Why We Started Japan Travel Pros

It’s an exciting time!

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. And we’re the proud owners of a travel business dedicated to serving inbound visitors to Japan.

As you can imagine, it’s been quite the journey. And things are really just getting started!

As someone who’s spend a fair chunk of my career in the travel and hospitality business, and even more time than that traveling the world (including right here in Japan, of course), it was a no-brainer to make this next jump.

While Japan treaded cautiously at first following the you-know-what pandemic, we knew that a full return to peak inbound travel numbers couldn’t be too far off on the horizon. So even before the borders officially opened, we were already doing the legwork to get this business up and running.

Wasn’t too long before the floodgates opened, and visitors to Japan were pretty much back to pre-COVID numbers. From here on out, the sky’s the limit.

Well, okay, not just the sky — there are also airline slot & route restrictions, as well as a fixed number of hotel rooms (both of which are slowly moving upward).

Being a non-Japanese person living in Japan, I make it a priority never to take life in Japan for granted. I still gaze in wonder at the immaculately clean streets and sidewalks, the quiet trains and public spaces, the serenity and history of this island nation, and (of course) all the amazing food that this culture offers the world.

As such, I take time every day to think and reflect on life here from the perspective of an international visitor to Japan. What makes people so curious about this place? What is it about Japan that draws so many travelers from around the world? And — most importantly — how can we showcase the best of Japan?

The last question is what’s occupied much of my time as of late.

That’s because we see a lot of visitors to Japan going to the same places and doing the same things.

Now, in many of those cases, there’s good reason for the popularity. Or, at least, there was.

Despite the adage that nothing in Japan changes very quickly (they still use fax machines here, after all), travel & tourism in Japan have been evolving faster than before.

A lot of the places that are still on the Japan travel itineraries of many visitors are, in fact, victims of Japan’s success in drawing tourism.

I think about the travelers who pack the likes of Tsukiji “market,” for example (we’ll do a full article about this one, rest assured), Harajuku, or the once-local market streets such as Nishiki in Kyoto or Kuromon in Osaka.

Once upon a time, those places didn’t just have merit on a visitor’s itinerary, they were musts.

And yet times change. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, the place is so packed, nobody goes there anymore.

I get a little sad when I see travelers doing hit-and-run, whirlwind itineraries on the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, spending barely a week and ending up in a lot of — here, I’m gonna say it — tourist traps.

That’s not great for anyone…. not for solo travelers, families or couples… especially not for those on a honeymoon in Japan, you deserve better!

But you don’t need to do that.

There is a better way.

That’s why we created Japan Travel Pros.

Our first thought was, why not help folks spice up their Japan travel itineraries.

It’s been a pleasure, meeting and speaking with a variety of people who’ve wanted to come to Japan but just weren’t sure where to start or how to go about planning their self-guided Japan tour.

From there, we started to develop process that’s worked pretty well. And it’s not exactly rocket science.

Ask questions. Listen. Ask more questions (make sure we’re asking the right questions). Develop plans and experiences that take people off the beaten track and onto unique journeys that help ensure not just smooth travels but memories that will last a lifetime.

What was clear, though, was that something more was needed. Not just engagement and assistance in the planning and booking process, but actual support and interaction after arrival in Japan.

Back in the day, there were organized tours for these sorts of things. The itinerary was set; you had a guide; you traveled everywhere together; and you had someone looking after your needs while in country.

Nowadays, nearly everyone is traveling independently. We do, too.

But some folks still want that interaction.

Honeymooners, for example, appreciate the live support while they’re here, as well as the peace of mind knowing that their vacation of a lifetime is in the best of hands.

Many travelers want the freedom to visit Japan knowing that a local expert has their back. And they like the idea of having a host/guide/concierge who’s watching over their journey — from afar, mind you, but here when you need us… on Zoom, FaceTime and/or live chat.

If that’s you, well, you’re who we had in mind when we created Japan Travel Pros.

Planning a trip to Japan sometime? Know someone who is? Or maybe you’re just curious as to what it’s all about?

Hit me up at ari@japantravelpros.com

Until next time, happy travels & shiawase-no-tabi!