Honeymoon Japan

📍 Narita International Airport (NRT) to Central Tokyo: 1.5 h Haneda International Airport (HND) to Central Tokyo: 50 min

Upon arrival to Tokyo’s airport, our representative will be waiting to assist with transport to Peninsula Tokyo via private vehicle.

After the check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional Service:

For those arriving a bit earlier, we give the option of having a spa service for two in one of the top spa and massage facilities in Tokyo.

Overnight in Tokyo at Mandarin Oriental 5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

📍 Time: Duration (guided tour): 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Enjoy a day touring Tokyo city alongside an expert local guide and private transport.

One of the main visits of the day will be to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s shitamachi (old town) and home to Sensoji Temple. There will also be a stop made at Meiji Jinja, Tokyo’s most famous Shrine, including a chance to experience a traditional Shinto purification dance and receive a blessing from a Shinto Priest. Drive past famous Tokyo landmarks including the Ginza, Imperial Palace, and the Shibuya ‘scramble’ crossing.

The itinerary of the day is entirely flexible. Any other sites within the city can also be added into the day’s experience.

Overnight in Tokyo at Mandarin Oriental  5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

A private car and local guide will be available throughout the first half of the day. Make an early start to the day exploring the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, followed by a visit to the electronics district of Akihabara. Alternatively, discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries.

Optional Evening Tour (1) : Shimbashi Nightlife Tour

With its nostalgic atmosphere and old town vibe, Shimbashi is one of the most frequented business and entertainment districts of Tokyo. This area is famous for after-work social gatherings, and is usually filled with ‘salarymen’ and ‘office ladies’ who are known to be the typical Japanese office workers in black suits, who can usually be seen clutching black briefcases or shoulder bags.

Head down to one of the atmospheric local eateries and small Japanese-style pubs, which can be found below the train tracks along the Yamanote Line between Shimbashi and Yurakucho stations, for some drinks and appetisers. Start-off by raising a toast in the charming company of epicurean guides in a kushiage bar. Kushiage is a popular accompaniment to drinks, and consist of deep-fried skewered vegetables, seafood, and meat.

The next stop on the itinerary is a distinctive, cozy restaurant run by a charismatic owner who is well-loved by regular customers for her excellent cuisine and delightful conversation. A variety of seasonal dishes are on offer here. The third stop of the evening will be chosen based on the clients’ tipple of choice: Japanese craft beer, sake, or whisky.

Finally, visit Shimbashi Yokocho, a typical Japanese alley chock-full of those beloved Japanese eateries known as izakaya.

Be sure to bring an empty stomach and an adventurous spirit to make the most of this exclusive experience, which will offer insights into the customs and conventions of Tokyo’s nightlife.

Time:

Start: 17:00

Duration: approx. 3 h

Optional Evening Tour (2): Japan Whisky Adventure

Scotland may well be the traditional home of the wee dram, but Japan has successfully made its mark on the world of whisky distillation. The Japanese culture of taking great pride in the art of patience as well as skill and craftsmanship has ensured success, and Japanese whisky has shot to fame and become prized across the world for its quality and innovation.

Join a whisky expert and experience a range of whiskies from hidden gems produced by microdistilleries to more recognised brands. Starting in a high-rise bar in downtown Tokyo, and then moving on to the next distinguished establishment, experiencing microdistillery whisky tasting, and followed by a final tipple in a classy basement bar – aficionados and novices alike are sure to enjoy a wonderful evening and a true journey of discovery of the senses.

Time:

Start: 16:45

Duration: approx. 4 h

Time:

Duration (guided tour): 4 h

*including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Overnight in Tokyo at Mandarin Oriental 5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time (approximation, by private car): Tokyo to Kamakura: 80 min Kamakura to Hakone: 70 min Time: Duration (guided tour): 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind and enjoy the private journey to Kamakura for a morning of guided sightseeing. One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha.

Continue on to Fuji Hakone National Park for an unforgettable night at a luxury ryokan (traditional inn).

Dinner tonight will be kaiseki, or a multi-course Japanese meal, served within the dining area of the private living quarters.

Overnight in Hakone at Gora Kadan  5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Duration (guided tour): 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Enjoy a day of touring around the national park with a guide and private car.

The adventure will begin with a ride on the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway, heading to the peak of Mt. Owakudani, the source of the hot water in Hakone’s hot springs. Make a brief stop and enjoy the opportunity of tasting one of Hakone’s specialties, the kuro-tamago, an egg hard boiled in the sulphuric hot springs.

