Hiromi Nakano (Tokyo/Aomori)

  • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)
  • TOKYO/AOMORI

My Journey

Since my teenage years, I have been fascinated by international culture through Hollywood films and Western music such as The Beatles, Britney Spears, and ABBA.
At the age of 17, I studied in the United States as an exchange student and spent one academic year at a high school in California.
Through classes and the track and field team, I met many wonderful friends, and we still keep in touch to this day.
At university, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, where I deepened my knowledge of international politics and media studies.
These experiences shaped my strong interest in cross-cultural communication and eventually led me to pursue a career as a licensed interpreter-guide in Japan.

After graduating from university, I worked as a journalist at a local television station in Oita, TOS (Television Oita System), until I got married in 2010.

After getting married, I was blessed with three children and had the opportunity to live in several regions across Japan through my husband’s job relocations.
At the same time, I worked in administrative positions where I used English in various locations.
In 2017, I earned the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter qualification.

Why I Became a Freelance Guide

I will never forget my university days, when I traveled through Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea with nothing but a backpack.
The most unforgettable journey was a one-month trip across Vietnam, traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
There was no fixed schedule. I spoke with local people, decided where to go based on how I felt that day, and ate whatever caught my curiosity.

It was spontaneous, immersive, and incredibly freeing.
For the first time, I felt as though I was truly blending into another culture. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Why do people travel?

I believe it is because travel allows us to meet a new version of ourselves — one that only appears when we step outside of our daily routine.
Just as books and meaningful encounters deepen our way of thinking, travel adds depth to our perspective and expands the sense of excitement in our lives.

The landscapes, culture, and flavors we discover in a foreign country add new “colors” to our lives.

As a guide, I want to help my guests expand their palette of colors.

I hope to create a space where my guests feel comfortable, curious, and open to new experiences.
Whether it is wandering into a hidden alley, trying a new dish, or sharing a simple conversation with a local person, I want each journey to feel natural and personal.

That is why I chose to become a freelance guide, to support journeys that are personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Family-friendly

Since I’m raising three children here in Tokyo, I understand how challenging it is to travel with children!
If you’re visiting Tokyo with your family, I’ll make sure your tour is fun and memorable.🥰

Anime Tour

With over 20 years of love for Japanese anime—from classics like Sailor Moon and Evangelion to newer hits like My Hero Academia—I’m happy to share anime-related spots and stories with guests of all ages.

Information Based on the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions (Japan)

  • Business Name: Tokyo Guide Mee
  • Location: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Full address will be disclosed upon request.)
  • Telephone Number: Will be provided at the time of booking confirmation.
  • Website: https://tokyoguidemee.com
  • Payment Method: Payment via Stripe (online payment system).
  • Personal Information Policy: I do not disclose or provide customers’ personal information to any third parties.