Memories of a lifetime await.
All eyes on Japan
After a long-waited, anticipated announcement, the Land of the Rising Sun will finally allow visa-free independent tourism and abolish its daily arrival cap, marking a major policy shift after nearly 4 years of strict COVID-19 policies and restrictions.
It's been slow going — or no going — to Japan for quite some time. Completely off limits during the pandemic, the government has gradually started easing rules from June 10, where travelers were relatively restricted by booking a package tour with an escort or guide.
Aiming to visit in the next 3, 6 or 9 months?
From the vast wilderness of Hokkaido down to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, traveling to Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Allow us to help you truly access Japan, through the lens of experts and insiders who for decades have lived and breathed the heartbeat of this beautiful country.
We welcome you to go beneath the surface with us.
We are a full-service, boutique travel company that focuses on bringing
authentic, intimate and hyperlocal travel experiences to our clients. With our collective 30+ year relationship with Japan and offices in the U.S. (and soon, Japan!), we provide travelers from around the world an unmatched level of knowledge, service and connections to ensure their experience is not only unforgettable, but leaves a positive impact on the destinations they visit.
Whether you’re into history, culture, food, nature, sports, art, or fashion, allow our team to help you not just get the pulse of Japan, but hear her true heartbeat.
Ways to travel with us
Tailor-Made Travel
Custom trips and itineraries, made just for you and your party. Our highly experienced travel advisors and planners in the U.S. will partner with you to design a trip that is tailored to your specific interests and goals. From recommending the perfect accommodations to lining up unique experiences, we will provide you guidance and insight so you can make the most of your trip.
Private Local Tours
Intimate and immersive half-day and full-day tours in areas you have a specific interest in. We agree that while amazing memories are created in random encounters, we provide you the opportunity to learn from locals and guides who will deliver a unique in-country experience, sharing insights and moments you may otherwise miss.
Exclusive Journeys
Our hand-crafted signature journeys offer our clients a unique way to see a side of the country that most tourists cannot access. Join one of our seasonal trips led by an experienced Trip Director, trusted local partners, and guides who will open doors and guide you from start to finish. Exquisite accommodation, fine dining, and unique day activities makes this a very magical way to experience the country alongside like-minded, responsible travelers.
Virtual planning & advising
If we have learned anything in the wake of COVID-19, it’s that the internet is full of information – but often lacks credible knowledge. Navigating and sorting the sheer breadth and depth of options can be time-consuming and headache-inducing. Allow us to help simplify your planning process by scheduling a 30 or 60-minute Zoom session so you can feel more confident in making decisions during your trip-planning process.
TESTIMONIALS
What clients have to say
Tokyo was the city for the 2020 Summer Games, and there was huge worldwide interest in visiting for the Games and the country to gain a unique cultural experience, much like I experienced in 1964. If you are contemplating visiting Tokyo for the Games or just want to experience the real Japan, Terry and I would highly recommend that you work with ZI to greatly enhance your travel experience, enjoyment of a wonderful city and a beautiful country.
TESTIMONIALS
What travelers have to say
We had never visited Japan before and Lauren and her team helped make it a trip of a lifetime for us. We needed to coordinate things before with phone calls and communication that we weren’t prepared to do. She recommended places that we certainly wouldn’t have known about and put together an itinerary that made our travels easeful and fun!
Robyn Dino
Denver, CO USA
TESTIMONIALS
What travelers have to say
ZI will offer you a made to measurement “off the beaten track program” of Tokyo according to your interests and time available. Lauren the Founder has loved Tokyo since her childhood and she speaks Japanese which facilitates logistics tremendously. With her enthusiasm, lively personality and down to earth approach, I enjoyed her guidance in helping me discover Tokyo at my own pace.
TESTIMONIALS
What travelers have to say
When you visit a new place you want to feel the vibes of the city. You want to find all of the small and hidden gems. You want to meet the local people and hear amazing stories. The best restaurants, bars, views, and experiences. Take my word for it...finding all of those things by yourself is impossible. That is why we use ZI anytime we travel. If you want to spend time with an amazing company and really understand the heartbeat of a destination, call ZI.
Adrian Larrea
Co-Founder, Tribucha
Cary, NC
TESTIMONIALS
What travelers have to say
Throughout our trip planning process, ZI was professional, reliable and remained available for us while we were in Tokyo. When we arrived, there was a welcoming hand-written note on our dining table, with names of the Founder's favorite restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood to help get us started on our adventure. This visit was just weeks after Japan re-opened during the Covid pandemic and ZI was on top of the regulations and what was going on — their knowledge was very helpful and reduced the stress of travel during the pandemic.
Anonymous
TESTIMONIALS
What travelers have to say
Lauren and ZI provided me with so much information and guidance as we prepared for the 2020 (2021) Games. Thanks!
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