Our Story

Passion & Experience
Wabi-Sabi Japan is the expression of owner Duff Trimble’s tremendous passion for Japan and his experience gained from many years in the luxury travel market.  

Exploration & Appreciation
In the mid-90s Duff was a founding partner in an English language/outdoor adventure school in Fukuoka, Japan. He developed a deep appreciation of Japanese nature, antiques, ceramics and cuisine. Hiking trips to remote mountains often included visits to traditional villages and artists’ studios as well as post-hike sampling of the delicious food and therapeutic hot springs for which western Japan is famous.  

Trip Planner at the Highest Level
After returning from Japan, Duff held the position of Director of Expeditions at Butterfield & Robinson, the world’s leading active travel company. While being responsible for the detailed planning and management of itineraries in numerous countries, he travelled often to Japan to personally research and create the trip there. Duff established relationships with Japan’s finest traditional inns, hotels and restaurants and his never ending search for perfect bike routes led to discoveries of magical people and hidden places. Many of the contacts he made during this time have become close friends and play an integral role in Wabi-Sabi Japan's trips.    

The Dream
Seeing that no company was providing exclusive services for foreign travellers in Japan and feeling the true essence of the country was not being presented, Duff established Wabi-Sabi Japan. Combining his trip planning expertise and deep knowledge of Japan, he has been designing intimate journeys in the country since 2005. He spends many months there each year and continues to pursue his dream of introducing small groups of guests to the riches of Japan and its culture.