Meet Your Local Storytellers
Our guides are certified experts, local farmers, and passionate naturalists deeply rooted in Eastern Tottori. From OECM-certified beech forests to historic satoyama villages, they bring rare local insights, scientific knowledge, and warm hospitality to every journey—ensuring a safe, insightful, and unforgettable experience.
Yukihisa Kiyosue
Role: Ministry of Environment Instructor
Specialty: Nature & Biodiversity
Lang: JP
Bio: Dedicated expert revealing the rich biodiversity of Tottori's pristine forests.
Mao Okada
Role: Vice Chair, Tottori Nature Instructors
Specialty: Vegetation & Insects Lang: JP
Bio: Expert in local flora and insects, revealing the intricate details of Eastern Tottori's ecosystems.
Masato Sasaki
Role: English Teacher & Mountain Guide
Specialty: Mt. Hyono, Mt. Ogino
& Waterfalls
Lang: JP, GB
Bio: Mountain guide and English educator leading treks through Mt. Hyono, Mt. Ogino, and Moroga Valley waterfalls.
Makoto Kusakabe
Role: Rice Farmer & Manager of Hatto Furusato-no-Mori
Specialty: Rice Cultivation
Languages: JP, EN
Bio:
As both a dedicated mountain facility manager and a passionate rice farmer, he connects visitors with the true essence of rural Japan—sharing the art of traditional rice cultivation and the pristine beauty of Tottori's satoyama nature.
Shigeo Nakashima
Role: Chairman of the Yazu Town Biochemi Agriculture Research Association
Specialty: Eco-Friendly Rice Cultivation (Biochemi Method) & Local Cultural Heritage
Languages: JP
Bio:
He is a pioneer in sustainable farming, growing high-quality rice using innovative "Biochemi" techniques enhanced with natural bamboo powder. Deeply rooted in the community, he works passionately to preserve and pass down Eastern Tottori’s rich cultural traditions, offering travelers a rare, authentic look into the region's agricultural heritage and satoyama wisdom.
Masato Nagai
Role: Local Bird Specialist, Author & Guide
Specialty: Bird Identification, Avian Ecology & Satoyama Wildlife
Languages: JP, GB
Bio:
Known widely across Japan as "Tori-kun," Mr. Masato Nagai has been an avid birder since childhood and a prominent birding author, speaker, and guide since 2003. Having guided at Hatto Furusato-no-Mori since 2013, he relocated to a 139-year-old historic residence in Wakasa, Tottori. His deep local connection and energetic expertise offer travelers an unforgettable window into Eastern Tottori’s rich birdlife.
Yasunori Nakano
Role: Veteran Birdwatching Guide & Founder of Wild Bird Club
Specialty: Bird Ecology, Avian Calls & Field Identification
Languages: JP
Bio:
With 45 years of passion for wild birds and 30 years of professional guiding experience across Japan, Mr. Nakano is a master birdwatching guide. Drawing from his background in wildlife photography, he enriches every tour with deep ecological insights and bird call identification, dedicated to sharing the true joy of discovering nature's avian wonders with visitors.
Naoya Kuge
Role: Professional Birdwatching Guide & Avian Specialist
Specialty: Avian Ecology, Stork Conservation & Field Identification
Languages: JP
Bio:
A seasoned specialist with 35 years of birding experience and 21 years leading nationwide tours, Mr. Naoya Kuge is a former keeper at the Hyogo Park for the Oriental White Stork and a certified bird bander. A frequent media guest and author for top birding publications, he combines authoritative scientific knowledge with an engaging guiding style across Western Japan and beyond.