What began as a way to connect Australia and Japan, AJ INTERBRIDGE INC. has now expanded its projects to bridge Japan to cities ‘All over the World’.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to Adelaide, Australia when I was 16. Living abroad at a young age gave me the chance to see Japan differently. I came to understand how Japanese culture is viewed from the outside, and I saw how much it resonates with people around the world. Being part of a multicultural environment also taught me to value other cultures. That experience continues to influence how I approach both business and hospitality.
After graduating from university, I started working at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns. That role gave me hands-on experience in the hospitality and travel industry. In 2009, I brought what I learned back to Japan and founded AJ InterBridge Inc. My goal was to create places where travelers could feel at home while experiencing the culture and everyday life of Japan in a real and comfortable way.
We launched our first brand, MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN in Kyoto, offering entire machiya (traditional Japanese townhouses) as self-catering holiday rentals. As we expanded, we brought these properties together under MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS, which now includes a wide range of accommodations—from renovated machiya homes to boutique-style machiya hotels.We also offer curated cultural experiences, regional cuisine, and unique travel activities. More recently, we’ve started to integrate AI and other technologies to better serve modern travelers. At the same time, we continue to focus on keeping each stay personal and meaningful.
AJ InterBridge Inc. now has a strong presence in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama. We focus on revitalizing regional destinations and helping guests connect with local communities. I believe travel can create meaningful memories and real cultural exchange, which is what we aim to deliver in every project.
Looking forward, we remain committed to honoring Japan’s traditions while embracing ideas that move hospitality forward. Through our work, I hope to share the character and warmth of Japanese culture with people from all over the world, and to create experiences they’ll want to return to again and again.
—Hiroaki Araki
Founder & CEO, AJ INTERBRIDGE INC.