Hello everyone,
My name is Masayo Komatsubara, a nationally licensed English tour guide based in Osaka. I was honored to receive the Hospitality Award 2024 from the Japan Guide Awards.
From October 2025 to March 2026, I participated in a government-led high-value guide training program organized by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), further refining my approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
My goal is not just to show you the sights, but to provide an experience that shifts your perspective on Japanese culture and history. I hope the insights we share will stay with you—creating a lasting resonance, something you can carry with you long after our journey ends.
I was born and raised in a very rural area of Yamaguchi Prefecture, where McDonald’s, convenience stores, and Starbucks were unheard of. In fact, I didn’t know how to order a Big Mac until I was 18 years old. It wasn’t until I entered university in the Kansai region that I experienced a more diverse lifestyle, where I majored in Japanese culture.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to live in various parts of Japan, including Hyogo, Nagoya, Saitama, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Osaka. Each region has its own unique traditions and dialects shaped by history. Through both my academic studies and personal experiences, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the mythology and spirit that quietly shape everyday life in Japan.
(Rest assured, I’ve since mastered the art of ordering at McDonald’s!)
I look forward to meeting you and sharing the stories that make Japan truly special.
Sincerely,
Masa