Head back to the cable car and continue the ride all the way to Togendai. Here, a majestic replica pirate ship will sweep across Ashinoko, a lake that was formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago.

After the cruise, the next stop will be the Hakone Open Air Museum, which creates a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds. Besides the sculptures, the Hakone Open Air Museum also features various indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso Collection.

Throughout the day, there will be a number of chances to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Please keep in mind, however, that the mountain is quite shy and necessitates a clear day to see its splendour in full. 

Note:

- The ropeway that goes to Mt. Owakudani has resumed operations but for safety reasons, hiking on the mountain is still prohibited.

Overnight in Hakone at Gora Kadan 5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time (approximation): Odawara Station to Kyoto Station: 2 h Time: Duration: 4 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Before taking the two-hour journey to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train), enjoy one final soak in the onsen. The ride to Japan’s cultural capital will be in the spacious “Green Car” (first class) carriage. The driver of a private taxi will provide transport from the ryokan.

Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Upon arriving in Kyoto, a private chauffeur will provide transport to the hotel for check in.

Late in the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Gion District. A captivating walking tour begins in front of Minami-za Theater and continues past local shops and restaurants, before reaching Yasaka Shrine. A quick detour leads through the streets of Hanami-koji, the most popular street in Gion where lavish teahouses are lined up. Here, a theater lies tucked away where the Geisha and Maiko perform “Miyako Odori,” a famous traditional dance.

From Yasaka Shrine, the northern part of Gion is easily explored, crossing the Tatsumibashi Bridge and passing Tatsumi Daimyojin (a small street shrine), Gion Komori (a once dignified teahouse) and the Shirakawa Canal. (Note: depending on the location of the restaurant, the walking tour may need to backtrack to one of the places mentioned above).

After the walking tour, dinner will be enjoyed in a local restaurant serving kaiseki ryori (traditional multi-course dinner) in the company of a Maiko. During the dinner, there is ample opportunity to interact with the hostess and ask questions about her craft and the world of Geisha. During dinner, the Maiko will perform traditional dances and even invite guests to play Japanese drinking games.

After this unforgettable experience, it is time to return to the hotel and wind down from the day’s events.

Overnight in Kyoto at Four Season Kyoto 5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: Duration (guided tour): 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Enjoy a half day of sightseeing today alongside an expert local guide with private transport.

The first stop is Nijo Castle. This ornamental castle, surrounded by stunning gardens, was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. The main building was completed in 1603 and is well-known for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.

Continue on to Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death, it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.

Last stop will be in Kodai-ji, a famous Zen temple complex, located in the traditional Higashiyama district of Kyoto.

Although its many sub-temples are not normally open to the public, today guests will be able to attend an exclusive Japanese tea ceremony held here.

This traditional art will be performed by a professional teacher in the stunning setting of this temple founded more than 400 years ago.

After a stroll around the beautiful surrounding Zen garden, the ceremony begins with an explanation about Japanese tea and tea ceremony practice along with its long history and relation with Zen Buddhism. The tea master will also explain the meaning behind each movement involved in the making and serving of the tea.

During the ceremony, guests will also have the chance to try their hand at making tea as the teacher takes them through the main steps of the preparation.

The tea ceremony is followed by a session of Zazen meditation, one of the most important practices of Zen Buddhism.

Following the teacher’s instructions, guests will sit in the silence of the meditation room trying to empty their minds while adjusting posture, breathing slowly keeping their eyes half closed.

Afterwards, the guide will take the guests on a short walking tour around Higashiyama District, known for its picturesque views, historical temples, gently sloped stone stairways lined with tea houses and artisan shops.

The highlight of the area is Kiyomizu Temple. From its 13-meter high wooden balcony, a masterpiece of architecture built without the use of any kind of joiners, an impressive view of the whole city of Kyoto can be enjoyed.

Overnight in Kyoto at Four Season Kyoto 5 Stars (Deluxe)
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, travel by taxi to Otagi Nenbutsuji, a remote Buddhist temple that holds one of the city’s most impressive sights: 1200 moss-covered stone statues arranged throughout the temple grounds. This unique mix of religion and art tells a fascinating story at this hidden temple.

