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
Keiko – Home Chef
Kaz – Spontaneous Traveller
Ai – Sake Sommelier
Takeshi
Natsumi
Moe – Kansai Foodie
Rino – The Kobe Girl
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 Turin, Italy but I’ve always been interested in the Japanese culture since I was a kid. The first time I came to Japan I fell in love with this country (and a Japanese man later) and decided I wanted to live here. I moved to Tokyo 3 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 recently 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 5 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 – Karaoke Queen
I came from Montreal, Canada over two 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, finally 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
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
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!