Profile

At Izumo Station

Tour Guide Hiro

Government-Licensed Guide

Hiroaki Miyaoka

Guiding you through Tokyo and Saitama is my passion. My mission is to bridge cultures and create unforgettable experiences. I look forward to helping you write your own unique story in Japan.

Guests from Australia at Kawagoe Station in 2024
Guests from the US at Shibuya in 2024

My name is Hiro, a licensed tour guide. I was born in Saitama in 1959. At university, I majored in Western philosophy, and I took on the challenge of writing my graduation thesis on Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. Although I mostly relied on Japanese translations rather than German, I still managed to grasp its profound depth.

Immanuel Kant
Karate Match in 1980
Yokozuna Dohyoiri Ceremony

During my university days, I also trained in karate. I earned a black belt, but I no longer practice. However, I enjoy watching martial arts, and I am particularly captivated by the intensity of sumo wrestling. I admire the fact that it’s not divided by weight class, and I love watching smaller wrestlers face off against larger ones. Being of a smaller stature myself, I am inspired by the strategies and mindset of these smaller wrestlers like Midorifuji, Enho, and Ultra.

In the Class Room in 2007
At the Summit with My Students in 2003
At the Recital in 2005

After graduating from university, I worked as a social studies teacher at high schools in Saitama for 38 years. I am grateful for the many young people I encountered and the various experiences I had. One of the most valuable experiences was serving as the advisor for the mountaineering club for many years. I still go hiking from time to time.

Aside from martial arts and travel, I also enjoy playing the flute. Although I have been playing for a long time, I still have much room for improvement, and it’s always a joy to make progress. I’m not comfortable performing in public, so I plan to gradually upload my performances on YouTube.

In 2020, I retired and became a licensed tour guide. Although I obtained my national tour guide license while still employed, I couldn’t work as a guide due to regulations. So, in 2018, I joined TFG (Tokyo Free Guide), a volunteer guide organization, to gain experience. Through this activity, I solidified my decision to become a tour guide. I still volunteer once or twice a month because it’s such a rewarding experience. Please check out the website, although I regret to say that it cannot fulfill all requests. That’s why I set up my own site, where I offer paid guiding services.

I live with my wife and our lovebird, Epi-chan. My wife is the same age as me and a former teacher. We’re enjoying our retirement life together. Epi-chan is our little star and was a precious source of comfort for us during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifications: National Certified Tour Guide Interpreter (EN00372) / Practical English Proficiency Level 1. / Qualified as a Domestic Travel Business Manager (2019) / Certified as a Comprehensive Travel Business Manager (2020)