Luxury Japan Highlights Vacation: Serenity and Discovery

Your gateway into Japan is the unparalleled metropolitan center of Tokyo, Japan’s largest city and an excellent ambassador for the charm and buoyancy of this charismatic culture. In Tokyo, a relentless focus on the future comes together with meticulous preservation of the past, and all this will be yours to enjoy as you arrive at the city’s Narita international airport. After a private transfer, you will arrive at your conveniently located hotel for the remainder of the day to enjoy at leisure.

Colorful districts and commercial centers abound in Tokyo, as well as attractive pockets of antiquity that remind visitors that this mega city did not pop up overnight. After breakfast at your luxurious hotel, you will be met by your private guide to begin your first full day on a tour of Tokyo’s many sights. Explore the world’s largest fish market, the Meiji shrine, the famous Omotesando Street, and a number of the best eateries in the city.

The parade of past and present highlights of Tokyo will continue after a leisurely morning in the ambiance of your lush hotel. Japan has a vibrant cultural heritage that goes back through the ages and appears throughout its food, art, and architectural splendor. The immaculate gardens of the imperial palace will be your first destination on your private tour before you enjoy an evening performance of the classical theater style of Kabuki.

For centuries, the religious traditions of Japan have been Shinto and Buddhism. Most of the shrines, gardens, and statues you have seen since your arrival have related to these traditions. After a delicious breakfast at your luxurious hotel, you will enjoy a front row seat to this culture on a day trip to Nikko, a renowned Buddhist-Shinto religious center. Upon arrival, your private guide will introduce you to the Toshogu and Taiyuin-byo shrines, where the temples of these UNESCO World Heritage sites will take your breath away.

Step out of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s central district and make your way south, along the coast to the rural charm and natural scenery of Hakone National Park. With the sacred slopes of Mt. Fuji as your backdrop, it is hard not to fall in love with this unforgettable landscape. As you make your way from Tokyo, you will enjoy a stop at Kamakura, a scenic and historic seaside town before arriving in Hakone and your luxurious traditional Japanese inn.

Hakone is a resort destination ringed by serene mountains, lush woodlands, and tranquil lakes. Known for its beautiful views and its hot springs, tourists and locals alike flock here to enjoy a glimpse of the raw beauty of Japan’s natural world. This legacy of rest and relaxation will be yours to enjoy as you chart your course through this special landscape on a day of leisure. You can enjoy a restful morning walking along the waterfront of the lake or in the afternoon, basking in the sublime comfort and expert treatments of the many spas situated in Hakone.

As Japan sought to modernize in the 20th century, the country invested heavily in a national train network. You will be able to enjoy the fruits of these public works on a bullet train transfer from the mountainous beauty of Hakone to the historic temples and rustic boulevards of Kyoto. Upon arrival at the city’s main train station, a private transfer will complete your journey. Settle into your luxurious accommodations in the heart of the city with the remainder of the day yours to enjoy at leisure.

For nearly 1,000 years, Kyoto was the capital of imperial Japan, and today it presents a vast array of architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage. With over 17 UNESCO-listed Heritage Sites, Kyoto has the most of any Japanese city. After a leisurely morning, you will be able to step into this storybook setting on a full-day tour, including an exclusive tea tasting ceremony and visits to the Golden Pavilion, the Arashiyama bamboo forest, and a visit to the Nishiki market.

Wake to a leisurely morning, ready to explore the legacy of this historic capital. Today you will enjoy private experiences such as a cooking course and sake tasting. As you learn the secret recipes and savory that goes into the delicious Japanese cuisine, your instructor will happily answer any questions you have.

As dawn’s first light illuminates the tiled roofs and temples of Kyoto, you can rise with the sun and enjoy a crowd-less exploration of the city or hit the snooze button and enjoy some final moments of sleep. Continue as you explore a city that was not spared the destruction of World War 2 with a day trip to Hiroshima. History will come alive as you explore both past and present.

No trip to Japan is complete without taking in Kanazawa's stunning vistas, charming hospitality, and delightful seafood. Nestled on the North coast of Honshu island, enjoy some panoramic views of the Sea of Japan before checking into your luxurious hotel. After settling into your new accommodations, you can bask in the ambient comfort of this seaside retreat or set off in search of your own adventure in this quaint and charming setting.

There is no shortage of sights in this region of Japan, and after a relaxing morning, you will be able to take full advantage of your visit to Kanazawa. Begin with a private tour of the city accompanied by your guide. The Museum of Contemporary Art will present you with some excellent examples of recent work from some of Japan’s top artists, while a visit to the Nagamachi district will provide you with a glimpse of the cultural heritage left behind by the age of the Samurai.

Depart from the warm hospitality of Kanazawa for a day trip to the scenic neighborhoods of an authentic gassho-style village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site brings a fantastic perspective on the rustic village with an abundance of panoramic vistas. On returning to your luxurious accommodations in Kanazawa, you will be able to enjoy an option visit to the charming town of Takayama with an authentic old town and some outstanding Edo architecture examples.

Today, you will leave the cherry blossoms and idyllic gardens of Kanazawa behind as you conclude this two-week journey through some of Japan's best. From delicious cuisine to UNESCO World Heritage sites, you have enjoyed plenty of off the beaten path visits in the rustic landscape. After a leisurely morning, you will be met at your hotel by a private transfer to whisk you through the city to the nearby international airport for your departing flight.