Japan in Style

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): Depending on the flight arrival Duration: 4.5 h Distance and journey time (approximation): 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, a chauffeur will be waiting to provide private transport to the Peninsula Hotel.

After the check-in, meet up with the guide for an orientation session to catch some first glimpses of the visual feast that is Tokyo.

Overnight in Tokyo at Peninsula  5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 09:00 or 09:30 Duration: 8 h

Meet up with the guide this morning at the hotel for the trip to Hamarikyu, a Japanese garden that once served as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord during the Edo Period. Its wide collection of seasonal flowers makes it one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo, but what makes it even more attractive is the teahouse called Nakajima-no-Chaya, which serves freshly made green tea and Japanese sweets, and offers lovely views of the surrounding ponds and greenery.

A unique feature of this landscape garden is its seawater ponds, which change levels with the tides. Enjoy a break in the teahouse and a cup of freshly made green tea while the guide shares interesting facts about sado (tea ceremony).

From the park, take a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, a part of Tokyo’s shitamachi or old town. Asakusa is the city’s oldest geisha district and is also home to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Sensoji feature many traditional shops and are a delight to wander through.

The tour ends with a visit to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and a popular venue for traditional Shinto weddings.

The shrine is also home to around 120,000 trees, making one forget that just outside its grounds are two of the city’s popular shopping districts, Harajuku and Omotesando.

The day’s itinerary is entirely flexible; other sights within the city can be substituted for the day’s visits. 

Overnight in Tokyo at Mandarin Oriental           5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today is a self-guided day.

Enjoy the rest of the day exploring this amazing city. Make an early start to visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries. Alternatively, choose to partake in the following experiences:

Optional Activity (1): Samurai Sword Lesson

Learn how to fight with a samurai sword from some of Japan’s most famous sword choreographers at Tetsuro Shimaguchi’s Kamui Sword Artists.

Shimaguchi is the leading member of Kamui, a Japanese sword performance troupe whose unique fighting style and technique are breathtaking to watch. They often collaborate with artists from different backgrounds and genres, always offering impressive performances.

The day’s lesson will cover the basic movements of sword fighting, including drawing, posing and swinging. Then, visitors will have the chance to try out their new found skills by pairing off for some practice swordplay.

Time:

Duration: 90 min

Optional Activity (2): Cool Tokyo Cycling Tour

Today’s tour starts at 10:00, 15:00 or 18:00. Meet the guide, who is sometimes accompanied by his adorable dog “Jack-san,” at Sasazuka Station, and head together to the cycling studio for a bicycle and helmet fitting. On the way, listen to some fascinating insights and entertaining anecdotes about the local neighbourhood, and get some useful explanations from the guide about Tokyo’s cycling etiquette and today’s itinerary.

When everything is ready, depart for today’s cycling tour. Leave Sasazuka with the guide, and cycle to the first location, enjoying the best of Tokyo’s urban design and natural environment on the way. Depending on the season, enjoy the surrounding foliage, which is especially beautiful in the spring when the plum and cherry blossoms bloom, and in the autumn, when the trees are a blaze of colour. There will be several cultural and architectural design stops along the way, where the guide will share interesting information and allow some time for photos.

Bike through Tokyo’s backstreets, local shotengai (small commercial streets) in hip neighbourhoods such as Shimo-Kitazawa, and some little-known parks, seeing the guide’s favourite areas and shops, and stopping for a break at a charming café.

Finally, enjoy the ride back to Sasazuka where the bicycles will be returned to the guide.

Time:

Start: 10:00, 15:00, or 18:00.

Duration: 3 h to 4 h

Journey: 10 km (mostly cycling, a bit of walking and light sightseeing also involved).

Optional Evening Tour (1): Tokyo Street Food tour

Today’s tour will begin at 18:00. Be sure to be hungry as this street food tour promises to please your taste buds! Meet with a local food-loving guide at the train station and set off to discover the streets on this fulfilling Tokyo food crawl.

Visit the popular neighbourhood of Meguro. The first stop is a tempura skewer restaurant. Indulge in tempura on a stick, which is the original way of eating it. Head to a well-known fish restaurant where guests can fish for their own meal and enjoy it with a cup of sake or a soft drink. Follow the guide through Meguro’s tiny alleys and discover hidden places for dessert!

