Explore
the hidden wonders
of Kyushu
Travel differently with us
Specialising in unique, personalised travel experiences that showcase the multitude of hidden gems that Kyushu Island has to offer, our meticulously curated itineraries are designed to match both your interests and travel style, giving you a taste of the region that is both authentic and unforgettable.
Looking for something other than the crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto? If the real Kyushu is calling you, check out our numerous tours - or send us an enquiry today.
OUR SERVICES
What we do
LAND
OPERATION
One-stop inbound tour arrangements for the West-Japan region
We provide comprehensive inbound tour arrangement, including itinerary creation and proposals for the West-Japan region (with our chief focus on Kyushu), based on requests from clients and the numerous worldwide travel agencies we are proud to work with.
In addition to our experienced staff, who have long been involved in the inbound tourism industry, it is thanks to our strong links with the local Japanese community (a rare asset that few Destination Management Companies can boast) that we are able to offer tailor-made travel itineraries that not only meet travellers' needs, but vastly exceed their expectations by providing local, 'hands-on' experiences and opportunities which would not typically be found elsewhere.
LOCAL TOURS
& ACTIVITIES
Inbound tours and activities at Space Beppu - our base in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
We plan, develop, and operate tours and activity programmes in Beppu, targeting inbound FIT (free independent travellers). In 2024 alone, we conducted over 50 activity programmes for more than 100 participants.
Through these, we gain insight into the needs of inbound travellers, accumulate expertise in attracting future customers through various OTAs (online travel agencies), and apply this know-how in the consulting services we offer.
ACTIVITIES
Check out our unique activity programmes!
Become a local! A Walking Tour of Beppu’s Arts, Crafts & Onsen
Fancy avoiding crowded touristic hot-spots and exploring more ‘local’ areas you likely wouldn’t find in a travel brochure? In this exclusive, small-group walking tour, you’ll immerse yourself in history and culture whilst strolling through the streets of downtown Beppu. Experience the work and daily lives of the local artists who live here, visit a bamboo craft factory and enjoy a rare chance to meet skilled artisans face to face. You’ll also visit a local ‘onsen’ (hot spring).
2 hours 15 minutes
From ¥8,500
Cooking Class: make a local delicacy in a Japanese house
This is the only cooking class available in Beppu that is hosted within a century-old Japanese house – a truly ‘local’ experience. You'll learn to make dango noodle soup - a wholesome, hearty dish made with local vegetables, then seasoned with either miso or soy sauce.
2 hours
From ¥8,000
Art Workshop with a Local Painter in a Century-old Japanese House
Not simply an art class, this unique activity is taught directly by renowned painter & Beppu local, Tomoe Higashi (who also speaks English!). Offering a rare chance to interact with a local artist, the workshop is centred around creating personalised cherry-blossom inspired pieces, providing participants with a cultural and artistic souvenir to take home with them.
2 hours
From ¥17,000
Experience an Authentic Art Form with a Professional Calligrapher
This class is taught by a professional Japanese calligrapher. As well as learning to write words of your choice, you'll also have the rare chance to witness the aesthetic precision of a live calligraphy demonstration, giving you a real sense of wa (和) – a concept cherished by the Japanese since ancient times.
1 hour
From ¥16,000
Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Century-old Japanese House
Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese atmosphere in this authentic tea ceremony workshop, held in a century-old house. Taking place in a Japanese style room with traditional tatami flooring, you’ll get a real sense of Japanese ambience, under the guidance of a local tea ceremony expert dressed authentically in kimono.
1 hour 30 minutes
From ¥7,000
Calligraphy Class for Beginners in a Century-old Japanese House
Experience the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy! In this class, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to form stylish Japanese characters related to the local area, including the words for ‘hot spring’ and ‘hell’ – using only traditional paint brushes and paper.
1 hour 30 minutes
From ¥7,000
GUEST REVIEWS
ARTICLES
Tips & anecdotes to help you plan your journey
How long should I spend in Beppu and how do I get here?
