The Japan travel consultant top publications recommend – I just won “Best Independent Japanese Travel Specialists 2025” – my second LUXlife Award this year.
The Real Japan has just been named “Best Independent Japanese Travel Specialists 2025” by LUXlife Magazine as part of their prestigious Resorts & Retreats Awards 2025.
This marks our second award from LUXlife this year, following our “Best Japanese Travel Experts 2025” win in their Travel & Tourism Awards earlier this year. To be recognised twice by such a respected international publication feels a little surreal – and incredibly humbling.
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- What makes this award extra special
- Why this matters for your Japan journey
- Two awards, one mission
- How I can help you discover The Real Japan
- A heartfelt thank you
- Ready to discover The Real Japan?
- Leave A Comment / Ask A Question
- I'm Rob, and I've been where you are
- Benefits You Can Choose
- What Clients Say
- How It Works
- Ways I Can Help You With Concierge
- Ready to Get Started?
- About the Author
- RESOURCES
The Japan Travel Consultant Top Publications Recommend (And Why You Need One)
by Rob Dyer
What makes this award extra special
Being named “Best Independent Japanese Travel Specialists” feels particularly meaningful because it captures exactly what The Real Japan is all about – independence.
I’m not tied to big tour operators, hotel chains, or ’boutique’ travel agents (asking for my help). This independence means I can recommend that tiny family-run ryokan in Kyushu that only has five rooms, or suggest you skip the crowded tourist restaurants in favour of that incredible hole-in-the-wall ramen shop tucked away in Sendai’s sidestreets.
My loyalty is to you – and to sharing the Japan that exists beyond the guidebook highlights.
Speaking of the entire esteemed publication and winners list, featuring the winners of this year’s awards, Awards Coordinator for LUXlife Magazine Melissa Bramall commented: “It has been amazing, and eye opening, to see how much luxury there is on offer year upon year, and our winners just don’t let up no matter the challenges they may face. It’s an honour to award each and every one of you, congratulations again.”
Why this matters for your Japan journey
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or your fifth, having an independent specialist in your corner means:
Unbiased recommendations: I’ll tell you when the famous temple is worth the crowds – and when the lesser-known shrine down the road offers a more meaningful experience.
Flexible planning: No pre-packaged tours or rigid itineraries. Every piece of advice is tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget.
Insider access: From traditional craft workshops to authentic local festivals, I can connect you with experiences most tourists won’t discover.
Real talk: I’ll be honest about what’s worth your time and money – even if it means recommending against something popular.
Two awards, one mission
Winning both the Travel & Tourism award and now the Resorts & Retreats award in the same year feels like recognition that what I’m doing at The Real Japan – balancing the ‘must-sees’ with the hidden gems – really resonates.
It validates something I’ve believed for over two decades of exploring Japan: the most memorable travel experiences happen when you venture beyond the surface.
That might mean:
- Staying in a traditional ryokan where you’re the only foreign guest
- Learning knife-making from a third-generation artisan
- Discovering onsen towns that don’t appear in mainstream guidebooks
- Finding the perfect vegan cuisine in an unexpected neighbourhood
How I can help you discover The Real Japan
If this award gives you confidence to reach out, here’s how I can help make your Japan dreams a reality:
Start with my free resources: Browse my comprehensive guides, watch my travel videos, or listen to episodes of The Real Japan podcast for inspiration and practical advice.
Get personalised planning: My Concierge service provides custom itinerary planning, where we work together to craft a journey that perfectly balances your must-see list with authentic local experiences.
Join my community: You’re always welcome to join me (and thousands of others across the globe) in our Japan travels by subscribing to my Japan Travel Bulletin where I will answer your Japan questions and help you make new discoveries.
“For me, the Concierge service was never about saving money… it was to get the best experiences and best use of my time while there.” – Andrew Rondeau, UK – Concierge client
A heartfelt thank you
Awards are wonderful, but what means even more to me are the messages from readers saying, “That hidden temple you mentioned became the highlight of our trip,” or “We never would have found that incredible local festival without your guidance.“
Thank you for being part of The Real Japan community. Whether you’ve been following along for years or just discovered me today, you’re the reason this work matters.
Here’s to many more years of discovering Japan’s hidden treasures together – and perhaps a few more awards along the way!
Ready to discover The Real Japan?
Personal Itinerary Planning: Custom travel plans matching your specific interests and travel style
Authentic Experience Curation: Private access to traditional craftspeople, local festivals, and hidden gems
Independent Accommodation Advice: Handpicked accommodation recommendations from boutique ryokan to 5 star hotels
What clients say about working with The Real Japan:
Want a Japan trip that perfectly balances the iconic and the authentic? Concierge is my personalised travel planning service crafting journeys that align with your specific interests while incorporating both must-see highlights and hidden gems most tourists miss. Together, we’ll create an experience that goes beyond the surface, connecting you with the Japan you’ve always dreamed of discovering.
I’m Rob, and I’ve been where you are
I understand the struggle of building an itinerary that perfectly balances the iconic and authentic sides of Japan.
That’s why I founded The Real Japan, a place where independent travellers like you can thrive. My passion for sharing Japan beyond the cliches is what drives me.
I offer more that just inspiration; I provide personalised, unique and tailor-made travel plans to take your travels in Japan to the next level.
Want to see how I can transform your Japan travel?
Benefits You Can Choose
Personal Itinerary
A tailor-made Japan Travel Plan matching your personal interests
and preferences
Unique Experiences
A unique Artisan Experiences Plan giving you private access to Japan’s finest craftspeople
Perfect Lodging
Curated accommodation/hotels recommendations based on your needs and criteria
What Clients Say
Practical advice, suggestions and recommendations
“Rob will actually prepare a detailed day-by-day itinerary with activities and day-trip ideas, transport indications and relevant hyper-links to places, guides and other interests.“
Mario Mizzi
Malta
Incredibly valuable to re-working my itinerary
“I was unclear on scheduling and logistics and I needed some advice on best sights and cities. The service provided by Rob was incredibly valuable to re-working my itinerary. Picking Rob’s brain was extremely useful.”
Martine F
Canada
Saved me more than the cost of the service. Excellent stuff!
“I spent weeks deciding what to do. Just a few tweaks with Rob and I’m now even more excited than ever! For me, the service was to get the best experiences and best use of my time while there.“
Andrew Rondeau
UK
How It Works
Step 1: Book your service
Choose the plan duration that best fits your needs.
I have 4 options to choose from.
Step 2: I’ll handle all the details
I’ll ask you questions, we can jump on a Zoom call,
or you can email me your draft ideas.
Step 3: Your dream Japan
I set aside time to work exclusively on your travel plans.
I deliver your personal solution.
Ways I Can Help You With Concierge
Ready to Get Started?
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of the multi-award-winning TheRealJapan.com.
Recommended For You
RESOURCES
Further Related Content & Services
Concierge – My Premium Full Service
I Just Won Best Japan Travel Expert 2025 – Here’s What That Means For You
Travel Planning Support Service
More Planning Resources
My List of Recommended Japan Travel Resources
Recommended Japan Travel Resources
My Japan Travel Store
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