Hi! I’m Chisato, a personalized travel planner based in Brisbane, Australia, with strong roots in Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan. I divide my time between Australia and Japan, bringing a cross-cultural perspective to every journey I design.

My love for travel began in childhood, when I often went on trips with my family and cousins. For me, traveling has always been more than sightseeing—it’s about precious moments of connection, conversation, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Travel became a kind of family culture for us, something that shaped how I see the world even today.

During my three years living in Brisbane, I came to deeply appreciate the beauty and richness of Japanese culture. That experience sparked a desire to rediscover Japan myself and share its wonders with others. One pivotal moment came when I created a hand-decorated travel notebook full of recommendations for a friend visiting Japan. Seeing how much joy it brought them, I realized: this is what I want to do for others.

As a freelancer, I value one-on-one communication and tailor every itinerary to fit each traveler’s needs and dreams. With a local’s perspective, I design journeys that immerse you in the beauty of Japan through all five senses—hidden gems, authentic experiences, and smooth, stress-free travel, even with public transport. Being fluent in both Japanese and English allows me to bridge cultures and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Above all, I believe travel is not just about checking off a wishlist—it’s about creating unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Japan is a country full of lush nature and living traditions, and I hope every traveler I work with can experience it with respect, joy, and an open heart.

Travel-related :

• Favorite place in Japan? ———

  Definitely my hometown, Toyohashi in Aichi. It’s calm, down to earth, and always feels like home. I also love Matsumoto in Nagano where my cousins live. Both places have such a gentle atmosphere and a beautiful connection to nature.

• A city you could visit again and again? ———

  That has to be Matsumoto. My dad’s side of the family lives there, so I’ve visited many times, but somehow it never loses its magic. The mountain views, the peaceful streets, the fresh air. Even just driving through places like Kamikōchi or Utsukushigahara makes me happy. If I could live anywhere in Japan, Matsumoto would be high on my list.

• Hidden gem in Japan you love to recommend? ———

  Toyohashi. It’s not a big tourist destination, but that’s exactly what I love about it. It’s full of quiet charm, good food, and kind people.

• Favorite travel memory? ———

  It’s hard to pick one, but some of my favorite moments are the unexpected ones. Chatting with a lovely guesthouse owner in Kumamoto, spending a whole day with a couple I met by chance at Lake Yamanaka. Of course I remember the beautiful views and delicious food, but what really stays with me are those connections. That’s what makes travel so special for me.

• A place still on your Japan travel bucket list? ———

  I haven’t been to the Hokuriku region yet, so I’d love to explore Akita and Aomori. I also want to visit Hokkaido and Shirakawa-go in winter, and see Cape Toi in Miyazaki during summer. It’s been on my mind for a while.

• Travel item you never forget to pack? ———

  My video camera and photo camera, always. I love filming for YouTube and taking photos for social media, so they’re must-haves. And of course my chargers, can’t forget those 😂

• Morning person or night owl when traveling? ———

  I’m definitely a night owl. If I don’t have plans, I can easily sleep in until noon (oops). But when I travel with family, we usually wake up super early to beat the crowds. I’ve learned that early mornings often bring the most peaceful, magical views, so I try to do that when I’m traveling solo too.

• Dream trip to plan for someone someday? ———

  Rather than one specific person, my dream is to plan unforgettable trips for more international travelers visiting Japan. I want them to see the country in a new way, meet wonderful people, and feel truly inspired.

Daily life & personality:

• Go-to coffee or tea order? ———

  I’m not really a coffee person, so I always go for tea instead!

• Favorite comfort food? ———

  Definitely sushi!!! I also really like kamaboko (fish cakes).

• Weekend ritual? ———

  I don’t really have any set routines. I’m actually quite the homebody, and there are days when I don’t even step outside haha.

• One thing that always makes you happy? ———

  Eating sushi !!haha Sharing good food with people I love always makes me so happy ♡

• If I’m not planning trips, you’ll find me… ———

  I usually spend my time working on my laptop at home haha

• Favorite season (and why)? ———

  Autumn! The colors of the leaves are breathtaking, and sanma (Pacific saury) tastes amazing in that season. It’s also the most comfortable time of the year. It’s just sad how short autumn feels lately because of global warming 😢

• Favorite flower / color / scent? ———

  I used to love sunflowers, but recently I saw some orange marigolds that were so cute I couldn’t stop staring at them. Lately, I’ve been drawn to pink, and my favorite scent is osmanthus that blooms in autumn ♡