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My Profile
Michiko, SASAYAMA, M.Ed.

I am a nationally licensed guide in English and a guide in Indonesian.

(National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan, Tokyo Registration No. EN02546)

I reside in Tokyo’s 23 wards.


Tours involving long-distance travel or overnight stays are also available.


After studying in Australia, I worked as a Japanese language education specialist in Indonesia and Malaysia. Since 2009, I have been active as a nationally licensed tour guide in Japan.


With my background in education, I offer clear, well-structured explanations, using visual aids such as picture cards when helpful, to support deeper understanding of Japanese culture.


Professional Experience
  • Government-related projects
    (Invitation programs, familiarization trips, international conferences, international events, etc.)
  • Arranged tours
    (Corporate incentive tours, educational site visits, and customized private itineraries)
  • Group tours
    Long-duration tours (approximately 7–20 days) organized by travel companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia, India, and other countries
  • Independent travelers (FIT)
  • Full-time staff member, Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee

Qualifications & Professional Roles
  • Government-Licensed Tour Guide (Japan)
  • A-grade Certified Guide and Member of the Japan Guide Association (JGA)
  • Certified Facilitator of Japanese Traditions and Crafts
  • Traditional Craft Advisor
  • Onsen Sommelier
  • Green Tea Advisor
  • Japanese Language Instructor

Side Work & Personal Interests
  • Side work: Textile and handmade accessories creator, introducing Japanese and international textile culture
  • Personal interests: Yoga, swimming, karaoke, and more
Comments from guests
  • - My dear friend Michiko,

    For years I had dreamed of visiting Japan and experiencing "the land of the rising sun" but I never imagined that my visit would be as incredible as it was all due to your guidance. As a writer and doctor, I have been allowed the freedom to travel to many places in the world including Tibet and Egypt but the trip to Tokyo with you as my guide at least equaled if not topped them all. Your knowledge of Japanese history and culture thoroughly impressed me and never at any time did I feel in the least helpless or confused. You are so detail-oriented that all bases were covered from meeting me at the hotel before the appointed time, to helping me through crowded subway stations, advising me on items I wished to purchase from various vendors in the markets to that incredible lunch of an excellent sampling of assorted Japanese dishes. The fact that you even returned change to me proved your high standards even to the point of walking me all the way to security at the airport with more than enough time to catch my flight.

    Lady I will always remember this trip and will recommend you to all of my friends and associates. Not only are you a professional but a very nice person to be around and I know you will become synonymous with being the top guide in Japan. Thank you so much and I look forward to my next tour with you. Take care,

    Dr. John H. Cary

    Samho, South Korea (formerly of LaGrange, Georgia USA)

  • - Thank you for sharing your beautiful country with us in such an enjoyable way. We learned so much from your expert instructions and explanations. You were most accomodating and we enjoyed your sense of humor and lovely singing.
  • - Thank you for a great trip! Hope to see you again on a future trip!
  • - Thank you very much for our wonderful experience in your country.
  • - Thank you for a wonderful escapade in Japan! We had a great learning! And we are impressed by your KARAOKE! We love the karaoke bus!
  • - Thank you Michiko san for making our trip enjoyable and memorable. We are very blessed to have you as our tour guide!
  • - Thank you Michiko! for such a wonderful time in Japan. We are so glad to have met you and have you as our tour guide. Your arrangements are always punctual and we had enough time at every location. Because of this trip, we hope to visit Japan again soon.
  • - Thank you so much! It was really fun hanging out with you and we really appreciate your accompany during our free time.
  • - Thank you so much for a lovely vacation. You are FANTASTIC.
  • - This was a wonderful tour and so were you!
  • - I have enjoyed this trip and am grateful for your knowledge and information that you have given us. Thanks.
  • - You made our experience of Japan most memorable. When we think of Japan we will always think of you.
Tour Guide Fees
For details of fees and additional expenses, please refer to the Tour Guide Fee Schedule and the Tour Guide Service Regulations.
Tour Guide Fee Schedule Tour Guide Service Regulations
I provide tour guide services only.
If arrangements such as private cars, buses, accommodations, or tickets are required, it is also possible to book my guide services through a travel agency.
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