Otonau Inc. is a Kyushu-based travel specialist offering tailor-made itineraries and the 'Hidden Gem Journeys' immersive tour program.
Our Vision
To bring back forgotten Japanese landscapes and customs in the Miyazaki / Kyushu area.
To preserve and cherish local traditions for the next generations.
To provide unique and authentic travel experiences for seasoned travelers.
Our Expertise
Curated Experiences
Led by our knowledgeable guides, Hidden Gem Journeys go beyond the tourist trail to reveal the hidden heart of Takachiho, a town located in Miyazaki / Kyushu.
Local Partnerships
We collaborate with local experts and businesses to ensure that your journey benefits the community.
Sustainable Tourism
We are committed to responsible tourism practices that protect the environment and support local livelihoods.
Experience Overview:
Hidden Gem Journeys
Embark on an immersive journey with Hidden Gem Journeys, carefully crafted by our skilled local guides, known as "casts," to go beyond the usual and uncover the hidden essence of Takachiho. Our aim is to provide you with an experience that is truly deep and unforgettable.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Rooted in local legends and folklore, not just tourist spots.
-
Developed in close partnership with local residents and businesses deeply connected to the area.
-
A portion of the tour income is reinvested into the local community, promoting sustainable growth and empowerment.
We champion the belief that travel should go beyond surface-level sightseeing, fostering genuine connections with the local community, cultures, and customs.
Why Choose Otonau Inc.?
Collaborate as your trusted alley of the Miyazaki / Kyushu area
Our goal is to work closely with you to create unforgettable, personalized travel experiences for your guests. We specialize in offering services for renowned tourist attractions like Takachiho Gorge while also incorporating off-the-beaten-path spots not found in guidebooks. We will act as your representative when inquiring to local services and partners.
Your Premier Travel Concierge in the Kyushu area
Our goal is to work closely with you to create unforgettable, personalized travel experiences for your guests. We specialize in offering services for renowned tourist attractions like Takachiho Gorge while also incorporating off-the-beaten-path spots not found in guidebooks. We will act as your representative when inquiring to local services and partners.
Local Engagement and Guiding Ability
We offer expert guidance enriched with invaluable local insights of Kyushu, often inaccessible through guidebooks or online resources. Our curated narratives delve into lesser-known local stories, adding a unique dimension to your tours. Trust us to craft experiences that leave a lasting impression.
CEO Profile
Aoi HIDAKA
Born and raised in Miyazaki, Japan. After graduating from Kagoshima University, worked as a corporate sales representative in Tokyo and then as a consultant assistant for a local company in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
After returning to Japan, joined the inbound tourism business, hoping to encourage people to visit Kyushu and Miyazaki.
In 2020, relocated the head office to Takachiho-town, Miyazaki Prefecture. Offering "Hidden Gem Journeys," tours that allow visitors to experience life with locals.
Greetings
What we value most is "to work with local people to create a journey that is valuable to both guests and locals".
Covid-19 has inspired us to think deeply about what is important in life.
We hope to help people color their lives through travel, and we create travel time in Takachiho and other places.
Our "Hidden Gem Journeys" brand tours are suitable for small groups. We take into consideration all the impacts of our tours, including environmental impact for the next generation.
We are committed to bringing our tours to guests worldwide looking for an authentic local experience.
Media Coverage
3 attempts for Sustainability
1. To make appropriate use of the town's resources, and to increase the percentage of in-region sourcing to close to 100%.
We choose products that our guests touch and eat from Takachiho as much as possible, and local people are always involved in the development of our tours. We start by emphasizing the importance of "a destination that is a reflection of the local way of life.
2. Do not increase waste and do not interfere with local people's lives We are making efforts not to disturb the living environment of the people living in Takachiho.
We fulfill our responsibility as an environmentally friendly travel provider so that the children of the next generation can live in this region with smiles on their faces. Reduction in the use of Plasctic products Measures to prevent waste during tours Utilizing reuse, etc.
3. To preserve traditional culture.
We will continue to be involved in night kagura, a Shinto ritual performance art and village festival that has continued for over 800 years.
Otonau Inc., the operating entity of Hidden Gem Journeys, aims to obtain the Travelife Partners certification, which certifies tourism businesses that offer sustainable travel. As a local tourism operator, we are committed to pursuing sustainable travel.