About us私たちについて

SONI Experience

私たちについて

“Soni Experience”, is the name of the service provided by Soninowa Glocal.
Not wishing to be a tourist trap constantly besieged by tour buses, we aim to provide more authentic, unique experiences & educational programs through interaction with the local people and share their rich history, culture and knowledge of the land.
We coordinate experience programs tailored to the wishes of both domestic and overseas visitors based around the local resources starting with food, farming and traditional culture. Please don’t hesitate to enquire about a program for you!

Regional resources

  • An unbroken historical record
  • Knowledge specific to the region
  • Untouched natural treasures
  • nsider information from locals

Co-producers

  • Local resident network
  • Local business network
  • Collaboration with village

Memberそにのわの仲間たち

  • ガイド紹介、森岡くん
    ガイド紹介、森岡くん

    Tomonori Morioka

    • Special guide
    • Tour conductor
    • Intermediate English
    Live in Soni with
    6 years
    Specialty
    Plants | Fermentation | Naturopathy
    Hobby
    Flower arranging | Folk music | Making things

    Hello! I worked in regional development for three years. Now I run Tsukihi guesthouse with my wife.

  • ガイド紹介、大藤さん
    ガイド紹介、大藤さん

    Keiko Ofuji

    • Guide
    • Tour conductor
    • Beginner English
    Live in Soni with
    3 years
    Specialty
    Families & children | Travel for women
    Hobby
    Traveling around Nara (famous sites, festivals & events)| Dogs

    Mother of one, originally from Osaka. My main job is IT related translation. I fell in love with the natural beauty of Soni and moved in to an old country house. I have a wood-fired bath everyday.

  • ガイド紹介、奈月ちゃん
    ガイド紹介、奈月ちゃん

    Natsuki Morioka

    • Guide
    • Tour conductor
    • Intermediate English
    Live in Soni with
    5 years
    Specialty
    Relaxation | Organic food
    Hobby
    Vegan cooking | Massage

    I run Tsukihi guesthouse with my husband. I also work as an esthetician in a neighboring town. I can take you on a journey to restore body and mind.

  • ガイド紹介、ロバート
    ガイド紹介、ロバート

    Robert Menefee

    • Special guide
    • Native English
    Live in Soni with
    15 years
    Specialty
    Guiding visitors from overseas | Soni Village trivia | Shishi Lion Dance
    Hobby
    Taiko drums | Walking | Eating meat

    Father of three. Formerly an ALT. I got married and settled down with my Japanese wife in Soni Village. In university I majored in IT business and physics. Currently studying medicine.

  • ガイド紹介、平畠さん
    ガイド紹介、平畠さん

    Yoshitaka Hirahata

    • Tour conductor
    Live in Soni with
    15 years
    Specialty
    Conducting tours for domestic and overseas visitors | Researching history
  • ガイド紹介、林
    ガイド紹介、林

    Sumina Hayashi

    • Tour conductor
    • Land operator
    • Advanced English
    Live in Soni with
    4 years
    Specialty
    English | International Exchange | Beauty
    Hobby
    Traveling abroad (has visited 53 countries) | Musicals

    As a founding member I’m in charge of overseeing the on-the-ground operations. After over ten years of living in US and the UK, I moved back to Japan, living in Kanagawa, Osaka and Tokyo before getting married and moving to Soni Village. I used to work for an advertising agency specializing in apparel and cosmetics. Now I’m enjoying country life while also working with the regional revitalization organization. I want to design a one-of-a-kind journey just for you.