Our Heart Beats for the Far East
Our philosophy
We Understand Contemporary and Successful Travel!
Our philosophy is built on experience, quality and close relationships with our clients. We design journeys that combine trends with sustainability, supported by strong networks in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. In doing so, we create offerings that unite reliability with truly memorable experiences.
Our Values
Authentic. Mindful. Unforgettable.
With our travel packages, your guests will experience the countries of Asia tailored to their indiviudal tastes and interests. Whether it's a challenging active holiday or a relaxing luxury trip to culinary and cultural highlights, J-Navi’s many years of experience in the international tourism market, combined with a broad network of local partners, enable us to offer not only sophisticated and trendy destinations but also travel packages at competitive prices.
Thanks to our permanent presence in Kyoto, we can promptly fulfill any customer tour request and easily expand our network of local providers. We are committed to making your guests’ dream trips come true—without any ifs, ands, or buts. For us, authenticity means connecting your guests directly with the local population. Whether through homestays, evening dinners with Japanese families, farm visits, or expert lectures, J-Navi brings your guests closer to the people of Asia.
Mindfulness as our guiding principle: Our values are green – in the way we design our tours as well as in how we run our company.
Ecological
We prioritize climate-friendly ways of traveling: trains, public transport, and bicycles come first. Digital processes replace paper, we avoid unnecessary flights whenever possible, and we encourage journeys beyond the crowded centers. Small groups and gentle travel are close to our hearts.
Social
Our tour leaders work under fair conditions, receive training, and – where possible – permanent contracts. This provides security and helps us build long-term perspectives together.
Entrepreneurial
We believe in healthy growth, fair pricing, and long-standing partnerships that especially support small businesses and regional economies.
Helicopter flights over Tokyo? Visits to farms and agricultural businesses? Dinner with a sumo wrestler? An interview with a theater or history expert? Visits to artists’ studios? Cooking dinner with a local family? All this—and much more—is possible with us.
Not just one temple after another, and not just the typical tourist trails, but authentic and unforgettable experiences!
We focus on creating truly personal moments that spark memorable “aha” experiences. This unique approach allows your guests to discover Japan in ways previously unavailable on the German market. Even in a group setting, our journeys provide space for individual encounters and personal highlights that stay with guests long after their return.
Our aim is to leave a lasting impression that inspires guests to travel with us again. Thanks to our broad portfolio, we design follow-up packages with fresh perspectives and new experiences—ensuring that even repeat visitors can embark on another unforgettable adventure in Japan.
Our Customers
Putting the Traveler First
The Japanese proverb “Okyaku-sama wa kami-sama”—“The customer is God”—is the guiding principle of our company. With over 40 permanent employees and more than 100 freelancers worldwide, we are dedicated to ensuring your guests experience Asia just as they imagined it.
No matter the request, we go the extra mile to deliver a unique and unforgettable journey. And we always do so with a smile—because nothing makes us happier than satisfied customers.
Facts
J-Navi in Numbers
Mindfulness
Travel Mindfully – Design with Care
At J-Navi, responsible values are at the heart of everything we do – from planning our tours to our daily teamwork. We prefer short routes, train and bus travel, as well as bicycles. Most of our communication is digital, we avoid unnecessary flights, and we shape our journeys with careful use of resources in mind.
Our tours often lead away from the big centers and invite you to discover Japan in small groups and at a gentle pace. This creates more meaningful experiences while also supporting local structures. Our employees and tour leaders also benefit: fair conditions, training opportunities, and stable prospects are a natural part of good collaboration for us.
Code of Conduct
Contemporary Values
J-Navi is committed to responsible business practices grounded in recognized values, human rights, and international labor standards. We categorically reject corruption, child labor, and forced labor; we ensure fair pay, safe working conditions, and respect for employees’ freedom of association. Diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion are cornerstones of our corporate culture. We also take ecological responsibility seriously by conserving resources, reducing emissions, and striving for a climate-neutral future. Through this Code of Conduct, we establish clear standards for our company and partners to act sustainably, ethically, and with integrity.
Memberships
Our Network for the Highest Quality
As an active member of leading tourism associations and industry networks, J-Navi is committed to exchange, quality, and innovation. Our memberships not only foster valuable industry connections but also ensure the highest standards, transparency, and reliability for our partners and customers. Together with our trusted partners, we actively contribute to the continued development of sustainable and future-proof tourism.
Our team
Globally Networked, Locally Rooted
CEO Germany and founder
Oliver E. Kühne
As an art historian and expert on East and Southeast Asia, Oliver has lived in various Asian countries since 2006. Beginning in 2013, he built his career in tourism—as a tour guide, interpreter, hotel tester, travel designer, and later as director of a package tour start-up.
In 2022, he fulfilled a long-held dream by founding J-Navi, with the goal of promoting sustainable travel to Asia within the German market. In addition to overseeing operations in Germany, Oliver regularly travels across Asia to discover new destinations and emerging travel trends.
CEO Japan
Satomi Matsuura
Satomi Matsuura, CEO of J-Navi Japan (Kyoto Office), studied English Media in Tokyo before gaining nearly two decades of international experience. She lived in the U.S., Singapore, South Korea, and the Philippines, working in executive support and international sales roles.
After returning to Japan in 2020, she joined J-Navigator in 2023. Today, she leads the Kyoto office, focusing on delivering authentic, culturally rich travel experiences for international visitors.
Berlin
Our Story Starts in Berlin
In our Berlin office, a dedicated and highly motivated team of around twenty experts works daily to transform client requests into tailor-made solutions. From the initial idea through to implementation, we guide the entire process with expertise, care, and passion. Drawing on this expertise, we lay the foundation for inspiring travel experiences and long-term partnerships.
Kyoto
Operational Excellence in the Imperial City
In the historic imperial city, our experienced team ensures that every tour runs smoothly. From planning to execution, the entire operational process is under one roof, guaranteeing the highest quality and reliability. Our on-site colleagues are closely connected to the destinations, familiar with the most beautiful travel destinations and the most authentic experiences, and incorporate this knowledge directly into product development.
Would You Like to Become
Part of our Team?