Exest

EXest is a Japanese tourism startup that connects international travelers with licensed, English-speaking local guides to create immersive cultural experiences across Japan. It operates two platforms: WOW U, a matching platform pairing visitors with expert local guides for off-the-beaten-track experiences, and WOW U-media, a content platform showcasing Japanese culture to a global audience. Founded to bridge the gap between travelers and local communities, EXest aims to promote local revitalization and cross-cultural exchange throughout Japan, including rural areas and smaller towns typically overlooked by conventional tourism.