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Our Story

Our Philosophy: Luxury Travel = Beyond Expectations

 

At EDO KAGURA Corporation, we define luxury travel not by opulence alone, but by delivering moments that go beyond expectations.


This means creating experiences where every element—exceptional service, deep personalization, privacy, authentic cultural immersion, and the irreplaceable value of time—is refined to its highest form. Through this approach, we ensure that each journey leaves our guests not only satisfied, but transformed.

 

We specialize in designing immersive cultural journeys for discerning travelers and luxury travel partners seeking experiences beyond the expected. Through our signature brands—Kagurazaka GAYU (Kagurazaka Refined Wander, offering traditional elegance for high-end travelers and corporate events) and NINJA KOTAN (for experiential discovery with family-friendly appeal)—we curate premium, private tours in Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric and culturally preserved neighborhoods.

Why Kagurazaka

 

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Kagurazaka is a rare district where cobblestone alleys, Edo-period architecture, and centuries-old traditions still thrive. Our curated experiences range from private geisha banquets and Zen meditation led by temple monks, to hands-on artisan workshops and guided cultural explorations—all made possible through enduring relationships with the local community.

Our Roots & Credentials

 

Founded by long-time Kagurazaka residents with over 25 years of local expertise, we provide rare, invitation-only access to Japan’s living traditions within a modern, sustainable framework. As a licensed travel agency and certified startup from Hokkaido University, we combine cultural preservation with contemporary relevance.

What is Kagurazaka GAYU (Kagurazaka Refined Wander)?

 

GAYU (雅遊) is more than a name—it’s a philosophy. Rooted in the spirit of Miyabi (refined elegance) and Asobi (joyful cultural play), it expresses our belief that Japan should not merely be seen, but felt. Through meaningful cultural immersion, we invite you to experience tradition not as a performance, but as a way of being.

Our Mission

 

Our mission is to orchestrate every unseen detail to achieve a single, priceless result: a journey that goes far beyond expectations, becoming a treasured chapter in our guests' lives.

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Company Information

Official travel agency for “Kagurazaka Refined Wander”

Company Name: EDO KAGURA Corporation

President: Shinya Yamada

Adress: 1-31-16 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1690075 JAPAN

Established: December 2021

Business Activities: Travel services and clothing rental for travelers

Email: info@edokagura.com

Travel Business License No. : Tokyo Metropolitan Government Regional-8490

Our Team

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Shinya Yamada

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Founder & CEO, EDO KAGURA Corporation

Originally from Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, I have lived across Japan and abroad—including Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Hong Kong—before settling in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, where I have resided for the past 25 years.

In December 2021, I founded EDO KAGURA Corporation with a mission to help international travelers experience Japan’s rich traditional culture with ease and authenticity. By offering curated cultural experiences along with traditional clothing rentals, we enable guests to immerse themselves more deeply in the beauty of Japan’s heritage—without the burden of logistics or preparation.

Our greatest joy is seeing first-time visitors become lifelong fans of Japan, returning again and again to explore its timeless elegance.

Career Highlights

  • Over 25 years of experience in finance and research, with positions at:
    Daiwa Institute of Research, Deutsche Securities, Credit Suisse Securities, and Schonfeld (1995–2020)

  • Founded EDO KAGURA Corporation in 2021

Education

  • Bachelor of Laws, Hokkaido University

 

Certifications

  • Certified Domestic Travel Service Supervisor (Japan)

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Chiharu Iida

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Tour Guide

Born and raised in Tokyo, I spent my formative years in the United States from 3rd to 9th grade. Bridging cultures has been a natural part of my life ever since.

 

Prior to becoming a tour guide, I worked at Sony Music Entertainment, where I had the opportunity to support international artists and staff visiting Japan. That experience deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange and inspired my passion for sharing Japan with visitors from around the world.

 

What I love most about this role is the ability to not only introduce Japan’s traditions and everyday charm to guests, but also to continuously learn and rediscover the richness of Japanese history and culture myself. My goal is to make your journey in Japan meaningful, memorable, and one that inspires you to return.

