Meet our team
Our team members are locals that are inspired by the roaring food scene. Let us take you on a tasty adventure full of food, humor, and history.
Yuma – Founder
Rie – Polyglot from Kyoto
Megan Sensei
Kaz – Spontaneous Traveller
Hawaii Joe
Max – the Wanderer
Disney Nobu
Sushi Chef Tadashi
Izumi – our fav admin
Chambliss – Big city cowgirl
Shino – Mom of 3 boys
Chizuru – Future actor
Taiga – fledgling musician
Harumi – Semi chips sales
Chikako – Sake lover
Leandra
Moe – Kansai Foodie
Mana – Ikebana Sensei
Taishi – Future Billionaire
Yuina
Yuma – Founder
As a licensed sake professional and Japanese food enthusiast, Yuma started Ninja Food Tours in Tokyo after traveling across the US, Europe, and Asia in 2017. He also opened his own restaurant in 2019 to pursue his passion further. He spends a lot of time trying new restaurants and bars across Japan. Yuma is from Gifu, the central part of Japan where the famous mountain farmhouses are located in Takayama.
Best bite: Sashimi platter at Sake Bar Doron
Favorite spot: Shinbashi (Standing bars there are awesome!)
Rie – Polyglot from Kyoto
I am a sake sommelier from Kyoto. I love travelling and have been to 30+ cities around the world. I love cooking at home and also eating local food when I go travelling. I would like to exchange ideas about your food culture and ours. It is my pleasure to have you and let’s make your trip to Tokyo unforgettable!!
Best bite: Tsukemen at Menya musashi bukotsu
Favorite spot: Kasai Rinkai Park
Megan Sensei
I am a London girl living in Japan since 2017. I originally came to Japan to study, but fell in love with the food, culture and lifestyle and decided to stay!
I’m currently based in Tokyo, but have also spent time living in Osaka and Fukuoka, as well as travelling around different parts of Japan. I’d love to share some of my tips and hidden gems with you, and help make your trip to Japan truly unforgettable!
Best bite: Anything on the menu at Kagoya
Favorite spot: Todoroki Valley
Kaz – Spontaneous Traveller
Born in Fukuoka, Kyusyu Island and I have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I enjoy traveling (especially spontaneous trips), walking, visiting museums, and cooking. I also like to share my knowledge of Japanese history and local’s favorite foods with many visitors.
Best bite: Hiroshima style pancakes
Favorite spot: Kichijyoji, Shinbashi
Hawaii Joe
Aloha to you all! Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, I initially came to Japan with dreams of being a J-Pop singer. Quickly gave that up but fell in love with everything about Japan.
Moved to Japan about 20 years ago and have been living in Yokohama City ever since. I dream to drive to every prefecture in Japan and eat their local specialties.
I love eating Yokohama-style ramen, red vinegar sushi, and Tonkatsu teishoku. I look forward to showing you the real Japan and assisting you in making your vacation a memorable experience.
Chambliss – Big city cowgirl
Howdy, y’all! I’m Chambliss, your guide. Originally from Dallas, Texas, I moved to LA for college before working at EPCOT in Disney World, where I invited guests to “eat and drink around the world.” I came to Japan to study abroad and loved it so much that I never left. My culinary motto is “I’ll try anything once,” and the most interesting dish I’ve tried is guinea pig in Peru. As a resident of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, I can’t wait to share with you the many sides of Tokyo.
Max – the Wanderer
Hello! My name is Max and I’m from the snowy lands of Colorado, USA! I fell in love with all things Japan when I was a kid and now I’m living out my dream adventuring in Japan! My favorite Japanese food is Oyakodon (Soft egg, chicken, and spring onions on top of rice)! Cannot get enough of the stuff.
Best Bite: Chicken Katsu at Tonkatsu Niimura, Nishishinjuku
Favorite Spot: Ikoma City, Nara.
Disney Nobu
Born and raised in Tokyo, I’ve worked in a few countries such as the USA, UAE and Italy.
When I joined a food tour in Buenos Aires for the first time, I got mesmerized by the diversity that food represents. Back to Japan, I’m now passionate to share my culture to foodies from all around the world.
I can’t wait to show you the best and the most unique Japanese bites in person!
Best Bite: Tsukemen at Yasubee in Shinjuku
Favorite Spot: Shopping area at Tokyo sky tree
Sushi Chef Tadashi
Hi, I am half Malaysian/Japanese who has lived in various countries. I have a decade of experience as a chef in French, Italian and Japanese cuisines. I’m passionate about all food histories and cultures, and would love to share that with you! A humble lasagna with a glass of Sangiovese is my poison. Looking forward to showing you more about Japan and making your time here an unforgettable one.
