Powder Byrne

Tailor-Made Itineraries Packed Full of Adventure & Discovery.

Powder Byrne
Tailor-Made Itineraries Packed Full of Adventure & Discovery.

Unique Family Experiences

Participate in a traditional Waidako drum workshop or discover the ways of the warrior with an immersive Samurai experience. Go behind the scenes at a traditional Sumo stable to watch the wrestlers in their morning training rituals. Explore state-of-the-art museums and interactive art exhibitions which are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on young minds. We’ve amassed a wealth of expertise so we can recommend just the right mix of activities to keep everyone in the family engaged in your journey.

Revitalising Onsen spa experiences

Throughout the country, there are Onsen spas with a long heritage of welcoming weary travellers to enjoy the life-enhancing benefits of thermal waters. We can introduce you to a wide variety of locations, hotels and spa towns which can be easily incorporated into your itinerary, giving you a taste of Japanese wellness culture. Locations can be selected to suit your needs, as each onsen offers different properties in their waters.

Skiing and winter sports adventures

We’re specialists at creating once-in-a-lifetime Japanese ski experiences and can craft an itinerary around your precise needs. We offer access to well-known resorts as well as off-the-beaten-track slopes so we can create something truly personalised. Our Powder Byrne English-speaking ski guides will host you on the slopes and arrange all the logistics to support your itinerary. Join one of our carefully curated Japan Ski Safaris and enjoy being hosted by our dedicated ski guides.

Spring-time cherry-blossom season

There are many reasons to travel to Japan in Spring; the chance to experience the celebrated cherry blossom season is perhaps the biggest draw. It is also a great time to get off the beaten track as traditional tourist sites can be very busy. Explore the more remote parts for adventure travel or cultural adventures and enjoy cooler less humid temperatures than high summer.

Adventure travel

We arrange a wide range of adventurous activities and can incorporate these into your itinerary. From guided hiking tours on ancient pilgrimage routes, e-biking tours around unspoilt countryside, rafting, kayaking and SUP on remote rivers - we’ll craft solutions to match your interests. Want to challenge yourself to climb one of Japan’s iconic volcanoes with an overnight stay in a mountain hut? We’re ready to provide you with ideas and solutions.

We use our expertise and local connections to seek out the most authentic and memorable experiences, incorporating a rich mix of discovery and wonder as you pass through this alluring country in the capable hands of our expert guides. Highlights include...

Surfing and diving adventures in Japan’s southern islands

The southern islands of Kyushu and Okinawa offer all manner of beach-side and water-based experiences which can be combined with fascinating programmes of discovery. Scuba dive with manta rays of Ishigaki or swim with cuttlefish, lionfish and turtles in Yaeyama during the summer season. Discover the fascinating story of the traditional Ama divers in Ago Bay, Ise-shima. These are just some of the unique experiences we can incorporate in your journey.

Gastronomic adventures

For those with a particular interest in Japanese food and drinking culture, there are endless possibilities to incorporate all manner of experiences. We can arrange access to some of the most sought-after restaurants in the country, create bespoke experiences to meet the farmers and seafood producers responsible for unique delicacies: from oysters and scallops to Kobe beef. We arrange farm stays so you can get real insight into production and farming techniques. We have arranged tours of the prominent Sake breweries with the chance to go behind the scenes and meet the producers themselves and enjoy hosted tasting sessions. For those with an interest in Japanese whiskey, we have unique access to distilleries and cellars for you to explore.

Artisan and craftsmanship:

The chance to spend time watching artisans and craftspeople at work can give you a unique perspective on the processes and passions that continue to thrive. We have developed relationships with a wide range of producers, including ceramicists, woodcarvers, metalworkers, textile artists working with silk and indigo dyers, knife makers and swordsmiths to lacquerware artists. Or perhaps the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy, brush making and paper making is of interest? We can incorporate many unique elements into your itinerary to give you a truly personalised experience you’ll never forget.

Traditions and cultural experiences:

It goes without saying that all our suggested itineraries can incorporate the unique architectural monuments, world heritage sites including temples and traditional buildings which are such a key features in the historical landscape. We curate the must-see and the must-do and ensure that you can make the most of your precious time.
World-class rail journeys

Travel on the Seven Stars Cruise Train or the Train Suite Shi- ki-shima for exclusive journeys of discovery to some remote and interesting regions. We have secured exclusive access to experiences that are often unavailable to foreign travellers, thanks to our long-standing partnerships in Japan.