TOKI's dedication to curating unique travel experiences is a finely tuned creative process. With a strong commitment to authenticity and rigorous attention to detail, each narrative is crafted over a period of six months, exploring the well-established expertise of artisans and their crafts, thus lifting the travel experience to a passionate immersion into the heart and soul of Japan's storied heritage.
Partnerships with cultural icons
The journey of crafting a TOKI experience begins by forging ties with esteemed cultural partners that are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, like respected historians, cultural societies, and renowned artisans. This ensures that the traditions and skills are like a motif, which recurs and influences the entire travel escapade, adding genuine cultural depth, rather than just a surface-level view.
1. Intensive Artisan Research
During a detailed study that spans at least 6 months for each experience, TOKI invests most effort into narrowing the expansive list of over 100 potential candidates down to the top 20+ for each craft. To truly understand the world of craftsmen and artists, we dedicate our time to attending workshops, exhibitions, and speaking with experts, thus helping us recognize true mastery and filter out inauthentic or mediocre representations.
2. Seeking External Expertise
From independent cultural critics to art historians to scholars, external cultural and art experts are integral to the TOKI process. Their advisory not only grants the authenticity of the experience but ensures unparalleled depth and provides an understanding of the broader cultural context in which these traditions exist.
3. Varied Introductions
The finest experiences are often hidden gems. That’s why introduction to artisans often comes from multiple, trusted sources, reflecting TOKI's vast network and reputation. From academic institutions to local communities, these unique partners ensure finding truly exceptional experiences that might be unknown to the general public.
4. Hands-on Vettings
Physical, on-site visits allow TOKI to make sure that every location conforms to the premium standard that clients expect, not only of the main part the craft plays, but also the crucial background of comfort, safety, and luxury for every attendant.
5. Building Lifelong Bonds
Relationships are the backbone of TOKI's offerings. Continuous engagement with artisans, craftsmen, and experts ensures that the experiences evolve and remain relevant. This means regular check-ins, updates on industry standards, and ensuring both guests and craftsmen benefit from this enriching experience.
Storytelling & Content Creation
Every craft, every tradition has a tale. To achieve the highest quality we look for researchers and writers, create documentary-style videos, or produce rich, photo-illustrated content for each of these distinct experiences, documenting their history, stories, and significance.
1. Internal Trials
Before introducing an experience to clients, TOKI internally tests it to ensure that the final offering is seamless and exceeds expectations. Every aspect is checked first-hand, be it assessing the logistics, the flow of the experience, or evaluating how engaging it is, and then refined to reach peak quality.
2. Scripting the Experience
Every detail matters, which is why TOKI meticulously crafts scripts that guides will use, ensuring every moment is curated to perfection.
3. Guide Training
An experience is only as good as its narrator. TOKI's guides are trained extensively, ensuring they become ambassadors of the culture and tradition they represent.
Continuous brush-up
1. Regular Expert Consultations
Bi-weekly board meetings with external cultural experts ensure that TOKI is always in tune with the cultural pulse, constantly refining its offerings according to emerging trends and any nuances in the cultural representation. These meetings play a pivotal role in keeping TOKI's offerings fresh and relevant at all times.
2. Continuous Quality Checks
The Japanese term "現場" or "Genba", which refers to the 'real place', encapsulates TOKI's approach very well. Regular checks ensure the experiences are always top-tier, with real-time feedback from clients, guides, and artisans playing a crucial role in determining the best approach for maintaining perfection.
Each of these steps ensures that TOKI not only offers experiences but deeply immersive, well-researched, and luxurious cultural journeys that resonate with the authentic spirit of Japan. Every journey is elevated to a travel experience with a distinct and deep dive into the beautiful heart and soul of Japan.
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Since our establishment we proud ourselves in providing our guests exclusive access to top-tier artisans and craftsmen that Japanese culture has to offer.
At the heart of TOKI lies our company values and philosophy, which are constantly reflected in our work constantly reminding us about the traditions, cultural partners, and guests who are touched by our activities.
Curating is no simple task. Our team of individuals from diverse backgrounds centers the planning around you, so that you can enjoy an unique experience of the best of Japan, carefree and exciting.