Our Guides

Hi, I’m Dani! I’m a marine biologist from New Jersey, USA, and I’ve been calling Okinawa home since 2023.

I love spending time outdoors and in the water, whether I’m free diving, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding(SUP), hiking, or exploring hidden corners of the island.

One of my favorite things is sharing what I know about Okinawa’s incredible natural environment, marine life, and local culture with others. I’m always excited to meet new people and help visitors discover the unique beauty and fascinating stories that make Okinawa such a special place.

Whether we’re exploring above or below the water, I look forward to helping you create memorable experiences during your visit!

An Okinawa-based guide excited to offer custom, private tours that help you experience the island on your own terms. Having lived here for 12 years, I am here to help you find your way, whether you’re looking for a carefully curated itinerary for your first visit or an open-ended day of exploration to go deeper. I am fluent in English, Japanese, and Greek, with conversational proficiency in French, ensuring clear communication and support for your visit.

My tours draw on my own life here: as a 3rd Dan Black Belt in traditional Okinawan karate and a practitioner of the Urasenke Japanese tea ceremony and calligraphy, I offer authentic insight into the traditions that shape this place.

I am equally passionate about nature and history—whether you want to trek to hidden waterfalls or explore the island’s layered past, I am happy to share the stories and the off-the-beaten-path locations that I’ve come to love. I enjoy connecting guests with the neighborhood spots and hidden gems that locals truly cherish.

As an avid photographer and video editor, I am also happy to capture high-quality photos and video of your day, ensuring you have a warm, lasting record of your time here.

I’m Daniel Lee. As someone of Chinese heritage who grew up in America and now lives in Japan, I’ve always been fascinated by the way different cultures interact. That is one of the reasons I feel especially connected to Okinawa and its historical role as an important hub of East Asia, linking Japan, China, and Southeast Asia for centuries, and later becoming an important gateway between Asia and America as well.

I speak English, Chinese, conversational Japanese, and basic Bahasa Indonesia. I’ve also spent many years living in Shanghai and Jakarta, experiences that have given me a multicultural perspective and helped me better understand people from diverse backgrounds.

I believe that travel is about more than simply visiting a place — it’s about understanding its people, history, and cultural identity. I look forward to sharing Okinawa’s unique story and helping visitors experience this incredible place in a deeper and more meaningful way.

My name is Daniel Ross Antonsen and I was born in Vancouver, B.C. Canada and now live in Okinawa, Japan.
I initially came to Okinawa to study Karate. I currently hold an 8th degree in karate (empty hand) and a 6th degree in Kobudo (traditional weapons)

I received a Ph.D. in Asian Arts and Philosophies from the University of Hawaii in 1998, with a major in Japanese and Okinawan studies.

I presently teach English at IRC – International Resort College and conduct Okinawa tours. My specialties are Okinawa history, Okinawa culture, and the Battle of Okinawa.

I have a beautiful Okinawan wife, and both our children attend university in Japan.

My name is Jason Noble, and I have been fortunate to call Okinawa home for more than 15 years. What began as a temporary assignment quickly became a lifelong connection to these beautiful islands, their unique culture, and the wonderful people who live here.

Over the years, I have explored Okinawa extensively, from the bustling streets and local markets of the south to the waterfalls and winding roads of the north. I enjoy sharing not only the famous sights that visitors expect to see, but also the hidden corners, scenic routes, and local experiences that make Okinawa such a special place.

One of my personal passions is automotive culture. Okinawa has a fascinating car community that blends Japanese performance cars, American influences, classic vehicles, motorsports, and spectacular driving roads. If you share an interest in cars, motorsports, or simply enjoying Okinawa’s scenery from behind the wheel, I would be delighted to help you experience this side of island life.

I believe that the best travel experiences come from curiosity, conversation, and taking the time to appreciate the stories behind the places we visit.

Hello! I’m Crystal, a wife and mother of four. Family life keeps me busy, but I love every moment of it.

I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and culture. Growing up in the nation’s capital provided me with unique experiences, as I was surrounded by important landmarks and a vibrant political scene. This environment greatly influenced my views and helped me understand various social and political issues.

My family moved to Okinawa due to the military, and we love the island so much that we decided to stay!

For the past eight years, we have lived on the beautiful island of Okinawa. We have enjoyed exploring local markets, savoring the unique Okinawan cuisine, and participating in cultural festivals. Each day here has deepened our appreciation for this extraordinary island.

I have 20 years of experience as a teacher and tour guide in the United States, Portugal, and Japan.

My name is Christian Richmond, and I was born in California, United States. Since 2018, I have been living in Japan, specifically in Okinawa and Tokyo.

I am a native English speaker with intermediate proficiency in Japanese. I can also communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) and understand more Spanish than I can speak. Currently, I am learning Chinese.

I received my education at Osaka University, Tokyo International Christian University, and UC Davis, where I earned degrees in Liberal Studies, East Asian Studies, and the Arts and Humanities.

