About Us

Your Gateway to Authentic Japan.

Who we are

A Touch of Japan is an accredited Japan-based DMC founded in 2013. Being located outside a big city ourselves, we aim to bring visitors outside of major tourist hubs and promote the revitalization of rural areas and introduce our guests to parts of Japan that are still undiscovered by mass tourism.

We specialize in crafting luxury tours for FITs and all sized groups, from off-the-beaten-path rural discoveries to Japan-wide package tours. We work with local guides and partners to ensure that our tours benefit the people and small businesses in each area.

Itay Ekstein

Founder & CEO

Over 20 years in Japan, Itay is fluent in Japanese and deeply familiar with the country's culture. He founded the company to create meaningful, tailor-made experiences for travelers.

Youko Nagaya

Office Administrator and Accounting Manager

Hailing from Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, Youko is passionate about sharing her home region with visitors to Japan. She is in charge of finance and accounting along with general office management.

Alex Pearl

Logistics & Operations Manager

Living in Japan for over 30 years, Alex is fluent in Japanese and began his career as a tour guide. Today, he leads logistics and operations, bridging cultures and enriching the travel experience for foreign visitors to japan.