Luxury Japan Trip – Your visit to land of the rising sun

Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 5	Tokyo	Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, River cruise to Asakusa	Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Aman Tokyo
5 - 9	Kyoto	Fushimi Inari Shrine, Buddha statue of Nara, Geisha district, Day trip to Uji tea plantations	Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
9 - 11	Osaka	The grand Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Gourmet Street Food Tour	The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, The St. Regis Osaka
11 - 13	Hakone	View of Mt Fuji volcano, enjoy the views from a pirate ship, Natural hot springs and Onsen, Ropeway over Volcanic plains, overlooking the sulphuric fumes	Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa, Gora Kadan
13 - 13	Tokyo	Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, River cruise to Asakusa

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 5

International Arrival

You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in your private vehicle.

Tokyo

4 Days

Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds.

Included Activities

Tokyo’s Finest By Day
Discover Tokyo with your local guide, stopping by some of its best known landmarks. The Asakusa area, with its many traditional buildings standing alongside the new, is your first stop. Witness the Sensoji Buddhist temple, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Discover the temple and the adjacent Nakamise street as well, where you will find rows of old shops selling food and curios of all kinds. After this you will be in for a novel experience as you travel by the Tokyo Water Bus on the Sumidagawa (meaning Sumida River), to reach the Hamarikyu Garden. Walk around the beautiful Edo-era garden and stop for some matcha (powdered green) tea and sweets at the charming little tea house within its precincts. Once done with the refreshments, make your way to the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji and also a popular wedding venue. End your tour at dusk with a stroll around the Omotesando shopping street, a tree-lined boulevard with contemporary architecture and fashionable stores stocking some of the world’s finest brands. (Full Day; Private Activity; Transfers by private car; Meal included: Tea and sweets; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Shitaya Jinja: Spiritual Shrine Excursion
Accompanied by your local guide, head to Shitaya Jinja, a shrine nestled between Tokyo’s popular sightseeing districts of Ueno and Asakusa. Hidden from the hustle and bustle around, soak in the spiritual atmosphere at this ancient temple complex dedicated to Inari, the goddess of fertility and fortune. Passing under a Torii gate, purify your hands with water from a small reservoir at the entrance. Once inside, perform a ritual that includes ringing a bell followed by alternating bows and claps, to attract the deity’s attention. Say your prayers at the main building as you lay down your offerings. Sit and enjoy some quiet and peaceful time admiring the traditional wood architecture and religious stone figurines. Later, interacting with the priest during this exclusive experience, feel free to ask for any questions you might have about the Shinto faith. After a brief traditional gesture, receive blessings for your safe travels across Japan and your journey back home! (Half Day; Duration: 1 – 2 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy)

Sake Sampling And Brewery Visit At Sawanoi
Enjoy a spirit-filled day in the Japanese countryside at Sawai, near the upper reaches of Tama river, west of Tokyo. Arriving at the picturesque Sawanoi-en gardens, savor a local tofu-based lunch. Shortly after, enter the family-owned Ozawa Brewery, through the backyard of the owners’ charming home. Notice the symbolic sakabayashi (Japanese cedar needles) signaling sake readiness. Inside the historical factory, see wooden structures and large metal tanks sheltered within dark rooms where the current batch of sake will be brewing. Understand the various degrees of polishing rice that aid in creating different grades of sake. Soon, head into a tunnel to see the original spring water source used in their sake production. Later, sit down to taste about five varieties of Ozawa’s sake, including the renowned ‘Okutama’. Also, sample their craft beers at the riverside bar, and shop for souvenir sake, while soaking in the natural beauty around. Before leaving, explore several trails, fishing spots, and the Kushi Kanzashi museum nearby. (Full Day; Time: 0830 hrs; Duration: 9 hrs; Private Activity; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note that the tour is in Japanese, and your guide will be available to translate.)

Hotel Options

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Premier
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Aman Tokyo – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe (Double)
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 5 - 9

Private transfer from your hotel to Tokyo train station with our representative to assist you throughout.

Shinkansen Train from Tokyo to Kyoto (2.5 hrs)

Private transfer from Kyoto train station to your hotel with our representative to assist you throughout.

Kyoto

4 Days

Kyoto is to be seen to be believed. With no less than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city encapsulates traditional Japanese culture and tradition.