Best Bite: Fresh Yuba with yuzu at Kyo Yuba Kobo
Favorite Spot: Sakura Onsen, Sugamo
Shino – Mom of 3 boys
I’m Shino, a proud mom of three wonderful boys, finding joy in the chaos of motherhood. Raising my boys has been an incredible journey that shaped me. I love showing hidden gems, sharing stories, and creating unforgettable experiences. I used to run a talent agency before I moved to the US. I enjoyed exploring national parks and world heritage sites there. Currently, I care for rescued dogs, finding joy in their recovery.
Best bite: Chicken ramen at Torisoba Kagura
Favorite spot: Tokyo National Museum
Chizuru – Future actor
Chizuru (千鶴) means one thousand cranes in Japanese. According to popular belief, if you fold one thousand origami cranes and make a wish, your wish will come true.
I was born and raised in Shiga, known for its peaceful natural landscapes, including Lake Biwa, the biggest Lake in Japan. I spent 7 years studying and working in California. I returned to Japan to follow my dreams and make my own wish come true here in Tokyo.
I can’t wait to have you join me as I embark on this new adventure! Together, let’s explore Tokyo’s incredible sights and enjoy some delicious food 🙂
Taiga – fledgling musician
Hello! I’m a double person who’s Australian and Japanese, I’ve lived in Japan for most of my life! I love art music and most importantly FOOD!
Hopefully, I’m a fun guide to be with and I’ll try my best to share my knowledge about food and Japan with all of you! My goal is to make sure everyone has the best experience possible!! I’m excited to see you on the tour!
Harumi – Semi chips sales
Born and raised in Niigata, a northern city famous for its excellent rice, sake, and ramen, I am a dedicated ramen enthusiast who tries new ramen restaurants almost every week. I especially love fish-based ramen and sometimes even cook it myself. While my primary job is in sales at a semiconductor company, I also enjoy working as a tour guide on weekends. As a licensed tour guide, I look forward to sharing both our daily food culture and our traditional culture and history with you.
Best Bite: Niboshi Ramen at Nagi
Favorite place: Gardens at Imperial Palace
Izumi – Our fav admin
I was raised in the vibrant city of Los Angeles and pursued my nursing studies at the University of Hawaii. Now, I cherish the roles of both a mother to a 6-year-old dog and a 3-year-old daughter. My heart belongs to the beach and everything outdoors, as I truly adore spending time in nature.
Best bite: Diavola pizza at PST Higashi Azabu
Favorite spot: Shonan Beach
Chikako – Sake Lover
Born and raised in Osaka, I have a deep passion for food and drink, more so than the average person. Osaka, known as the city of Kuidaore, celebrates the culture of indulging in food (sometimes a bit too much). I love traveling and previously worked as a tour guide for Japanese travelers abroad. The best part of that job was the opportunity to try unique and delicious local foods and drinks around the world. I’m excited to share our local foods, authentic and delicious sake, history, traditions, culture, and more with you!
Best bite: Takoyaki at Umaiya
Favorite spot: Katsura Imperial Villa Garden
*You need to make a reservation and you can visit only by guided tours and English tour is available
Leandra
Ever since I was young, I’ve been completely captivated by Japanese culture, and after graduating university, I turned that passion into a reality by leaving my hometown in Arizona and making Japan my new home. As a Kyoto local since 2017, I’m excited to share my love for this incredible city with people all around the world. When I’m not exploring Kyoto’s shrines and temples, I spend my time playing video games or hunting down the cutest cafes in Kyoto—especially those that serve desserts!
Best bite: Matcha parfaits from Gion Tsujiri
Favorite spot: Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
Moe – Kansai Foodie
Born in Kyoto and raised in Osaka. I studied in Australia to be a professional interpreter. I love traveling, exploring new places and meeting new people. Whenever I travel, I always like to try local food and learn the culture there. Looking forward to seeing you on my tour.
Best bite: Arashiyama-gozen at Ine
Favorite spot: Fushimi Inari
Mana – Ikebana Sensei
I call myself a Chipanedian (Chinese mom – Japanese dad – born in Canada) living in Kyoto. I am an apprentice at the Kuwahara-senkei Ikebana School training to become a licensed Ikebana (traditional Japanese flower arranging) master. I absolutely love Japanese gardens and traditional Japanese confectionary called Wagashi, and Matcha. Since my father grew up in the city of Uji which is known for Matcha, I think I know a thing or two about it and am eager to share the nuggets of information I’ve gathered about Kyoto from family, local friends and mentors throughout my life.
Best bite: Strawberry Daifuku Mochi from Yoraku in Uji
Favorite spot: Ginkakuji Silver Pavillion
Taishi – Future Billionaire
I am a former college baseball player and now a heavy eater/drinker always in a hunt for local gems. Let me guide you to the best local spots, helping you avoid the typical tourist traps. My experience and love for local cuisine ensure you’ll get an authentic taste of these cities. Join me in exploring the culinary delights and vibrant scenes that only locals know about. Whether it’s a local izakaya or a hidden restaurant, I’ll make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
Best bite: Ramen at Taiho Ramen, Kiyamachi
Favorite spot: Koshien Stadium
Want to explore Tokyo with us? Book a tour!