Unraveling the Enigma: The Past, Present, and Future of Shirokuro Travel

Jan 10

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A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

Or Orlando. You know. Same difference. After working in the travel industry for over a decade, I felt tired of booking the same old trips to the same old destinations. I'd started a side gig years ago booking theme park destinations, but felt the market was oversaturated with unserious "travel agents" interested only in what discounts they could get for themselves.

The Origins of Shirokuro Travel

The name "Shirokuro," which means “black and white” in Japanese, embodies a philosophy of finding balance within contrasts. It's also what tuxedo cats are referred to as and one night while brainstorming, one of my gorgeous tuxies (Pearl) gifted me with the idea. This concept underpins my vision for Shirokuro Travel - finding the beauty in the darkness, the traditional in the modern and the unusual in the normal.

Genji, one of our mascots, bungee jumping in Lauterbrunnen

Present-Day Offerings

My passion is weaving a vacation itinerary into an epic story. As a lifelong goth and nerd, I have always enjoyed taking a look into the raw, beating heart of a destination instead of simply checking things off a "bucket list". I've driven a tank in Lithuania, a Scooby Doo van in the Arctic Circle, and flown in a helicopter over miles of unadulterated South African wilderness. Of course I've seen the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben - but my favorite memories occur far from the Instagram hotspots.

Nothing makes me happier than being able to help someone make their dream come true. And I also understand how it feels to be excited about something and have someone else look down on you or make fun of you for being different.

I've crafted each itinerary for Shirokuro Travel for the outcasts, the weirdos and the "normies" alike. No question is too strange for me, no destination or activity is too bizarre. With Shirokuro Travel, you'll be safe to be your authentic self no matter where it is that you want to go.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Shirokuro Travel

While we're just launching now in 2025, I feel like the galaxy is the limit. Ideally, we'll be having two themed group trips (One Spooky, One Nerdy), each season with no more than 12 travelers per Adventure Party. I'll soon be working on a dedicated space for our travelers to connect with one another before meeting up on the quest.

High angle view of a serene landscape in an unknown destination — Our other mascot, Pearl, obstructing traffic in Shibuya

As discussions about climate change continue to gain momentum, Shirokuro Travel is committed to promoting sustainable practices. Future initiatives might include carbon offset programs and collaboration with local conservation organizations to help travelers engage with and protect the environments they visit.