About Me
Hi, I'm Mayu!
Born and raised in Kyoto | Mom of 2 boys
I’m the owner of KIGO Travel and a Travel Consultant based in Kyoto, Japan. I love creating personalized, memorable trips, inspired by my lifelong passion for exploring new places, cultures, and Japan’s own rich traditions.
Travel has always felt like my calling. After finishing high school in Victoria, BC, Canada, and earning a degree in Tourism Management from the University of Queensland, Australia, I returned to Japan to build my career in inbound tourism.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked in many roles in the travel industry—International Liaison Manager, Tour Operator, and Executive Assistant. Since 2017, I’ve been offering personal e-concierge services and designing tailor-made itineraries for international travelers.
I always knew I wanted to start my own travel business, and to celebrate my 10th year in the industry, 2023 felt like the perfect time! That’s when I founded KIGO Travel, dedicating myself to helping travelers experience Japan through personalized journeys.
Take a Closer Look
Your guide to where I stand on all the truly important things.
MY FAVORITE PART OF CREATING TAILORED EXPERIENCES FOR CLIENTS
I find real fulfillment in creating experiences for my clients, knowing that I can play a part in their journey. With so many career paths out there, I chose the tourism industry because I truly believe travel is one of the most meaningful investments in life. As it has for me growing up, travel has the power to open horizons, inspire personal growth, bring people together, and offer a fresh perspective. Being able to shape those transformative moments through personalized travel experiences is what keeps me passionate about the work I do every day.
A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM ONE OF MY TOURS
One of my most treasured memories from work is planning a two-week holiday in Japan for a lovely French couple. The gentleman was secretly preparing to propose during their trip and asked for my help in creating meaningful surprises at each place they stayed. He trusted me to choose thoughtful gifts that reflected his girlfriend’s interests, and I worked closely with the accommodations to set up romantic touches along the way. At the end of their journey, his proposal was a beautiful success. To witness such a special milestone and know I had a small part in making it memorable was not only professionally rewarding, but also a true joy.
DESTINATIONS OR ACTIVITIES IN JAPAN I PERSONALLY ENJOY THE MOST
I have a deep affection for my hometown, Kyoto, and one of my favorite hidden gems here is the Roji (back alley) Aquarium in Pontocho. At the same time, I also hold a special place in my heart for Ise in Mie Prefecture. The atmosphere around Ise Shrine feels truly sacred, with a sense of purity that is hard to put into words. My connection with Ise goes back to my youth, when I spent summers in Minami-Ise, a small fishing town in eastern Mie. Days were filled with marine activities in Gokasho Bay and evenings with family BBQs at our cottage. The quiet nature, starry night skies, and the peacefulness of the remote countryside always spoke to my love for nature. These authentic experiences have stayed with me, leaving an indelible mark on how I see travel and what I cherish in life.
MY ASPIRATIONS DRIVING MY ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY
In Japan, women often find themselves making sacrifices for their families, but I want to challenge that narrative. Through my journey as an entrepreneur, I hope to show that women—even as mothers—can achieve incredible things. My dream is to empower other women, even in small ways, by proving that with a dream, the courage to take action, and the right support, anything is possible. I believe in breaking barriers and inspiring a shift in how society views women’s roles.
