MEMBER

  • ENDO, Masako

    ENDO, Masako

    My name is Masako Endo. I am director of Sapporo English Guides. All our staffers are nationally or regionally licensed English-speaking tour guides. We are different in our backgrounds, ages, sexes, guiding experiences, but we are all friendly, open-minded, and knowledgeable guides. We also share the love for our home country: Sapporo, Hokkaido, and Japan. Our motto is "ichi-go-ichi-e", which means, "We treasure every encounter, for it will never recur." We would like to serve you as we treat our closest friends.

    When I was a freshman in college in Tokyo, I started to travel all over Japan. Old stone Buddha statues in Kyushu, old villages in Oga Peninsula, and old temples in Okayama were some of my favorite places. Then I started to travel around the world. I still remember the snowstorm in Switzerland in August (!!), delicious fish tea in Jamaica, yes tea!, mysterious stone circles on Orkney island off Scotland. While I lived in the United States, I traveled all over the nation with my family: very mysterious cave dwellings, September in Martha's Vineyard, Yosemite National Park and of course Niagara Falls and Key West. We really enjoyed them all!

    Cherishing all these memories, I plan yet another trip abroad every year. I always try to include some unbeaten tracks and to meet the locals. I think all our customers are like me. The most enjoyable moment comes when you FIND something that is not in your guide book or experience something nice unexpectedly.

    That is why I started Sapporo English Guides.

    We always try to provide personalized touch to our tours.

    We offer various tours in and around Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. One of our most popular tours is Sapporo Walking Tour. You are going to visit major sightseeing spots in downtown Sapporo with your guide. The guides were all born and raised in Hokkaido and know the things that travel books don't write about. You will learn the stories behind the short but interesting history of Sapporo and Hokkaido. Not only the history but you will also learn how ordinary people live, what traditions they observe and what things they enjoy doing.

  • ITO, Akemi

    ITO, Akemi

    Hello!
    My name is Akemi. I was born and brought up in Hokkaido.
    I have had many years of experience in the field of tourism, accompanying a total of more than 2,000 people to 40 countries when I was a tour conductor. I personally love to travel, and through my work and private travels have found that in addition to just visiting sightseeing spots, having knowledge about the local areas’ cultures and lifestyles as well as understanding the history makes the travels more memorable. In order for you to get the most out of any tour, I recommend that you travel with a certified guide.
    Hokkaido is blessed with beautiful nature, delicious food and friendly people. It will be my great pleasure to serve you as a member of the “Sapporo English Guides”.
    I look forward to seeing you here in Hokkaido where I will be able to share the beauties of the northern area of my homeland with you!

  • IWASAKI, Nobuko

    IWASAKI, Nobuko

    Konnichiwa! ("Hello"!) I'm Nobu. I joined SEG because I love the members of this group and also because SEG can offer various tours created based on our guests’ requests and interests. I myself love traveling in Hokkaido, sometimes with my family and sometimes on my bike!

    There are many things to see and things to eat in Hokkaido, and I would like to help you to fully enjoy your stay in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is waiting for you with delicious food, fresh air, and friendly people!

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and I majored in English literature at university. Since I started working as a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I have guided many people, from individual travelers to groups of over 40 people, from a 9-month baby to a 90-year-old gentleman. It is my great joy to be able to serve as a guide and talk with people from all over the world.

    I'm looking forward to seeing you!

  • MAKINO, Hiromi

    MAKINO, Hiromi

    I joined SEG because the guide group features very courteous and personalized services enabling guests to enjoy the stay in Hokkaido according to their own interests. For the travelers seeking something exciting not in ordinary guidebooks, I always would like to do my best to make them feel happy and satisfied with our tours.

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido, so I am a “Dosanko,” a native of Hokkaido. I like to study English language and Shakespeare, and also practice the tea ceremony. After graduated from college, I worked in a pharmaceutical company.

    As a local guide, I want to help foreign guests explore Hokkaido and deeply understand its unique culture. I believe Hokkaido is a wonderful place where travelers can greatly enjoy sightseeing, eating, shopping and playing outdoor activities.

    Why don’t you come and enjoy traveling Hokkaido?

