Japan
The Essence of Japan
A privately guided journey through the soul of Japan, from the neon energy of Tokyo to the imperial serenity of Kyoto, with a tranquil ryokan interlude in the mountains of Hakone.
Throughout, private access opens doors rarely available to visitors — a dawn temple garden, a master’s tea ceremony, and the most coveted sushi counters in the country.
Journey highlights
The itinerary
A suggested flow — timings and sequence are refined around private access and your preferences.
Private transfer to your hotel, evening at leisure and a welcome dinner.
A private exploration of old and new Tokyo, from temples to design districts.
Private gallery visits followed by an omakase dinner at a renowned counter.
Bullet train to Hakone and a traditional ryokan with private onsen.
Lake cruise, Fuji vistas and a day of mountain tranquillity.
Bullet train to Kyoto and an evening walk through Gion.
Private early access to Zen gardens and a tea ceremony with a master.
Private visits to lacquer, ceramic and textile ateliers.
Private transfer to the airport for onward flights.
What is included
- Eight nights in luxury hotels and a premier ryokan
- Private English-speaking guides throughout
- First-class bullet train tickets and private transfers
- Daily breakfast and selected signature dinners
- Private tea ceremony and temple access
Optional additions
- Private helicopter transfer over Tokyo
- Sumo stable morning practice visit
- Extended Hokkaido or Setouchi extension
Selected hotels
- Aman TokyoTokyo
- Gora KadanHakone
- Aman KyotoKyoto
Important information
- Cherry blossom and autumn departures should be booked up to a year in advance.
- A moderate level of walking is involved at temples and gardens.
- Itinerary sequence may adjust to optimise private access windows.
