I started out my guiding career in New Zealand where I studied Adventure Tourism and subsequently spent 4 seasons guiding in the Milford Track, commonly known as "The Finest Walk in the World".I have walked the track 111 times. I worked at the ski slopes during the off season and enjoyed the outdoors, but decided to return to Japan in 2008 to become a guide in my home country. I currently live in Hida and introduce visitors to all that this region has to offer. Please join me in our various tours!

Hello. I was born and raised in Hida Takyama and joined Hida Satoyama Cycling in spring 2011. Prior to joining Hida Satoyama Cycling, I spent a few years abroad working various jobs. I spent a year working and travelling in New Zealand. Then I went to England to work as a nursing home staff. After that, I went to Australia to obtain a certification to teach Japanese. I returned to Hida in spring 2011, and joined this company. I love Hida's nature and sake!

I came to Hida after teaching Japanese in Cambodia and experiencing a stint as a logger in Arizona. A former backpacker, I currently enjoy life in Hida in a shared house. Love the culture of sharing in Hida. Recently, I started performing Jazz in local cafes inviting the locals. Enjoy couch surfing, jazz performances, donating change, and organizing gdHIDA (a party for the eco and socially conscious)

Lived in the US for 25 years, but moved to Hida seeing the vast potential here. Still trying to understand the dialect here, but somehow figuring things out. I have a US CPA license but realizing how useless it is in the countryside. Coming from Los Angeles, I'm wondering whether I'll make it through the winter here with the super heavy snowfalls. Plan to hone my snow shoveling skills while I'm here.

• SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE

When I was a child, I loved to explore unknown places. I still remember that darkness and uneasy feeling when I was lost in a middle of mountain path.

My little step became my biggest strength to step into the world.

Smell of Arabian Sea, a book & a bagle in Central Park NY, hustle bustle on streets Mumbai, small conversation with locals in Istanbul.....

All of those are irreplaceable treasures to me. Life is about living in a moment !

I'm the only on in the office that can't speak English, but can speak perfect Hida dialect. Born and raised in Hida Furukawa, I love the Matsuri festivals and Hida. You can ask me anything about Hida! I'm currently working to preserve the Hida culture and townscape, and want to preserve the "Minka", or the old folk homes unique to the Japanese countryside.

• Hida Minka Project

As a former backpacker, I spent 525 days roaming the world, then moved to Hida to start something new.

My lifework now involves producing a "cool Japanese countryside" based on the sustainable lifestyle model developed by the predecessors living in the Hida area.

For the last couple of years, I've been trying to grow my own vegetables in my garden, but failing miserably. Thank goodness for generous neighbors that share their produce with us.

• Hobbies：Triatholon, Ukulele, Soba (buckwheat noodle) making.

After traveling the world for 525 days, I moved to Hida with my husband who is also the co-founder Hida Satoyama Cycling. We are now living in a traditional Japanese "machiya" (townhouse) and trying to establish a sustainable lifestyle here in the countryside. Currently, I'm raising 2 children while working part time at Hida Satoyama Cycling. I love to travel and I'm always thinking about where to go next. Thinking about resuming scuba diving which I haven't done for over 7 years.

• Things I like: Planning my next vacation. Checking out the "kominka" or the old traditional folk houses in the countryside.
• Things I don't like: Housework.