Profile photo for Malissa Esquivias
978 messages

Malissa Esquivias

My mission as a destination expert is to guide you through the beautiful yet rarely visited countryside of Japan and help you better navigate the bustling cities teeming with culture.

Let's plan a journey that you will talk about for the rest of your life. In this amazing country, you can encounter wonderful traditions and culture that should never be lost. There is also the opportunity to meet many people living lives that may seem unusual to you.

Explore the rich history and culture, natural wonders, and modern areas that Japan has to offer.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I am from a Tokyo-based travel company that specializes in unique and off-the-beaten path trips all across Japan. We aim to introduce you to stunning locations across the country whilst also making memorable connections between you and the local people, history and culture."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Growing up multicultural and multilingual has helped me explore new places and cultures. My love of Japan fuels my passion for helping other curious travelers make their own discoveries. I envision a world in which tourism can promote positive change for both travelers coming from afar and the locals who welcome them."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Ise-shima is a place I hold dear to my heart. Visiting coastal areas and mingling with the locals is one of my favorite things to do. When I visited a while back, I went to the local shrine and watched a bonfire ceremony. I met some locals while exploring the shrine who showed me great restaurants I could not have found online. The next day I swam like a fish at the beach until I explored the local watering holes with those very same new friends."

Malissa is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days
This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the...
Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days
Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore...
Family Adventure in Japan - 14 Days
Offering ancient traditions and futuristic fun, Japan is filled with one-of-a-kind attractions for the young—and the young at heart. This two-week family-friendly itinerary...

Recent trip reviews for Malissa

Shaun & Lesley 40th Japan Trip
Japan | May 17 - May 26, 2023

Shaun
Shaun L.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on May 27, 2023
Malissa did a wonderful job working with us to put together a fantastic itinerary for our ten-day trip through Japan (Tokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Osaka). During the planning phase, she provided numerous options based on interests and budget and was quick to respond to questions. The itinerary documentation was detailed and allowed us to focus on enjoying our experiences. We had friendly and knowledgeable guides: Jared was welcoming when we arrived rather jet lagged and helped get us situated,... Read more

Malissa did a wonderful job working with us to put together a fantastic itinerary for our ten-day trip through Japan (Tokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Osaka). During the planning phase, she provided numerous options based on interests and budget and was quick to respond to questions. The itinerary documentation was detailed and allowed us to focus on enjoying our experiences. We had friendly and knowledgeable guides: Jared was welcoming when we arrived rather jet lagged and helped get us situated, Harold took us on unique activities and Seiho gave us lots of ideas for our free time. We loved soaking in the onsen baths at Hakone Kowakien Ten-y and making sushi at Cooking Sun Osaka.

Activity Reviews
Tour of Hakone
Tour of Hakone
Hakone
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sushi-making Experience
Sushi-making Experience
Osaka
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Kyoto
Guided Tour of Kyoto
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rickshaw Ride in Arashiyama
Rickshaw Ride in Arashiyama
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Malissa Esquivias

Meeting our (adult) kids in Japan
Japan | Apr 1 - Apr 13, 2023

K
Kristine W.
Washington, D.C., DC | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2023
Very grateful to Malissa for putting together our 2-week trip to Japan. Accommodations and schedule were a perfect fit. We had two great guides -- Michie around Mt. Fuji and Yano in Kyoto -- and did fun sushi and archery activities. This level of attention worked out great for us as we're pretty experienced travelers, however, some people might want to request more guidance. Travel logistics can be a lot on days without a guide. Definitely get contact info via WhatsApp as calls often didn't... Read more

Very grateful to Malissa for putting together our 2-week trip to Japan. Accommodations and schedule were a perfect fit. We had two great guides -- Michie around Mt. Fuji and Yano in Kyoto -- and did fun sushi and archery activities. This level of attention worked out great for us as we're pretty experienced travelers, however, some people might want to request more guidance. Travel logistics can be a lot on days without a guide. Definitely get contact info via WhatsApp as calls often didn't go through on our cell phones. AND, ask for maps as well as addresses for activities as google maps didn't always land us in the right place.

Local specialist: Malissa Esquivias

Japan
Japan | Feb 23 - Mar 4, 2023

K
Ken D.
The Colony, TX | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2023
We just returned from Japan. Had a great time. Working with Malissa was good but it would often takes multiple days for her to get back to us. We wish she was able to have given us more information on the non organized days. For example she recommended going to the Imperial Palace but it is closed the day she indicated. The hotels she helped pick turned out great. The detailed travel worksheets were very helpful and the experiences were great.
We really enjoyed our guide Pedro. We... Read more

We just returned from Japan. Had a great time. Working with Malissa was good but it would often takes multiple days for her to get back to us. We wish she was able to have given us more information on the non organized days. For example she recommended going to the Imperial Palace but it is closed the day she indicated. The hotels she helped pick turned out great. The detailed travel worksheets were very helpful and the experiences were great.
We really enjoyed our guide Pedro. We were lucky to have him. He even helped us on days he was not with us. He was great about answering all of our questions.
We would use Kim Kim and Malissa again.

Local specialist: Malissa Esquivias