Kochi Prefecture Guide
Yano Aiyu
Regional Revitalization Promotion Specialist
Nice to meet you. My name is Yano and I am a guide in Kochi Prefecture.
Since my university days, I have traveled to countries such as the United States, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia, and during those trips I have experienced the warmth of the people and realized that meeting the people in those places makes up a big part of one's memories.
We will do our best to make your travel memories a life-changing experience!
Hobbies and Favorite Things
Hobbies: Camping, surfing, traveling, and drinking!
When I was a university student, I participated in a large-scale sake party in Kochi where several hundred people brought their own sake.
I ended up taking part in a sake tasting contest and won, from there I went on a tour of sake breweries around the prefecture.
After entering the workforce, I rediscovered the appeal of sake while researching the differences in taste between each brewery, their commitment to water and rice, and their feelings for the local community, now I can't let myself leave swamp.
Favorite food: I can eat anything, but Japanese food is near the top with sushi and udon! I also love the buffalo momo I had in Nepal.
Favorite travel destination (domestic)
Itoshiro, Gifu Prefecture
A small village called Itoshiro that I arrived at by hitchhiking during my university days.
When I arrived, I was greeted warmly by an old lady who, before this, had been a stranger to me.
Their hospitality was remarkable, they even let me stay at their home. I will forever remember the few days I spent with the people of Itoshiro.
It's a precious memory from my college days.
Favorite travel destination (overseas)
It's Nepal!
The airport is small, the roads are a bit old and dusty.
At first I was surprised at how different it was from Japan, but the people were so kind.
Another person who was staying at the house couch surfing said that they only serve this specific dish when entertaining important guests as they served me goat hearts in curry.
I like Nepal more than any other country I have been to because the people are so close, friendly, and humane.
Qualifications held
Regional Revitalization Promotion Specialist
Your origin
Early life:
I was born and raised in Shimanto Town, located in the western part of the prefecture, along the Shimanto River.
Shimanto Town where the water and rice are delicious has many sake breweries, including Bunbon Sake Brewery and Mutemuka.
I grew up in a carefree environment surrounded by magnificent nature, delicious food, and tasty alcohol.
I went on to study at Kochi University, where I planned to use my English skills to travel abroad and meet new people.
I traveled around Kyushu on a road bike and hitchhiked all over the country.
I also love drinking with others!
I live my life every day by the motto, "bright, fun, and interesting!"
We are looking forward to seeing you!