List of Michikusa Masters
Has been traveling across Japan and sharing information for 30 years with the themes of "towns, people, hot springs, and inns." Featured as a travel expert on TV Tokyo's "Solomon Ryu." Holds numerous certifications, including Hot Spring Sommelier Ambassador, Sento (Public Bath) Certification Level 1, Sauna and Spa Manager, and Japanese Tea Instructor. Author of books such as "Hot Spring Town Renovation," "Nice to Meet You, Mt. Tanigawa," and "A Journey Through Japanese Craftsmanship: How to Enjoy the 'KAI' Hot Spring Inns."
Editor & Writer. Became a freelancer after 10 years of editorial experience at a major publisher's women's magazine. Spends days writing articles for magazines and websites, focusing on themes such as travel, interior design, and miscellaneous goods. Her greatest joys are watching sports with her husband and going on hot spring trips.
A writer based in Kyoto. Author of numerous articles on Japanese culture, arts and crafts, and Kyoto's seasonal traditions. Interviewed Toshiro Mifune and Shintaro Katsu for the film magazine "Roman Kobo." In addition to writing for the Asahi Shimbun's web edition, serves as a lecturer for NHK Culture and Asahi Culture. Introduced hidden spots for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in Kyoto on the Asahi Broadcasting Radio program "Michigami Yozo no Ohayo Personality." Major publications include "Walking Kyoto Studies Certification" (Yama-to-Keikoku-sha), "Princesses' Guide to Kyoto: Love Stages of The Tale of Genji" (Tankosha), and "The Secrets of the Gion Festival" (Shirakawa Shoin), among others.
A media coordinator active primarily in magazines and television. Author of "Hawaii Days 365" and "Favorite Things About Living in Hawaii," with numerous serials such as "Omotenashi Hawaii" on CREA Web. Currently shares daily life in Hawaii related to travel and living on Instagram "Mayahawaii325," which has 35,000 followers. Originally from Oita Prefecture, currently lives in Manoa, Oahu, known for its frequent rainbows. Hobbies include free diving and BBQ.
While working at a tourist information center in a Swiss mountain resort, lived in a 4-star hotel. Since then, has been fascinated by the multifaceted nature of hotels and has been in the current profession since 1994. Themes include "hotel staff, environmental issues, and spas (healing)." Maintains a hands-on approach through interviews and field reporting. Published "Beautiful Japan Travel: 10 Stories of Hoshino Resorts" (Kodansha) in the spring of 2021.
Editor and writer. Based in Kyoto, writes articles for magazines and the web on travel, history, traditional culture, and crafts. Also handles book editing. Loves festivals, sake, and ceramics. National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English), International Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier). Holds a Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification Grade 2.
Writer and editor. Became independent after writing and editing for a travel publisher. Primarily writes for guidebooks, information magazines, and the web with a focus on travel, sometimes providing illustrations as well. Also active as a unit with a photographer husband. Holds a Japanese Tea Instructor qualification.
Published a book in 2012 summarizing travels to local supermarkets across the country, funded out of pocket. Since then, has been uncovering and conveying the charm of overlooked everyday foods through numerous books, newspaper and magazine serials, television appearances, and lectures.
I am a travel writer who tours local restaurant chains all over Japan. From conveyor belt sushi chains in Hokkaido to hamburger chains in Okinawa, I have recently started visiting local chains overseas as well.
https://www.bubble-b.com/profile/
A writer who has worked on research and composition for programs like "Himitsu no Kenmin SHOW" (Nippon TV) and is the author of "Strong and Delicious! Local Restaurant Chains." I specialize in budget travel, living in a cheap apartment in Shibuya, riding night buses, and staying in manga cafes.
I love solo train travel while enjoying ekiben (station bento), station soba, hot springs, and alcohol. I have eaten over 2,500 ekiben. My books include "Solo Train Travel: Ekiben Tour Edition" (Genkosha) and others. I am currently serializing the manga "Neko ni Ekiben" in "Ryoko Yomiuri."
After obtaining my large motorcycle license in 2007, I started visiting roadside stations and spent five years traveling across the country. With a "Roadside Station x Touring" style, I enjoy the scenery while touring and the gourmet food at the roadside stations. My routine at these stations is to eat local soft-serve ice cream and collect commemorative stamps.
I have eaten at over 5,000 restaurants in Hokkaido and conquered all 179 municipalities. While operating the gourmet site "MOGTRIP," I also post daily on Instagram, TikTok, X, and more. I have appeared in media such as television, magazines, and newspapers over 50 times.
https://mogtrip.jp/writer-nao/
Taro Hirooka
Staff member at the Hoshino Resorts hot spring ryokan "KAI Beppu." A "Beppu Hatto Onsen-do" master who loves the eight hot springs of Beppu dearly. Armed with extensive knowledge and a deep passion for hot springs, he is an onsen guide who delivers the deep charms of Beppu to everyone, from hidden hot springs not found in guidebooks to the unique local culture.
Erika Ito
Staff member at the Hoshino Resorts hot spring ryokan "KAI Yufuin." Born in Oita, the "Onsen Prefecture," she practices a real modern hot spring cure style, visiting hot springs instead of hospitals when she is not feeling well. A genuine hot spring lover who loves deep local springs and the scent of sulfur, and cannot live without them.
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Began researching shumai around 2015, sharing information primarily through the Instagram account "Shumai Life." As of September 2026, has eaten over 2,500 varieties and more than 13,000 individual shumai. Discusses shumai in various media, including television, radio, magazines, newspapers, and the web, such as on the TBS program "Matsuko's Unknown World." Established the Japan Shumai Association on June 22, 2022. Author of "Shumai no Hon" (Industrial Editorial Center).
Instagram "Shumai Life"
https://www.instagram.com/syumai.life/
Works at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. Known by the nickname "The Walking Jingisukan Review Site." A former specialty restaurant manager who conquered every shop in Asahikawa during their time at OMO7 Asahikawa. Once they start talking about lamb cuts or the grooves of a grill pan, they cannot be stopped, and they continue to pursue their ideal flavor to this day.