How long should I spend in Beppu, and how do I get there? This is a good question! The duration of your stay in Beppu and how you get here will depend on what you want to get out of your visit, based on your interests, the activities you want to experience and how long you can make for a visit here. Of course, we would say that the longer you spend here, the deeper you will understand this marvellous town, but here are are some suggestions to help you plan your trip to Beppu: Short Visit (1 night, up to 2 days) If you’re on a tight schedule, you […]
What visitors to Beppu sometimes get wrong & ideas on how to improve your trip
Visitors to Beppu might occasionally misunderstand or overlook certain aspects of the city due to cultural differences or unfamiliarity with local customs. To help make the most of your trip, here are a few things that you might like to keep in mind when visiting Beppu: Onsen Etiquette Beppu is famous for its hot springs (onsen), and while many tourists are excited to experience them, some might not be aware of the proper onsen etiquette. It’s important to follow the bathing rituals, such as washing thoroughly before entering the bath, not allowing towels to touch the water, and respecting sex segregation. Tattoo Policies Some traditional onsen establishments have strict policies […]
Experiencing a traditional INN in Beppu
What it’s like to spend a night at an Onsen Ryokan (traditional japanese style inn) in Beppu ? Spending a night at an onsen ryokan in Beppu is a unique and culturally rich experience that offers relaxation, traditional hospitality, and a taste of Japanese lifestyle. Here’s what to expect: 1 / Check-In and Greeting Upon arriving at the onsen ryokan, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the staff, often dressed in traditional attire. They will guide you through the check-in process and provide you with information about the facilities, meal timings, and onsen etiquette. 2/ Accommodation Your room in the ryokan will likely be a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, […]
Introduction to Beppu Onsen hot springs
Welcome to the Beppu Eight Where is the world’s largest onsen? By volume, Yellowstone National Park in the United States is the biggest source of natural hot spring water in the world. However, emerging at 92°C (198°F) from the ground, you wouldn’t want to take a bath here. The same should not be said of the world’s second biggest source, and by far Japan’s most expansive Onsen hot spring town, Beppu on Kyushu Island. Inviting a varied assortment of guests from the casual travellers looking for a relaxing and recuperative stay at an Onsen Ryokan (Japanese traditional inn), through to connoisseurs wishing to sample the full range of mineral baths […]
NEWS
What's new with us
Your go-to partner for inbound tourism in Kyushu and the Setouchi region!
Our 3 Key Strengths
1
On-the-ground Insight
We develop and refine our services and strategies based on first-hand information from both international travel agencies and the inbound tourists who participate in the local activities we offer.
2
Local Expertise in Kyushu & Setouchi
As one of the few inbound tour operators based in Kyushu and Setouchi, we are deeply rooted in the local community, delivering region-specific services.
3
Expansive Global Network
Leveraging a vast network of domestic and international partners built through our travel arrangement services and community-based activity programmes, we are able to provide globally comprehensive business solutions and proposals.
OUR MISSION & VISION
Message from the CEO
Mission
As ambassadors of our region, we connect local communities with the world, paving the way for a prosperous future.
Vision
Our goal is to become Japan’s leading engine of regional revitalisation, making it a norm to attract young people to rural areas, driven by their dreams.
During my time living in the UK countryside, bustling with young energy, I realised that the true driving force behind a thriving community is its youth. For regional revitalisation in Japan, the power of young people is essential. But to keep them in these areas, we must offer them fulfilling, dream-worthy careers.
Although the number of international visitors to Japan is soaring, most are drawn to major cities. However, Japan’s rural regions are rich in natural beauty, cuisine, and other unique tourism resources. I believe that inbound tourism holds immense potential for revitalising these regions and creating exciting, meaningful job opportunities that inspire young people to pursue their dreams locally.
