Most tour operators to Japan, even those claiming to be boutique or specialist agencies, offer remarkably similar itineraries. These usually include the resort area of Hakone and Kyoto sights such as Nijo-jo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Sure, there is nothing wrong with these places, but they are the Japanese equivalents of Niagara Falls, Times Square and the Empire State Building in New York; they’re on the itinerary of every Japanese and foreign tour group and they are always crowded. Wouldn’t you rather see secret temples and intimate gardens? Wouldn’t you rather enjoy such places in peace and tranquility, with only your family and friends and an insightful private guide? This is what I offer, and I offer it for less than most Japan specialist tour operators.

With most tour companies, even boutique agencies, you will be treated like a number. Your tour will be one of hundreds chosen from a list — “Japan 1234-5667X/56” — and you’ll get the same customer service that you’d expect from a budget airline or phone company. In contrast, I work with only a handful of clients each year; you will only ever deal with me and business partner, Keiko. Starting with a phone call to get acquainted, we will establish a close personal relationship to help you plan the perfect trip just for you — tailored to your specific interests, budget and taste. And, you might be surprised to discover that this personal attention actually costs less than what the big Japan specialists charge.

Most tour operators who offer trips to Japan also offer trips to dozens of other countries — for them, it’s Tokyo Tower one day and the Eiffel Tower the next. Even if they focus on Japan, their guides often have minimal knowledge of Japan, and many can barely speak Japanese, let alone read it. In contrast, I’ve lived in Japan for over 15 years, and traveled the length and breadth of the country in the course of writing 10 guidebooks to the country. I’ve had the time to go beyond the obvious tourist sites to discover the real secret gems. In addition, my guides and I have spent years thinking about, writing about and studying about Japan. And Japan only.

If you’re like me, you like to travel at your own pace, with companions of your own choosing. If you join a group tour, you’ll be herded around like a child on a school outing, at the mercy of the schedule and the whims of your companions, some of whom you may not get along with. You’ll dine with them, travel with them, walk with them and bathe with them when you visit a hot spring. Why slog around Japan in the company of 20 strangers, seeing the same old tired tourist spots, when for less money you can see truly special off-the-beaten-track spots with only those closest to you?