Eriko was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. After working in her hometown for several years, she took the opportunity to travel to Toronto, Canada, on a Working Holiday visa. During her time in Canada, she enjoyed working as a barista at a local café while experiencing life in a different culture.
Upon returning to Japan, Eriko joined a tour company specialising in Hokkaido, where she spent 11 years designing and coordinating tours for international visitors. Her deep knowledge of Hokkaido’s landscapes, culture, food and seasonal attractions helped countless travellers discover the region beyond its famous ski resorts. In 2026, Eriko joined Journey to the East and is excited to take on the new challenge of developing tours throughout Japan, introducing travellers to lesser-known regions and authentic local experiences.
Last year, Eriko and her husband relocated to Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. They love spending weekends exploring the region by car and taking part in local festivals and community events, always looking for new places and experiences to enjoy.
Eriko is also passionate about kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold. Whenever she travels, she loves searching for beautiful handmade ceramics to add to her collection and, perhaps one day, restore herself.