 

Career Highlights

  • Former employee at Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

  • Freelance interpreter and translator

Education

  • Graduate of International Christian University (ICU), Tokyo

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Akiko Kumagai

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Tour Guide

Born and raised in Tokyo, I developed a fascination with cultural diversity when I first visited the United States at the age of 15. This curiosity led me to study abroad at UC Davis and later pursue a career with a global food company. My years working in Switzerland deepened my appreciation for Japan’s unique culture and way of life, eventually inspiring me to become a tour guide.

 

Drawing on my experiences in both the U.S. and Europe, I enjoy sharing not just Japan’s traditions but also the everyday mindset, social customs, and lifestyle that shape the Japanese way of thinking. My goal is to make each guest’s stay in Japan not only enjoyable but truly unforgettable.

Career Highlights

  • Former employee at Nestlé Japan Co., Ltd. (1988–2021)

  • Licensed tour guide in Tokyo (2022–present)

Education

  • Master’s Degree in Food Science, Graduate School of Home Economics, Ochanomizu University

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Mayumi Kaburaki Lee

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Tour Guide

 

Born and raised in Tokyo and currently based in Kanagawa Prefecture, I’ve always been someone who thrives on conversation and connection. Thanks to a life enriched by multilingual communication, I’ve built meaningful relationships across cultures and gained valuable insights through both success and failure. Just as language has shaped my personal journey, I now wish to use it to support and inspire others—this passion naturally led me to the world of guiding.

 

I’m dedicated to helping travelers experience the warmth, depth, and beauty of Japan through firsthand encounters. My goal is to create a journey that is not only enjoyable but leaves a lasting impression.

 

Career Highlights

  • Former positions at JAL Navia Co., Ltd., IMI Co., Ltd., and an English conversation school in Seoul, Korea

 

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Regional Cultures, Faculty of Contemporary Cultures, Tokyo Woman’s Christian University

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Sakura Imai

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Tour Guide

 

Born in Chiba and raised in both the Netherlands and the U.S., I spent my school years from 3rd to 12th grade living abroad. Growing up in multicultural environments sparked my passion for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—a passion that led me to become a tour guide.

 

From volunteering at San Francisco Airport to working in a bilingual childcare center, I’ve always enjoyed supporting others and sharing joy. My love for performing arts—singing, dancing, and musicals—also shapes my guiding style, which is warm, energetic, and personal.

 

Currently studying Global Political Economy at Waseda University, I look forward to introducing you to the unique charm of Tokyo and creating unforgettable memories together.

 

Experience Highlights

  • SFO Travelers Information Volunteer

  • Peer2Peer Tutor, San Mateo High School

  • Volunteer, Dreamers, and Thinkers Inc.

 

Education

  • Graduate of San Mateo High School

  • Currently enrolled at Waseda University, School of Political Science and Economics (Global Political Economy)

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Shoko Toda

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Tour Guide

Born and raised in Shizuoka, with beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, I studied Japanese language education and now work as a professional Japanese teacher. My years living in New Zealand, the UK, the Netherlands, and Poland taught me how meaningful it is to receive kindness while traveling abroad—and inspired me to offer the same support to visitors in Japan.

 

As a guide, I’m passionate about helping travelers overcome language and cultural barriers so they can experience the best of Japan with ease. I also love sharing Japan’s culinary culture, from famous dishes like sushi and ramen to beloved local favorites that are often missed by tourists.

Career Highlights

  • Japanese Teacher, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School (2013–2014)

  • Staff, Tsukasa Seika Japanese Sweets Shop (2016–2017)

  • Sales, MIMATSU Luxury Kimono Shop (2017–2018)

  • Instructor, Lingoclass Language School, UK (2018–2020)

  • Freelance Japanese Language Teacher (2018–Present)

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Sayaka Mastumoto

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National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter 

 

I was born in Tokyo and raised in Chiba.

Obtained the National Qualification for Tourist Guide in 2009(EN00682)


I have guided throughout Japan, primarily in Tokyo, Hakone, and Nikko.
Over the past 15 years, I have attended to 3,500 guests from 50 countries.

 

It’s my joy to introduce overseas guests to Japan including its stunning scenery of nature, the traditions and arts as a National Tour Guide.

I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around!

