JapanJourney was founded in 2009 by a group of passionate Japan enthusiasts and experienced travelers who recognized the need for specialized travel products that address the unique challenges visitors face when exploring Japan.
What started as an informal blog offering travel advice has grown into a curated collection of specialized products designed to enhance the Japanese travel experience. Our mission is to help travelers connect more deeply with Japanese culture while navigating the country with confidence and comfort.
Each product in our catalog has been personally tested by our team during extensive travels throughout Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to remote mountain villages. We work directly with Japanese craftspeople and innovative designers to create products that solve real problems travelers encounter.
We believe in promoting travel products that help visitors engage respectfully with Japanese culture, supporting meaningful cross-cultural experiences.
Every product we offer undergoes rigorous testing in real Japanese travel situations to ensure it meets the needs of international travelers.
We prioritize creating positive travel experiences through products that solve problems, enhance comfort, and create lasting memories.
Our team combines years of travel experience with deep knowledge of Japanese language, customs, and regional differences throughout the country.
Our dedicated team brings together expertise in Japanese culture, travel logistics, product design, and customer service to create the perfect travel companions for your Japan adventure.
Founder & CEO
Born in Tokyo and educated in the U.S., Akiko bridges Eastern and Western perspectives. With over 20 years of experience in tourism and product development, she leads our vision of authentic travel experiences.
Product Development Director
With a background in industrial design and 15 years living in Kyoto, Naomi oversees our product creation process. She works with local artisans and modern manufacturers to develop our unique travel solutions.
Travel Expert & Content Manager
A former tour guide with expertise in Japanese history and regional cultures, Kenji ensures our products and information reflect authentic Japanese experiences. He has visited all 47 Japanese prefectures multiple times.
Customer Experience Manager
With a background in hospitality and fluency in Japanese, English, and Mandarin, Emily leads our customer service team. She ensures travelers receive the support they need before, during, and after their Japan adventures.
Technology & Operations Director
Half-Japanese and raised between Osaka and Seattle, Daniel brings technical expertise to our operations. He oversees our website, inventory systems, and works to constantly improve our customer's online experience.
"The Travel Kimono was perfect for my temple visits in Kyoto. Comfortable, respectful, and I received so many compliments from locals who appreciated my effort to embrace their culture."
"JapanJourney's Translator Device was a lifesaver! Unlike my phone app, it worked perfectly offline in rural areas and had specialized vocabulary for restaurants and transportation."
"The Rail Pass Holder kept my expensive JR Pass and all my tickets perfectly organized through three weeks of constant train travel. The built-in Japanese phrases came in handy more times than I can count!"
At JapanJourney, we're committed to enhancing your travel experience while promoting cultural understanding and supporting local Japanese businesses. Our products are designed to solve real challenges travelers face, from language barriers to navigation complexities.
We work directly with small Japanese manufacturers and artisans whenever possible, ensuring authenticity and quality while supporting local economies. Our team regularly travels throughout Japan to test products in real-world conditions and discover new needs we can address.
We believe that travel should be transformative, comfortable, and respectful of local cultures. Every product we offer is designed with these values in mind, helping you create meaningful connections and memories during your Japanese adventure.
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