Private Japan 2025
9
5
Come in spring to witness the dazzling profusion of white and pink cherry blossoms, known locally as sakura, or visit in autumn to view the vivid red leaves at their peak
Experience neon-lit Tokyo and feel the vitality of this buzzy world capital, playing taiko drums and visiting a seafood market
Experience the timeless hospitality of Gôra Kadan, one of the country’s most exclusive ryokans (traditional inns)
With the snow-capped majesty of Mount Fuji for a backdrop, zoom by bullet train to Osaka, where you explore the lively Dotonbori district
Find inner peace in Kyoto’s tranquil Zen rock gardens at Ryoan-ji and admire the golden brilliance of Kinkaku-ji Temple
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, located near the Imperial Palace.
Day 2 | Tokyo- Spiritual Centers & Exclusive Workshop
This morning, begin your day at a family-owned workshop that specializes in Japanese drum making, and try your hand at playing the taiko, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Afterward, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple. This colorful pagoda-style temple was completed in 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy in several East Asian spiritual traditions. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan and home to a vast collection of Japanese art and antiquities. Continue to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto complex dedicated to an emperor that was rebuilt after World War II.
Day 3 | Tokyo - Seafood Market & Sushi Making
Start your day at a local fish market, a bustling hub of Japanese daily life where a dizzying array of seafood can be found. Then, receive a lesson in sushi making, followed by lunch, during a Chef's Table experience. The remainder of your day is at leisure, free to relax or explore on your own.
Day 4 | Hakone - Stay at a Traditional Ryokan
Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations, and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Board an aerial tram rising above the wooded slopes for inspiring views of Mount Fuji. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before strolling the grassy hillsides of Hakone's Open-Air Museum. Admire the impressive contemporary sculptures and artwork on display, including masterpieces by Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, presenting visitors with over 100 works by the cubist master. Tonight, enjoy unparalleled service at Gôra Kadan, an exclusiveryokan (traditional inn).
Day 5 | Osaka - Bullet Train & Dotonbori Delicacies
After breakfast at your ryokan, head to the Okada Museum of Art to view its stunning collection of paintings, ceramics, lacquerware and bronzes from Japan, Korea and China. Then, ride by bullet train to Osaka. Historically known as a merchant city, it is today renowned as Japan's undisputed culinary capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki - a battered, grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed, topped with mayonnaise. This evening, head out to explore the popular Dotonbori District, sampling dishes from the brilliantly lighted and gastronomically creative restaurants that line the street.
Day 6 | Nara - Insights into a Profoundly Spiritual Heritage
Travel early this morning to Nara, Japan's first capital. Visit Todai-ji, a temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Continue to Nara Park, home to hundreds of tame deer, venerated here as divine spirits, which you have the opportunity to feed by hand. Next visit the celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Conclude your Nara excursion with an exploration of the Naramachi District, comprised of winding Japanese streets and modernized merchant houses.
Day 7 | Kyoto - The Golden Pavilion & Bamboo Grove
Travel to Kyoto early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji and glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Covered in gold leaf that casts a shimmering reflection in the tranquil pond beside it, the temple exhibits three different styles of architecture - shinden, samurai and Zen - one on each floor. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots, considered by many a healing experience. Proceed to nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and its wonderful gardens before continuing to your hotel.
Day 8 | Kyoto - Hillside Views and Tea
This morning, visit Kiyomizu Temple, a celebrated Buddhist temple known for its stunning views of Kyoto. Marvel at the city from afar and enjoy the panorama of cherry and maple trees that come into color in the spring and fall. Proceed to a local temple, where you experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which date to the time of the samurai. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 9 | Depart Kyoto
TTransfer to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, both located just outside of Osaka, for your international flight home.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, located near the Imperial Palace.
Itinerary:
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Located near the Imperial Palace Gardens, the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi occupies the top six floors of a 39-story tower, a perfect vantage point from which to take in the energy of this unique and buzzing city. Both its public spaces and its 190 guest rooms and suites feature a layered design motif that evokes the delicacy of origami, symbolized by the billowing, three-dimensional fabric installation that greets spa guests. The hotel's two restaurants serve French-Japanese fusion and Italian bistro fare. In addition to the restaurants and spa, amenities include a fitness center, and indoor pool. The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is a chic, luxurious property — perfect for guests seeking the very best in Tokyo hospitality.
Gora Kadan
Set on land originally belonging to the Imperial family, Gôra Kadan now shares its stunning views with Hakone National Park. This exclusive traditional Japanese inn offers just 38 rooms and suites set among tranquil gardens and terraces. Guests experience the elegance of a bygone era with tatami mats, handcrafted futons, traditional robes and kaiseki cuisine. Upgraded rooms offer steam saunas and deep, open-air stone baths fed by mineral-rich water from Gôra Kadan's two wells. The ryokan boasts an upscale restaurant and a bar. Other amenities include a spa, pool and fitness center. Located two hours by car from Tokyo, Gôra Kadan is ideal for guests seeking luxurious accommodations with a strong historical link.
The St. Regis Osaka
Situated amid shady ginkgo trees along fabled Midosuji, the Champs-Élysées of Osaka, the St. Regis Osaka is convenient to Shitennoji Temple and the Municipal Museum of Fine Art. The contemporary luxury hotel has 161 clean-lined guest rooms and suites with subtle Japanese touches. The restaurants and bars serve contemporary Japanese, French and Italian cuisines, as well as light bites. Signature butler service and a fitness center are among the other amenities. Located 30 minutes from Itami Airport and one hour from Kansai International Airport, the St. Regis Osaka appeals to guests' modern sensibilities, while remaining in the heart of everything.
Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Steps from the Nijō Castle complex, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa offers a storied stay in a verdant garden fragrant with pines. Taking cues from a traditional Japanese teahouse, the contemporary luxury hotel has 160 guest rooms and suites with bespoke furnishings and natural details. The sleek restaurant features garden seating and regional Japanese cuisine. Additional amenities include a private onsen for meditation, a meticulously cultivated garden and a thermal spa. A wide range of activities can be arranged, including a kimono experience, pottery class and hotelier experience for kids. Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa melds ancient Japanese tradition with modern luxury in the heart of Kyoto.
Dates & Prices
Prices are in USD, per person, double occupancy.
Inclusions
No minimum age
Pricing is available upon request
9 Days
|
from $18,395
