Why should you use a travel agent for your trip to Japan?
So you’ve decided to travel to Japan - how incredibly exciting!
But also, how incredibly overwhelming!
Between the cultural differences, incredibly developed transportation systems, language barrier, and the fact that Tokyo is the size of Delaware, planning a trip to Japan can certainly be a challenge. While DIY planning is possible, here’s why hiring a travel agent—especially one with extensive experience—can make all the difference.
Expert Knowledge and Insider Tips
Did you know that I’ve booked over 70 trips to Japan in the last couple of years and hold an Advanced Master Japan Travel Specialist certification? I’m also a certified Luxury Travel Advisor and Group Travel Advisor with multiple certifications from airlines, tour operators, and hotels worldwide. This gives me insider knowledge on when to visit (avoid Golden Week!), must-see attractions, and hidden gems like a quaint ramen and gyoza shop in Asakusa. Instead of relying on generic online guides, I offer personalized recommendations that make your trip truly special.Stress-Free Planning with Freedom-Of-Choice
With over 4,000 hotels in Tokyo, 47 prefectures to explore, and the most sophisticated train system in the world, Japan can be daunting for first-time and repeat travelers alike. I create custom itineraries that maximize your time without unnecessary backtracking. You’ll have full freedom to choose your hotels, activities, and transportation, ensuring a trip that matches your preferences while still benefiting from my expertise. In fact, I want you to be involved in the decision-making process!Custom FIT Trips versus Tour Operator or DMC Trips
Many travel agents rely on Tour Operators (TOs) or Destination Management Companies (DMCs) to handle bookings, often resulting in pre-packaged trips with limited choices and extremely marked-up prices. While this approach is convenient, I take a different route—I personally design fully customized trips for each client. Thanks to my strong relationships with vendors and Japanese properties, I can secure the best rates and experiences while offering complete flexibility in your itinerary.Personalized Service and Special Requests
Do you have a food allergy or special accommodation that needs to be taken into account while you’re traveling? Me and my team ensure that everyone who is involved with your reservations in Japan knows about it! Want a special bottle of wine, dessert, or flowers in your room for a special occasion? We can absolutely make that happen! Want to propose in a Japanese garden or in front of the Tokyo SkyTree while on a guided tour? No problem!In-Destination Support and Peace of Mind
Unlike many travel agents, I provide direct in-destination support. I have a separate phone for my clients traveling in Japan—it never gets turned off and is always within reach, even overnight. With the 14-hour time difference between Indiana and Japan, I make sure you have a direct lifeline in case of any unexpected issues, rather than leaving you to navigate a Tour Operator or DMC (see #3) call center.Saves Precious Time and Reduces Stress
Japan requires a lot of research and planning. When you book with me, you don’t have to figure out which of the 23 Tokyo wards to stay in, how to navigate the Shinkansen system, or when to leave your hotel to catch your flight home. Before your trip, we’ll have a detailed call where I walk you through your itinerary, share essential travel tips (like bringing a bag for trash!), and answer all your questions so you feel fully prepared.
Japan is an incredible destination, and planning your trip shouldn’t be a source of stress. Let me handle the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment. With my expertise, personalized service, and 24/7 support, all you need to do is pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
I didn’t choose to specialize in Japan - Japan chose me!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan kept their borders closed for most international travelers until the end of 2022.
In Fall of 2022, I had a friend reach out about planning a 3-week honeymoon to Japan. This was right after they opened their borders back up. I had never booked a trip to Japan before; heck, no one had booked it for years! I dove into learning as much as I could as quickly as I could. I truly wish I could go back and rebook that first trip (or even the first ten trips!) because I would do them very differently!
After that sweet couple traveled to Japan in March 2023, I started posting about Japan trips on TikTok. The requests started coming in. I received my Advanced Master Japan Travel Specialist certificiation in May 2023, and the requests REALLY started rolling in! Again, I never necessarily wanted to specialize in Japan travel. It just kind of happened, so I decided to really dive into it!
As much as I love American-branded hotels (I’m looking at you, Marriott!), I took it upon myself to really dig in and learn about the Japanese hotel brands. I researched them until I was blue in the face. I started reading guide books cover-to -cover. Instead of completing the trainings with cruise lines and all inclusive resorts like my fellow travel agents, I spent my time learning everything I could teach myself about Japan while also trying to build business relationships with those properties and companies. Yes, the language barrier and significant time difference made it hard, but I have made some incredible connections!
At the beginning of 2024, I was invited by the Japan National Tourism Organization to visit Japan as their guest. What a huge honor! I bought my flights, packed my bags, left my sweet kids, and used my passport for the first time. Yes, that’s right - I had never used my passport until I went to Japan! I stayed in six hotels in six nights while I was there and toured the country with 7 other travel agents. It was an absolutely amazing experience for me to actually see all of the things that I had been learning about and actually go to the hotels that I had been booking for my clients.
In the fall of 2024, I was once again invited to visit Japan, this time as a guest of the city of Yokohama. After a wonderful 4 days, I was able to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo Disneyland Resort on my own. What an amazing experience!
I have booked nearly 100 trips for clients to Japan. When I say it’s my specialty, I truly mean it! The amount of random (and sometimes useless?) knowledge about traveling to Japan that is stuck in my brain is overwhelming. But gosh - I sure do love creating these custom trips for my clients!
October 2024, Gion, Kyoto