A small firm built around one country.
Montaque Travel & Consulting is a boutique concierge specializing exclusively in Japan. We started because we kept seeing the same trip — the rushed one, the generic one — happen to people who deserved much better.
Why we exist
Japan is one of the most rewarding places in the world to travel. It's also one of the easiest to get wrong. The list of things that could make a trip extraordinary is practically endless — and most travelers will never see them because they don't know to ask.
That gap is what MT&C exists to close. The story starts a long time before the company did: our founder moved to Okinawa with his family at the age of two and spent part of his childhood there. The fascination with Japan only grew from there. In undergrad he heard about the JET Programme and was set on making it happen — and in 2005 he began teaching in Kumamoto. MT&C itself was founded in 2013, and the relationships, language, and local instincts built across all those years are still the backbone of the work today. We are a small, hands-on team that travels Japan constantly, knows the neighborhoods that the guidebooks miss, and has spent years building relationships with hotels, restaurants, and on-the-ground hosts who treat our clients like they treat us.
We don't sell trips off a shelf. Every itinerary starts with a conversation, and ends with something that fits the people actually going.
Four things we hold to.
Boutique by choice
We stay small on purpose so every client gets real attention from someone who actually knows their trip.
Japan-only specialists
We don't sell every destination. We sell one — and we sell it with conviction and depth.
Honest, not transactional
If we're not a fit for what you're after, we'll say so. We'd rather not work with you than over-promise.
Built for repeat travelers
First trips are wonderful. The third, fourth, fifth trips are when this country really opens up.
What travelers say
Verified reviews from clients we've planned trips for.
“Jovan really helped us a lot on our trip. From recommending different places to being there for us when we needed some help. It's been a wonderful experience and we want to do it again in the future!”
“Jovan Montaque has extensive knowledge in Japan and its culture. If there was somewhere in Japan you wanted to visit, he made every effort to get you there. He consults with you every step of the way, helps with translation, and gives great recommendations.”
“Mr. Montaque is fantastic. Not only is he affordable but his tours take you behind the scenes and you get to experience the authentic Japan — away from the big flashing lights and what you see on television. I would highly recommend him if you're planning a trip there!”
“Montaque Travel and Consulting was the absolute best experience. Everything about my vacation was memorable, enjoyable, and very informative. He knew all of the right places to go to during my trip.”
“Mr. Montaque is very detailed and answers every question you have. When you plan a luxurious trip to Japan it can get expensive, and Montaque is able to do it at an affordable price, which is greatly appreciated. His website has everything you need to know as well.”
“Mr. Montaque is always polite and kind to me on any computer problems. He is an awesome listener. I'm sure his experience of living and working in Japan enables him to organize traveling in Japan.”
“He can give great services for any clients. Especially his services of travel to the Japanese countryside are very best. We should utilize Montaque Travel and Consulting for satisfaction of our holiday.”
“He is very knowledgeable about Japan and very helpful! I happened to run into him when I first went to Japan and was lost. He took the time out of his day to help me navigate the trains and took my friend and I to some local spots.”
Want to talk about a trip?
The fastest way to find out if we're a fit is a 30-minute discovery call. No pressure, no pitch.