Elevating Authentic Cultural Experiences in Tokyo through Multilingual Guides and the “Kagurazaka + One” Tours
- 真也 山田
- Jan 1, 2026
- 4 min read
A New Year’s Message and Our Appreciation for 2025
Happy New Year.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous support and trust extended to EDO KAGURA throughout the past year.
Even on January 1st, we will be welcoming guests for our Kagurazaka walking tour, starting at 10:00 a.m.We are deeply grateful—and genuinely proud—that travelers choose to begin their New Year by engaging with Japanese culture through our experiences.
Reflecting on 2025
At the beginning of 2025, we set three clear goals for the year ahead:
Strengthening our storytelling through video content
Expanding our services for MICE and corporate clients
Further developing experiences tailored to the luxury travel segment
We are pleased to report that all three objectives were successfully achieved.
We produced dozens of original videos, delivered multiple MICE-oriented cultural programs, and welcomed distinguished guests—including a renowned artist from Spain—through our high-end cultural experiences.
Growth Reflected in Numbers and Feedback
In 2025, the number of participants in our tours increased 5.3 times compared to the previous year. Our guests came from 39 countries, up from 20 the year before.
Most importantly, the cumulative satisfaction rating across all tours reached 4.97 out of 5, reflecting our commitment to delivering truly authentic and meaningful cultural experiences.
We believe 2025 was a year in which we consistently met—and often exceeded—the expectations of travelers seeking genuine Japanese tradition.
Recognition from the Industry and Public Institutions
We were also honored to receive recognition from across the travel and tourism sector.
A keynote lecture at the Japan Concierge Association’s regular meeting(Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, July 2025)
A featured interview published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government / TCVB on Tokyo Tourism Connection (August 2025)
Participation in Tourism Expo Japan 2025 (September 2025)
Inclusion of our tours on Timeless Tokyo, the official luxury travel platform operated by TCVB (October 2025)
We are deeply appreciative of these opportunities and the trust they represent.
Three Strategic Initiatives for 2026
1. Multilingual Guiding — Beyond English
In 2026, EDO KAGURA will strengthen its guiding capabilities beyond English by introducing French-, German-, and Spanish-speaking specialist guides.
Approximately 80% of our guests come from Europe, North America, and Oceania. While English-speaking travelers remain essential, we increasingly recognize the need to communicate Japanese traditional culture in our guests’ native languages—particularly for non-English-speaking markets.
Across Japan, there is a significant shortage of professionally trained guides capable of delivering in-depth cultural experiences in French, German, and Spanish. This gap is especially evident as travel demand from Spanish-speaking markets, including Mexico, has grown markedly in recent years.
Mismatch Between Inbound Visitor Composition and National Licensed Guide Availability
Note 1: Calculated with the total of Western countries, Europe, and Oceania (five language groups only) set as 100%.
Note 2:
English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada
French-speaking countries: France
German-speaking countries: Germany
Spanish-speaking countries: Spain, Mexico
Source:
Japan Tourism Agency, Statistics on Inbound Foreign Visitors;
Japan Tourism Agency, Study Group on the Revitalization of the Tour Guide Workforce.
Number of Visitors from Spanish-Speaking Countries
Note: The number of visitors from Spanish-speaking countries represents the combined total of Spain, Mexico, and South American countries excluding Brazil. Figures for 2025 are estimated based on growth rates through November.
Source:
Japan Tourism Agency, Statistics on Inbound Foreign Visitors;
EDO KAGURA Corporation estimates.
Traditional culture cannot be conveyed through facts alone. Its essence lies in historical context, philosophy, and subtle cultural nuance. For this reason, we believe that culturally trained guides who can communicate in the guest’s native language are indispensable.
This approach has been recognized by the industry, and in January 2026, our CEO, Shinya Yamada, will serve as a lecturer for the TOKYO LUXURY AUTHORITY (TLA) Training Program for High-Value Travel Guides, speaking on how to communicate Edo- and Tokyo-based traditional culture to luxury travelers.
2. The “Kagurazaka + One” Concept
Until now, our activities have focused primarily on Kagurazaka and its surrounding districts. As the cultural depth and human-centered approach of our guides have gained recognition, we have received increasing requests to curate experiences beyond this area.
In response, we are developing the “Kagurazaka + One” concept—combining Kagurazaka with one carefully selected additional destination.
However, Kagurazaka will always remain our foundation.This district, where our CEO has lived for many years and built deep relationships with the local community, will continue to serve as the cultural core of our experiences.
Expansion will be pursued thoughtfully, without compromising our roots.
3. Engaging Japanese and Japan-Resident Guests
While EDO KAGURA has focused primarily on inbound travel,in 2026 we will also expand access to Japanese travelers and residents of Japan.
By utilizing corporate benefit programs and related frameworks,we aim to introduce a wider audience to the value of authentic cultural experiences,thereby contributing to the preservation and revitalization of traditional culture.
Beyond 2026: The Future of Authentic Cultural Experiences in Tokyo
EDO KAGURA does not seek growth through scale alone.
Rather than becoming “broad and superficial,” we remain committed to being “focused and profound,” dedicated to creating authentic cultural experiences in Tokyo rooted in depth, place, and human connection.
In 2026 and beyond, we will continue to deliver cultural experiences that exceed expectations—quietly, carefully, and with integrity—from Kagurazaka, Tokyo.
We sincerely appreciate your continued support in the year ahead.
EDO KAGURA Corporation
President & CEO
Shinya Yamada