Japan: A Journey of Discovery

Tokyo oscillates between heightened refinement and sense-scrambling extremes. Stroll amid the moats and formal gardens of the Imperial Palace and the tranquil Meiji Shrine, then plunge into the vibrant whirl of Harajuku's anime-inspired fashion scene. The city’s charm lies in its ability to juxtapose timeless tradition with cutting-edge trends, from the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple to the eclectic street styles of Omotesando. Tokyo is where the past, present and future coexist in electrifying harmony.

Set against the backdrop of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is a haven of natural beauty and cultural treasures, the clear mountain air and invigorating hot springs making it a revitalizing escape from Tokyo. Begin any journey with a tranquil cruise across Lake Ashi, surrounded by lush, forested mountains before ascending in an aerial tram for breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Mount Fuji, its iconic silhouette cut out of the sky.  

Takayama, resting in the foothills of the Japanese Alps, offers a journey back in time. This compact city is known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, where narrow lanes are lined with traditional wooden merchant houses. Visit the Takayama Float Festival Exhibition Hall to admire the intricately decorated floats, showcasing elaborate carvings, embroidery and traditional art. The town's rich history comes alive as you explore its old sake breweries and artisan shops. The irresistible aroma of grilled Hida beef fills the air, enticing visitors to sample this local delicacy.  

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is a picturesque village celebrated for its UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep, thatched roofs crafted to endure heavy snow. Wander through the charming streets to discover the historic Wada Family Residence, a grand Edo-period structure that exemplifies traditional architecture. Here, the intricate craftsmanship of bygone eras blends seamlessly with the stunning alpine scenery, offering a vivid glimpse into Japan's rural heritage and the resilience of its enduring traditions.

Start your exploration at Omicho Market, Kanazawa's bustling hub for local seafood and produce. Wander through the Nagamachi Samurai Residence, where authentic artifacts offer windows into the storied past of Japan's warrior class, or lose yourself in the timeless beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, a 17th-century oasis. Stroll along its tranquil paths, cross graceful arched bridges and find peace by its serene waterways.

As Japan’s former imperial capital for more than a thousand years, a place of shrines, bamboo groves and treasures, Kyoto has long been an incubator and preserver of high-art forms, from calligraphy and ceramics to tea ceremonies and refined geisha entertainments. Get an authentic taste of this beguiling city at a private teahouse in Gion hosted by a dainty maiko (apprentice geisha), at the famously serene gardens of Shisen-dô, or at the fire ritual of a Buddhist monk on Mount Hiei. Or, indeed, over dinner – though barely one-ninth the size of Tokyo, Kyoto has the highest Michelin-star quotient per capita of any city on earth. Nearby Nara offers a different pace, where free-roaming deer and the colossal bronze Buddha at Todai-ji Temple anchor travellers in a landscape that feels both timeless and profoundly rooted.