How it Works
Begin by booking our service (see below). We’ll then reach out to schedule a time to speak, and in the meantime also send you an easy questionnaire to help us get the most out of our time together.
Sample Topics
Everyone is different, and during our conversation we’ll focus on what’s most important to you.
Destinations.
Choosing which places to visit (and which to skip) is one of the most integral aspects of planning a trip — and with so many amazing destinations, it’s particularly fun yet challenging when it comes to Japan. We can provide honest, unfiltered advice on which destinations are really worthwhile (and which are overrated or have become touristy). We’re also always happy to suggest off-the-beaten-path gems.
Immersive Experiences.
Should you hire a private guide? Is sumo worth seeing? Is a tea ceremony interesting or cheesy? Many well-known experiences in Japan are truly worthwhile, while others don’t live up to the hype. We can help you determine which types of experiences will be most meaningful for you, based on your priorities (what’s right for another traveler may not be right for you). Naturally, we can also suggest experiences you may not have heard of or considered.
Hotels and Ryokans.
As Japan travel specialists, another key part of our job is scoping out hotels and ryokans throughout the country. We can tell you about the pros and cons of different properties (we know Japan’s hotels and ryokans inside and out), advise on room types (sometimes splurging on an upgrade is worth it, and sometimes it’s not), and help you get the best overall value and experience. While our specialty is luxury travel, we can also advise on clean and well-located options for more budget-conscious travelers, along with guidance on how to book hotels and ryokans (it’s not always intuitive for foreign travelers).
Planning Logistics.
If you’re like us, coordinating logistics is part of the fun, but it’s not always easy in a country you’ve never visited (and Japan poses its own particular challenges). We can help you experience more of Japan with less stress. This can include insights on how best to get from place to place — bullet train? chauffeur? rental car? domestic flight? — to making sure you’re in the right destinations on the right days (avoiding unexpected closures or other inconveniences). Since booking transport in Japan from abroad can be a hassle, we’ll also be happy to walk you through the best ways to arrange your in-country transport.
