Frequently Asked Questions

Hitotoki Travel is a Japan-based luxury travel agency and destination management company (DMC) specializing exclusively in bespoke, tailor-made journeys throughout Japan. Founded in 2016, we design highly personalized itineraries for discerning travelers seeking turnkey rare, authentic, and exclusive access to Japanese culture — from private temple visits to encounters with master artisans.

Our programs seamlessly integrate airport meet-and-greet services, handpicked accommodations, private transfers, and train ticket arrangements, among many other tailored services. To date, we have curated over 1,000 bespoke journeys throughout Japan.

Yes. Hitotoki Travel is a fully licensed Japanese travel agency, holding official Japan Travel Agency License No. 3-470. This license ensures full compliance with Japanese travel regulations and provides clients with a high level of consumer protection. We are also a Founding Member of the Hospitality Industry Club of Japan (HICJ).

Hitotoki Travel has received seven consecutive nominations at the World Travel Awards from 2019 to 2025, recognizing our expertise in luxury travel to Japan and our consistent delivery of exceptional, tailor-made experiences for an international clientele.

In addition, Hitotoki has been recognized by various institutions, including international chambers of commerce in Japan, and has been featured across print media, podcasts, and video interviews.

Hitotoki Travel was founded by Alex Debs, who spent most of his life in Japan and brings deep, first-hand local knowledge to every itinerary. Our Japan-based team works directly with temples, artisans, hoteliers, and cultural institutions, allowing us to secure access and experiences that are rarely available through large international agencies.

Since its creation in 2016, Hitotoki Travel has successfully designed and operated over 1,000 bespoke journeys across Japan. Every itinerary is custom-designed from scratch based on each client's interests, travel style, and pace — ensuring that no two Hitotoki journeys are ever the same.

Hitotoki Travel trips typically range from USD 1,000 to 2,500 per person per day, excluding international airfare. Pricing varies depending on travel season, accommodation level (luxury hotels or ryokans), trip length, and the level of exclusivity requested. This investment reflects a fully bespoke experience, designed and operated by a Japan-based luxury travel specialist.

Our pricing generally includes luxury hotel or ryokan accommodations, private English-speaking guides, all ground transportation within Japan, exclusive or privately arranged cultural experiences, and continuous on-trip support. International flights are not included, allowing clients full flexibility when booking their preferred airline and cabin class.

We recommend booking at least six months in advance, particularly for high-demand seasons such as cherry blossom season (March & April) and autumn foliage (October & November). Advanced planning allows us to secure highly sought-after accommodations, top guides, and exclusive experiences that require long-term coordination with temples, artisans, and cultural venues.

The process begins with an initial consultation to understand your travel style, interests, and priorities. We then create a detailed, tailor-made proposal with a quote. A 30% deposit is required to confirm the booking, with the remaining balance due 45 days prior to departure. Payments can be made by major credit card or wire transfer.

Every Hitotoki trip begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your interests, travel style, and bucket-list aspirations. Whether your passions lie in Japanese cuisine, traditional arts, architecture, or nature, we design each day around your preferences while incorporating refined, lesser-known experiences made possible by our local network.

Absolutely. We specialize in designing meaningful journeys for honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, significant birthdays, and multi-generational family travel. From private ceremonies to exclusive cultural encounters and personalized surprises, we ensure each celebration feels deeply personal and unforgettable.

Hitotoki Travel focuses primarily on Japan's cultural and scenic heartland, including Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. We also regularly incorporate carefully selected destinations such as Kanazawa, Takayama, Kagoshima and Yakushima as well as local towns and villages outside the large cities.

Rather than attempting to cover all of Japan, we concentrate on regions where we can offer deep expertise, trusted relationships, and a consistently high level of service.

We make every reasonable effort to accommodate dietary needs and have extensive experience addressing these considerations in Japan. However, Japan is a country where flexibility can be limited, and ingredients such as gluten, pork, and seafood are widely used.

We work closely with our partners to identify suitable solutions and communicate transparently about what is realistically possible.

We generally recommend 10 to 14 days to experience Japan in a meaningful and unhurried way, allowing time for both iconic highlights and deeper exploration. That said, we can also design impactful shorter itineraries of approximately 7 days for travelers with limited time.

We select accommodations that enhance the overall journey, including world-class luxury 4 and 5 stars hotels, refined ryokans with private onsen and boutique machiya-style properties. Each accommodation is personally vetted by our team to ensure it meets our standards for quality, comfort, and service.