Career Highlights

  • Worked at SANYO SHOKAI LTD. (1990-1997) handling Burberry coats.

Education

  • Graduated from Faculty of Arts, Department of English Literature (specializing in 20th-century English literature) Atomi Women’s University

 

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Nina Kanaya

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Tour Guide

Having lived and worked abroad for many years, including in London, Moscow and New York, I have a deep personal interest in different cultures and ways of life, and understand how overseas guests experience Japan.

 

My priority is to bring a global perspective to Japanese traditions, making them easy to understand and genuinely engaging. I carefully tailor each tour to individual interests, whether history, art, food, or everyday local life. By listening closely to my guests, I create personalized journeys that go beyond sightseeing, ensuring that each visitor enjoys an unforgettable experience in Japan that feels meaningful, warm, and truly their own. My tours are less like a lecture and more like exploring the neighborhood with a knowledgeable local friend.

Career Highlights

  • Global Marketing & Communications, Panasonic
    Interpreter & Translator

Education

  • MBA, University of Southern California

  • BA in Russian Studies, University College London (University of London)

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Shizuka Imamura

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Guía Turística

Nací y crecí en la ciudad de Yokohama, famosa por su puerto cosmopolita. Actualmente vivo en Ryōgoku, el barrio que alberga el legendario estadio de sumo.


Después de graduarme de la universidad, viajé a España para estudiar Historia del Arte en la Universidad de Granada durante dos años. 
Viajar, conocer personas y descubrir cosas nuevas es lo que más me apasiona, por eso disfruto enormemente mi trabajo como guía turística.

 

Kagurazaka es un barrio encantador, donde la tradición y la gastronomía japonesa se conservan con elegancia y autenticidad. Será un placer guiarte por este mundo lleno de historia y pequeños encantos escondidos.


¡Vamos a pasear juntos por Kagurazaka y descubrir su magia!

Carrera

  • IBERIA, S.A. (promotora del flamenco); LIBER, S.A. (traducción); Japan Student Services Organization.

  • Actualmente: Embajada.
    Traductora freelance (español–japonés): más de 20 libros traducidos.

Educación

  • Licenciada en Derecho, Universidad de Keio.

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Mion Hirata

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Guía Turística

Soy de Tokio y viví en Chile durante tres años. Cuando era niña y fuí a Chile por primera vez, me enamoré de la cultura de los países hispanohablantes. Desde entonces, he estudiado español y he viajado a más de 30 países. A través de estos viajes, me di cuenta de que muchos extranjeros aman y sienten un profundo interés por la cultura japonesa.


Por ello, decidí dedicarme a este maravilloso trabajo, que me permite transmitir la belleza y el encanto de la cultura de mi propio país, Japón.
¡Les espero con mucha ilusión en nuestro tour!

Career Highlights

  • Trabajé en Benesse Corporation

  • Embajada de Japón en Costa Rica

Educación

  • Graduada por la Universidad de Estudios Extranjeros de Tokio

About the Planner: Ikimachi Inc.

The “Kagurazaka Refined Wander” tour is planned by Ikimachi Inc. and marketed by EDO KAGURA Corporation.

Ikimachi Inc. is a planning company based in Kagurazaka, with over 20 years of experience in regional cultural development.


Thanks to the trusted relationships and cultural networks that Ikimachi has cultivated through its community-based work, this exclusive tour—previously unavailable to the general public—has now become a reality.

Company Name: Ikimachi Inc. (Planner of “Kagurazaka Refined Wander”)
President: Keiko Hioki
Address: 40-3-104 Kitamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0834, Japan
Established: September 2007
Business Activities: Regional cultural initiatives and cultural planning based in Kagurazaka
Website: https://ikimachi.co.jp

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Insurance Coverage for Tour Participants

We are fully covered by Tour Operator Liability Insurance, allowing you to participate in our tours with confidence and peace of mind.

In the unlikely event of an injury during the tour, please accompany your guide to a medical facility as soon as possible to receive a proper examination.


If the hospital determines that the injury was caused by an accident occurring during the tour, medical expenses will be covered under our insurance policy.


However, please note that if the injury is not deemed tour-related by the attending medical institution, the costs will not be eligible for reimbursement.

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