    I really look forward to seeing you!!

  • NAKASHIMA, Kunie

    NAKASHIMA, Kunie

    Hello!

    My name is Kuni. I am a nationally licensed English-speaking tour guide.

    My interests are varied and are mostly in the area of Japanese culture. They include kimono (as you can see in my picture), tea ceremony, Japanese history (especially the early and late modern periods), the arts, nature, food and people.

    I love traveling, both in Japan and abroad, and have a passion for Hokkaido. It’s a unique place to travel! The history, the culture, the beautiful natural environment and many other things are quite different from those found in other parts of Japan. To truly experience the tastes, sights, smells, sounds and local color, you need someone who really knows the area. I am sure local specialists like us will make your visit more interesting.

    As your tour guide I have one aim - to make your trip to Hokkaido an exceptional one which will leave you wanting to come back for more!

    I am looking forward to seeing you here in Hokkaido!

  • OSANAMI, Akiko

    OSANAMI, Akiko

    Hello! My name is Akiko.
    I was born in Wakkanai, very north end of Hokkaido and lived in several cities in Hokkaido when I was a child. I have lived in Sapporo for over 40 years and Sapporo is also a home town of my parents.
    I like traveling in Hokkaido and other part of Japan, too. I always feel exited to find something new to me, new food and enjoy talking with local people.
    I always feel happy when I can introduce beautiful nature, and wonderful food and not so long but unique and dynamic history of Hokkaido to our guest from all over the world. We have distinctive four seasons in Hokkaido. It means we have many different ways to enjoy Hokkaido in each season. Would you like to enjoy various kinds of flowers blooming at once in spring, outdoor BBQ and beer gardens in summer, awesome colored leaves (KOYOU) in Autumn and powder snow and hot springs in winter?!
    So, let’s have an unforgettable exiting memory with us in Hokkaido! I am sure you won’t be able to wait for the next visit!

  • NARITA, Kiyoe

    NARITA, Kiyoe

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have lived both in the US and in England.

    I like traveling and have visited 27 countries so far either myself or with family. Since I have traveled with three children many times, I often found myself to be the tour leader of my own family. These experiences taught me the way to enjoy foreign countries in many situations and prepared me for being an English tour guide.

    I have been interested in communicating with people of different backgrounds and becoming friends in the end. Keeping the friendship is important to me. I am proud of my lasting friendship with my American host families and friends over 30 years!! Now you know my age!?

    I enjoy showing foreign visitors around my country, my island, and my city of Sapporo.

    I always feel that it is time to return the favor I (have) received in foreign countries.

    What makes travel special is communicating with local people, enjoying beautiful nature, experiencing the culture, and last, but not least, encountering good food!

    I hope to see you, show you around and become good friends in my beautiful Hokkaido!!

  • FUJISAWA, Kuniko

    FUJISAWA, Kuniko

    Hello, my name is Kuniko Fujisawa,

    Please call me Fuji. It’s same sound of Mt. Fuji: the highest mountain in Japan and UNESCO world heritage.

    As other guides already mentioned, Hokkaido has a lot of attractions such as beautiful nature, delicious foods, sightseeing spots, outdoor activities, friendly and honest people. There are four clear seasons. Each season has its special charms. I’ve never lived in foreign countries but I love to talk with people from abroad.

    Whenever I visit other places, I try to look around on foot, use public transportation, and meet local people as much as possible. It is great fun to experience various things at first hand, isn’t it?

    I’ve been working as a training coordinator for foreign participants in the field of agriculture, food processing, economy, education, tourism promotion as well as clinic coordinator for years.

    If these experiences help you and enrich your stay in Hokkaido, I’ll be pleased with you.

    Let’s cherish your travel memory together!

  • WAHEI, Tomoko

    WAHEI, Tomoko

    Hello, I’m Tomoko. I’m from Otaru, a neighboring city of Sapporo, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.

    I enjoy being a tour guide, because I love Hokkaido.
    I am a born and bred DOSANKO, meaning of “a person from Hokkaido”, and no matter how long I have lived here, I still can find another charm of Hokkaido. I always delighted to introduce overseas visitors some of those attractions of Hokkaido.

