Japan Customized Tours and Trips

I was born in the US but came to Japan many years ago. For several years, I worked as a guide for a company that offered tours in Japan. I would often be asked by guests for my recommendations for things to do after the tours and also for activities to do in addition to the ones that were booked for them. A lot of times, people would tell me that my suggestions were more enjoyable than the activities that were planned for them by their agent! I love traveling, exploring and discovering. I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of excitement and freedom when being in a new environment. I'm also very big on photography, so I love finding beauty in new places. Traveling has opened up my world up to things that I could not have imagined before it and has matured my world view.

I first moved to Japan when I was 20. My dad was transferred to Hiroshima for work and I spent the summer there. Then, when I returned to college, I changed my major to include Japanese language, culture, and history. My parents stayed in Japan for two years so I got to return and do a 9-month independent study of modern Japanese history through my university. After graduation, I moved to Japan to study Japanese and learn more about the culture. Being in Japan got me interested in travel and showing people the real Japan. The tipping point was when I was in Kyoto and I saw a large tour group coming out of a bus, they looked so tired and disconnected! I knew there had to be a better way, and I have been in the travel industry ever since.

I have always been curious about the world and different cultures, which naturally led me to a career in travel. I work as a tour director, leading groups and helping travellers experience destinations in a meaningful and well-organised way. I enjoy the process of bringing an itinerary to life—whether it’s guiding a group through a historic city, sharing local insights, or ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. I’m particularly passionate about travel in Asia and enjoy discovering the culture, food, and unique character of each destination. What motivates me most is seeing travellers connect with a place in a way that creates lasting memories. Outside of work, I enjoy researching destinations, planning itineraries, and learning about transport systems such as rail networks, which I think are one of the best ways to experience a country.

My name is Katrina, and I am head of sales and customer service. I have been working in the travel industry for 5 years and I care strongly about creating excellent, inspiring itineraries that go above and beyond to give you that sought-after "wow" factor. I am a frequent traveler and I enjoy immersing myself in other cultures and experiencing the history, food, and people. I have been to Japan and South Korea many times and I am very passionate about sharing my experience with you and providing friendly, prompt, and helpful customer service. I am more than happy to provide you with any advice or travel tips for you to see some true hidden gems as well as popular places in South Korea and Japan for your next vacation.

My name is Yangyang Li, and I grew up in China. From a young age, I was captivated by exploration and the thrill of discovering new places. This passion naturally led me to a career in the adventure tourism industry, where I’ve spent the past 10 years designing and guiding immersive experiences across the globe—in France and Indonesia. I am deeply passionate about outdoor adventures, whether trekking through remote mountains, hiking hidden trails, or discovering pristine islands and cultural landscapes off the beaten path. For me, travel is not just about visiting new places—it’s about connecting with nature, embracing challenges, and sharing truly unforgettable experiences with others. Now based in Tokyo, I continue to create adventure travel experiences that push boundaries, spark curiosity, and allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the landscapes and cultures they explore. My greatest motivation comes from witnessing the joy, growth, and transformation that adventure brings to people’s lives.