Yuriko
Founder & Chief Adventure Officer
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 gave 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 in Japan and dined at over 5,000 restaurants.
While I love traveling internationally, I’ve always found the planning part a bit daunting. Like many travelers, I’d have one or two must-see places in mind—like Machu Picchu or the Grand Canyon—but figuring out the rest often felt overwhelming. I usually relied on locals for recommendations, but even then, building a full itinerary took time and effort. That’s when I started wondering—what if there were a better way?
Many friends from around the world often asked me for advice when planning their trips to Japan. That inspired the idea behind Japan Ikigai Trip: a handcrafted travel service designed to take the stress out of planning, while offering unforgettable moments and destinations travelers might never have found on their own.
While the idea started from my own travel experiences, Japan Ikigai Trip is now supported by a small team of travel enthusiasts, local experts, and creative minds who share the same mission: to help people discover the hidden beauty of Japan through thoughtfully curated surprise journeys. Together, we handcraft each trip with care, combining human insight and smart tools to create experiences that feel both personal and seamless.
Today, our small but passionate team combines local knowledge, creative storytelling, and a love of surprises to help travelers experience a different side of Japan—one that goes beyond what you’ve seen on social media or in anime. Of course, every trip is tailored based on your preferences, including must-visits or places you’d like to avoid.
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 and most welcoming countries to explore. Whether you're traveling solo or with others, you’re in good hands.
We believe that life is richer when it’s full of surprises. That’s why we create stress-free, handcrafted mystery trips—designed to bring joy, spark curiosity, and invite travelers to embrace the unexpected.
We’re excited to help make your next trip to Japan one to remember.