Our People

An Eclectic Mix
Wabi-Sabi Japan is an eclectic mix of people who care deeply about Japan and share a desire to reveal the beauty and special culture of this extraordinary land.  

Guiding from the Heart
Our Japanese guides have very diverse backgrounds and come from various corners of the country and Japanese society. Most lead only a select number of trips each year; they guide because they want to not because they have to.   

Artistry and Tradition
Most of our local friends come from a family tradition, whether they are a 14th generation sake maker, 5th generation potter or a priest whose family has been caretakers of a Buddhist temple for over 500 years. They are generally not associated with tourism and we respect their positions and privacy by strictly limiting the number of guests we introduce to them.  

Exclusive Accommodation
While enjoying excellent relations with all the top international hotels, we specialize in providing access to exclusive ryokans (luxurious traditional inns). It is often difficult for even Japanese to obtain reservations at these establishments but in a land where connections trump currency, our friendships with the ryokan owners are invaluable.  

The Original Iron Chefs
Food is a healthy obsession in Japan and while Tokyo has the most Michelin stars of any city in the world, many Tokyoites (and most Japanese) will make pilgrimages across the country in search of local delicacies or famous restaurants. We have selected some of our regional favourites and the chefs relish the opportunity to expand even the most worldly of palates.