I grew up in Barcelona and came to Japan in my mid 20s. I immersed myself into the language so that I could read Japanese literature. Once I could communicate properly I went into kimono school and ended up wearing kimono exclusively for one year, until I understood it with my body.

Kimono led me to my passion - tea ceremony - which I continue to practice weekly and has become part of my identity. My other passion is iaido, which often puzzles my friends, because I am such a sweet person.

Having spent 30 of my 54 years here in Japan - basically my adult life - and I am still trying to make sense of what I see and experience here. I have found a little context goes a long way. I am very happy
and privileged to share what little I have gleaned over the years with our visitors as we stroll around this lovely city.

Language and culture can be significant barriers in Japan and part of what we do is to try and make those barriers disappear - or at least a little more transparent. We hope that after spending some time with us you will have much more context and background with which to frame your experiences in Kyoto and Japan.

Born and raised in Kentucky, USA, Mike has lived in Kyoto for the past 15 years. Family life revolves around his Japanese wife Fumi and their young son Ken. Mike was introduced to Chado (the Way of Tea) while in Japan on an exchange program in 2007, and he continued studying Chado in his free time after returning to the States.

In 2012, Mike returned to Japan to participate in the Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado, which is where he met fellow student (and now wife) Fumi. He received his chamei (tea name) in 2016. In addition to knowing some quiet corners of Kyoto that made him fall in love with the city, Mike can also give informed commentary on how tea culture still influences modern society in today's Japan.

Born to a Scottish mum and French dad and raised in the Alps, Pierre first came to live in Japan as a student in 2004 and settled in the Kyoto district of Uji in 2012. Married to a local lady he lives a happy life in this picturesque area just to the south of Kyoto's downtown.

Pierre has been guiding people around Kansai and Shikoku for many years now. He can lift the lid on intimate details about the geisha world of Gion as well as the artisanal/craft traditions of Japan. He is uniquely placed to provide context into life in Kyoto and to Japanese society in general.

Originally from the US, Dana specialized in Japanese language and literature at university. After graduation, he was hired by Sony and was transferred to Japan in 1984. He passed the highest level of the Japanese Proficiency Exam in 1991 and has lived and raised a family in Kyoto over the past 40 years. Recently retired as a university professor, Dana has experienced many different facets of life in Kyoto, not least spending a decade immersed in zen practice in one of Kyoto's famous temples.

Dana also speaks Italian, and when he's not sharing some of the quieter zen gardens in the ancient capital, he's also obsessed with finding the best pizza and espresso in the city.

Born and raised in Japan, I moved to Kyoto 35 years ago. I have studied Japanese flower arranging and the tea ceremony. Through local residents I have met in these lessons, as well as in places such as sento (public baths), small grocery shops, and idobata kaigi (street-corner chats), I have learned about their lives—both past and present—and am continually amazed.

Speaking English and Italian helps me see how cultures are connected. It opens my eyes to new perspectives and also makes me feel more unified with others.

Born and raised in Singapore, Clifton first came to Japan as a university student over 20 years ago. Following his MA in Buddhism from Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Clifton took vows to become an ordained Buddhist priest affiliated with the Nishi-Hongwanji branch of Pure Land Shin-Buddhism. He has served in various capacities in the organization, most recently as a foreign language specialist (Japanese/Chinese/English).

He is also a keen student of chanoyu, or
the Way of Tea. Clifton has a deep appreciation and understanding of Japanese history and culture, as well as being a knowledgeable guide around the city of Kyoto.