Hiro

To my guest:
I began my career as an international guide and instructor after a long professional career in global business, and I truly enjoy helping overseas visitors discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Japan. Since May 2025, I have been working with a U.S.-based travel agency, guiding mainly senior guests from the United States and Canada on sightseeing tours in Tokyo and surrounding areas two to three times each month. From late March through mid-December, I guide visitors to historical sites, gardens, shrines, temples, traditional neighborhoods, and modern attractions, while explaining Japanese culture, history, customs, food, and everyday life in clear and friendly English.
One of my strengths as a guide is my ability to communicate comfortably with guests from different backgrounds and age groups. Because I have lived and worked overseas for many years, I understand the interests, expectations, and concerns of international travelers. I especially enjoy creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests feel comfortable asking questions and having meaningful conversations about Japan and cultural differences.
During the winter season, from January to early March, I work as a ski instructor at a major snow resort in Fukushima Prefecture. I have taught skiing　professionally for nine years, and in recent years I have mainly instructed inbound guests from many countries in English. I teach everyone from complete beginners to advanced skiers and always place great importance on safety, encouragement, and enjoyment. Helping overseas visitors gain confidence while experiencing Japan’s beautiful winter environment is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
My international background has greatly helped me in both tourism and education. I earned a Master’s degree in Food Science from Washington State University, and later studied Clinical Psychology and Nutrition at Bastyr University near Seattle after retiring from a major Japanese food company. During my business career, I worked in the United States for four and a half years and in Thailand for six and a half years, using both English and Thai languages in professional environments. My responsibilities included research and development, international business operations, quality control, and eventually serving as General Manager of Quality Assurance.
After retirement from corporate management, I worked for five and a half years in patent translation related to the Japanese Patent Office, reading and translating approximately 40,000 English-language chemical patents. This experience further strengthened my English communication and analytical skills.
I became a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan in March, 2026 after successfully completing both the written and oral examinations. Through guiding and teaching, I have found a new mission in life: building bridges between Japan and people from around the world. I sincerely enjoy sharing Japanese history, culture, seasonal beauty, and hospitality with international guests and creating memorable experiences that they will treasure long after returning home.
Best regards,
Hiroshi (Hiro) Eda