With more than 10 years of teaching & tour guide experience, I have had the pleasure of working with people from around the world.

Additionally, I am a certified personal trainer and an experienced dance instructor. I hold a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and have over 20 years of martial arts experience.

My name is Riley Young-Pitts, and I was born in Indiana but raised in Houston, Texas, so I definitely consider myself a country boy.

I currently live in Okinawa, Japan. I moved here because of my service in the Marine Corps, where I served for five years before my time ended in 2021. That same year, I met my wife, Kana. After spending a year and three months back home, I returned to Okinawa in March 2023.

In addition to my military service, I am also a dance choreographer with over ten years of teaching experience.

I also have experience teaching English to both children and adults. Additionally, I work as a Master of Ceremonies (MC) and as an English tour guide.

My name is Steven Honaker, and I was born in Fresno, California. After high school, I moved to Los Angeles to attend college, where I taught English to exchange students from Japan.

After college, I worked in hospitality and customer service and later started my own businesses. In Okinawa, I first worked at The Hilton Chatan Resort from 2016 to 2019, mainly in the food and beverage and banquet departments, where I also taught English to staff.

From 2019 to 2025, I joined Halekulani Okinawa at its opening as a supervisor and was later promoted to Manager in the food and beverage department. I contributed to our team’s earning of the Forbes 5-star rating and trained staff on service standards.

I met my wife in Los Angeles, and she is originally from Okinawa. We moved to Okinawa in late 2016 to raise our family. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them learn English for their personal and professional growth. I also love being a tour guide, showing everyone the beautiful island of Okinawa.

Hi! I’m Masayo, a Japanese tour guide from Yokohama, now based in Okinawa. I offer private and group tours for English-speaking visitors who want to explore the island beyond typical tourist attractions.

After living overseas for 25 years and traveling extensively around the world, I understand how important it is to feel welcomed, informed, and comfortable when discovering a new place.

My tours focus on Okinawan culture, hidden local gems, nature, and walking or cycling around the area.

I love introducing guests to the everyday beauty of Okinawa: peaceful neighborhoods, local traditions, small discoveries, and the relaxed island lifestyle that makes this place truly special.

I am bilingual in English and Japanese and have a basic understanding of Italian and Arabic.

My international perspective is shaped by my family, friendships, travels, and over 20 years of daily yoga practice.

My name is Sarah. I moved to Okinawa for my husband’s job, but I have absolutely loved making a home here.

Before we moved here, I worked as a flight attendant, so I am very comfortable with guiding tourists from all over the world.

Now I teach English at a local college and really enjoy giving tours when school is not in session. I have lived in Taiwan, the UK, and the US in my life, and I am definitely a product of those cultures combined.

My time in Taiwan and Japan has given me a deep understanding of the culture, history, and perspectives in this part of the world. In Taiwan, I studied tai chi and achieved my black belt.

In Japan, I have learned to play the shamisen and several traditional dances. I love any opportunity to share all the history and culture I have learned. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to give tours all over Japan since moving here.

I have given tours here in Okinawa, on Ishigaki Island, in Kyoto, and in Nagasaki. Okinawa is such a beautiful and unique place to live, and it has been a privilege to show it off to visitors.

Experienced Tour Guide | Tokyo & Okinawa | Outdoor Adventure Specialist

Passionate about showcasing the authentic beauty of Japan, I am an experienced tour guide specializing in Tokyo and Okinawa. My goal is to create personalized and memorable experiences that combine iconic landmarks with hidden local gems, allowing visitors to discover Japan beyond the typical tourist routes.

As an outdoor enthusiast, I also enjoy leading and recommending nature-based activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Whether exploring scenic mountain trails, coastal landscapes, or the vibrant streets of Japan’s cities, I strive to offer experiences that are both enriching and unforgettable.

I am fluent in English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish, with basic proficiency in French, enabling me to communicate comfortably with travelers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

I believe that every journey should be immersive, safe, and tailored to each traveler’s interests. My focus is on providing insightful cultural knowledge, seamless travel assistance, and genuine Japanese hospitality to ensure every guest leaves with lasting memories.

Hi, I’m Kotetsu Fujita.

I was born and raised in Okinawa and am studying economics at the University of the Ryukyus. As a bilingual speaker of Japanese and English, I love helping visitors appreciate Okinawa’s rich culture and history.

Okinawa is distinct from mainland Japan, featuring beautiful beaches and a blend of Okinawan, Japanese, and international influences. I love sharing everyday life in Okinawa—from local neighborhoods and food to culture and hidden spots that are best experienced with a local guide.

Because I speak both Japanese and English, I can help guests feel more comfortable when communicating with local people, visiting shops and restaurants, or exploring places beyond the typical tourist route.

Whether it’s your first visit to Okinawa or you’re looking to explore the island from a more local perspective, I look forward to helping you have a relaxed, friendly, and memorable experience.