About us
Our Mission
We are passionate about sharing the beauty and wonder of Japan with the world. Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for every traveler by showcasing Japan’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
With a team of dedicated experts, we curate unique journeys designed to exceed your expectations. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, we carefully craft every detail of your adventure, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime. Let us guide you through the endless treasures of Japan.
About Our Company
Rooted in New Zealand, Inspired by Japan.
We are a New Zealand–based travel agency specializing in mystery trips to Japan — carefully designed around your preferences, but with the destination revealed only right before your departure.
Our company is founded and run by a team of Japan-born, Japan-raised locals, each with a global mindset and deep experience in international travel and communication. We know the hidden gems, the unspoken customs, the seasonal rhythms — not just what’s written in guidebooks. That’s how we’re able to create meaningful, seamless, and high-quality travel experiences that go far beyond the usual tourist routes.
Why New Zealand?
Because New Zealand reflects the same values we bring to our trips: honesty, creativity, sustainability, and human connection. As a business registered in one of the world’s most trusted and ethical countries, we’re committed to offering service you can trust, with systems that protect your privacy and your plans.
Whether you’re a repeat traveler to Japan or someone seeking a deeper, more personal journey for your first visit, we craft every itinerary to feel intimate, inspiring, and uniquely yours.
Founder’s Story
My name is Yuriko, and I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Unlike many others, I didn’t have relatives with hometowns outside of Tokyo, so my parents often took me on trips both within Japan and abroad. Thanks to their love of travel, I developed a deep passion for visiting new places from a young age.
I worked for a TV station in Japan for the past 8 years, which has given me countless opportunities to travel and film at various locations—from popular tourist spots to hidden, local treasures. Traveling and dining out are also my biggest hobbies. Over the past 10 years, I’ve explored all 47 prefectures(provinces) in Japan and dined at over 5,000 restaurants.
While I love traveling internationally, I’ve always found the planning part a bit daunting. When visiting a new country, I often have one or two must-see places in mind—like Machu Picchu in Peru or Grand Canyon National Park in the U.S.—but figuring out what else to see or do in the limited time can feel overwhelming. To make my trips more memorable, I usually connect with locals online/offline for recommendations. Even then, creating a full itinerary takes a lot of time and effort. Likewise, many of my friends from around the world ask me for recommendations on where to visit, stay, and eat when they’re planning a trip to Japan.
This inspired me to create Japan Ikigai Trip. I wanted to help others experience the Japan that goes beyond what they’ve seen on social media or in anime—offering surprises and unforgettable moments. Many people know about Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing or anime-related attractions, but there’s so much more to Japan that deserves to be discovered.
With our service, most of your trip will remain a surprise until you land in Japan. Of course, you’ll still have the option to share your preferences, must-visit spots, or places you’d like to avoid.
Lastly, having lived in the U.S. for two years and traveled to over 30 countries, I can confidently say that Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, you can explore Japan with peace of mind.
I’m really looking forward to helping make your next trip to Japan your best one yet!
