Sometimes you have to travel far from home to discover your life’s work. So it was with our Founder, David Lee.

After extensive travels through Europe and the Indian subcontinent he felt compelled to venture further, eventually landing in Kyoto. Instantly struck by the wonders of Japan’s crown jewel, he began intensive language studies already believing this was to be the love affair of a lifetime.

After 8 years in Japan he re-settled in his adoptive country, and was keen to share his revelations with the world. And so he launched his first travel company, Into Japan Specialist Tours, which established itself as a premier inbound tour operator. With headquarters in Tokyo and Oxford and staffed by Japanese and Western experts in local and regional culture, IJST was soon the go-to provider for both first-time and repeat visitors to Nippon. But what really set IJST apart was its commitment to relief and renewal. Following the Great Tohoku Earthquake of 2011, IJST suspended all commercial operations to set up Helping Hands For Japan, a charity that still today raises funds for communities devastated by the tsunami.

For many years, David continued to build a highly experienced team all sharing a passion for this exotic destination, based on extensive backgrounds throughout Japan. As their expertise and suite of offerings expanded, collaborations with exclusive international travel companies grew. IJST’s reputation ultimately grew so strong that the need for a new brand – one dedicated entirely to high-end tours – seemed undeniable. Then, while on a stop in the Nagano town of Togari, David had his eureka moment. Here was a place that, with everything to offer in the way of cultural authenticity, just needed the right kind of traffic and investment to cultivate its magic. The two ideas, he realized, could work perfectly together, so David launched Nagano Heritage and SHIKI, complementary projects whereby responsible tourism funds local preservation and growth.

That’s where our hearts are and will remain. In giving back. And with SHIKI, we can give even more to both client and country.

If our story inspires you, please enquire now:
info@shikijapan.com