    Hokkaido’s four seasons are quite distinct. Colorful flowers in spring and summer, brilliant autumn color of leaves, snow-clad mountains and the earth in winter are all possible to see here in Hokkaido. Various activities in respective seasons, and seasonal delicacies are also the pleasure to visit here.

    Let me help you to make your trip to Hokkaido a special and memorable one. Suggesting nice cafes and restaurants off the beaten track and activities according to your interests are especially my line!

  • NAKAJIMA, Yasuyo

    NAKAJIMA, Yasuyo

    Hello!

    My name is Yasuyo Nakajima.
    I’m an authentic Hokkaidoite, DOSANKO who was born and raised here in Hokkaido.
    I have been working as a certified English speaking tour guide since I got a tour guide
    License in 2009 and I enjoy guiding very much.

    I also like traveling very much. Every year I go somewhere in Japan or overseas.
    Each time I enjoy sightseeing, eating local foods and communicating with people who I
    meet during the trip. Traveling is fun!

    Hokkaido is unique in climate, nature and history, a little different from the other parts of Japan. Adding to this, Hokkaido has many attractions such as fresh, high quality, delicious foods, hot spring resorts, lots of outdoor activities and friendly Hokkaido people.

    Hokkaido is a wonderful place to visit.
    I’m sure you will love Hokkaido and I’d be glad if I could help you enjoy traveling here.
    I’m a cheerful, energetic and friendly tour guide. Let’s have fun with me.
    Hokkaido is always welcoming you!

  • TAKAI, Satsuki

    TAKAI, Satsuki

    Hello, my name is Satsuki Takai. You can just call me Takai.

    Takai means “expensive” (or “high”) in Japanese, so it may be convenient to remember my name for shopping in Japan.

    I was born and grew up in Hokkaido and I love Hokkaido. I have traveled some different countries and lived in one of them, which helps me to rediscover the charms of Japan and Hokkaido.

    All parts of Japan are worth visiting but Hokkaido is a bit unique and different from other areas. I hope you will come and find it out for yourself. I’d love to help you to do just that as a tour guide.

    I also work for an organization that supports other countries, by, for example, sending volunteers overseas or by holding a variety of training courses in Japan. So, not only as a tour guide but also as an interpreter and a training coordinator, I have met and worked for so many foreign guests from various countries, which I enjoy very much.

    I hope to meet and help a lot more. Let’s have fun with me in Hokkaido!

    I look forward to meeting you!

  • FUJIMORI, Yuko

    FUJIMORI, Yuko

    Hello! I’m Yuko, a National licensed tour guide.

    I’ve lived in Hokkaido for 20 years since I married a Hokkaido man. The first time I came to Hokkaido, I loved Hokkaido. It is a unique place. Yes, actually, the winter climate is harsh, cold and snowy, though thanks to the large amount of snow, we can enjoy various winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowball fighting and making snowmen! In spring, we can enjoy many kinds of flowers. In summer, I believe Hokkaido is the best place to avoid the summer heat in Japan. And finally, the autumn foliage in Hokkaido is breathtaking!

    I had worked at an American company in Tokyo for 5 years, and I have traveled to more than 10 countries by myself. I like to communicate with people from various countries. I’d like to let people know how wonderful Hokkaido is. Please visit Hokkaido. Let’s make unforgettable memories together!

  • MASUYAMA, Aya

    MASUYAMA, Aya

    Hello. My name is Aya. I have lived in Hokkaido for nearly 20 years.
    I like talking with people from various backgrounds because they give me new and insightful perspectives into culture and thinking. I believe the encounters enrich my life and open up doors to great and invaluable opportunities.
    I love showing visitors around Hokkaido because the island is quite different from the rest of Japan. The magnificent nature, relaxing hot springs, huge terrain, and unique history and culture give this prefecture a richness you cannot find anywhere else. The island is also blessed with delicious and high-quality sea foods, dairy products, vegetables, and sweets. Your travels will become even more satisfying when you get to feast on the dishes served here.
    The people of Hokkaido are called “dosanko” and are very open-minded. Although Hokkaido is the coldest place in Japan, the hearts of the people are warm enough to melt the cold snow.
    I look forward to meeting you and helping you get to know this beautiful island of Hokkaido.