From here, walk through the backroads – almost all downhill – of the Arashiyama district. Along the way, visit a number of memorable sites. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Adashi no Nenbutsuji Temple; learn the story of an impossible romance that inspired Gio-ji Temple’s quaint moss garden; marvel at the rustic simplicity of Rakushisha, a preserved 17th century thatched roof house once home to a great haiku poet. Along the way, browse shops selling local folkcrafts and charming traditional goods.

Before the final approach to central Arashiyama, stop for a matcha tea break in the garden at Okochi Sanso Villa, and then walk through the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest. Too crowded for a selfie? Worry not, as the guide will have already pointed out a secret bamboo grove earlier during the tour.

Finish on the main street of central Arashiyama, where the guide can point towards a number of other enjoyable spots in the area. From here, it’s easy to return back into the city by train or taxi.

Alternative Tour: Serenity in the Hills
Begin with a drive to Daigoji, a stunning temple complex situated in the eastern outskirts of Kyoto City. The removed location of this temple ensures a tranquil atmosphere enhanced by the nearby forested mountain slopes. There are a number of cultural spots to see here, starting with the garden at Sanboin. This carefully designed landscape was created in 1598 by the warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and the garden and temple are considered the pinnacle of the lavish Momoyama Era style that was celebrated during his lifetime.

Deeper into the temple grounds are other treasures, including the famous Bentendo island shrine and Kyoto’s oldest structure: a five storied pagoda built in the year 951. Finish the time at Daigoji with a visit to the Reihokan Museum to marvel at the temple’s collection of fine antiquities and statues.

Continue deeper into the hills of Kyoto to arrive at a trio of isolated Buddhist retreats overlooking the city.

At Unryu-in, walk the silent prayer halls and learn of the rituals that priests still conduct here. Savor a bowl of warm matcha tea in a room overlooking a rustic garden as the guide explains the intricacies of Japanese tea culture. Should the urge to meditate arise, this temple is an excellent location to do so.

Stroll to Sennyuji, a temple that is home to the graves of countless Japanese emperors. Peer into a lovely collection of Buddhist halls with architecture on a grand scale. Stop at an ancient spring where pilgrims sip chilled holy water direct from the earth, an activity that all are invited to partake in.

Continue on foot to nearby Imakumano Kannonji, a stop on a famous 33-temple pilgrimage route throughout the region.  Explore the grounds and then ascend a short path to the hillside pagoda overlooking the temple. A lovely view of Kyoto city awaits, the perfect finale for today’s visit to this quiet corner of Kyoto.

Return to the city to keep exploring or retire to the hotel for some rest and relaxation.. 

Time:
Start: 09:00
Duration: approx. 4 h

Time:
Duration (guided tour): 4 h
*including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Overnight in Kyoto at Four Season Kyoto 5 Stars (Deluxe)
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (KIX): 2 h Kansai Airport (KIX) to Ishigaki Airport (ISG): 2h 40 min (by plane) Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki City: 15 min

This morning, private transport will be provided to Kansai Airport for the flight to Okinawa, an island chain located halfway between Japan and Taiwan.

During its long history, Okinawa has been both an independent country, as well as a protectorate under Chinese and U.S. rule, giving it a colourful culture found nowhere else in Japan.

The destination today is Ishigaki (approx. 2h20m), part of the Yaeyama Islands, famous for its clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character.

On arrival in Ishigaki, transfer directly to the Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort. The room features stunning views of the ocean; the afternoon is free to relax by the pool or beach.

Overnight in Ishigaki at Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort   4 stars (Superior)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island: 10 min (via high speed ferry) Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island: 60 min (via high speed ferry)

Enjoy the following 3 full days to relax on Ishigaki’s sandy beaches, discovering why the Okinawans live longer than anyone else in the world.

For the adventurous, Ishigaki offers some of Japan’s best snorkelling. It is also possible to hire a car to explore the island, or take a boat trip to one of the smaller Yaeyama Islands.

Taketomi Island, only 10 minutes by boat, has a population of just 300 and boasts a perfectly preserved Ryūkyū village. Slightly further away, Iriomote island is one of Japan’s last true wildernesses, with great hiking in the national park.

Overnight in Ishigaki at Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort  4 stars (Superior)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Ishigaki airport for the flight to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The rest of the day is free for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Tokyo.

Overnight in Tokyo at Conrad  5 stars (Deluxe)
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Central Tokyo to Narita International Airport (NRT): 1.5 h Central Tokyo to Haneda International Airport (HND): 50 min

Spend the rest of the day at leisure until the included private transfer to Tokyo Airport.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast