Sitting with chopsticks hovering over a lacquered bento box, the unfamiliar tastes, smells and sounds nourish the soul. Genuinely engaging with local culture is like dancing to an unfamiliar beat—it’s exciting and feels like a natural part of the human experience. HEISEI ENTERPRISE seeks to facilitate local tourism and integrate local culture into its experiences. President Kimi Takura explains that inbound tourists are seeking experiences beyond the Golden Route, fueling growth in regional tourism that is essential for Japan’s sustainable development and cultural presentation. “Once you bring travelers into these local communities, you help generate meaningful economic activity,” he says.
HEISEI ENTERPRISE’s role as a tour operator and transportation provider is to bridge the gap between convenience and authenticity. As Takura explains, tourism can feel superficial without real, hands-on engagement, but when they are able to make the journey and immerse themselves in the culture, they return with unforgettable memories. “That’s the kind of story we want to help create: connecting people to something uniquely Japanese, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable tourism that celebrates the country’s regional richness,” he says.
The company provides “plus alpha” experiences, which are experiences only available in Japan. Central to this strategy is food tourism, facilitating the exploration of local culinary scenes and regional and seasonal specialities. It aims to highlight these lesser-known dishes and food cultures and tailor them to visitors who are ready to go deeper. It has established a strawberry farm and plans to open a restaurant in metro areas that showcases and celebrates local ingredients. “It will serve as both a destination and a cultural bridge, offering travelers a direct and delicious connection to Japan’s regional heritage,” Takura says.
Takura wants HEISEI ENTERPRISE to facilitate that connection between visitors and the rhythms of Japan’s regions. As he puts it, “Ultimately, we want Heisei Enterprise to be known globally as the company that makes Japan’s local treasures truly accessible—offering unique, genuine experiences that stay with people long after their journey ends.”
To hear more from President Kimi Takura of HEISEI ENTERPRISE, check out this interview with him
AloJapan.com