  • AMINO, Masako

    AMINO, Masako

    Hello, I’m Masako Amino, an English speaking tour guide with national license.
    I was born and raised in Sapporo and have rediscovered great charm of Hokkaido and Sapporo after I spent 10 years in Europe.
    I hope you will consider your next trip to Japan, particularly the northern most
    island Hokkaido, blessed with beautiful nature, powder snow and fresh seafood.
    Hope to see you soon here in Hokkaido!

  • SAGAWA, Motoko

    SAGAWA, Motoko

    My name is Motoko Sagawa. I was born and raised in Hokkaido. From 17 years old, however, I have lived in the United States and in different cities across Japan such as Tokyo, Hachinohe (northern Honshu), Tokushima (Shikoku Island), and Fukuoka (Kyushu Island). Finally, I settled in Sapporo. Living in different places has inspired me in many ways. Besides the big, obvious differences that you can see between living in Japan and the U.S., I learned there are a lot of distinct, local, customs and people within Japan, too.

    Hokkaido is unique in this regard. It is often referred to as a frontier. Everything has been newly built but it preserves a variety of local customs brought by the people who came to settle here. People with different backgrounds live in harmony in Hokkaido.

    Hokkaido has a lot to offer. If you are interested in history and culture, I would recommend visiting the Ainu villages and museums which showcase the history and lives of the native inhabitants of Hokkaido. If you are a nature fan, there are many beautiful parks, lakes, rivers and mountains. A variety of sports, outdoor activities, and hands-on experience activities are also available.

    Hokkaido welcomes you with the heart of “Omotenashi” and delicious foods.

    I look forward to meeting you.

  • MORIWAKA, Hiroko

    MORIWAKA, Hiroko

    Hello! My name is Hiroko Moriwaka. I was born and raised in the small town in Hokkaido. When I was young, I went to Taiwan study Chinese so I can speak Chinese as well as English. If you need a tour guide who can speak both Chinese and English, I’m willing to serve you.
    Hokkaido is known for its delicious foods, as its local foods are known to be fresh due to its reserved nature. I especially like our soul food, “Genghis Khan”, which is lamb or mutton BBQ. Most children in Hokkaido believe that “Genghis Khan” is the name of BBQ, not the name of the founder of Mongol Empire. Why was BBQ named from the founder? If you are interested in the story about Genghis Khan and BBQ, ask me as your tour guide!

  • TSUNEKAWA, Megumu

    TSUNEKAWA, Megumu

    Hello, I'm Megu, a licensed English speaking tour guide. I was born and grown up in Hokkaido and after school, I have worked in Tokyo at a bank, consulting firms, and a college of music. Then, I came back to my homeland, Hokkaido, to be a tour guide.

    Here in Hokkaido, you can enjoy unspoiled nature. For example, when I guided Shiretoko, the peninsula at north eastern area, we could encounter deer, fox, and wow, wild brown bear! Also, we were happy to see many trouts swimming upstream river.

    Another recommendation is Onsen (hot spring) . Hokkaido has 254 Onsen spots, the largest number in prefectures of Japan. Some of them will make your skin soft and smooth, are called " Onsen of the beautiful" And of course, fresh fruits, fish, ice cream, cheese cake etc. will be waiting for you. Hokkaido is called "Food Paradise".

    I like Japanese arts, such as "Rakugo", comic storytelling, and Sumo wrestling, the spirit of Sumo. I also love reading novel about Japanese history, especially, Ninja and Samurai warriors.

    I'm looking forward to sharing nice experience in Hokkaido with you.

