Destination Management Company (DMC) / Japan
ABOUT US
Photo by Takashi Yamada
We understand how important it is to have a trusted partner/organisation locally that you are comfortable working with. As part of your extended team, we will assist you while offering your clients the ground services you have promised. We pride ourselves on being a creative, energetic and enthusiastic partner that works tirelessly for you on your behalf; we also provide innovative ideas and a fresh approach that makes working with us smooth and enjoyable.
We will ensure you have a seamless and integrated experience. We welcome the opportunity to share our ideas with you and look forward to discussing these in more detail.
CEO & President Takashi Yamada
Established: 2020
Capital: 5,000,000 Yen (USD 50,000)
Business: Destination Management Company in Japan
Parent Company: Solo Inc. (since January 2010)
Trading Name: Essential Japan Travel in association with Solo Inc.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Authorised Travel Agent License No: 2-8427
Overseas Tour Operators Association of Japan (OTOA): Japan Inbound
Executive Team
Takashi Yamada CEO & President
Takashi has over 20 years of extensive experience in both the tourism & hospitality industries. He is currently the CEO & President of his own consultancy firm in the tourism & hospitality sectors and his current responsibilities are to design sales & marketing action plans for the Japanese market and implement them in order to achieve goals for Tourism Papua New Guinea (a Government Tourism Board), Kiso Ontake Tourism Office (a Government Tourism Board in Japan), Alila Hotels and Resorts, Sanctuary Retreats, Capella Hotel Group and Como Hotels and Resorts.
He has also successfully established a travel media specialised in Japan, Japan Journeys, that offers Japan travel destination information, experiences and tips.
Furthermore, he has established a Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Tokyo that provides tour operator clients around the world with a seamless and integrated service from start to finish.
Takashi holds a Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management from Victoria University Australia and a Master of Marketing from Monash University Australia. Takashi is fluent in both English and Italian apart from Japanese.
Masato Shibata Director of Sales & Operation
Previously a product manager at a leading tour operator in Japan, Masato now leverages his skills and experience at Essential Japan Travel, where he works as a senior travel consultant and guide. Masato holds a Bachelor of Foreign Studies and Communication from Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka.
Languages: Fluent in Japanese and English
Favourite Places: Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Hiroshima
*Certified General Travel Services Manager
Chris Doyle Senior Advisor, Innovation & Sustainability
For the past 16 years, Chris has served an influential role in the strategic direction and innovative development of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, global organization focused on sustainable tourism development with more than 1,300 members in 100 countries worldwide.
Travelife Sustainability Management Training for Tour Operators & Travel Agents – Travelife Sustainability Manager
Travelife Auditor and Advisor Online Training – Travelife Approved Auditor
We can't wait to see you.
