10 Years of Arigato Travel: A Love Letter to Japan, Our Team, and Everyone Who Traveled With Us

Ten years. When I say it out loud, it still feels a little unreal. Arigato in Japanese means THANK YOU, and that is where this story starts, with gratitude.

When I joined Arigato almost at the very beginning back in 2016, none of us could have fully imagined what the next decade would hold. What started as Arigato Japan Food Tours, a small, heartfelt idea rooted in sharing Japan’s food culture with curiosity and respect, has grown into something far bigger than we ever planned, and yet still deeply personal. And here we are in 2026, celebrating our 10th year!

This anniversary is not about one moment or one milestone. It is about people. Hundreds of them.

 

IN THE BEGINNING

First and foremost, this story begins with Anne Kyle, my partner, our founder, visionary, and the steady heart behind Arigato. Anne saw something special long before food tours were common in Japan. She believed that food was the most powerful gateway to understanding culture, community, and place.

Her husband, Matt, became our very first investor and has remained our business advisor, sounding board, and greatest cheerleader ever since. Arigato simply would not exist without their belief, trust, and courage.

 

BUILDING OUR ARIGATO FAMILY

Over the years, hundreds of incredible guides have worn the Arigato badge with pride. They are the storytellers, the connectors, the ones who turn a simple walk into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Many of our guides and staff have been with us from the early days, growing alongside the company, shaping our culture, and helping define what Arigato Travel stands for. To those who have stayed, returned, evolved into new roles, or helped train the next generation, thank you. Your dedication is the backbone of this company.

SO MUCH SUPPORT

We are also deeply grateful to our partners across Japan and around the world. Agencies,  artisans, chefs, restaurant owners, sake brewers, hotels, travel advisors, and tourism boards who trusted us with their stories and welcomed our guests into their communities. Collaboration has always been at the heart of how we work, and these partnerships continue to inspire us every day.

SURVIVE AND THRIVE

And then there were the years that tested us in ways no business plan could predict.

The COVID years were some of the hardest we have ever faced. Like so many in travel, we paused, pivoted, reimagined, and held on. What carried us through was the unwavering support of our team, our partners, and our community. To those who stood by us during that time, believing we would come back stronger, please know we carry that gratitude with us every single day.

PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE

Today, and throughout this year, we will look back with pride at what we have built together. Nearly 80,000 guests have joined us on food tours across Japan, sharing meals, laughter, curiosity, and countless moments of discovery. We started as a food tour company, and over time grew into Arigato Travel, designing multi-day trips and handling the details so our guests can simply enjoy all of Japan.

 

 

BIGGER AND EVEN BETTER

Our team now takes on new challenges daily, from custom itineraries and corporate programs to regional storytelling, sustainability initiatives, and thoughtful growth into underrepresented areas of Japan. The work has become bigger, but the heart remains the same.

Along the way, we have made lifelong friends. Guests who returned again and again. Partners who became even deeper collaborators. Colleagues who became chosen family. These relationships are the true measure of success for us.

2026 CELEBRATION

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are not limiting the joy to a single date. We will be having fun all year long, with fun contests, special events, limited edition tours, team gatherings, and moments to reflect together on how far we have come. Most importantly, we will celebrate the people who made it possible.

Looking ahead, I feel both excitement and responsibility. The next 10 years will bring change, innovation, and growth we cannot yet fully imagine. But our commitment is clear. To continue honoring Japan, supporting local communities, empowering our team, and welcoming guests with warmth, curiosity, and genuine gratitude.

From the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has walked this journey with us, arigato gozaimasu.

Here’s to the next decade, and beyond!

In 2026 celebrate with us and book one of our authentic food tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima to experience the country like a local!  Or contact our travel planning team to let us help you create the perfect Japan Journey!