Luxury Grand Tour of Japan: Modern Cities, Traditional Culture & Historic Sites - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy opulent rooms and endless city views at the 5-star Hotel New Otani Tokyo
• Discover the meditative art of bonsai tree cultivation in Omiya Bonsai Village
• Cruise the serene waters of Lake Kawaguchi, set against towering Mount Fuji
• Take morning prayers with the Buddhist monks of Mount Koya
• Soak in oceanfront hot springs on the island of Miyajima

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Michelin Fine Dining Experience

Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Tokyo, Japan's capital city, where you'll find a decidedly urban vibe combined with a wealth of history and culture. Upon arrival, your private driver will collect you and transport you to your 5-star accommodations at Hotel New Otani Tokyo's Executive House Zen. Here, you'll find expansive rooms and suites with endless city or garden views, options for Shin-Edo style wooden bathtubs, and decor that blends modern and traditional. The hotel's location also puts you close to hotspots such as Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Ginza, making it an excellent base for sightseeing.

Once you've had a chance to rest and regroup, don your smartest attire and prepare for a fine dining experience that is truly like no other. Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, and this private excursion offers your pick of nearly any cuisine. From authentic Japanese cuisine featuring bite-size sushi, tender, juicy sashimi, and crisp, crunchy tempura to exquisite French and Italian dishes, Tokyo offers plenty of choices for those seeking a memorable gourmet experience.

For kaiseki cuisine, a traditional Japanese multicourse meal that highlights fresh local produce, opt for Ginza Kojyu, known for its elevated dishes and intimate setting. Or, head to the lively Shinjuku district for a visit to Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu, one of a handful of ramen restaurants that hold a Michelin star. And if you love omakase, you won't want to miss Sukiyabashi Jiro, a small sushi bar that was the first in the world to be awarded three Michelin stars. Your private driver will transport you to the restaurant of your choosing and return you to your hotel afterward. 

Day 2: Full-Day Tokyo City Tour, Luxury Afternoon Tea

Spend today discovering Tokyo's myriad sights and foodie scene with a private city tour. You'll start with a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Dating back to the Edo period, the market comprises nearly 400 shops and restaurants packed into narrow lanes. Roam the alleys with your guide and try an array of traditional delicacies, as you hear tales of Japan's culinary culture, how washoku (traditional Japanese food) is prepared, and feast on fresh sushi.

Next, visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only public part of the palatial complex. Admire the seasonal flowers, fountains, and teahouses, and take in the views of the double-arched Nijubashi Bridge. Continue to the colorful Senso-ji in Asakusa, one of the city's most significant Buddhist temples. See the impressive giant lanterns on the Kaminarimon (the temple's outer gate) and stroll along the lively Nakamise-dori, a street lined with traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets.

End your immersion into Tokyo city life with afternoon tea at one of the city's premier locations. Choose between the Lobby Bar at the Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, for sweeping views of the capital and the famous Tokyo Tower, or visit the Lounge at Four Seasons Tokyo. Enjoy an assortment of sweets and savories in modern, elegant settings while soaking up the city skyline. Later, the nearby roof bar at Shibuya Sky, a 360-degree open-air observation deck, is a wonderful spot to unwind with a glass of bubbly, taking in the panoramic views.

Day 3: Day Trip to Omiya Bonsai Museum & Village

This morning, meet your driver for a day trip to Omiya Bonsai Village, a top destination for many bonsai enthusiasts, and Omiya Bonsai Museum, home to a large collection of bonsai artifacts including paintings, pottery, and seasonal bonsai trees. Located less than an hour from Tokyo, you'll have a quick scenic drive, then arrive at the museum for a deep dive into the world of bonsai. Learn about the rich history and tradition tied to these trees, and see the materials used to make them, gallery collections of bonsai-related art, and gardens with more than 40 different trees. 

Continue to Omiya Bonsai Village. After the great Kanto earthquake in 1923, many gardeners left Tokyo in search of new land and soil for bonsai cultivation. A community of these gardeners settled in the village, and today these expert growers remain committed to keeping bonsai culture alive. The village is considered a sacred and prestigious place, with beautiful gardens created by these incredible artisans. You'll have a chance to see the bonsai gardeners at work, learn more about their craft, and tour the village's bonsai gardens, each of which is dedicated to a specific varietal.

Day 4: Hands-On Cooking Class, Luxury Spa Experience 

Don an apron this morning and try your hand at preparing traditional Japanese cuisine with a private cooking class. Alongside professional instructors, you'll learn the secrets behind dishes such as dashi maki tamago (rolled, pan-fried eggs), miso soup, wagyu sukiyaki (a hot pot dish of thinly sliced Wagyu beef, tofu, and vegetables), and kuzu manju (sweet bean paste dessert served with matcha syrup). Hone your cooking skills as you try these new recipes, then enjoy a delicious lunch made with your own hands.