  • MORIUCHI, Eri

    MORIUCHI, Eri

    Hello! I am Eri Moriuchi.
    I was born and raised in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and also lived in the United States and Canada.
    I am almost six feet tall (179 centimeters, to be precise), quite tall for a female Japanese, so you can easily find me in the crowd!
    Before working as a tour guide, I have experiences working for a Swedish telecom company as a translator, as well as local government affiliated international-exchange organizations, where I interacted with many foreign people.
    Hokkaido is recently a popular tourist destination because it has beautiful nature, wonderful sceneries, delicious food/cuisines using local ingredients in each season, and you can also try various activities such as canoeing, skiing, ice-fishing, etc.
    I myself love to travel around Hokkaido to eat soft serve ice cream, fresh seafood, etc. and go to Onsen (hot springs).
    I would like to help you make your trip to Hokkaido a memorable one.
    Looking forward to serving you here in Hokkaido!

  • MINAMI,Kiwako

    MINAMI,Kiwako

    Hello, I’m Kiwa. Thank you for reaching my profile.

    Just like many other SEG members, I am also a Dosanko (Hokkaidoite), born and raised in Sapporo and several other places in Hokkaido, which I believe must have formed who and what I am today with a communication tool of English acquired mainly from Australia.
    I enjoy birdwatching & walk in nature, visiting temples and shrines, café hopping and finding Japanese sweets shops in local towns.

    I obtained my tour guide license in 2016 so I’m relatively new in this field of business, but it is always rewarding and motivating to see my guests enjoying themselves while staying in Sapporo/Hokkaido, and one thing I have often been amazed at is the level of satisfaction and/or impression my guests shared with me about their own “Close encounters of Sapporo/Hokkaido.”

    Fields of interests are individually different and each of them also appears in its own way. For example, raw oysters and scallop sashimi served in a small local pub was highly acclaimed unanimously by members of an experienced world travelers’ group as, “Never had them this fresh and tasty before!” to prove they were world-class, even without a brand name.
    Another example was absolute speechlessness that naturally occurred among a cheerful talkative group from a tropical country during a journey on a mid-winter day with non-stop falling of fluttery snow. The tour bus was going through rolling hills of thickly snow-blanketed farmlands towards Niseko area, which felt like almost endless with no one in sight or no clear skyline, but just the world of monochrome.

    These are just tiny glimpses of what Hokkaido can offer to visitors.

    Seeing is believing. Please come enjoy Sapporo/Hokkaido with us.

  • TANAKA,Masaaki

    TANAKA,Masaaki

    Hi, I’m Masa. I was born in Tokyo, but brought up in Hokkaido. Then I was involved with International Businesses such as Sales & Marketing in an Electronic Company located in Tokyo for about 30 years.

    After getting back to Hokkaido, I have just rediscovered the tremendous appeal of Hokkaido itself. So I’m so happy to introduce such attractive Hokkaido to international visitors as much as possible. I’m familiar with not only its life style, culture, history here but also food, wine, sake, whiskey, etc.
    I’m looking forward to seeing you anytime soon !

  • OSHIMA,Chieko

    OSHIMA,Chieko

    Hello, my name is Chieko Oshima.
    I have lived in Sapporo for 30 years. Before settled in Sapporo, I lived in many regions of Japan and 2 cities in the USA for 3 years. In each place I met wonderful people and saw beautiful sceneries. These were all exiting and memorable. Every year I travel around Japan and overseas, seeking and enjoying the same feeling as I experienced before. I would like to share such a good feeling with my guests here in Hokkaido.
    I had taught English for more than 10 years with original teaching materials of cooking and chemistry which was my major in university.
    I also have interests bird watching, nature, hot springs and, all about food.
    Hokkaido has abundant nature, wildlife only seen here, a wide variety of hot springs and delicious foods. These are all my strong fields.
    I believe that traveling will be even more fun if a local guide is with you. Let me help you fully enjoy your stay in Hokkaido.
    I am looking forward to seeing you.

  • GREEN,Hitomi

    GREEN,Hitomi

    Hello, my name is Hitomi Green, and I’m a national licensed tour guide.
    I was born and brought up in Hokkaido. I lived in Australia and the UK for a year each.
    I have been living in Little England for 20 years because my husband is English and he made it here with our two teenage children and a dog in our house...
    I love traveling. I used to work as a tour leader for Japanese groups so I have been to many countries with my clients. I saw many attractions in other countries and met a lot of nice people through my job, and now I want to show the attractions of Japan and its people to visitors. I would like you to have a good time and a comfortable stay in Japan.