1 Week in Japan - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Tour of Tokyo, Mount Fuji & Kyoto

Throughout this luxury highlights tour, discover why Tokyo and Kyoto, despite their distinct charms, equally showcase Japan's rich, multifaceted culture. Privately guided tours, immersive cultural excursions, and a generous offering of fine dining and opulent accommodations make this itinerary perfect for first-time visitors with a penchant for the finer things in life. Additionally, an overnight stay under Mount Fuji and a side trip to the birthplace of Toyota enrich this journey with unique, lesser-visited experiences.

Welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins with a two-night stay in the energetic capital of Tokyo, the first of which you'll spend unwinding at the glamorous Peninsula Hotel and dining at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. The next day, team up with a private guide to uncover the city's tiny restaurants, expansive gardens, and elegant hotel lounges. Then, trade the bustling city for an overnight stay under the revered Mount Fuji. Before unpacking your bags at the lavish Hotel Konansou, cruise the serene Lake Kawaguchi and tuck into tastings at the Fuji Gotemba Whisky Distillery. 

Now that you've gotten a taste of Japan's fabulous cuisine and natural landscapes, it's time to shift your attention to its peaceful culture—you're heading to Kyoto. To kick things off, walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine, then refresh at Ryokan Genhouin in preparation for the evening's geisha experience. More fantastic cultural encounters are on the agenda over the following days, including a private tour of the Kinkaku-ji temple and a day trip to Toyoto's birthplace, Nagoya. Lastly, enjoy an end-of-adventure dinner in Kyoto before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Japan Getaway: Lively Tokyo & Tranquil Hakone

Experience Japan's bustling capital city, pristine landscapes, and mighty Mount Fuji on this lavish one-week getaway. Ideal for travelers who love exploring in nature yet don't want to miss out on fine dining and lux accommodations; you'll be treated to superb day trips from Tokyo and spend two nights tucked within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Notable highlights include an authentic tea ceremony, a trip to the cascading Kegon Falls, and a tour of Hakone's insightful art museums.

As the world's largest city, Tokyo is overflowing with history, culture, and decadent cuisine, and to kick off your tour, you'll spend four days diving right in. The stylish Mandarin Oriental serves as your home base and provides superb access to the city's highlights. There's often more to must-sees than what initially meets the eye, which is why expert guides will join you in unveiling the hidden details of Nijubashi Bridge and the nearby city of Kamakura's temples, beaches, and tea houses. In between, indulge in fine dining and rejuvenate at your accommodation's award-winning spa.

While based in Tokyo, you'll also embark on a private day trip to Nikko to stand under the famous Nikko Toshogu shrine and feel the power of Kegon Falls. Then, bid farewell to Tokyo and transfer to the mountain-immersed resort town of Hakone. Upon arrival, team up with a guide to uncover the wonders of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, including Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its epic Mount Fuji views. You'll also find plenty of time to unwind at your serene accommodation, Kowakien Ten-Yu, and hop between Hakone's fascinating museums before catching your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Foodie's Tour of Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto

Whether fresh fish from a bustling market or world-famous Kobe beef grilled to perfection, Japan's culinary scene is beyond impressive. On this finely crafted food tour, you'll dig into its very best thanks to privately guided market tours, reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, and a chef-led cooking workshop. Between meals, roam majestic temples, explore landscapes surrounding Mount Fuji, and attend shows that bring you into beloved cultural traditions.

Let's hope you arrived in Tokyo hungry, as after refreshing at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, a fabulous dinner awaits at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. The food theme continues the next morning at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, where a guide will lead the way to stalls brimming with traditional foods. Then, get hands-on during a cooking master class before wrapping up your day at the colorful Senso-ji temple. On your final day based in Tokyo, detour out of the city to the foothills of Mount Fuji and delight in superb views from Arakurayama Sengen Park and during a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi.

Having experienced Tokyo's ever-present buzz, it's now time to immerse yourself in the serenity of Kyoto. Upon arrival, check into the premier Four Seasons Kyoto and attend a geisha dance performance. The following day packs in more culturally rich excursions, including a private tour of the Kinkaku-ji temple and a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Venture west next on Day 6 to roam the grounds of Himeji-jo, a 400-year-old castle, and to sample perfectly marbled Kobe beef in its home city. Then, tuck into a celebratory dinner once you arrive back in Kyoto, as all too soon, it's time to catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Tour of Japan's Forests, Temples & Hot Springs: Mount Koya & Kumano Kodo

Immerse yourself in the serenity of off-the-beaten-path Japan on this luxury adventure featuring Japan's nature-tucked temples, shrines, and hot springs. Starting in Mount Koya, you'll be introduced to fascinating monasteries and temples. Then, spend a day each unwinding in the small settlements of Kawayu Onsen and Yunomine Onsen before ending your stay on a private island in Katsuura Bay. Nights spent at captivating traditional inns and privately guided nature excursions make this itinerary perfect for those seeking an extraordinary escape.

Straight from the Osaka airport, leave behind the sprawling cityscape for the quaint temple town of Mount Koya and check into the serene Ren'gejo-in Temple. Spend the evening getting acquainted with the town in the company of a private guide, then dedicate the next day to diving deeper. Savor the peaceful atmosphere of Kongobu-ji temple and stand under the towering Konpon Daito pagoda, or opt instead for a day hike along the enchanting Koyasan Choishi Michi. After another delightful morning in Mount Koya, transfer to Kawayu Onsen for a rejuvenating soak in its natural hot springs.

Next, don your hiking shoes for a pleasant walk through villages and tea plantations to Kumano Hongu Taisha—a grand shrine steeped with spiritual significance. Continuing south on Day 4, you'll overnight in Y​​unomine Onsen, home of the only UNESCO-listed hot spring in the world, and cruise down the mountain-backed Kumano River. Later, check into Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima, a well-appointed seaside ryokan in Katsuura Bay, where you'll spend your final days. From here, journey to the incredible Nachi Falls and climb to the top of the Seiganto-ji temple before transferring back to Osaka. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Japan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other one-week Japan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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