While dining, learn more about Japan’s culinary culture by observing the lively surroundings and hearing the guide’s personal stories. During the evening, visit several distinctive eateries. These venues do not take reservations so the exact route may change, but the guide will ensure there is plenty to eat!

Following an indulgent evening of culinary and cultural experiences, return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. (D)

Time:

Start: 18:00

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 rare, premium whiskies from lesser known brands. Starting in a hidden gem bar in downtown Tokyo, and then moving on to the next establishment – aficionados and novices alike are sure to enjoy a wonderful evening and a true journey of discovery of the senses.

Time:

Start: 18:30

Duration: approx. 3 h

Overnight in Tokyo at Mandarin Oriental              5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time: Tokyo to Kamakura: 1.5 h Kamakura to Hakone: 1 h Time: Start (guided tour): 09:00 Duration: 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times

Leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind, journeying by private transport to Kamakura for a morning of 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, where the night’s accommodation will be at Gora Kadan. Gora Kadan is one of Hakone’s finest ryokan, particularly famous for its outstanding Japanese kaiseki cuisine, which will be served in the dining area of the private living quarters.

The room is Japanese style, featuring tatami mat flooring and comfortable futon beds. Some rooms even feature a private outdoor hot spring bath.

Overnight in Hakone at Gora Kadan  5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Start with a ride on the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway, heading all the way up to Mt. Owakudani, the source of the hot water in Hakone’s hot springs.

Continue onwards to Togendai, where 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 in combination with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Besides the sculptures, the Hakone Open Air Museum also features various indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso Collection that displays some paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramic creations of the legendary artist.

Throughout the day, there will be chances to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Please bear in mind, however, that the mountain is notoriously ‘shy’ and necessitates an entirely clear day to be seen in full.

As an option, a private car and a guide can be arranged upon request (must be booked in advance; supplementary charges apply).

Note:

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

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner this evening. Relax in the yukata (lightweight kimono), and enjoy the onsen.

Overnight in Hakone at Gora Kadan   5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Odawara Station to Kyoto Station: 2 h

Get ready for the journey to Kyoto, home to around 2,000 shrines and temples, 17 of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A private taxi provide transport from the ryokan to Odawara Station, where the shinkansen (bullet train) can be caught to Kyoto Station.

Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, our private chauffeur will take guests to the hotel in Kyoto.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional Evening Tour: A Taste of Gion Food Tour

Kyoto’s Gion district is often cited as many a visitor’s favourite part of the city. The historic cobblestone streets are lined with traditional, narrow wooden buildings known as machiya, teahouses known as ochaya, and traditional shops selling local specialities.  

The first stop is a lively standing bar, where guests can enjoy a drink and delicious local bar food as a prelude to the rest of the tour. After this, take a leisurely stroll around Gion. As most geisha start to entertain at 18:00, the chance of seeing elegantly attired geisha darting along the winding streets to their engagements is quite high.

Then, head to a cozy restaurant owned by a charming and amiable woman from Kyoto who prepares each meal herself. Enjoy an entertaining conversation with her, while sampling each dish, which is prepared with the utmost care and attention, using the finest seasonal ingredients.

The final stop of the tour is a sake bar with a location so clandestine even locals struggle to find it. Partake in different varieties of sake, chosen to complement the selection of nibbles.

After this delightful evening well spent, either return to the accommodation or continue to explore the city independently.

Time:

Start: 17:00

Duration: approx. 3 h

Overnight in Kyoto at Four Seasons Kyoto  5 stars (Super Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 9 h Duration: 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit time

Today explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus system to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites. As an option, a private car can be arranged upon request (must be booked in advance; supplementary charges apply).

Start the day with a visit to 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 Kinkaku-ji, 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.

Delve deep into Japanese culture with an exclusive half day tour of Kyoto. The day begins with a visit to Kodai-ji, one of Kyoto’s most famous Zen Buddhist temples. Although the sub-temples of Kodai-ji are usually closed to the public, special access has been granted for today’s tea ceremony.

