I live very close to Koyasan, but I didn’t really know anything about Koyasan until I had a chance to join a guided tour in Japanese over 15 years ago. At the same time, I saw many foreign tourists who could not find their way, and didn’t know where to go or what to do. Koyasan is very different from other tourist spots around Japan, and you must understand the old traditions that not even many Japanese understand. I wanted to become a guide to introduce Koyasan to foreign tourists and help them enjoy Koyasan as much as possible.

I have been guiding now for over 15 years, but I never tire of it. I get to meet so many people from so many different places around the world. Since I love meeting people, I am sure this is my lifetime job given to me by Kobo Daishi. (You should come to Koyasan to find out who Kobo Daishi is.) Everyone is always good natured, so it is easy for me to enjoy guiding. One time, though, it was snowing heavily and whenever we would stop for me to explain, we would become like snowmen! I have two sons, both currently enrolled in college.