10 Days in Japan - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Japan Luxury Highlights: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Osaka

From your arrival in Tokyo to your final privately guided tour in Osaka, you'll be introduced to Japan's cultural richness and beauty on this luxury 10-day adventure. Sample deliciously fresh seafood at the Toyosu Fish Market, cruise under the iconic Mount Fuji, savor the peaceful ambience of a bamboo forest, and join a guided meditation at a Zen temple. In addition, overnight stays at accommodations hand-selected for their comfort and elegance ensure your creature comforts are present every step of the way.

Welcome to Japan! Your ultimate highlights tour begins in Tokyo, and with a three-day stay booked at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, you'll be lazing in style between outings. Spending your first night indulging in fine dining at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants, then, over the following days, tour the lively Toyosu Wholesale Fish Market, experience an elegant high tea, and learn the secrets of sushi making. Afterward, you're off to the pristine mountain resort town of Hakone for a roundup of nature excursions, including a cruise around Lake Ashinoko and a hike within the volcanic Owakudani Valley.

From Hakone, travel by bullet train to Kyoto, where you'll discover an abundance of storied temples and serene gardens. Learn about the mysterious world of the geisha at a private dinner show, walk the grounds of Zen Buddhist temples, and attend a meditation practice at the 14th-century Reigen-in temple. Additionally, detour to Arashiyama for a unique forest bathing experience within the Sagano Bamboo Grove before continuing to Osaka. On the way, stop in Kobe to savor its famous marbled beef, then conclude your luxury adventure with a stay at the opulent Ritz-Carlton Osaka. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Tour of Japan: Modern Meets Traditional in Tokyo, Kyoto & Miyajima

Discover Japan's distinct combination of modern technology and ancient history on this thoughtfully designed luxury tour. Those with an affinity for history and the finer things in life will particularly love this tour, as it includes fine dining in Tokyo, time at the innovative TeamLab Planets, a geisha dinner experience, and a thought-provoking visit to Hiroshima. Relax and rewind between excursions while sipping tea in a kimono, cruising Lake Kawaguchi, and spending nights at well-appointed traditional inns.

You'll kick off your luxury adventure in Tokyo, featuring world-class dining and innovative experiences wrapped around centuries of history. Over a four-day stay, indulge in the city's finest food at a Michelin-starred restaurant, take in sprawling views from Shibuya Sky, and experience technological wonders at the Miraikan Museum. Additionally, spend a day savoring jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji alongside a private guide. Then, you're off to Kyoto, where the elegant Ryokan Genhouin welcomes you for a two-night stay.

Spend your first evening in Kyoto sipping tea while outfitted in a traditional kimono, then delve even deeper into the city's cultural wonders alongside a guide, visiting peaceful temples and attending a private dinner show put on by geishas. The following day's excursion brings you to the fascinating town of Nara, where friendly deer roam free and shrines seemingly outnumber residents. Next, check out Osaka's prominent landmarks before continuing to your final destination, Miyajima island. Here, between nights at the scenic Kinsuikan Hotel, come face-to-face with the harrowing history of Hiroshima. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Japan Luxury Garden & Temple Tour: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Otsu

Uncover Japan's fascinating history through its temples, gardens, and ceremonies on this finely crafted luxury escape. Throughout, you'll roam pristine gardens dating back to 1629, practice seated Zen meditation with a head monk, and experience the intriguing world of geisha. With three nights in Tokyo and two nights each in Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Otsu, this itinerary is perfect for those seeking a faster-paced trip with authentic experiences and guide-led tours.

Your journey begins in the energetic city of Tokyo, and after refreshing at the 5-star Hotel New Otani Tokyo's Executive House Zen, you'll be invited into a Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner. More one-of-a-kind experiences await over the following days, including a boat trip across the Mount Fuji-backed Lake Kawaguchi and a seated Zen meditation guided by a head monk. Then, on the afternoon of Day 4, you're off to the charming castle town of Kanazawa. Spend your first night here enjoying the comforts of the lavish Kinjohro before delving into the town's magnificent gardens and crafts heritage.

Having experienced Tokyo and Kanazawa, you're now off to Kyoto—a city bursting with traditional charm. Dive straight in upon arrival with a scheduled geisha-led dinner show, followed by a historic gardens tour and a private kimono tea ceremony. Additionally, wander the heart-shaped garden of Saiho-ji prior to transferring to the Lake Biwa-backed city of Otsu. Here, you'll follow your guide's lead to landmarks that hint at this city's former significance, including the 788 CE Enryaku-jj temple, before continuing to Osaka to catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury & Nature in Japan's Countryside: Culture, Cuisine & the Great Outdoors

Those dreaming of quintessential small-town Japan will find this luxury getaway the perfect fit. After an indulgent evening in Tokyo, leave the trodden trail and embark on an eight-day journey through the countryside to Nagoya. Along the way, visit local saké breweries, learn the craft of miso-making, and visit a suspended tea house. Additionally, hikes amid lush forests, over the impressive Torii Pass, and between mail towns add the perfect touch of fitness. 

While your trip kicks off with a delightful dinner at one of Tokyo's Michelin-starred restaurants, you'll soon be trading in the sprawling cityscape for the quaint town of Kobuchisawacho. During a two-night stay here, you'll sample the region's famous saké, embark on a guided valley hike, and learn about sustainable practices at an organic farm. Afterward, overnight in Chino, where you'll join a local granny-led cooking class and visit a charming tea house suspended in the air. A two-day stay in Suwa follows, which gives you the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the resort-like Sui Suwako.

When you're not taking advantage of your accommodation's rooftop hot spring, join private guides to tour the city's impressive shrines and cycle between idyllic rice fields. Then, continue to Narai, where you'll get better acquainted with the nuances of saké during a private tasting at the renowned Suginomori. A duo of fascinating on-foot journey follows, the first along the Nakasendo Trail to the Yabuhara Station and the second from Nagiso to the post town of Magome. Afterward, continue to Nagoya and spend your final night indulging in the fine amenities of the Mitsui Garden Hotel. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Japan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other 10-day Japan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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