About Us

In 2016, we embarked on a mission to redefine the tour experience, aiming for a unique blend of authenticity, education, and entertainment. We set out to move beyond the dull recitations of facts and dates that could easily be found on a Wikipedia page and to shift away from oversized, impersonal groups. Our goal was to banish tedium and create engaging journeys.

Our aim is to forge personal connections with our guests, exposing them to renowned attractions and the lesser-known treasures often overlooked by larger tour operators. We delve deeper, showcasing how locals truly live, with an emphasis on the culturally fascinating and delightfully entertaining aspects of Japanese life.

We strongly believe language barriers shouldn’t impede your experience. Our guides possess native or near-native English proficiency and are equally comfortable in Japanese. For tours offered in other languages, you can rest assured that our guides are native speakers in those as well.

We envision tours as a perfect blend of entertainment and education, sometimes even tipping the scales towards fun because, after all, vacations are meant to be enjoyable! However, our well-trained guides are ready and able to provide as much information as you desire. We focus on delivering the right balance and crafting an experience tailored to your preferences.

With Pinpoint Traveler, you get to experience Japan as it should be – through the eyes of individuals who can communicate effectively and empathize with you, far surpassing the standard, checklist-style tours. Explore Japan’s vibrant past and captivating present with us, and create unforgettable memories.

Meet the Team Behind the Tours

Your satisfaction is our top priority. Every tour promoted on this site is conceived, created, and conducted by us. From the photographs and tour descriptions to our guides and blog content, everything is crafted in-house. We aren’t resellers; we stand behind our offerings with unwavering confidence.Our administrative team comprises both native English speakers, fluent in Japanese, and native Japanese speakers. We ensure that all email communications are clear and free from language barriers. We're even more than happy to converse with you over the phone (WhatsApp is acceptable) if you prefer.Pinpoint Traveler’s guides, introduced below, are not here to merely polish their English skills, as is sometimes the case with budget guides used by some competitors. They refrain from delivering monotonous recitals of dates and names. Instead, our guides prioritize delivering informative, relevant, and engaging tours, maintaining a lively and entertaining approach throughout.Our guides are a diverse mix of locals and foreign nationals living in Japan. Every guide is passionate about all things Japan and is fluent in Japanese and English. We also offer tours conducted in Spanish and French.

Kevin

The nominal boss who still loves to run tours whenever possible. American born and raised, but has now lived in Japan for around 15 years. Fan of Tokyo, and even bigger fan of Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and environs). Loves to preach about keeping tours informative, interesting, and fun. When not running the gears of the company our doing tours, Kevin loves planning custom itineraries for guests.

Shoji

Shoji's life has been split between Canada and Japan in a way that's made him essentially a native speaker of both languages. While he loves the rural life afforded to him in Wakayama, his genuine interest in sharing the sights and joys of Japan drive him to all parts of the country. For customized Kumano Kodo itineraries, he's the best man under the sun. He also has an infectious joy for life.

Mardi

When it comes to Kyoto and Nara's sights, Mardi's knowledge is unsurpassed. We also often here from our guests that she is an absolute pleasure to be around, with a friendly, accessible approach to touring. Her fluent Japanese and Japanese husband have afforded her a deep understanding of the Kyoto and Nara area's history and culture, and she just can't wait to bring you in on it.

Dan

Dan's one of the most personable guys you'll ever meet. He was born and raised in Spain, but traveled the world extensively before settling down in Osaka some years ago. He does many of our Spanish tours, but English ones as well, since his English is truly impeccable. Great with families and kids, but also able to navigate Osaka's nightlife with aplomb for our guests. Whatever type of experience you may book with us, you can count on Dan to be both laid back and professional.

Levy

Just as well rounded as our other guides, Levy also boasts an extensive knowledge of all things samurai related. Having lived in Osaka for nearly twenty years, he also knows the city - as well as neighboring Kyoto and Kobe - like no one's business! Originally from Israel, Hebrew is his native tongue, but he also speaks English and Japanese fluently. Having spent a number of years in the restaurant business, he is a master foodie too.

Suzie

Suzie is our resident Tokyo and Yokohama expert. Born and raised in Japan, she has a keen interest in sharing the history as well as the modernity of Japan. We are frequently emailed by prior guests about how incredibly kind and friendly she is, often going beyond the call to make sure our guests are able to create memories that will last a lifetime. The only thing we can't figure out is her inexhaustible energy! Suzie's tours are guaranteed to bring joy to your Tokyo or Yokohama time.

About Us

ABOUT PINPOINT TRAVELER

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