Our principles

Our bespoke tours aren't just trips; they're transformative experiences. The memories you create, the connections you forge, and the stories you collect will become cherished souvenirs that stay with you for a lifetime.

See the Real Japan

Modern and Traditional

Bespoke Experiences

Experience the best of both worlds with our tours that showcase modern Japanese culture, such as Manga, as well as the traditional views of Japanese life in Temples and Shrines.

At Pine Tail Tours, we offer you a chance to see the real Japan, beyond the tourist attractions. Interact with real Japanese people, see inside their homes, and sample home cooked meals.

Takashi

Let us introduce ourselves

Tour Co-ordinator

Mika

Tour Guide

From early childhood, our home has been welcoming international guests from all over the world. It all began with our parents, who hosted international students, delegates from neighbouring cities, and members from the Scouts and Guides organisations. Each guest left their mark on our world map, which represents all the special memories we have made with our guests over the years.

Mika, Tour Guide

National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter

Mika will be your bespoke tour guide, with expertise in all areas of Japanese history and culture. Mika loves to meet new people and share all about her home country to visitors. Mika is a government licensed guide interpreter and also tour conductor. She has a Masters in Museum Studies (University of Leicester, UK) and has extensive experience in teaching English. She has spent many years travelling and living in English speaking countries.

Mika has a passion for history, particularly all things Edo era. Mika is a trained Kimono dresser, and has so many Kimonos, she has lost count! Food is very important to Mika, and she loves tasting and making all kinds of sushi.

Takashi, Tour Co-ordinator

Certified Travel Supervisor

Takashi will be here to make sure all your tours go smoothly. He will be able to answer by email any queries you have, or if you want to amend a booking.

Takashi lived in Melbourne as a student, and couldn’t get over the fact that there were penguins in Australia. He spends his time reading Manga-One Piece and watching Studio Ghibli. Takashi loves to meet people from all over the world and to show them the ‘real’ Japan, not just the Tourist Spots.

Let us introduce ourselves

Let us introduce ourselves - we are sister and brother team Mika and Takashi.

From early childhood, our home has been welcoming international guests from all over the world. It all began with our parents, who hosted international students, delegates from neighbouring cities, and members from the Scouts and Guides organisations. Each guest left their mark on our world map, which represents all the special memories we have made with our guests over the years.

During Covid, we realised how empty our home had become, our family feeling more saddened and disappointed that we could not host guests as we had for so many years. It helped us come to the decision that our greatest joy was building friendships with all kinds of people from different cultures, while at the same time sharing our culture and customs to those who stayed with us.

During the pandemic, we devoted ourselves to acquiring the necessary qualifications and licences, as we are dedicated to providing professional and quality service.

As we embark on this new chapter, we hold dear the lessons learned through years of shared experiences. Our mission is to bridge cultures, to showcase the wonders and nuances of Japan, and to rekindle the joy of human connection.

Welcome to our tours, where you can experience the real Japan, beyond the standard Travel Book tourist destinations, to connect with what it means to be Japanese.

With heartfelt anticipation,

Mika and Takashi Matsuo

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