Alex Debs

Founder & Travel Designer

Founder of Hitotoki, luxury Japan travel specialist with over 15 years of expertise crafting bespoke journeys across Japan.

Japan Travel Agency License No. 3-470
7 consecutive World Travel Awards nominations (2019–2025)
Founding Member, Hospitality Industry Club of Japan (HICJ)
Official JNTO representative at ILTM Cannes 2025
French Business Awards nominee (2021, 2025)
1,000+ bespoke journeys designed since 2016

Featured in: Channel News Asia TTG Asia Singapore Now and Zen Podcast French Business Awards

Articles by Alex Debs

Paper lanterns glowing beneath cherry blossoms at an evening hanami in Japan

August 2, 2026

Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 2027: When to Go & When to Book

When cherry blossom season happens in Japan in 2027, the best places to see sakura in luxury, and why spring’s finest ryokans and private guides are reserved 9–12 months ahead.

Autumn maple foliage framing an Eizan Railway train at a Kyoto mountain station during koyo season

May 14, 2026

Autumn in Japan: Best Places to See Fall Foliage (Koyo) — 2026 Luxury Guide

Japan in autumn — peak fall foliage (koyo) timing by region, best luxury ryokans, 10–14 day itinerary, and how to plan. Designed by Japan-based travel experts.

Red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing in Lake Ashi at dusk — iconic view in a luxury Japan itinerary

April 8, 2026

Luxury Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026 Guide)

The best 10-day to 2-week luxury Japan itinerary for first-time visitors — Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto with expert tips on routes, ryokans, costs, and seasons.

Couple walking through a traditional Japanese garden with a red bridge and stone lantern

March 31, 2026

Honeymoon in Japan: The Ultimate Romantic Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Plan the perfect honeymoon in Japan — 10–14 day luxury itinerary through Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto with private ryokan stays, onsen retreats & expert tips from Japan-based travel designers.

Traditional Japanese garden with stone lantern and pine tree over a pond — planning the perfect luxury trip to Japan

March 26, 2026

When Should I Book a Luxury Trip to Japan?

How far in advance should you book a luxury trip to Japan? From ryokan availability to cherry blossom season, our Japan-based experts explain the ideal booking window for each season.

Neon-lit street in Tokyo at night with crowds of people — a vivid reminder of why careful planning matters for a luxury trip to Japan

March 19, 2026

Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Luxury Trip to Japan (2026 Guide)

Planning a luxury trip to Japan? Avoid these 10 common mistakes — from choosing the wrong ryokan to underestimating travel time. Expert advice from Japan-based travel designers.

Traditional Japanese geta wooden sandals — a symbol of Japanese cultural refinement and luxury travel

March 9, 2026

How Much Does a Luxury Trip to Japan Cost?

A practical guide from Japan-based luxury travel experts at Hitotoki. A luxury trip to Japan typically costs between USD 1,000 and USD 2,500 per person per day, excluding international flights.

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion surrounded by pine trees and reflected in a pond in Kyoto, Japan

March 6, 2026

Best Places to Visit in Japan: 6 Destinations You Can't Miss (2026)

Discover the best places to visit in Japan — from Tokyo's electric energy to Kyoto's ancient temples, Hakone's hot springs, Osaka's street food, Hiroshima's history, and Kanazawa's hidden charm.

Outdoor onsen rotenburo at a luxury ryokan in Japan with autumn foliage

March 1, 2026

The Ryokan Experience in Japan: What Luxury Travelers Need to Know Before Booking

A ryokan is not simply a hotel in traditional clothing. Discover what separates a truly exceptional ryokan stay from a disappointing one — from private onsen and kaiseki cuisine to the regions and criteria that matter most for a luxury Japan trip.

Traditional Japanese ryokan room with tatami mats, lacquered tea table and mountain view — luxury travel in Japan

February 22, 2026

Japan Etiquette Guide: Essential Tips for Luxury First-Time Visitors

Planning your first luxury trip to Japan? Discover 15 insider tips on etiquette, travel logistics, and exclusive experiences from Japan travel experts — from tipping culture and onsen rules to booking Michelin-starred restaurants and private temple access.

Chureito Pagoda with snow-capped Mount Fuji in winter — Japan's most iconic view

February 13, 2026

Best Time to Visit Japan: A Complete Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

When is the best time to visit Japan? Our Japan-based travel experts break down every month — cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, ryokan stays & exclusive experiences. Plan your trip.