From craftsman to cache owner, _nokos_, brings creativity, mischief, and boldness to geocaching!

In addition to their whimsical caches, _nokos_ hosts a geocaching podcast to inspire and connect Japan’s geocaching community.

What’s your background outside of geocaching?

I’m originally a traditional Japanese craft artist who carves seal stamps from stone. So, a craftsman searching for treasure “on the stone,” instead of “under the bench” as a geocacher. I’m used to expressing and presenting my work, so creating geocaches feels like a natural extension of that.

How and when did you hear about geocaching?

On New Year’s Day 2022, I stumbled upon it on social media. I thought, “Well, I guess I have no choice but to become Indiana Jones now.” I still don’t own a whip, though.

Which cache got you hooked?

It was the amazing mystery cache “Reply from E.T.” (GC6649X). When I finally cracked the puzzle, I was so excited I couldn’t sit still. I jumped on my bike in the middle of the night and went to find it!

What is the story behind your username?

My partner and I run a cake shop called “Nokos.” Her name is “Noko,” and she’s annoyed that I used her name as my geocaching name without her permission. Right in front of our shop is the cache “NES TB HOTEL / Famicom Cache” (GCAQCBB).

Are you an individual or a team of geocachers?

I usually enjoy geocaching all by myself, grinning like a weirdo. My family sometimes gives me that cold “Are you making another one?” stare — but I don’t let that stop me! I feel like everyone who finds my caches is part of my team.

What is your favorite cache you’ve found?

One of my favorites is “Komori Bridge” (GCB0PM8) by tonitta2199, who also frequently appears on our podcast. The concept is genius: a container that can’t be opened alone, as Komori means parenting. Seriously, how does he come up with this stuff?

What keeps you engaged with the game?

It’s the perfect match with my love for making things—and I get to exhibit my creations in public spaces. It feels like I’ve become a secret street artist.

You have so many great caches. What’s your secret to success?

More than technical skills, it’s all about creativity and style. Well-written descriptions also make me happy.

My secret? Hmm…Well, I’d like to say, “I won’t sleep until the cache is complete!” But really, I treat every cache as a piece of art, like an exhibit in a public space. I also love a little mischief and boldness — I especially love hiding caches in plain sight!

What’s the best approach to creating a geocache?

Start by digging into the history of the location, then let your imagination run wild. After that, get lost in a thrift store or hardware shop. Then, build it while grinning to yourself in the middle of the night. That’s the magic formula.

Do you have any plans for your next geocache? Can you share any spoilers?

I just finished a cache for the third hiding theme of 2025, “Hidden gems”! It’s a gadget cache where you use a crane game to grab a frog disguised as a jewel. The special coin needed to play was 3D-printed by my geocaching friend GCkoba. It’s called “GEO CATCHER”—fun for both kids and adults!

If someone reading this is looking for inspiration, what advice would you give them?

A good story and one clever idea are more important than fancy tech skills. There’s no “correct” way to create a cache. I’d love to see what makes you unique!

Geocaching isn’t just a treasure hunt. It’s the ultimate entertainment with the irrational level of thrill and satisfaction that non-geocachers would never understand! There’s no winner, no loser. Finding more caches doesn’t make you “greater.” It’s a non-competitive world, where filling a grid doesn’t mean you’ve “leveled up.” That’s what I love about it.

So come on, everyone—make something crazy and full of love. Blow people’s minds. And bask in that mysterious feeling of fulfillment.

You host a podcast, TFTC!! GEOCACHING RADIO. How did you get into podcasting?

Geocaching is still pretty unknown in Japan. In some regions, there aren’t any Event Caches or opportunities to meet fellow cachers. What a pity, as it’s such a fun game! I started the podcast to help expand the community. In each episode, I invite geocachers from different areas and have casual, Event Cache-like conversations with them.
We share the latest geocaching news, beginner-friendly tips, and interviews with experienced geocachers. Please give it a listen!

Thanks for sharing your love of geocaching with the community, _nokos_!

Do you know an inspiring cache owner? Share them with us in the comments below and tell us what makes their cache hides memorable!