About Us
At JPnGuides, we don’t just plan trips we craft immersive, culture-rich journeys across Japan, blending insider know-how with a healthy dose of curiosity, humor, and heart. Founded by Michael Zislis, a bilingual dad, musician, and travel guide fueled by a love for language, storytelling, and deep cultural exchange JPN Guides was born from a life lived between Japan and the U.S. Our mission is to bridge that gap for you, offering tailor-made travel guides, local insights, and honest advice to help you experience Japan with depth, delight, and confidence. Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms, hunting vintage watches, or just trying to figure out your IC card, we’re here to help you navigate it all. All while encourgaing you to get off the beaten path.
The Current State
of Japan.
Japan is on track to welcome over 40 million international visitors in 2025, surpassing previous records and solidifying its status as a premier global destination . However, this surge in tourism has led to significant challenges, particularly in popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where overcrowding has strained local infrastructure and affected residents' quality of life.
Meanwhile, rural areas across Japan face depopulation and economic decline, as tourists often overlook these regions . This imbalance not only threatens the sustainability of tourism but also the preservation of Japan's rich cultural heritage found in its countryside.
At JPN Guides, our mission is to address this disparity by encouraging travelers to explore beyond the typical tourist routes. We aim to provide the tools and insights necessary for confident, respectful, and enriching journeys into Japan's lesser-known locales. By doing so, we hope to alleviate the pressures of overtourism on major cities and contribute to the revitalization of rural communities.
How We're Helping
At JPN Guides, we recognize that most travelers begin their Japanese journey in Tokyo or Osaka and that's perfectly natural. These cities are rich in culture, cuisine, and international airports. However, we aim to enhance your adventure by guiding you beyond the well-trodden "Golden Route" (Tokyo, Kyoto, & Osaka).
Our services range from custom guidebooks and transportation assistance to exclusive restaurant reservations, 24/7 support, as well as crash courses designed to enrich your travel experience.
By exploring lesser-known regions, you not only discover the authentic beauty of Japan but also contribute to the revitalization of its rural communities facing depopulation . With JPN Guides, your journey becomes a bridge between Japan's vibrant cities and its hidden gems, ensuring a memorable and meaningful adventure.
Our Team.
Think Hogan’s Heroes meets Tokyo Drift ...With less sabotage, more spreadsheets, and the occasional
matcha-fueled brainstorm. Click on any team member name to learn more.
Support Our Mission.
Every purchase fuels a purpose. When you buy JPN Guides merch, you’re directly supporting our mission to fix the broken cycle of Japanese tourism. We're talking rural revitalization, smarter travel, and reshaping how tourists are seen. Your support helps us fund educational resources, language and culture crash courses, and custom travel planning that takes people beyond the Golden Route. Look good, do good, and help us rewrite the story...
One adventure at a time.
