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.

Matan Katz

Head of B2B

With over a decade of experience as both a guide and planner in Japan, Matan brings a deep on-the-ground expertise, understanding the full customer experience. He works closely with trusted local partners across Japan to ensure well-crafted tours.

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 & Transportation Manager

Katarzyna Yamazaki

Head of FIT Sales & Strategy

Marika Rinno

Special and Incentive Tours Project Manager

Rie Yanagida

Operations Manager

Tomomi Nakamura

Domestic Partnerships Manager

Irit Tapiro

Tour Guide Coordinator

Dara Robinson

Business Development Manager

Mizuki Akiyama

Operations & Quality Manager

Sabine Thubert

Senior Tour Designer (B2B)

Kimi Martens

Tour Designer (B2B)

Francesco Serrone

Senior Tour Designer (B2B)

Chiemi Nakazato

Tour Designer (B2B)

Bailey Tsukamoto

Senior Tour Designer (B2B)

Gabrielle Luis

Tour Designer (B2B)

Natasha Milligan

Tour Designer (B2B)

Guy Renan

Head of B2C

Oren Baumgarten

Tour Designer (B2C)

Aviam Ron Carmel

Tour Designer (B2C)

Sonomi Hirata

Tour Operator

Megumi Toyoda

Tour Operator

Shiori Iino

Tour Operator

Miwa Yamamoto

Tour Operator

Ayano Suzuki

Tour Operator

Misio Sugawara

Tour Operator

Akari Takemura

Tour Operator

Saki Seto

Tour Operator

Mika Kunisawa

Tour Operator

Yumiko Morita

Tour Operator

Shlomit Shapir

Customer & Office Support

Liad Zaken

Office support & Guide coordinator

Avner Halamish

Software Solutions

Funa Ochiai

Accounting Support