Later today, indulge in some spa time at one of Tokyo's premiere luxury treatment facilities. As a huge political and economic hub, there's no shortage of high-end spas to choose from, and you'll be able to curate treatments however you'd like. You can try the Spa at Aman Tokyo, which has opulent, onsen-style hot baths, steam rooms, and a large pool with panoramic city views. Get a massage, facial, or traditional Kampo therapy using natural herbs. 

Other options include the spa at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. Located on the 37th floor, it features elegant luxe decor and gorgeous views of Tokyo. Or for exclusive tailored treatments, inspiring therapies, and in-house wellness experts, the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a serene environment. Of course, if you prefer not to venture too far, you can visit the Golden Spa New Otani, located at your hotel. The spa has a gym, pool, sauna, and a wide range of massage and aesthetic treatments available. 

Day 5: Transfer to Hakone via Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi & Whisky Tasting

Trade city for countryside today as your driver collects you for the scenic two-hour transfer to Hakone, a mountainous resort town located within Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Upon arrival, you'll take a private tour of the region, starting at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where views of Mount Fuji frame a monumental pagoda. See Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight ponds fed by snow melt from Fuji's slopes, and stop in at Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, a small museum at Oshino Hakkai's largest pond with a thatched-roof farmhouse and exhibits of farming tools, household items, samurai armor, and weapons.

Board a small boat for a cruise across Lake Kawaguchi or head for the sky on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, reaching an observation deck for panoramic lake and mountain views. The day's adventure closes with a stop at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, where whisky and saké are produced using water sourced from Fuji's snow melt. Learn about their sake-making process, see the pot stills, distillation equipment, and wooden vat fermentation tanks that produce various types of saké, and enjoy a tasting of the different spirits.

Your driver will then escort you to your accommodations at Gora Kadan, a gorgeous 5-star ryokan (inn) located on the grounds of Kan'in-no-miya Villa, which once served as the summer villa for members of the Imperial family. Enjoy a blend of Japanese tradition and modern design, with rooms that feature elegant decor that complements the natural surroundings and lush greenery, patios that look into the gardens, and private open-air onsen baths. This evening, dine on delectable kaiseki cuisine at the hotel's on-site restaurant. 

Day 6: Tour Hakone's Art, Nature & Museums

Today starts with a privately guided tour of Hakone. Begin at the Hakone Open Air Museum, which has various outdoor exhibits and an expansive collection of works by artists from around the world. The museum blends the beauty of nature with art, showcasing various sculptures and other pieces against the backdrop of the surrounding valley and mountains. Next, visit the Hakone Museum of Art, where you'll find displays of Japanese ceramics from prehistoric times through the Edo Period, as well as a pretty moss garden with stone paths that wind through shady maple trees.

Head to the shores of Lake Ashinoko and spend some time at Hakone-jinja, a peaceful, tucked-away Shinto shrine with large lakefront torii gates, then end your tour in the Owaku-dani valley, where you can see the hot springs and rivers this region is so known for, alongside excellent views of Mount Fuji.

After your tour, you're free to relax at your hotel or explore on your own. For a fun twist on Hakone's famed hot springs, consider a visit to the Yunessun Spa Resort, a theme park with upward of 25 different spa experiences. Swim and soak in the various pools, which, alongside traditional spa baths, include options like green tea baths, wine, or ramen broth. 

Day 7: Train to Kyoto, Geisha Dinner Show 

You're off to Kyoto today! This cultural powerhouse of a city is known for its historic traditions, such as kaiseki dining and geisha entertainers, as well as its numerous temples, gardens, and palaces. Your private transfer will take you to the train station, and you'll board a Shinkansen bullet train for the 2.5-hour ride. Seating will be in the Green Car section, which is more spacious and offers a nice array of amenities.

Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and escorted to Ryokan Genhouin, a traditional Japanese inn that sits on a quiet Kyoto street. This 100-year-old property was once the residence of Count Yamashina and serves as a shining testament to the preservation of imperial court culture. The property features a well-kept garden and traditional wooden architecture, and its location offers an easy walk to local attractions such as Heian Shrine or the Shoren-in temple.

Later this evening, explore the mysterious world of the geisha at a private dinner show. Together with your guide, visit a traditional machiya, a registered Cultural Heritage Property, and meet the geishas (female Japanese performing artists) and maiko (geishas in training). Watch a dance performance and learn more about the traditions of this age-old art while dining on an authentic Japanese meal of seasonal fish, meat, vegetables, rice, soup, and pickles. After the performance, you'll have an opportunity to take photos with the entertainers and participate in some traditional games if time permits. 

Day 8: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple, Japanese Garden Experience

Start the day with a guided tour of Kyoto's top UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your private guide will collect you from your hotel, and you'll begin at Fushimi Inari-taisha. Featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," this shrine has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates, all donated by individuals and businesses as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for the blessings received. From here, you'll continue to Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk the peaceful grounds, and be sure to visit the temple's top floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf.

Afterward, take a privately guided tour of Japan's most exclusive gardens. Japanese gardening remains one of the cornerstones of traditional Japanese culture, and you'll have the opportunity to not only see and explore the gardens but also meet one of Japan's oldest gardening families. Journey through the history, culture, and philosophy of the quintessential Japanese garden, coming away with a better understanding of the importance of different elements in the gardens and the artistry behind their cultivation. 

