Jeff Aasgaard
I first moved to Japan when my dad was transferred to Hiroshima, this experience changed my life. When I returned to the US I finished my degree and changed my major international business which included studying Japanese language, history, and culture. After graduation I moved back to Japan and lived in Osaka. I got married and founded a company in 2000 to help travelers experience Japan.
We started small with just a few custom tours and grew quickly. We currently have a full time team of 10 people who love Japan and love creating personal tours for our travelers. Our team works in both Japan and the US.
Our mission is to provide a culturally-enriching experience by meeting and getting to know the Japanese people and discovering Japan's rich cultural heritage.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We build customized trips that personalized for each traveler. We listen to our travelers, make suggestions and present an itinerary that they will love. We then take care of all the details of their trip including accommodations, transportation, guides, activities and the like. Because we have an office in Japan we are also able to support our travelers during their trip. We take care of all the details so all our travelers have to do is enjoy Japan. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I was in Kyoto, Japan and saw a bus full of tourists existing a large bus; they all looked tired and almost bored. I knew there was a better way to travel and a way to experience and engage with the Japanese culture. One way is to stay at a ryokan inn to have a wonderful meal, to sleep in a Japanese room and to take a Japanese hot spring bath. The other way is to have a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore on your own. I love just picking a street to wander down to see what I see. It is not just the must-see sights but also the small things that a large group tour will just pass over."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I was in Kyoto near a street called Hanamikoji which is known for geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). As is my habit I wandered away from the crowds and was looking down a very narrow street. To my surprise, a maiko appeared along with a young girl walking down this narrow traditional alleyway. I was able to take a number of photos of just the two of them before a swarm of travelers noticed. The background and scene were perfect. "
Featured trips & expertise
Explore the Golden Route of Japan - 12 Days
Equally known for its vibrant city life and mountainous beauty, Japan offers a well-rounded visit, filled with liveliness, adventure, and variety. On your 12-day journey, you will explore the high-energy tech and fashion trends of Tokyo, enjoy the breathtaking views and temples of Kyoto, and relax at a hot springs retreat in Hakone. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, complete with the exceptional, authentic dining of Osaka.
Best of Old and New Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, & More - 14 Days
The combination of historic and modern beauty makes Japan the ideal vacation destination. On this journey of old world-meets-new world, you will explore the progressive city of Tokyo, along with strolling through pockets of old Japan. Excursions into the hot springs of Gero Onsen and the gardens of Kanazawa will allow you to experience the preservation of nature. Even still, you can channel Japan’s past–in present-day–by taking up residency in a thatched-roof farmhouse in Shirakawa-go, connecting with long-time local artisans in Takayama, and exploring the ancient temples of Kyoto.
Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days
This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days
On this two-week journey to the four corners of Japan's main island, Honshu, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy its unmissable attractions. You'll visit sacred temples and shrines, go bike riding through the countryside, and roam around the capital's most famous neighborhoods. From the modern cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima to the island of Miyajima, the wonders of ancient Kyoto and beyond, there is so much to see, taste, and discover.
Cities and Islands of Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, & More - 10 Days
This 10-day trip will take you to 2 of the biggest cities in Japan—Tokyo and Osaka—but will mostly focus on some of the lesser known islands surrounding the mainland. Hachijojima has some of the best star gazing in the country, Aogashima is literally a volcano in a volcano and absolutely beautiful, and the Goto islands have a fascinating history.
Magic of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima - 12 days
Discover both the traditional and modern sides of Japan as you visit various shrines and temples, witness technological innovation at an amazing digital art exhibition and crazy (in a very good way) robot show, and get involved in a few hands-on cooking and craft classes. For a trip which aims to give you the best overview of Japan as possible, you can't do any better.
Recent trip reviews for Jeff
Firstly we would like to thank Jeff for such wonderful communication throughout the planning, all the information we received before we began the trip and all the info in our packet on arrival. Everything worked like clockwork( except running for the wrong bullet train) because of the attention to fine details such as every ticket for transport, cards for each check-in and particularly the pocket wifi.
We had two guides, one in Tokyo and one in Kyoto . Ms Junko Dogauchi was helpful and we... read more
Chris,
We were so happy to read that you had a great time in Japan. It really is an amazing & beautiful country.
Sorry about Hotel Associa Takayama Resort. One of the problems with visiting Japan during high season is the herds of bus tours in the most popular locations. I wish there was a way to clear out the people for our travelers.
I am so glad you liked your guides and could see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Tokyo. This really is an amazing sights and the Japanese know how to... read more