Kaz Shinoda

Kaz Shinoda is a full-time, nationally licensed English-speaking nature guide based in the Tokyo area. Born in Yokohama in 1957, he spent his early teen years on safari in South Africa, later graduating from Waseda University and teaching English before turning professionally to guiding, with around two decades of birding experience now backing his work. He runs day trips around Tokyo and longer customised birding itineraries across the country, with logged field experience spanning Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, including specialist island destinations such as Tobishima, Hachijo-jima, Kyushu, and Amami. His guiding philosophy stresses well-planned logistics and a relaxed, friendly small-group atmosphere. Kaz operates under the Japan Nature Guides banner, which curates a roster of Japanese-resident guides serving visiting birders and small group tours.