Who is the Okuni traveller?

“They are open to new experiences, even in Tokyo or Kyoto; they don’t just want to tick off the Insta hotspots. They want to meet local people, Japanese and expats alike, and interact with them in a natural and mutually engaging capacity. They are interested in experiencing people, places, and things that others might not have heard about; they like to try something new, push the boundaries, wander off the map. They are respectful of other cultures and travel to learn; they are willing to observe, or at least respect, local customs.”

What makes a great guide?

“First and foremost, someone you would want to spend eight hours a day with, possibly for multiple days. Someone who can think on his/her feet, pivot on a dime, and be able to read the air to know what the clients need. A good guide is one-part local expert and one-part psychologist, able to sense the mood, offer up alternatives, keep the day moving even if there are issues between the clients. A great sense of humour, the patience of a saint, and an endless supply of “Plan-B’s” are all invaluable as well.”

Tell us about a time you’ve made the impossible possible…

“A family who suddenly decided they needed to experience hanami (picnic beneath the cherry blossoms) despite it being much too late to catch blossoms in Tokyo or Kyoto, the only places they were visiting. And they were vegans. Within 24 hours, we had whisked them up to a northern region that still had blossoms and set up a vegan feast in the grounds of an historic shrine, complete with local musicians to serenade them.”