience the unexpected and to take time to reflect on our own lives. I have been fortunate to meet wonderful people through our tours and to learn from them about friendship, parenthood, caring for aging parents, the challenges they face at work, and new trends in other societies.
I have lived in and traveled through many countries, and those experiences have helped me understand my own country, Japan, more deeply. As I have grown
older, I have also come to appreciate Japanese arts more and have begun studying ikebana, the art of flower arrangement. Ikebana was first recorded as
an art form in the 15th century, during a time when Japan was experiencing near-constant civil war. It is fascinating to think that ikebana was once practiced
by men—samurai warriors who could be sent to the battlefield the very next day. I imagine that arranging flowers offered them a rare moment of peace.
I hope to offer you a piece of Japan through my tours. Depending on what you are looking for, I can tailor the experience to your needs. There is something for
everyone here—tranquil back alleys, bustling shopping streets, and a blend of the old and the new. Join me on a tour and explore my city together.