Meet the team - Join Culinary experiences in Japan

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

Giulia – Amante del Giappone

Nathan – Bartender in Training

Amanda – Karaoke Queen

Ai – Sake Sommelier

Kaz – Spontaneous Traveller

Moe – Kansai Foodie

Yuta – MJ Fan

Yuma – Founder

As a certified sake sommelier 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: Omakase at Mantenzushi

Favorite spot: Shinbashi (Standing bars there are awesome!)

Giulia – Amante del Giappone

I was born and raised in Italy and I’ve always been interested in the Japanese culture as a kid. The first time I came to Japan I fell in love with this country and decided I wanted to live here. I moved to Tokyo 5 years ago and one of the things I enjoy the most is to try the local food and learn about it! Pursuing my passion for wine and sake, I became a Japanese certified sake sommelier in Japan. Hope I can share some drinks and Japanese delicacies with everyone!

Best bite: Sweet potato sticks at Nihonbashi Imoya Kinjiro

Favorite spot: Asakusa and Nihonbashi

Nathan – Bartender in Training

I was born in Japan and have been back and forth between the US and Japan ever since. I came to Tokyo for college 7 years ago and I am loving it! I like to travel, drink, and ride anything with the word “board” in it. I am fluent in English so please don’t be shy and feel free to ask me anything! I look forward to being your tour guide.

Best bite: Any kind of hamburger

Favorite spot: Shibuya, Roppongi, Shonan area

Amanda – Sweets Lover

I came from Montreal, Canada over four years ago to live in Aomori, one of the most northern parts of Japan. Since then, I’ve hunted for great food and interesting nightlife all over the country, eventually settling in Tokyo. I’m a lover of all things sweet and seasonal, and I’m looking forward to showing you some of my favorite parts of the city!

Best bite: Fluffy pancakes at Flippers

Favorite spot: Shimokitazawa, Shibuya

Keiko – Home Chef

Born and raised in Tokyo, I like this city as the food scene is always changing. I claim that I am a chef because I have been feeding my family for 35+ years. Let’s learn Japanese culture and eat great food on my food tours.

Best bite: Cheesecake at Ginza West

Favorite spot: Ebisu

Tetsuko – Beeroisseur

Originally from Kanagawa, but have been living in Tokyo for a while. I love eating and drinking. In my free time (if I have any) I go look for new places to eat and drink. I especially like Japanese craft beers (e.g., IPA, white beer).

Best bite: The Meatzza and Devil Craft

Favorite spot: Kanda, Shinjuku 3-chome, Omotesando

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

Ai – Sake Sommelier

As a certified sake sommelier, I worked at one of the finest Japanese restaurants in NYC. Since I came back to Japan, I have been giving food tours and sake brewery tours in Tokyo. As a member of Ninja Food Tour, I continue to pursue my passion for sake and Japanese food 🙂

Best bite: Yakitori at Akasaka Ootori

Favorite spot: My hometown Ome, Tokyo

Takeshi

I am half Japanese and half Peruvian, and my family runs a restaurant in my home town in Aichi prefecture. As someone who grew up in Japan and eaten foods from all over the world, I can proudly say that Japanese food is one of the most exciting to watch, cook, and of course, eat! I would love to show you around the city of Tokyo accompanied by some of the delicious foods that this city has to offer. I’m excited to meet all of you on this tour!

Best bite: Fujimaru ramen in Akabane

Favorite spot: Ueno

Natsumi

I was born in Osaka, but moved in New Zealand when I was 1 year old. came back to Tokyo when I was 4 years old and living in Tokyo ever since. I grew up watching Disney Channel and did study abroad for a year in Oregon when I was in high school influenced by the drama called High School Musical. Past couple year, I lived in the states and also worked as a cast member at Walt Disney World! Since I lived away from my home country for a while, I realized how amazing Japan is especially food and it’s time for me to show you a whole new Japan with you!

Best bite: Tonkotsu Ramen at Nagahama Ramen Taro Chan

Favorite spot: Tokyo Tower/ Odaiba

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

Rino – The Kobe Girl

Born in Kobe and raised in Nishinomiya. Prior to working for Ninja Food Tours, I was a waitress wearing a kimono at a traditional Japanese restaurant. I love traveling to new places and meeting new people. I’m so excited to meet all of you from all around the world 🙂

Best bite: Kushikatsu at Manten, and Oden at Hanakujira

Favorite spot: Nakanoshima/Kitahama area, Osaka

Yuta – MJ Fan

I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. When I was young, I remember seeing Michael Jackson and it changed my life. From that moment, I became enthusiastic about learning English and dancing, and I fell in love with how wonderfully diverse the world is. I have since studied abroad in the US, with an emphasis on communications, art, and cultural study. Now it’s my turn to show you some unique culture! Come join me, and let me share with you the amazing food, places, and culture of Japan!

Best bite: Soy milk Doughnuts at Konnamonja

Favorite spot: Kyo-Tango, Kyoto / Minoh, Osaka

Also, check out my MJ memorial dance video.

Want to explore Tokyo with us? Book a tour!