Whether you already have your ticket booked or can’t decide when and where to go, I’ll help you ensure this once-in-a-lifetime trip delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why Japan?
Japan is my second home. I’m Japanese on my mother’s side, and I spent every childhood summer there. After college, I lived there full-time for over two years.
Having visited almost every prefecture in Japan, I’m honored to harness my experiences, knowledge, and passion for this beautiful nation to design the perfect getaway for you.
You’ve got questions
If you’re considering a trip to Japan, you might be wondering…
What key cities should I visit?
How long should I stay?
How easy is it to get around?
How do I find interesting, off-the-beaten-path activities that are still accessible and safe?
What if I don’t speak the language?
What if I accidentally offend someone because I don’t know the cultural cues?
Where should I stay?
When will I have time to put together an itinerary?
i’ve got the answer
Partnering with a collaborative trip consultant for conscious, stress-free travel to receive…
Clarity on exactly where to go and in what order.
Custom recommendations for what to see, do, and experience based on your specific interests.
Answers to questions about travel logistics, accommodations, what to pack and how to navigate.
Tips on social etiquette so you can immerse yourself in the culture without overthinking it.
Vetted research from a travel expert with language fluency who’s supported by an international community of travel consultants and advisors.
1:1 guidance to enjoy a more easeful, present, conscious travel experience.
Expert eyes on the trip you've planned
You've planned it. Now let's make sure it actually works.
Full review of your existing itinerary for pacing, logistics, and gaps
Personalized Loom video walking you through my feedback
Specific recommendations on what to keep, adjust, or reconsider
INVESTMENT $275
Itineraries longer than 3 weeks, will be an additional $50
Your trip, shaped together
For travelers who want expert guidance without handing everything over.
15-minute initial conversation to understand your travel style
Custom day-by-day itinerary with one revision
Accommodations booked on your behalf
Key experiences and select transportation arranged
Email support throughout the planning process
Post-trip debrief call
You'll manage flights and train reservations. I'll build your itinerary around them so everything connects.
INVESTMENT BEGINS AT $1,300
Note: Trips with departure dates of less than 60 days will incur a $150 rush fee
Every detail, handled
For travelers who want to hand it all over and simply show up.
In-depth conversation to understand your travel style and interests
Up to two dedicated planning calls
Complete custom itinerary designed around you
All flights, accommodations, and experiences booked
Restaurants requiring advance reservations secured
Private transportation and Shinkansen reservations handled
WhatsApp support throughout your trip
Post-trip debrief call
Japan's train system trips up even experienced travelers. This is the offer where nothing is left to you.
INVESTMENT BEGINS AT $2,500*
*Requires a starting trip investment of $15,000
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![Pink cherry blossoms on a branch in front of a red traditional Japanese building with white paper lanterns.]()
"She fully understood what we were looking for and knew exactly what we needed even when we didn't.
Sequoia was super insightful and had excellent recommendations. She was available at all times and very nimble when changes were needed. I would recommend her to anyone needing expertise to plan their trip to Japan."
Misong K. -
![A smiling woman with short hair taking a selfie in front of a traditional Japanese castle with white walls and green roofs. The sky is partly cloudy and there are some trees and a lamppost visible in the background.]()
“Working with Sequoia was the best thing that could’ve happened for my first trip to Japan.
She listened to me carefully and drew an itinerary that was ambitious in the way you want, but also flexible enough that I could easily adjust. I visited parts of Japan I’d never heard of and stayed in places that I would’ve been too intimidated to try. Sequoia prepared me with recommendations and logistics that kept me constantly relaxed and in awe. She brings a kind and calm presence to the stressful endeavor of trip planning, and eases the inevitable burdens so you may enjoy the best parts of travel to the fullest!”
Taylor D. -
![A woman with curly hair, wearing glasses, a white t-shirt with red stars, and shorts, smiling and holding a camera. She is standing on a road near a grassy area, with mountains, boats, and a blue sky in the background.]()
"Sequoia was absolutely amazing to work with!
She has so much knowledge about Japan and provided so many great recommendations for areas to stay during our trip. She listened to our ideas and preferences and really found hotels that were the perfect fit for us!"
Lucinda N. -
![Two smiling people, a woman and a man, standing in front of a large colorful inflatable character resembling a cartoonish figure with a red body and a yellow face. The woman has blonde hair and is wearing glasses, a black outfit, and carrying a pink jacket and black purse. The man is wearing glasses, a blue shirt, and holding a gray hat and jacket.]()
"Sequoia is the consummate travel professional!
She helped us design an amazing 3-week Japan trip. The ryokan we stayed at in Takayama was one of her many recommendations that aligned perfectly with our plans. Thank you!”
Alan & Kathleen
THE
PUEBLA YORK APPROACH
Thoughtful Planning
I help you make informed decisions to optimize your full experience, before, during, and after the trip. From personalized recommendations to accessing bespoke experiences, together we’ll design the ideal experience to maximize your enjoyment while minimizing environmental impact.
The Gift of Time
For most of us, nothing feels more luxurious than free time. I specialize in spacious trips that make room for you to immerse yourself in the destination through a well-curated itinerary that aligns with your goals and values.
Inside Scoop
I plan trips to Japan and Mexico because I have an intimate understanding of these beautiful countries. You can count on me to take a wide variety of factors into account including weather, seasonal capacity, the reliance of local communities on tourism, and the benefits of visiting lesser-known areas over overcrowded hot spots.
Quality Over Quantity
Experience has shown me that the quality of each experience is much more meaningful than the quantity of destinations checked off a proverbial list. Cramming 6 different cities into a 7 day trip sounds adventurous, but it might not provide the vacation experience you’re hoping for. I help you prioritize strategically to make the most of your time away.
Anti-Generic Journeys
Every trip is curated for your individual desires, blending your personal preferences with a holistically intentional approach. You can relax knowing you’re going on an authentic, culturally connected and completely bespoke getaway that was designed just for you.
FAQ
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Essentially, yes! Travel Consultants are the modern answer to travel agencies, bringing unique experience and a worldwide community of other seasoned travel experts I can tap to create custom recommendations based on your unique travel style.
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Since search results are influenced by paid ads and popular clicks, it’s hard to know what recommendations to trust, let alone find suggestions that are tailored to your specific interests. Our consultations are customized to your specific travel style, wants, and needs. Plus I book accommodations for you - Google can’t do that!
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Not at all! Even if you’re a seasoned traveler who’s been to Japan many times, this guidance is designed for exactly where you are in your planning process.
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Yes! Once you’ve approved the accommodations I suggest, I’ll complete booking arrangements for you and share all information via email. One less thing on your to-do list!
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Sometimes, yes. Finding honest insight about which accommodations will best suit your needs can be tricky. My trusted list of travel partners has been heavily vetted so you can feel sure you’re signing up to a top-quality experience. Plus, by booking through a Travel Consultant you’re more likely to receive some fun perks and upgrades!