A Note from Our Founder

 

Hi, I’m Dustin Ownby.

 

For more than a decade, I ran Tennessee Mountain Tours in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, which became the #1 rated tour company in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg before the pandemic brought tourism to a halt. Over 11 years, I welcomed tens of thousands of guests, many of them repeat customers, and earned an average rating of 4.8 stars. That experience taught me how to create seamless group trips, how to lead with care and energy, and — as an American myself — how to design vacations that deliver exactly what American travelers expect and enjoy.

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When I first visited Japan, I was hooked. The culture, the food, the history, the kindness of the people — it captured my heart completely. I’ve always been a fan of anime and Asian culture, thanks in part to my Aunt Seon, who is Korean. Like so many others, before my first trip I used to say, “I’d love to go to Japan someday.” We’ve all fallen into that trap — making excuses for why we can’t, even when we really can.

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But in May 2018, I decided to stop waiting. I didn’t overthink it — I just booked the trip for that fall. That year, I ended up going twice. What began as personal adventures quickly grew into guided group trips, and by 2025, I turned that passion into a full-time business. Go Explore Japan was born from my love for Japan and my desire to share it with others — not just luxury travelers living that Beverly Hills lifestyle, but anyone who dreams of experiencing Japan in a real, authentic, and unforgettable way.

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One of the first challenges I noticed when traveling in Japan was how difficult it could be to navigate Japanese websites. It wasn’t only the language barrier — the design and structure are very different from what Americans are used to. That’s why I set out to make booking experiences, tours, and travel in Japan simpler, easier, and stress-free for my American friends and guests. To deepen that connection even further, I’ve been studying Japanese for over four years now. 日本が大好きです (Nihon ga daisuki desu — I love Japan). That's my level of dedication to this company and to your enjoyment. I will study until I am fluent so that my guests have the best, most authentic Japanese experience possible while still having someone with them who understand the American mindset and desire for exploration. 

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Japan is one of the most incredible places on Earth — but it can also be one of the trickiest to navigate for first-time visitors. Signs and websites are often only in Japanese, public transportation can be overwhelming, and cultural etiquette isn’t always obvious to outsiders. Many travelers arrive with big expectations, only to spend their time lost in train stations, frustrated by booking systems, or worried they’re “doing it wrong.” (I basically did all those things on my first few trips). I kept wishing I had some help but didn't want to pay a guide. 

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That’s where we come in. At Go Explore Japan, we remove the stress and confusion so you can focus on the adventure. From handling bookings to guiding you through hidden gems, we make your trip seamless, carefree, and unforgettable. With us, you’ll experience Japan like a local — without the guesswork, wasted time, or costly mistakes. Best of all, you don't pay us, we work on commissions so there no out of pocket expenses for our services.

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While many company founders stay behind a desk, I’ll be right there on the road as your Lead Travel Advisor, answering phone calls and sending out emails. I’ll personally be guiding many of our groups because sharing Japan with others is what excites me most. My promise is simple — with my background in group leadership, proven track record with thousands of happy travelers, and deep love for Japan, I’ll make your journey seamless, carefree, and unforgettable.

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— Dustin Ownby

Company Founder

 

Japanese Kanji - 大寿天 王運美
(Dai-su-ten Ō-un-bi)
Meaning: “Great heavenly longevity, king of fortune & beauty.”