Included Activities

Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest And Market Visit With Private Car
Revel in the traditional sights, smells and sounds of feudal Japan’s best preserved city, in the company of your local guide. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting Kyoto, beginning with the Kinkakuji Temple, originally built for the Shogun. At his request, the Shogun’s villa was converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Discover the magnificent 15th century Nijo Castle with its splendidly preserved medieval gardens from Japan’s Edo period. Admire the many details and typical architectural features of the old monument, before walking down to the bustling Nishiki Market. Eat your heart out at this food street payable on spot, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, lined with innumerable restaurants and traditional eating houses! Try out typical local delicacies such as pickles, dried fish and sushi. Also visit the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove. (Full Day; Private activity & transfers; Duration: 8 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

The World Of A Traditional Geisha
Explore the fascinating and genteel world of a traditional Japanese geisha, with Peter Macintosh, an academic and an expert on geisha studies. Go on a walking tour of Kyoto’s old geisha districts with Peter, picking up interesting bits on this almost dying form of traditional Japanese entertainment. You may even spot a geisha and her apprentice (maiko) along the way. Spend the rest of your evening at the private room of a traditional restaurant, in the genteel company of geisha and Peter, who will act as your translator. Enjoy a sumptuous Japanese meal with a free flow of sake, engaging conversation and artistic entertainment. Admire traditional dance and shamisen (Japanese string instrument) performances by the geishas. Play traditional drinking games, and experience a charming, bygone era. (Half Day, Evening Tour; Meals included: Dinner & Drinks; Fitness Level: Easy; Dress code: Smart Casuals, No tanktops or shorts, Please wear easy to remove shoes but absolutely no flip flops or sandals and cameras).

Kurama – Kibune Hiking Tour
Wake up early and enjoy a peaceful hike through the Kitayama mountains in northern Kyoto. Arriving at Kurama, pass by a bright red statue of Tengu, and the two small waterfalls nearby. Ascend the beautiful, forested staircase trail flanked by vermillion-colored lamp posts. Expect to see numerous shrines, paper lanterns, statues of mythical figures, and a couple of conceptual installations along the way. After entering the wooden gate of Yuki-jinja shrine, encounter a lofty pine tree, make a wish at the main hall, and continue further. Take a breather at the plaza in front of Kurama-dera temple. Minutes later, you’ll walk past a bell tower and a museum before reaching the summit. After a short break, head further downhill on a trail covered in tree roots. As you traverse the atmospheric trail, occasionally spot deer amid the cedar trees. Reaching the bottom of the hill, cross a small bridge over Kibune-gawa river and explore the quaint village of Kibune. (Half Day; Time of the day: 0900 hrs, Duration: 4 hrs, Private transfer in car; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note that this activity is not available during December – March.)

Hotel Options

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 9 - 11

Pick up from your hotel in Kyoto and private transfer to your hotel in Osaka with non-English speaking chauffeur

Osaka

2 Days

Osaka is third largest city of Japan and has been the home of traders and merchants. It is also well-known for Japan’s oldest temple, the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha, and the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle.

Included Activities

Osaka Evening Street Food Trail
Eat your heart out on this evening food trail at Osaka’s street food paradise – Dotonbori – in the company of your local guide. This pedestrian-only food street in the boisterous Namba District, is lined with causal eateries and hole-in-the-wall establishments, dishing out local favorites and delicious Kansai delicacies. Cross the Dotonbori Bridge and settle down to the joys of sampling delectable takoyaki dumplings (or “octopus balls” as they are more popularly called) and kushikatsu (skewered meat and vegetables). Try out some of Japan’s best ramen noodles from street stalls and scrumptious wagyu beef from high-end eating houses, followed by cheese cakes for dessert, all of which can be washed down with cups of sake or tea. The experience is made richer by the cultural explanations offered by your guide. All in all, this is a most satisfying evening spent out on the town! (Half Day, Evening Tour; Fitness Level: Easy; Meal included: Street food samplings; Please inform your guide about any food allergies and strict dietary restrictions in advance).

