Kintsugi in Japan: A Journey of Growth, Gratitude, and Constant Improvement

Most companies, when they hit a big milestone, hand out Patagonia vests or some other corporate swag. But Kintsugi is not most companies. We don’t just celebrate wins—we invest in the people who make them possible.

When we reached our Series A milestone, we knew that our success wasn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It was about the team—every single person who contributed their energy, drive, and belief in what we’re building. So, instead of a token gift, we took our team to Japan for a week-long journey of exploration, inspiration, and celebration.

Why Japan?

Kintsugi is built on a mindset of constant improvement—not just in our product, but in how we operate as a team and as a company. Japan embodies this philosophy through Kaizen—the pursuit of continuous refinement and innovation. From its cutting-edge technology to its meticulous attention to detail in everything from sushi-making to bullet trains, Japan is a place where excellence is not an endpoint but a never-ending journey.

That’s what we believe in at Kintsugi. We’re not here to just meet the status quo of sales tax automation—we’re here to redefine it. We’re here to push past outdated incumbents like Avalara, setting new standards that make the industry better.

This trip wasn’t just about seeing the sights; it was about absorbing a culture that reflects our own values—precision, resilience, and a relentless drive to improve. It was about strengthening our bond as a team, because the real strength of Kintsugi isn’t just in the product we’re building—it’s in the people who build it.

From Tokyo to Kyoto: A Celebration of Growth

Our journey took us through Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, from the peaceful Meiji Shrine to the electric streets of Akihabara, where innovation meets tradition. We stood at the heart of Shibuya Crossing, where the pulse of the city never slows down—just like us. We immersed ourselves in Kyoto’s timeless beauty, walking through the Bamboo Forest and historic Higashiyama, reflecting on the balance of heritage and progress.

Day 1: Kicking Off in Tokyo

• We started the trip with a grounding walk through Meiji Shrine, soaking in the calm before diving into Tokyo’s energy.
• In Asakusa, we wandered through Senso-ji Temple, grabbed freshly grilled street food, and explored Nakamise Street’s lively market stalls.
• As the sun set, we took in Tokyo’s breathtaking skyline from Roppongi Hills, before wrapping up the night with drinks at The Oak Door and R2 Supper Club, getting to know each other outside of Slack messages and Zoom calls.

Day 2: A Deep Dive into Tokyo’s Past & Future

• We started the morning walking through the Imperial Palace East Gardens, imagining what centuries of history must have looked like from within its stone walls.
• At Tsukiji Outer Market, we went on a sushi-tasting spree—some of us braver than others with trying uni and eel.
• Akihabara was pure chaos (in the best way possible)—arcades, anime, rare collectibles, and retro gaming stores that transported us back to our childhoods.
• We ended the night at Shibuya Crossing, standing at the heart of Tokyo’s fast-paced rhythm and taking in the city’s electric energy.

Day 3 - 4: Kyoto’s Timeless Beauty

• We woke up early to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, because nothing embodies efficiency and innovation quite like Japan’s high-speed rail.
• In Arashiyama, we walked through the Bamboo Forest, crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and visited the stunning Tenryu-ji Temple. It felt like stepping into a movie scene.
• Exploring Higashiyama’s historic streets, we visited Kenninji Temple’s Zen gardens and stopped for matcha and mochi along the famous Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka paths. Kyoto’s balance of tradition and progress felt like the perfect metaphor for how we build Kintsugi.
• We boarded the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, recharged from Kyoto’s beauty and buzzing with fresh inspiration.

Days 5-7: Choose Your Own Adventure

• These last few days were all about exploring Japan in our own way—some of us went deep into Tokyo’s shopping districts, while others went on a hunt for the best ramen or hidden jazz bars.
• Some took day trips to Hakone for the hot springs, while others checked out the digital art installations at teamLab Planets or explored the neon streets of Shinjuku at night.
• The common thread? Every single person on this trip left with a renewed sense of connection, creativity, and motivation.

Bringing Japan’s Spirit Back to Kintsugi

At Kintsugi, we don’t just hit milestones and move on—we take the time to celebrate, reflect, and invest in our people. This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about bonding as a team, pushing our own boundaries, and finding inspiration in a culture that values precision, innovation, and constant improvement—just like we do.

But more than anything, we spent time together—sharing meals, exploring new places, and creating memories that will stay with us long after the trip ended. It wasn’t about structured team-building exercises or corporate workshops; it was about experiencing something meaningful as a team.

This trip wasn’t just a reward. It was a statement:

• We invest in people, not just in perks.
• We celebrate success by learning, growing, and improving—always.
• We are not a company that plays it safe; we are a company that pushes forward.

Japan reminded us why we’re building Kintsugi the way we are—with ambition, precision, and an unshakable commitment to being the best. Just like the country that inspired us, we’re here to set the standard, not follow it. For everyone who was full-time with us before April 15, 2024, this was for you. Because at Kintsugi, we don’t just build a company—we build something worth belonging to.

This is the kind of company we’re building. Not one that hands out Patagonia vests and calls it a day, but one that prioritizes meaningful experiences—because the people who make Kintsugi what it is deserve nothing less. And this? This is just the beginning. 🚀