About Explore Kumamoto
I began Explore Kumamoto in 2015 with the simple idea to help overseas visitors find out more about Kumamoto prefecture and its surrounding areas by providing information and guiding services in English.
About me
My name is Helen, I’m originally from the UK but I have now lived in Japan for over 20 years
I started working as a guide in Yakushima in 2013 before moving to Kumamoto and starting Explore Kumamoto.
Being a guide is a job I love; from planning the routes and learning about the area to being out and about in every season and all weathers.
More than anything I enjoy having the chance to meet diverse and interesting people from all over the world while introducing them to my favourite places and experiences.
About the website
For better or worse Explore Kumamoto is all my own work which means this website is in no ways perfect!
But my hope is that it might be useful, it was built with the aim of helping you find your way a little better around this wonderful region and introducing you to some places you might never have stumbled across by yourself. It also promotes the one day tours I design and run.
Kyushu is a little off the beaten track but it is a beautiful island with friendly people, great food, a relaxing vibe and diverse landscapes. Honestly I have yet to meet anyone who regrets visiting here!