Travel can be transactional, or it can be transformational. I founded Cultural Connections Asia on the conviction that the most profound luxury is not five-star comfort alone, but a deeper understanding of place.
My own journey into Asia began more than thirty years ago as a Yale–China Association Scholar. What began as a two-year academic post evolved into a lifelong immersion. This region became my home, my field of research, and the heart of my intellectual life. After completing my M.A. at Yale and pursuing doctoral studies in history at UC Berkeley, I came to realize that the hidden dialogues of culture, art, and history—the very forces that make Asia so compelling—remain invisible to the conventional traveler.
Cultural Connections Asia was created to bridge that gap. We do not offer tours; we curate mobile seminars. Each journey is a direct extension of my scholarship and decades of lived experience in Asia. I design itineraries not around landmarks, but around narratives. Together, we examine the interplay of tradition and modernity, engage with master artisans I have known for years, and uncover the historical layers that lie beneath the surface of daily life.
This is travel built on scholarship, not scripts. It is an invitation to experience Asia through a lens that has taken a lifetime to refine — and to return home not only rested, but transformed.
As our in-country Japan expert and resident scholar, Mirei contributes research, insight, and cultural depth to our journeys. A lifelong resident of Japan and a UC Berkeley academic, she brings a thoughtful perspective that supports and enriches your experience.
She also serves as a professional translator for the Asahi Shimbun, adding precision and nuance to the cultural connections she helps create.
Ready to explore a journey designed just for you? Let’s tailor an itinerary that blends comfort, culture, and meaningful connections.
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