Hi, I'm Sai.
I’m a private tour guide and visual storyteller based between Japan and Australia.
I create personalized travel experiences in Japan,
and work as a visual storyteller in both Japan and Australia,
capturing people, places, and moments through photography and video.
Beyond photography and video, I help individuals and small brands think through how they want to be seen and remembered.
By clarifying their vision and values, I support them in shaping a clear identity and communicating it consistently across platforms.
Australia
When I was in my second year of high school,
I spent about a year studying at Victor Harbor High School in Australia
to build independence and improve my English.
It was during the COVID-19 period,
and with limited English skills and no real overseas experience,
living and studying in a small regional town was challenging at first.
Still, I was warmly welcomed by my teachers, friends, and host family.
Because of them, the experience became deeply meaningful,
and I left Australia thinking,
“I definitely want to come back one day.”
A group photo with fellow international students.
At the time, I was the only Asian boy at my school — the first moment I became truly aware of my own identity.
A moment from an Outdoor Recreation class,
exploring nature through bike riding.
Surfing, sailing, snorkeling —
every day I was surrounded by a scale of nature
I had never experienced growing up in Tokyo.
A day by the river while camping with my host family.
My host family, teachers, and friends
took me to many places and shared experiences
that could only happen in Australia.
Tour Guide
After returning to Japan,
I couldn’t forget the feeling of being welcomed.
I began to feel that next time,
I wanted to be on the other side —
the one welcoming people.
That feeling led me to start working as a tour guide.
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where to start.
I went to places like Asakusa, spoke directly with travelers,
and slowly gained experience by offering free walking tours.
Over time, I was fortunate to guide around 150 groups of guests
in my first year.
What I love most about guiding
is seeing people from different cultures experience Japan
with curiosity, respect, and genuine enjoyment.
A moment in Asakusa,
drawing omikuji with guests from New Zealand.
Taking returning guests to local spots
that most travelers — and even guidebooks —
haven’t discovered yet.
A night in Golden Gai with returning guests.
What started as a tour eventually became shared drinks, stories, and friendship.
Camera
As I continued guiding, I wanted to find a way to preserve those moments. That was when I picked up a camera. Through photography and video, I became fascinated by how experiences can live on beyond the moment. Today, what I enjoy most is capturing people when they are truly enjoying themselves.
