Our team at Inside Japan Tours

Kester is captivated by the geographical diversity of Japan – from frozen peaks to tropical islands with everything in between – and it is the way the language and culture changes throughout these extremes that draws him back again and again.

Hailing from Andover in the English countryside, Kester studied Japanese at university and spent a year as a student in Kobe as part of his degree. After finishing his studies, he returned to Japan and spent a year travelling the country and working in a variety of different capacities and locations, ranging from lifeguarding in subtropical Okinawa to working as a search and rescue helper at Nozawa Onsen ski resort. In fact, Kester became rather a celebrity at Nozawa Onsen, where the local residents became used to hearing his voice announcing the daily weather forecast over the tannoy!

Today, Kester is based in our Bristol office, where he uses his wide range of expertise to create exciting itineraries for our clients. As a keen hiker and skier, with plenty of experience doing both in Japan, he is the perfect person to put together an active itinerary and give advice on adventure sports.

Kester's favourite place in Japan is the hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen, in the west of Japan's main island. In winter he recommends strolling through the town in a traditional yukata (provided by all the local inns), stopping at the many hot spring baths and enjoying the sight of the snowy hills around you. Finish the day off with some freshly caught Sea of Japan crab at your ryokan!

Do you have a top tip or recommendation for first-time visitors to Japan?

Take a leap of faith! Many of the best places to eat and drink are hidden away through tiny doors or in basements and can be quite intimidating to start with, but once you're in they're the most welcoming and excellent places you can go.