Highlights Of Osaka
Accompanied by your local expert guide, explore Osaka’s famed attractions. Admire the magnificently restored Osaka Castle that sits on expansive grounds covered in cherry, peach and plum trees. Next, just across the street from the park, see several large exhibits that chronicle the city’s past, and learn about its rich heritage at the Osaka Museum of History set within a tall building. Later, visit the Indoor Observatory at 173 meters high on the 40th floor connecting bridge of the landmark Umeda Sky Building’s two towers. At sundown, enjoy panoramic vistas of Osaka skyline and its bay area from the open-air Kuchu Teien Observatory’s circular walkway. Once you have built up an appetite, head to the bustling riverside neighborhood of Dotonbori to immerse yourselves in Osaka’s Kudiore ‘eat till you drop’ food culture. Amid the neon light signs and a medley of flavors, sample Japan’s famous street food including the Takoyaki – octopus dumplings, and the Okonomiyaki – eclectic savory pancakes. (Half Day; Private Activity; Timings: 1000 or 1300 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Meal included: Takoyaki snack; Fitness level: Moderate)

Hotel Options

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

The St. Regis Osaka – Opt 2

Room	Grand Deluxe King
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 11 - 13

Private transfer from your hotel to Osaka train station with our representative to assist you throughout

Shinkansen Train from Shin Osaka to Odawara Hakone (2.5 hrs)

Private Transfer from Train Station to Hotel with a non-English speaking chauffeur

Hakone

2 Days

Hakone defines the iconic image of Japan— with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fujiyama as it rises out of coniferous forest covered mountainsides, lakes and hot springs (onsen).

Included Activities

Onsen: Japanese Hot Spring Baths
When in Japan, you can hardly miss out on experiencing the traditional, hot spring water baths with their healing properties. Enjoy the complementary facility of taking an Onsen soak in your own private outdoor tub of natural hot spring waters. Feel all your stress melt away from your tired muscles. Make the best use of all the other traditional hot tub options available at the property, each bathtub with its own particular temperature and mineral combination. A sumptuous dinner, followed right after by a hot soak comes highly recommend by your hosts. As per tradition, these other hot tubs are gender-segregated, shared bath facilities.

Visit To Mount Fuji National Park
Take a trip to Mount Fuji National Park for Japan’s most iconic destination. Choose from any of the numerous transport options to reach Mount Owakudani for the most breathtaking view of this majestic volcanic mountain peak. You could ride the world’s second longest cable car, passing over hot springs and simmering rivers of volcanic landscapes. As per local beliefs—you could add seven years to your life by eating Hakone’s famous hard boiled, smoked eggs that are cooked over the hot vapours! Or better still, ride a splendid replica of a pirate ship that will sweep you across the 3,000 year old, volcanic Lake Ashinoko, right up to the Moto-Hakone town. (Full Day, Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring warm clothing).

Hotel Options

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa – Opt 1

Room	Guestroom Twin
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Gora Kadan – Opt 2

Room	Japanese Room with Big Stone Open Air Bath
Meals	Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style	Boutique

Day 13 - 13

Private Transfer from Hakone Hotel to Narita Airport with a non-English speaking chauffeur

Tokyo

0 Days

Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds.

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 20,180 /person
Option 2 From $ 22,535 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 13 days / 12 nights.
Meals as indicated
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- Tokyo – Kyoto (Shinkansen Train-Green Class)
- Shin Osaka – Odawara Hakone (Shinkansen Train-Green Class)
All activities as listed :
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Tokyo’s Finest by Day
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Shitaya Jinja: Spiritual Shrine Excursion
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Sake Sampling and Brewery Visit at Sawanoi
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Golden Temple, Bamboo forest and Market visit with Private car
- Japan: Pure Luxury: **The World of a Traditional Geisha
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Kurama – Kibune Hiking Tour
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Osaka Evening Street Food Trail
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Highlights of Osaka
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Onsen: Japanese Hot Spring Baths
- Japan: Pure Luxury: Visit to Mount Fuji National Park
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, when accompanied by our local, English-speaking tour guide
All airport, train station and hotel transfers as indicated. For private transfers our representative will meet you at the airport or the station and accompany you to your vehicle (and vice versa).
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Welcome kit including all important documents and information regarding your itinerary
Insolvency insurance
Fees and taxes

Japan: Pure Luxury

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Tokyo

Kyoto

Osaka

Hakone

Tokyo

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes