Ilse Montald

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"My passion is local culture and traditions. I love nothing more than finding connections between modern day customs/food/clothing and legends of old. My specialty is in finding those special places within a bustling city or getting that one great view on a hiking trip. If you need knowledge about temple and shrine seal collecting, I'm the person to talk to. I am also familiar with popular culture such as manga, anime and was a member of the cosplay community."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My grandfather was a travel guide for all of Asia and South America, so as a child I always received many souvenirs and stories from his adventures. My mother was born in Africa and my father also stressed the importance of travel, providing us with holidays every year however small. I ended up studying abroad in North America and Norway, eventually landing my first job in Japan and I have been here ever since."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I visited Mitsumine Jinja in Chichibu, one of the only wolf shrines (and my favorite animal) in Japan. This was during the winter when normally no one ventures into the mountain where the shrine complex is located. I got a private tour from a priest who explained that the Japanese name for "wolf" is closely tied to their word for "deity". because wolves on that very mountain rescued their legendary prince Yamato Takeru. Because of my love for wolves, I received special chopsticks made from local sacred wood and was allowed to help roast the beans to be shared with the "spiritual" wolves at the shrine. I never felt warmer inside."