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3 Ancestry Tours in Japan to Discover Your Roots

Is your Japanese heritage a bit of a mystery? Do those faded family photos and half-remembered stories spark a desire to explore a world you barely know? Maybe the language barrier, the vastness of Japan, or just not knowing where to start has held you back. 

But that longing to connect, to understand where you truly come from—that's a powerful feeling. And in Japan, where ancient traditions intertwine with modern life, that connection can be life-changing.

Ancestry tours are tailor-made for this quest, going far beyond the usual tourist trail. They’re a deeply personal journey into your Japanese roots: a combination of historical research, immersive cultural experiences, and a touch of genealogical detective work. You'll walk the same paths your ancestors did, experience the traditions they held dear, and maybe even uncover long-lost family connections.

If you’re feeling the pull of your roots, but you’re unsure where to start, we've put together three ancestry tours in Japan below—each of which can be customized to your specific family history and interests. 

Whether you yearn for the tranquility of rural Japan, the dynamic energy of its cities, or a full-blown culinary adventure, there's a path waiting to lead you home.

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How to Trace Your Japanese Ancestry (A Beginner’s Guide)

Have you always felt a connection to Japan, a curiosity about the place your grandparents or great-grandparents once called home? Maybe you've heard stories about distant relatives you've never met or stumbled upon an old family heirloom that sparked questions about your heritage. 

Tracing your Japanese roots is a deeply personal journey, a way to connect with your family's past and understand your own identity. But let’s be honest, it can also be a bit daunting: The language barrier, the unfamiliar record-keeping system, and the sheer distance can make the task seem overwhelming. 

You may be wondering where to even begin, or if it's even possible to find those missing branches of your family tree after all these years. This guide can help start the process of uncovering your Japanese ancestry. We’ll share practical tips, point you to helpful resources, and offer a bit of encouragement along the way.

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The 10 best gardens in Japan to visit this fall

Everyone’s always raving about Japan’s cherry blossom season, but here’s a little secret: fall might just be the country’s best-kept secret. Instead of pink petals, picture landscapes bursting with deep reds, oranges, and golds—colors that turn gardens and temple grounds into nature’s own art galleries. 

Not only that, you’ve got crisp, comfortable weather and far fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to stroll through some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. And sometimes, even the most enthusiastic city explorers just need a break from the sensory overload of the cities.

So, if you’re thinking of swapping out spring for fall, these gardens in Japan should be on your radar.

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Echoes of the Past: A Japanese Ancestry Journey

TokudAw’s Japan Ancestry Tours are ideal for travelers looking to get in touch with their Japanese roots. We offer a mix of the tour via private car or Shinkansen, allowing you to travel in comfort and confidence. Many people with Japanese ancestry are living in the US or other countries having never experienced the country that their family comes from, and are looking for just the right tour to show them their heritage. Our tours are perfect for first-time travelers of Japanese ancestry looking to learn more about your family’s home country and their roots. This itinerary is a mix of the iconic sightseeing spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima but we also bring you to the hidden parts of Japan like Shirakawago, Awaji, Yufuin onsen and more.

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8 traditional Japanese villages to visit for an authentic experience


Feeling overwhelmed by the blur of Tokyo's neon lights and the shuffle of the crowd? Take a breath and step off the beaten path into the tranquil world of Japan’s traditional villages. Far from the city's clamor, these quaint hideaways offer more than just a quiet escape; they’re a portal to a time-preserved lifestyle. 

Perfect for culture seekers, these villages let you live like a local among landscapes rich with history and community tables laden with home-cooked dishes that are sure to surprise your tastebuds. Ready to trade skyscrapers for scenic vistas and discover flavors you’ve never even Googled before?

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9 Unexpected Event Venues for Gala Dinners in Osaka

Your company snagged a coveted spot at the Osaka Expo—congrats! But after a day of mind-blowing tech and global networking, a stuffy hotel banquet hall won't cut it. Your team deserves a gala dinner that's as inspiring as the Expo itself, a night that solidifies those new connections and leaves everyone buzzing.

Planning a showstopper event overseas is a headache. Venue hunting in a foreign city, overcoming language barriers (your High School Spanish won’t cut it here), and making sure it all aligns with your brand... it's enough to make anyone reach for the aspirin. But imagine if you can secure a space that wows your guests, embodies your company’s cutting-edge spirit, and becomes the ultimate networking hub.

Forget generic ballrooms. We're uncovering Osaka and Kyoto's best-kept secrets: event venues that'll turn your gala into the envy of the Expo. This includes spaces that echo the Expo's themes, hidden gems tucked away in Osaka's lively streets, and locations that harmoniously mix business and pleasure. 

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