Gibwa Cole

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We are all about authentic Japan. Because we actually live here rather than being based abroad; we know where to find hidden gems, have relationships with local people and organizations, know the culture, and specialize in providing catered one-of-a-kind experiences! Anything from big city fashion tours and food experiences, to fishing with a monk on a semi-deserted island or trekking with the mountain ascetics - we do it all. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I've always had an adventurous spirit. Growing up in South Africa, I had loads of opportunities to travel around several of the provinces and was always game to try anything new. I spent a year living in a rural village near Zululand where the only roads were dirt ones, and we often went days without water. However, it was a fantastically beautiful place to live and I experienced many things most people wouldn't, because visitors don't venture that far.

I first came to Japan on a 2-week trip a couple of years ago, and this is where I met my future-husband who just so happened to run tours in Japan! After resigning from my job in the UK, I returned to Japan and we spent a few months traveling the entire country together. I think I knew even then that I would end up living here some day.

After that everything just sort of came together. I moved to Japan and, after discovering that I had a real knack for trip planning, started working with my partner at his company (Kichi Japan). "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the most memorable travel experiences I've had actually occurred on a couple of small islands in Nagasaki. We have a relationship with a monk there who is one of 31 people who live on the island. He welcomed us into his home while his wife made us a delicious lunch, and took us on a hike through a very long and very dark lava tunnel, at the end of which was a shrine. He, his daughter and granddaughter then proceeded to clean out the shrine and chant a prayer - all of them dressed in camo!

He then took us on his private boat to another nearby island where only 1 person - a 70-year-old woman - is left living there. The island and its homes are completely overgrown, and the most interesting structure was probably the old school. Everything was still there - desks, chalk, books, shoes - all covered in dust and vines. It was as if all the people had simply faded away as nature had claimed back its property. It was a sober reminder of how much of the countryside and small islands are dying, as most people move to the big cities.

It ended off well though as the 70-year-old 'obaachan' led us on a literal bushwhack through the forest to show us a lagoon where she used to swim as a child. May I be as active and healthy as her when I reach that age!"