About Us
Providing Authentic Japanese Experiences is our Passion
Commitment to Responsible Tourism
Japan has become a popular tourist destination, and some towns have reached a breaking point. Renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, the town of Fujikawaguchiko has decided to take action. In response to the unacceptable behavior of foreign tourists, a large black screen is being erected to block the view of the mountain from a popular photo spot. “Our town thrives on tourism, and we wholeheartedly welcome visitors. However, there are serious concerns regarding their conduct,” stated Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets "ohagi," near the soon-to-be-obscured photo spot. (AP, April 30, 2024)
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We are committed to being thoughtful and respectful guests in Japan. While we will spend much of our time well off the typical tourist route, we do visit some spots worth the challenges of wading into a sea of tourists. Our guests will be well informed on the dos and don'ts and be expected to serve as ambassadors of goodwill, curiosity, and politeness.
TOUR PLANNING PHILOSOPHY
The itinerary for each unique tour is developed in conjunction with our Japan-based travel partners to take advantage of seasonal food and activity offerings and from information garnered from guests during the tour cohort recruitment process. During our conversations, we will learn how to make the tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests. We have a large and diverse portfolio of accommodations, restaurants, sights, and activities to create tours that fit our guests. Once a cohort is formed for a given tour, a detailed itinerary will be shared. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea that "One size does not fit all!"
THOMAS LECHNER, Ph.D.
Chief Experience Officer
Thomas’ love affair with Japan and international travel began in 1985 when he participated in a program called Work Experience Abroad, living and working with 3 farming families in Tochigi Prefecture. Since this transformational experience, he has lived in Japan for 15 years as a junior high and high school English teacher and a university professor. He has traveled to all 47 Prefectures in Japan and finds Kyushu and Hokkaido offers the best of Japan. Thomas has also lived in China, Dubai, Malta, and Lebanon. He has traveled extensively internationally, but Japan remains his spiritual second home, which he loves to share with others.
After a 30+ year career in education, Thomas embarked on a second career that enabled him to share with like-minded souls the type of authentic Japanese experiences that have served as many of the highlights of his life. Although not a formally trained chef, he is accomplished in the kitchen and operated a pop-up restaurant in Lebanon. He has a ton of travel stories that he is keen to share with guests.
Thomas has extensive experience organizing international education conferences at locations like Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Tokyo. His mission is to routinely hear guests exclaim, “WOW, I would have never found this place on my own or on a typical tour! I feel like this is the real Japan.”
The itinerary and logistics for our unique tours are planned in collaboration with reputable licensed tour operators in Japan who provide valuable in-country support. Our tours are led by Thomas, who will be with guests from the moment they express interest in participating until the end of the tour.
guest testimonial
"I have visited Japan several times for work and conferences over the past ten years. Every visit I made, Dr. Thomas Lechner was there to ensure I was well looked after from the moment I landed at the airport until I had to depart. Dr. Lechner's deep knowledge of Japanese culture and cuisine was truly impressive; he effortlessly guided me and my fellow visitors through historical sites and introduced us to authentic local dishes we would have otherwise missed. His knack for organizing tours and conferences was evident in every detail, ensuring smooth transitions between locations and providing insightful commentary along the way. What stood out most was Dr. Lechner's ability to take us to places off the beaten path, revealing hidden gems and unique perspectives that made our journey unforgettable. His expertise and enthusiasm made each trip an absolute delight. I had incredibly enriching experiences that always exceeded all expectations."
Eli G.
Commitment to a stress-free experience
Guests can take comfort that we meticulously plan every detail to ensure an authentic and enriching journey. Backed by the reliable and comprehensive insurance provided by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, our guests can travel with confidence and peace of mind. This coverage ensures safety and support throughout the trip, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Japan.
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At Washoku Tours, we want you to have a fantastic and worry-free adventure, so we ask all our guests to take out a travel insurance policy. This helps cover any unexpected events like medical issues, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. To make things easier, we’ve partnered with Arch RoamRight, a top travel insurance company, to offer you great coverage. With this protection, you can relax and fully enjoy all the amazing experiences we have planned for you!
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