By Daniel de Bomford
Imagine wandering the streets of Kyoto. You’ve just experienced a tea ceremony, appreciated the artistry of the preparation, the quiet, reverent atmosphere and the rich, smooth texture of matcha; a hint of its umami flavor rests on your tongue. Despite what you have seen on social media, the streets are more peaceful than you had expected. Thanks to your tour guide, the trip has been magical and stress-free.
Joshua Lassman-Watts, CEO of Untold Japan, says that most guests feel like they must see Kyoto on their first trip to Japan, but the logistics can be complicated, with long taxi queues and crowded cultural sites. “What surprises most people is that 15 minutes away from those hotspots are exquisite temples, gardens, and neighborhoods that remain almost empty. That’s where we lead our clients.”
This personalized, in-depth knowledge is at the heart of Untold Japan’s service: lead clients to the cultural heart of Japan, involving local communities and avoiding contributing to overcrowding. “A more curated approach, highlighting alternatives and designing itineraries that avoid peak moments, can make a huge difference without sacrificing the essence of Kyoto,” he explains.
Untold Japan offers fully bespoke tours that are created from scratch for the client’s interest. The process is collaborative, built from the ground up and carefully considered. The company seeks complementary experiences that leverage the logistics of the itinerary.
The company includes an “Untold destination,” a carefully chosen alternative that is not only rooted in nature, history, craft or culture, but is also relatively unknown to many travelers. Lassman-Watts remarks that these often become the guest’s favorite experience: “Clients finish the trip saying, ‘I wish I’d trusted you more from the start,’ and then they plan a return.”
Despite the company’s relatively young age, it has cultivated an impressive array of personal and cultural experiences. Lassman-Watts points to an “Edo-Mae” sushi experience with one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite chefs. “It’s an intimate experience where the master explains the history of sushi before showing you how it was prepared during the Edo period,” he says.
Finding these experiences requires more than just a simple knock and asking for access. Through several meetings and visits, Untold Japan builds a relationship with select providers and vendors to curate exclusive activities. These experiences help preserve and celebrate Japanese culture in truly authentic ways, connecting travelers to the heart of the country.
Untold Japan’s mission is revitalization and respect. Lassman-Watts describes luxury as a means, not an end. The company seeks to channel resources into communities, celebrating their unique cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and environment to ensure that its operations do not extract from the community but contribute to it. As he puts it: “The best trips are immersive exchanges that benefit everyone involved.”
AloJapan.com