Biography
Kiyo is a third-generation Japanese-American who has called Japan home for nearly 40 years. After early retirement from a full-time teaching position at a Kyoto university, she began to coordinate and lead tours of Japan for individuals and groups from the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, Asia and Australia. She was a tour coordinator and guide of the now retired Journeys East for 18 years and continues her role as senior Japan guide for Esprit Travel & Tours, Inside Japan, Indagare, Into Japan, and many other high-end travel agencies. Most of her private work comes from word-of-mouth, and Kiyo has been privileged to share the best that Japan has to offer with world-renowned artists, architects, curators, designers, photographers, statesmen, scholars, chefs, actors, musicians, and IT entrepreneurs from all over the world.
As a cultural bridge and inveterate foodie, Kiyo has found herself doing a wide assortment of work. For 8 years she was the wine buyer and newsletter writer for Friends of the Vine, one of the first importers of California wine to Japan. She also recently produced a tour of Northern California for the Buddhist vegetarian “shojin” chef, Toshio Tanahashi, in conjunction with the San Francisco Zen Center, Greens Restaurant, the Culinary Institute, and Napa wineries. Other projects include managing and producing shows in Chicago and New York for the “You” line of kimono designer Yuko Okumura.
Throughout their years in Japan, Kiyo, and particularly her husband, Douglas, have been deeply involved in the restoration and renovation of traditional Japanese buildings and their many wonderful connections to artists and artisans continue to provide enriching cultural encounters for all the people who find the way to their door.
