Meet the Team

Through a combination of experience, education, and unique connections, we offer the ability to create an authentic and unforgettable Japanese experience for our guests.

  • Owner/Operator

    Evan came to Japan with the expectation of staying for only a few months. 8 years later he still lives in Niseko, and his zeal for this unique country continues to grow.

    Hailing from Portland, Oregon, he followed his love for snowboarding and found his dream destination in Hokkaido. Evan has enjoyed eight winters as a professional snowboarder in Niseko, enjoying the abundant snowfall and exploring everything the area has to offer. Now, he focuses on giving guests unforgettable experiences, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the area, local connections, and ability to speak Japanese.

    Evan has been fortunate enough to travel all over Japan. Seeking the best food experiences, hiking peaks, temple-hopping in historic districts, secret onsens, and month-long surf trips on Japan’s remote coastlines. Evan can see Japan from the perspective of both a foreign visitor and a resident, letting him create unique, curated experiences.

    He cherishes Japan's impact on his life and started Kazan Japan Travel to give back.

    To learn more about Evan, follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

    Contact Evan HERE.

  • We only work with the best guides and instructors in Niseko and Hokkaido. A professional team that is experienced, fun, and has real local knowledge of the area. Let us help create the best experience possible for you.

  • Head of Travel Department

    A true connoisseur of udon and onsen, and our licensed Japan travel expert. Ueda san grew up in Kansai (Osaka and Akashi). He moved to Tokyo for University and to pursue a career following his passion: travel. He has been nearly everywhere in Japan, taking every opportunity to test the best hotels, food, hot springs, etc. After 13 years of working as a Tokyo salaryman in the travel industry, he picked up and moved to a place he would frequently visit, Hokkaido. Ueda san is the best when it comes to designing trips in Japan. If you (or we) can dream it, he can build it.