Services

What Working with a Japan Fixer Actually Looks Like.

The difference between a fixer and a travel agent is simple: a fixer is on the ground when things change. A travel agent builds an itinerary and hands it over. A fixer is the person you call when the restaurant cancels the night before, when the ryokan has a problem with your booking, when the plan needs to change and the language barrier makes changing it impossible without the right relationship.

Joshua has been living in Tokyo for sixteen years. In that time he has built the kind of access that isn't available through agencies, search engines, or booking platforms — relationships with chefs, innkeepers, craftspeople, and the people who sit between them. What he offers is the use of those relationships, on your behalf, while you are in Japan.

What each service includes

Service Price What You Get
Discovery Call Free · 15 min A pre-trip conversation to assess fit and discuss your Japan goals. No obligation, no pitch.
The Blueprint $50 · 45 min Extended planning, itinerary review, and one high-value reservation made on your behalf.
The Fixer — Standard $200 / week Up to 3 calls per week, up to 5 reservation requests, 24/7 emergency support.
The Fixer — Premium $350 / week Unlimited calls, up to 10 reservation requests, priority response, dedicated planning session.

Common questions

If something isn't covered here, the Discovery Call is the fastest way to get an answer.

What counts as a reservation request?
A reservation request is any booking you'd like Joshua to make on your behalf — a restaurant, a ryokan, a private experience, a transfer. Each request is handled personally, using Joshua's direct relationships where relevant. Complex bookings requiring multiple follow-ups count as a single request.
What if I need a translator?
Joshua is fluent in Japanese and handles all communication in-language on your behalf. For situations requiring physical translation during your trip (tours, medical appointments, complex negotiations), Joshua can arrange a trusted interpreter through his local network.
How do you handle last-minute changes?
This is precisely what The Fixer is designed for. If your plans change — a restaurant cancels, a transport link fails, a reservation falls through — Joshua is reachable directly and moves quickly. Most issues can be resolved within the hour.
Can you help with dietary requirements or accessibility needs?
Yes. Joshua communicates dietary requirements and accessibility needs in Japanese, directly to the relevant venue, in advance. Japan's hospitality culture responds well to this — what seems impossible through a booking platform is often straightforward with the right conversation.
What if I'm a first-time visitor to Japan?
First-time visitors are welcome, particularly those planning a serious trip and wanting to avoid the most common mistakes. The Discovery Call is the right starting point — it will quickly become clear whether a first visit warrants the depth of planning that Joshua provides.
How do I know if this is right for me?
The Discovery Call exists precisely to answer this question. It's free, it's fifteen minutes, and by the end of it you'll know whether the fit is right. Most people who book it have already exhausted the standard options and have a specific sense of what they're missing.

The right place to start is the Discovery Call. It's free, it's fifteen minutes, and it will tell us both whether this is the right fit.

Book Your Free Discovery Call →