By Ross Brewster

Last updated 05:38, Friday, 29 August 2008

A LEADING Cumbrian tour company has appointed the Lake District’s first Japanese guide to help introduce visitors to the world of Beatrix Potter.

Translating: New Japanese guide Junko Ishiwata from Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat Tours has drafted in Junko Ishiwata from Sendai City in northern Japan to bring the stories of the famous Lake District author to life

The Miss Potter film, starring Renee Zellweger, was released in Japan last year, so Mountain Goat is continuing to develop the service it offers to Japanese visitors.

Junko will now become a firm fixture on the roads around Coniston, Hawkshead, Derwentwater and other locations featured on the big screen in Miss Potter.

She said: “England is a very popular destination for Japanese visitors due to its traditions, beautiful buildings and spectacular scenery.

“The Lake District is especially popular because so many Japanese love Peter Rabbit.

“Visitors from Japan want to see the beautiful scenery that was included in the Beatrix Potter books.

“The people of the Lake District have made me feel very welcome. They are so friendly and have a great sense of humour.”

Mountain Goat’s Beatrix Potter’s Lakeland Tour not only takes in places associated with the writer, but includes a lake cruise on Coniston Water and stops throughout the day for photographs and short walks.

In 2007, Mountain Goat reported a 40 per cent increase in the number of people doing their daily tours, which the company mainly attributed to the interest in their Beatrix Potter’s Lakeland Tours.

Director Stephen Broughton believes Junko would be “a big hit with Japanese visitors”.

He told The Cumberland News: “Miss Potter has helped to generate extra interest both in Beatrix Potter and the Lake District in the Japanese market.

“There has been a huge amount of media coverage both about the film and the Lakes, so hopefully we’ll see even more Japanese visitors coming to the area this year.”

Mountain Goat has more than 30 years experience taking visitors on tours.

The company is also part of the same organisation that owns Windermere’s Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, known for its connection with Potter.