Enter the stunning 400-year-old temple and stroll around its beautiful Zen garden. Then meet with a tea master who will explain about Japanese tea and the relationship between the ceremony and Zen Buddhism. Then the ceremony will begin, with the master explaining each movement and its meaning in detail.  

During the ceremony, join the teacher in making tea, following the motions as he demonstrates. Once ready, sample some traditional confectioneries before sipping the tea to counter its bitter flavour.

Following this interactive experience, take a walking tour around Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Admire the picture-perfect streets, whose gently sloped stone stairways are lined with tea houses and artisan shops. Stop by Kiyomizu Temple for a short tour of this architectural masterpiece. Climb to its 13-metre high veranda, which was built without the use of any kind of joiners, and enjoy an impressive view of Kyoto.

After soaking up the views of Kyoto, return to the hotel or continue exploring the city’s sites.

Overnight in Kyoto at Four Seasons Kyoto 5 stars (Super Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: Duration (dinner with Maiko and walking tour): 4.5 h

Today, spend the morning free at leisure. It is possible to arrange a private car to tour the city with (must be booked in advance; supplementary charges apply).

In the afternoon, get an in-depth, exclusive look at Japan’s geisha culture in Kyoto. Late this afternoon join a guide for a walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, followed by a truly special dinner with a maiko!

Start with an introduction, listening as the guide explains about geiko, the local name for Kyoto’s geisha, and their maiko, or apprentices. Then explore the atmospheric streets, walking past local shops and restaurants on the way to Yasaka Shrine. From here continue to Hanami-koji where lavish tea shops line the roadside.

Cross Kyoto’s famous Tatsumi Bashi Bridge, passing a legendary teahouse and small street shrine along the way. Arrive at Shirakawa Canal for a walk along the streets which are lined with cherry trees and brimming with charm.  (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, enter a local restaurant for a memorable dinner in the company of a maiko. Dine on a traditional multi-course meal called kaiseki ryori. Interact with the maiko, learning about her craft and the world of geisha. During dinner, the maiko will entertain by performing traditional dances and teaching popular Japanese drinking games.

Pose for photos with the maiko, capturing memories to share with friends and family back home, before bidding farewell to the hostess and returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Kyoto at Four Seasons Kyoto  5 stars (Super Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 9 h Duration: 8 h *including pick-up, drop-off, and transit time

Today, explore the ancient capital Nara with the guide, travelling around on a private car until Osaka. Nara is a small town that used to be Japan’s capital for 74 years during the 8th century. Most of its main tourist spots are located around Nara Park, where a great number of tamed deer reside.

Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha, or Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine.

Afterwards, continue the journey to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. Osaka’s flamboyance, fun-loving people, and amazing food make up for what it lacks in tourist attractions.

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

Optional Tour: Flavours of Osaka

 Today’s tour begins at 16:45. Osaka is an epicurean’s delight. Indeed, the motto that the city’s exuberant inhabitants live by is kuiadore – “to eat oneself bankrupt.” 

The first stop will be at a street food stall to get a taste of some traditional Japanese snack food, menchi katsu. Menchi katsu is a breaded and deep-fried patty made of ground meat. Golden and crisp, this is a local favourite.

Next, head to a standing bar to enjoy the ambience and taste a selection of sake and Japanese wine, along with delicious house specialities. Then, head to a restaurant specialising in wagyu beef dishes. Often referred to as the most expensive beef in the world, wagyu beef is of a superb quality, and is on many a gourmet’s wish list. Enjoy the melt-in-the-mouth textures with a refreshing cocktail.

The final stop will be to try a new style of tempura in an eatery tucked away in a small alleyway. Old favourites such as shrimp tempura, and more experimental combinations such as asparagus tempura and cheese can be found on the menu.

Bid farewell to the affable guide, and either return to the hotel or go for a stroll around the neighbourhood to take in the sights. 

Time:

Start: 16:45

Duration: approx. 3.5 h

Overnight in Osaka at Conrad Osaka   5 stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Central Osaka to Kansai International Airport (KIX): 1 h

The rest of the day is at leisure until the included private transfer to Kansai International Airport.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast