Okutabi

Ricardo Onoma – Founder & Experience Guide
Nanako Onoma – Booking Assistant

Okutabi is an individual two-person operation built on deep expertise and genuine passion for Japan.

With over ten years of experience living and travelling across the country, and a degree in Japanese history, I, Ricardo Onoma, want to design journeys that go far beyond the ordinary. Having explored nearly every corner of Japan, I create immersive journeys that reveal the country’s cultural depth, hidden landscapes, and the places that make Japan truly unforgettable.

By my side is my wife. My trusted partner and a trained culinary expert, whose background in culinary school allows us to incorporate exceptional gastronomic highlights and hidden gems into every itinerary.

Together with our carefully selected business partners and a trusted network of professional guides, we deliver seamless, high-quality experiences in five languages: German, English, Japanese, Russian, and French.

Ricardo Onoma

I am 30 years old, a Tokyo Marathon finisher, and have summited Mount Fuji six times in the past year alone. Endurance, discipline, and resilience are not just personal pursuits; they shape the way I guide and design journeys.

With an academic background in Japanese history and religion, and over a decade of experience living and travelling throughout Japan, I am deeply drawn to the country’s sacred mountains, hidden pathways, and lesser-known cultural landscapes.

From leading immersive mountain experiences to designing complex multi-day itineraries, I combine strength, knowledge, and logistical precision to deliver journeys that are both inspiring and seamless.

I am looking forward to leading the following experiences:

Nanako Onoma

Nanako brings refined culinary expertise and thoughtful precision to every Okutabi journey.

With a professional background in culinary school and hands-on experience managing an entire bakery on her own, she combines practical knowledge with exceptional organisational skill and attention to detail.

Her deep understanding of Japan’s regional food cultures allows us to integrate authentic gastronomic highlights from every prefecture. From local specialties and hidden culinary gems that most visitors would never discover to the must-try dishes every traveler should experience at least once during their stay.

Marika Matoba

Marika is the founder of onjpn, bringing an international perspective shaped by her upbringing in Georgia, her education in Russia, and her studies of European culture.

With a postgraduate focus on Japan, she went on to work at the Hermitage Museum before relocating to Japan, where she began building her life while studying the language and immersing herself in everyday culture.

Through these experiences, Marika developed a clear vision: to go beyond surface-level tourism and share a more authentic understanding of Japan.

Together with her Japanese partner, she has been supporting over 600 international students and welcoming more than 3,500 tour participants to date. She is also our specialist for Russian-speaking guests, ensuring a seamless and culturally nuanced experience.

Deeply connected to traditional Japan, including spiritual heritages such as tea ceremony and geisha culture, Marika designs experiences that go beyond major cities, offering meaningful connections with local traditions and people.