Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Linda Joyce, 45, swapped a long career in preschool English education for a role as a bilingual hotel concierge in 2024. She now works at Iizukatei, a historic property in the town of Nakagawa in rural Tochigi Prefecture.

1. What was your initial connection to Japan? My high school offered Japanese and had a sister school in Shimane Prefecture. I visited with my school choir at 14, traveled a bit and fell in love with Japan.

2. As a former presenter for English videos for day care centers, you were something of a celebrity for the preschool set, right? Yes, I was mobbed in the halls, they told me endless (sometimes startling) stories and I got love letters and millions of hugs! I loved teaching, and I don¡¯t regret spending half my life doing it.

3. How did you find your current role? I was looking for a position where I could utilize my language skills while sharing my love and experiences of Japan. I gravitated towards tourism, but so many jobs were just one narrow role. This position included everything I was drawn to and more.

4. Can you share the history of Iizukatei? The property, which dates back to the late Edo Period (1603-1868), was owned by the Iizuka family, and they later gifted it to the town. Ideas were put forth on the best way of utilizing it to benefit the community, and Ohtawara Tourism was brought in. The decision was made to create a luxury hotel with government grants and the town¡¯s blessing.

5. What is Ohtawara Tourism? It¡¯s a destination management organization focused on sustainable tourism. The goal is to promote the green tourism business in the northern Tochigi region, creating local leaders in agriculture and food. Ohtawara Tourism is dedicated to attracting travelers by planning, coordinating and marketing land-based tours and developing regional brand products.

6. What can guests expect at Iizukatei? It¡¯s the first registered Tangible Cultural Property to be developed into a hotel in eastern Japan. The accommodations carry 140 years of history, featuring six luxurious rooms renovated from a residential wing and a former storehouse. I don¡¯t want to spoil any surprises, but if you come to stay, you¡¯ll find an array of local produce in addition to art, ceramics and more.

7. What¡¯s the hotel¡¯s relationship to the town of Nakagawa? From the beginning, the concept has been ¡°the whole town is the hotel.¡± For example, we send our guests out into the community for meals, activities and more. And our in-room catering is provided by popular local restaurants using predominantly local ingredients.

8. Is it unusual to be a foreign national in...