・Name：Kanami Takeuchi

• Email：karuizawa.en.tour@gmail.com

• Phone：+81-80-9281 6134

• Language：English, Japanese

• Lisense: Karuizawa Tourinsm Guide Certification: Grade 3

My Hobbies and Passion

Horseriding, Hiking, Hot springs and Sauna, Meeting new people and learning their culture, Travel, musicals and movies

Area Covered:

West part of Nagano(Karuizawa/Saku/Miyota/Komoro)

I was born in Tokyo in 1991 and spent most of my childhood in Chiba.

When I was 19 years old,I moved to Reno, Nevada to attend University. Later I moved to California, NY, Chicago, and San Francisco to study performing arts. I was mostly hired as a backup dancer for various stages and musicals. My favorite musical that I was part of is 42nd Street!

I returned to Japan when I was around 26 years old and worked as an English teacher.I still teach English to kids. Additionally, I worked as a horse riding guide/instructor for 3 years because of my passion for horses. I was a tour guide on horseback through the forests, guiding many foreign visitors. During these tours, I recommended restaurants and local attractions, sharing my knowledge as a local. I enjoyed conversing with them, learning about their beliefs and culture.

I found fulfillment in showing foreigners the charm of the region and helping them experience the joy of horse riding. Simultaneously, I discovered the beauty of listening to their stories and concerns, providing them a sense of refreshment.

I hope that my tour provides people with memorable travels and life changing experiences.

Why am I working as a freelance guide?

Large travel agencies and tours often take customers to the same popular tourist spots all over the world. The customer service at these spots is often robotic and impersonal, and the famous attractions are usually crowded with foreigners, leaving you questioning whether you are truly experiencing Japan. I aim to show my guests the authentic side of Japan and help them travel like a local.

By handling everything from booking to planning the itinerary and guiding, I am able to truly listen to my customers' needs, and I can provide services with confidence. This is why I have chosen to work as a freelance guide.

If you are truly interested in getting to know and experience Japan, it is important to engage closely with the locals, and learn about the culture and history of the places you visit. As a freelance guide, I strive to convey the unique charm of each region and serve as a bridge between the locals and my customers.

Why my tours are focused on activities?

I believe that visitting Nagano should be a journey od relaxation and inner renewal.　By engaging in active experiences-like horseback riding- you do not just observe Japanese culture and spirituality; you live it.

One of my previous guest shared that he was able to wash away his stress and reset his mind. Guests come to karuizawa for various reasons, but nothing brings me greater hapiness than helping you heal from your fatigue of daily life.

My tours are more than just sightseeing. They are an invitation to step away from the busy world, slow down, and create space to reconnect with yourself.