Our mission is to build a thriving inbound tourism industry based in rural areas, creating economically and socially meaningful jobs. By doing so, we aim to foster a society where it’s natural for young people to stay and chase their dreams in the countryside.
Masahiro Ide, CEO
COMPANY
Company Overview
| Company Name | Glide Japan Inc. |
| CEO | Masahiro Ide |
| Capital | ¥1,000,000 |
| Established | April 20, 2023 |
| Number of Employees | 8 (including contractors) |
| Head Office | 12-9 Chiyomachi, Beppu City, Oita 874-0942, Japan |
| Phone | +81-977-75-9566 |
| Australia Office | 421/4 Spring Street, Rosebery, NSW 2018, Australia |
| Business Activities | Inbound tourism consulting, travel arrangement services for international visitors, regional revitalisation projects, multilingual translation, video production, and more. |
STAFF
Meet Our Team
Masahiro Ide
CEO
Born in Germany and raised in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Masahiro graduated from Kwansei Gakuin University. After undertaking a working holiday in the UK, he began his career at a travel agency specialising in inbound tourism, where he focused on sales in the Asian market as well as business development in Europe and Australia. He relocated to Beppu with his family in 2018, before going on to establish Glide Japan in 2023.
Frances Ide
Director
Hailing from Yorkshire, England, Frances moved to Beppu from Osaka in 2018, having previously worked for a manufacturing company in Hong Kong. Utilising her varied past experience in product development, content writing, proofreading and English teaching, Frances edits & translates company-related content whilst overseeing the day to day running of Glide Japan and its base - Space Beppu.
Aya Ono
Manager
Aya has been involved in inbound tourism since 2017, primarily focusing on sales in the Vietnamese market, including group tours and MICE projects. Since 2019, she has been engaged in promoting the charms of Kyushu and developing tours for inbound travel companies. In 2024, she joined Glide Japan to specialise in inbound tourism in Kyushu.
Haruka Kumashiro
Planner
A graduate of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Haruka studied abroad in Germany. Upon graduating, she remained in Beppu, where she worked for an advertising agency before eventually becoming independent. Having guided over 30 groups in Beppu and elsewhere in Kyushu,
she currently engages in both the advertising and the travel industries.
Audreay
Planner
Originally from Malaysia, Audreay is proficient in Malay, Chinese, English and Japanese.
She is currently studying social sciences with a focus on international relations at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
Her journey with Glide Japan began after participating in an internship for international students hosted by Oita Prefecture in 2024.
Aoi Tanaka
Planner
Hailing from Chiba Prefecture, Aoi began her studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in 2020 but had to delay her move to Beppu until 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19. She met Masahiro Ide through a university programme and has since worked as an intern at Glide Japan. In 2023, she travelled to Melbourne, Australia, for a working holiday.
Kanae Omote
Australia Partner
Having lived in Australia for nearly ten years, Kanae has been involved in the inbound tourism industry for over six years, primarily as a consultant focusing on the Australian market. She collaborates with government agencies and private companies, having worked with over 50 organisations. Her responsibilities range from online strategies such as social media marketing to offline initiatives such as event support. Additionally, she imports sake as part of her own business, and acts as a bridge between Japan and overseas in various sectors, including tourism and local products.
Loi Wei Shun
Planner
Originally from Malaysia, Loi graduated from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in 2024. While at university, Loi developed a passion for cycling and founded a cycling club, actively contributing to its success. He was deeply moved by the charms of Kyushu through cycle touring and joined Glide Japan to share those attractions with others.
Riko Ishizuka
Planner
A student of social sciences at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Riko spent a total of two years in Finland through a high school exchange programme and working holiday. Inspired to share Japan’s yet-to-be-discovered attractions with the world, Riko joined Glide Japan.
PARTNERS
Our Global Partnerships
Coming soon!
ENQUIRIES
Contact us
Contact us to request a quote, or for any enquiries regarding inbound travel
(+81)977-75-9566
Office hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM JST (excludes Saturdays, Sundays & national holidays)