Delightful Japan

Cruise the continuum from traditional to futuristic in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan is a world apart, a place where ancient rituals are fused with contemporary life as if it were the most normal thing in the world. From skyscrapers, neon-lit streets and subterranean restaurants to matcha tea ceremonies, century-old shrines and cherry blossoms gardens, Japan offers a seamless blend of contrasting experiences. Bustling metropolis vibe and sedate state of zen blend in equal doses to create this one-of-a-kind Asian itinerary.

Best Time To Visit

March, April, September & October

Duration

10 Days

Theme

Food & Shopping, History & Architecture, Living Like a Local, Nature & Landscape

Accommodations

Luxury boutique hotels

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ITINERARY

TOKYO

Have a brush with Tokyo’s past in the narrow lanes of Asakusa, lined with tea houses, local restaurants and kimono stores enroute to the iconic red gates of the 7th century Senso-ji Temple, where locals toss coins and burn incense at the main altar. Reserve a couple of hours for a private lesson on Shodo, the Japanese calligraphy. Gaze at the urban sprawl from the top of the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world. Wander through the oasis of Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, which were once reserved for royalty, then be seen at the Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest crosswalk. Close the day with an indulgent sunset helicopter cruise over Tokyo

Accommodation:

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo

TOKYO

Zip like a bullet at 320 kilometres per hour in the super-slick Shinkansen and discover two of the most epic attractions of Japan on a day trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji. Learn about the feudal history and retro atmosphere of Hakone town. Ride a cable car up Mount Komagatake to see a lava dome and marvel at uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji. Hike the natural wonderland of hot springs, lakes, volcanic islands, and soaring peaks that make up the Hakone National Park. Top up the glorious day with the ultimate Onsen experience at KAI Sengokuhara, with private baths opening up to views of the vast Sengokuhara plains.

Accommodation:

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo

TOKYO

Embark upon a sensory adventure at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, the world’s largest wholesale fish market. Fulfil culinary dreams with steaming yakitori skewers, noodle dishes, tamagoyaki and sushi. Do the museum-hop at Ueno Park for a glimpse into the art and history of country. Delight in retail therapy at Ginza, one of the top shopping districts here. Change gears to catch a classic Japanese performance, Kabuki which is an interesting blend of music, dance, mime, along with spectacular staging and costuming. Lighten up in the evening at a funky dive bar in Golden Gai.

Accommodation:

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo

TOKYO

Reserve a day to explore the mountain town of Nikko. Savour the ambience of the World Heritage site of the Tosho-gu shrine complex and pose by the vermillion coloured Shinkyo Bridge. Soak in the purity of the cedar and pine woodland of the Nikko National Park, and uncover a lesser-known treasure, the 70 stone statues of the Bodhisattva Jizo dressed in red bibs, before seeking bliss at the Kegon Waterfall. Bump up the snob-value with a fancy meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Effervescence, that promises innovative Japanese cuisine.

Accommodation:

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo

TOKYO

Get acquainted with Tokyo's architectural and cultural evolution at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Later, encounter royalty at the Imperial Palace Gardens, surrounded by original moats, walls and guardhouses built by the Tokugawa shogun. Continue the tryst with peace at the Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to modern Japan's first emperor and empress. Evening is a good time to watch a sumo match at Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium. Look forward to an exclusive masterclass with a professional sake (Japanese rice wine) sommelier and learn which varieties pair best with your choice of Japanese or Western gourmet dishes.

Accommodation:

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo

KYOTO

Dig deep into Higashiyama to see Kiyomizu-dera temple and soak in the milieu at Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, the unspoiled historical alleys of Kyoto. Wander the streets of Gion, the famous geisha district and spot the elusive geisha. Capture gastronomic flavours, aromas and sights at Nishiki Market, relish local delicacies like tsukemono and buy artisan knives at Aritsugu. Prep for a multi-course Kaiseki tasting menu and a private dance performance by graceful geishas to the soundtrack of the three-stringed shamisen.

Accommodation:

Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan

KYOTO

Start the day with the phoenix city of Hiroshima for fascinating insights into World War II history. Visit the epicenter of the tragic atomic blast, the Atomic bomb dome, before getting a complete lowdown on nuclear weaponry at the Peace Memorial Museum. Continue to the picturesque island of Miyajima, to see the bright red Great Torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine floating over water. Drop in to the Daisho-in Temple complex, which is known for over 500 mysterious statues.

Accommodation:

Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan

KYOTO

Plan to spend a day at Osaka, one of Japan’s culinary capitals. Ogle at the magnificent Osaka Castle to learn about its 450-year-old history. Make a pit stop at the Shitenno-ji, the oldest Buddhist site in the country, recognizable by its five-story pagoda. Seek out a host of Japanese National Treasures at the Shitenno-ji Treasure House and stroll the neon-lit Dotonbori, considered to be the mecca for the kuidaore food culture of Osaka. Taste regional specialties like takoyaki, the octopus snack and okonomiyaki, the savoury pancakes at Sennichimae Lane.

Accommodation:

Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan

KYOTO

Take the romantic Sagano train to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a surreal session of forest bathing among thousands of bamboos soaring to heights of over 1000 feet. Pay homage to the most iconic Zen temples of Japan’s old imperial capital, Kinkaku-ji, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Visit the home of a local tea master to participate in an exclusive Japanese tea ceremony. Pamper your palate at an Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) with tempura, sashimi, and gyoza accompanied by nama biiru (draft beer) or sake.

Accommodation:

Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan

KYOTO

Head to Daigoji Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in Kyoto, home to the Bentendo Hall that is famous for the beautiful coloured leaves in the fall when maples and ginkgos turn red and yellow. Brace for an extraordinary visual spectacle at the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famed for its 10000 vivid vermillion torii gates. Visit Japan's first permanent capital, Nara, that is known for its grand Golden Buddha and expansive deer park. Wrap up the extraordinary trip with an authentic Japanese sushi dinner at the cozy family-owned Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya restaurant.

Accommodation:

Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan

Embark On This Luxury Trip To Create Special Memories

  • Return International Airfare to Tokyo
  • Inter-city train transportation in Japan
  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
  • Private Airport and Station Transfers in all cities
  • Activities & Excursions as indicated in the itinerary
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunch & Dinner unless specified in the itinerary
  • Visas