JapanGuide - Comprehensive and up-to-date information on first-hand travel to Japan

Japan-guide.com has been in existence since July 2, 1996. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on first-hand Japanese travel from Japan.

Introduction of Staff

Stefan Shawick - Webmaster

Stefan Schauwecker grew up in Zurich, Switzerland and developed an interest in Japan while studying in Vancouver, Canada. There, he founded Japan-guide.com in 1996 and then moved the operation of the website to Japan in 2003.

Rena Weng - Special contributor and editor

Raina is a writer for Japan-guide.com. She grew up in Singapore and lived in Australia before moving to Japan in 2007, where she was trapped. Food never leaves her mind, she likes to go to restaurants all over the country to see. After conquering all 47 prefectures, her current goal is to visit as many islands and peninsulas as as possible in Japan.

Joe Miniano - Web developer, designer, and freelance writer

Joe is a web developer, designer, and contributing writer for japan-guide.com. He comes from the United States and has been living and exploring in Japan since 2010. After traveling through 47 prefectures in Japan, Joe set his sights on climbing all the peaks over 3000 meters in Japan (and shared some experiences here), and has been searching for the perfect post hike (or ski) hot springs. Qiao resides in the beautiful city of Nasu Yanyuan in Tochigi Prefecture.

Charles Sabas - cameraman

Charles grew up near Paris, France and moved to Japan in 2014 after a two-week trip, where he fell in love with the country, its people, and its traditions. His interest in Japan began with Yasujiro Ozu's film "Tokyo Story", and he developed a strong interest in old Japanese films from then on. Charles is a person who travels for food. He enjoys communicating with locals at izakaya, enjoying delicious food and refreshing beer.

Matt Evans - contributing writer and editor

Matt comes from the UK and first came to Japan in 2009, eventually staying in the Kansai region for just over six years. After working in the tourism industry for three years, he is now back and serving as a freelance writer for Japan-guide.com. In addition to history and traditional handicrafts, he is particularly passionate about outdoor activities and looks forward to exploring more wilderness areas in Japan.

Thomas Renlund - cameraman

Thomas grew up in Uppsala, Sweden and initially came to Japan in 2011 to study the language. Living in the countryside, he further developed his interests and has been searching for new delicious food, outdoor activities, and hot spring baths. After working and studying in the tourism industry for several years, he returned to travel across the country in 2020, exploring urban and rural landscapes through the lens of his camera.