Day 9: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Rickshaw Ride & Tenryu-ji Temple

Today's adventure takes you to the scenic district of Arashiyama, located on the outskirts of Kyoto. Start with a private rickshaw tour through the Sagano Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest that encompasses more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha) and has paths that traverse serene greenery and towering stalks. Pass beautifully manicured gardens and dazzling shrines as your driver pulls you up the mountain.

Stroll across Togetsu-kyo, whose name translates to "Moon Crossing Bridge," a nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty, then make a final stop at the temple gardens of Tenryu-ji. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned as one of Kyoto's finest Zen temples. Relax here for a bit before returning to the city, where you can enjoy dinner out or perhaps some shopping at local Kyoto markets.

Day 10: Train to Mount Koya, Temple Stay Experience

Your next destination is Mount Koya, a large settlement in the Kii Mountains, located approximately 75 miles (120 km) from Kyoto. Mount Koya is considered the center of Shingon Buddhism and is home to one of Japan's main schools of Buddhism. You'll find more than 100 temples and monasteries here, alongside towering cedars lining stone walkways and a peaceful, spiritual vibe. In the morning, you'll head to the train station and hop on board for the 2.5-hour train ride. 

Arrive and check in at the Ren'gejo-in temple, a 4-star retreat that offers shukubo (temple lodging). Guests can interact with the monks who live here and learn more about their daily lives. The tastefully appointed rooms offer garden views, access to the public bath, and a delicious Asian breakfast.

Drop off your luggage and head out with your private guide to explore. You can roam around the temples, do a light hike along the quiet trails, or pay tribute to Kobo Daishi, the person who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan, at Okunoin Cemetery. This evening, relax at your temple accommodations amid the tranquil forest setting.

Day 11: In-Depth Mount Koya Discovery: Temples, Pagodas, & Pilgrimage Trails

Discover more of Mount Koya with a privately guided tour. Meet your guide after breakfast and start with a visit to Kongobu-ji temple—one of the best places on Mount Koya to soak up the serene, peaceful vibe. The temple is the headquarters of the Shingon sect, and its garden, Banryutei, is the largest rock garden in the country. Then, continue to Danjo Garan, Mount Koya's central temple complex consisting of more than 20 temples and pagodas, and home to the impressive 147-foot (45 m) Konpon Daito pagoda.

If getting out in nature interests you, you'll also have the option for a day hike along the Koyasan Choishi Michi, a 14-mile (23 km) trail that winds through the forest. Depending on your interest and physical condition, you can also take the shorter routes, which start from Kami-Kosawa Station or Kii-Hosokawa Station and take 3-5 hours to complete. Later, your guide will direct you to one of Mount Koya's restaurants, where you can enjoy a kaiseki dinner or other local dishes. 

Day 12: Morning Temple Prayers, Transfer to Miyajima via Hiroshima & Osaka

Start the day early by participating in the temple's morning prayers and enjoying a Buddhist vegetarian breakfast, then spend time enjoying more of Mount Koya, immersing yourself in the scenery and spirituality. After that, it's time to check out of your lodgings and meet your guide to transfer to Osaka, where you'll board the bullet train to Hiroshima. Arrive in Hiroshima and take the ferry over to the island of Miyajima, checking into your accommodations at Hotel Kinsuikan, a traditional ryokan.

Featuring a garden, bar, and sweeping views of the sea, Kinsuikan offers rooms with modern Japanese decor, luxury bedding, and options for suites with open-air hot springs. Their large, on-site hot spring, Shioyu Onsen, contains seawater from deep underground, with high heat retention that leaves you feeling warm even after you're out of the water—the perfect solution for tired muscles after a long day of sightseeing! Relax at the ryokan this evening, resting up for tomorrow's excursions. 

Day 13: Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Itsukushima Shrine 

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park today, a space dedicated to honoring the lives lost during the World War II atomic bomb that devastated the city. Accompanied by your guide, you'll tour what was once ground zero, now transformed into a peaceful sanctuary. Featuring original photography, detailed explanations, and artifacts recovered from the atomic bombing, the Peace Memorial Museum within the park serves as a somber reminder to never take peace for granted, and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a building still left standing from the bomb, is a disturbing but important testament to the horrors of war.

Catch the ferry back to Miyajima and visit the famed floating Itsukushima-jinja Otorii (Grand Torii Gate). This UNESCO-listed shrine is built over water with boardwalks connecting its main hall, prayer hall, and other buildings. At high tide, you can witness the gigantic torii gate appear to float in the emerald waters, and at low tide, it's possible to walk directly to the gate and see it up close. This evening, you're free to do more sightseeing or shopping in Hiroshima, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs. 

Day 14: Transfer to Tokyo, Depart

Your two-week exploration of Japan draws to a close today. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the port and take a ferry back to Hiroshima, where your private driver will transport you to Tokyo for your flight home. Safe travels!

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