13-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Japan
Japan is a country where world-class hospitality, known as Omotenashi, meets cutting-edge technology and centuries-old tradition. This 13-day itinerary is designed for travelers who seek the finer things in life, combining the classic 'Golden Route' with exclusive, high-end experiences that ensure comfort and sophistication at every turn.
Traveling via the iconic Shinkansen 'Green Car' and staying in some of the world's most prestigious hotels and Ryokans, you will witness the neon glow of Tokyo, the spiritual serenity of Kyoto, and the natural beauty of Hakone. Every activity has been curated to provide a deep, private connection to Japanese culture while maintaining a leisurely and luxurious pace.
Day 1: Tokyo, Japan - Arrival & Ginza Sophistication
Arrival and Luxury Transfer
Touch down at Narita or Haneda Airport and enjoy a private chauffeur-driven transfer directly to your hotel in the heart of Tokyo. Avoid the crowds and begin your journey with seamless service.
Check-in at The Peninsula Tokyo
Experience one of Tokyo's most prestigious addresses, located right across from the Imperial Palace. Settle into your suite and enjoy the panoramic city views.
Ginza District Exploration
Walk through Tokyo’s most glamorous shopping district. Ginza is home to flagship luxury boutiques and historic department stores like Wako and Mitsukoshi.
Michelin-Starred Sushi Dinner
Indulge in an intimate Omakase experience at a world-renowned sushi counter in Ginza, where the fish is sourced daily from the morning's freshest catch.
Day 2: Tokyo, Japan - Tradition & Modern Views
Private Tsukiji Inner Market Tour
While the wholesale market has moved, Tsukiji Outer Market remains a culinary landmark. Explore it with a private chef who will guide you through the best ingredients.
Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
Visit Tokyo's oldest temple in style with a private rickshaw ride through the historic streets of Asakusa, learning about the Edo-period architecture.
Sumida River Private Cruise
Charter a private boat to sail down the Sumida River toward Tokyo Bay, offering a unique vantage point of the city's skyline and the Tokyo Skytree.
Roppongi Hills Sky Dinner
Dine at a high-floor restaurant in Roppongi Hills, enjoying French-Japanese fusion while looking out at the Tokyo Tower illuminated in the night sky.
Day 3: Tokyo, Japan - Art & Digital Wonders
teamLab Borderless Experience
Visit the world-renowned digital art museum. Pre-booked VIP entry allows you to skip the queues and immerse yourself in the light and sound installations.
Omotesando & Meiji Jingu
Walk through the serene Meiji Shrine forest before heading to Omotesando, often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées, for high-end fashion and architecture.
Nezu Museum Private Viewing
Explore pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art in a stunning building designed by Kengo Kuma, featuring a magnificent private Japanese garden.
Shinjuku Golden Gai Private Bar Hop
Experience the legendary nightlife of Shinjuku with a private guide who can introduce you to exclusive, high-end hidden bars that require reservations.
Day 4: Hakone, Japan - Mount Fuji & Onsen Relaxation
Luxury Romancecar to Hakone
Depart from Shinjuku on the 'Romancecar' in a front-view observation seat, offering beautiful views as you head toward the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Lake Ashi Private Boat Charter
Sail across Lake Ashi on a private boat, enjoying the iconic view of the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine with Mount Fuji in the background.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Walk through this sprawling outdoor art space featuring works by Picasso and Henry Moore, set against the backdrop of the Hakone mountains.
Ryokan Stay at Gora Kadan
Check into one of Japan's most exclusive Ryokans. Enjoy a multi-course Kaiseki dinner and a private open-air hot spring bath (onsen) in your room.
Day 5: Kyoto, Japan - The Imperial Capital
Shinkansen Green Car to Kyoto
Travel from Odawara to Kyoto on the Shinkansen. The Green Car (First Class) offers spacious seating and a quiet atmosphere for the two-hour journey.
Nishiki Market Culinary Walk
Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen' with a guide who can help you sample rare local delicacies, from Kyoto-style pickles to fresh yuba (tofu skin).
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Visit this Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond).
Gion District Evening Walk
Stroll through the Gion district at dusk. Your private guide will share the history of the Geiko and Maiko who live and work in these preserved wooden buildings.
Day 6: Kyoto, Japan - Zen Gardens & Bamboo Groves
Arashiyama Early Morning Access
Beat the crowds at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walk through the towering stalks before visiting the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and its 14th-century garden.
Okochi Sanso Villa
Explore the former estate of a silent film star, offering some of the best garden views in Kyoto and a peaceful matcha tea experience.
Ryoan-ji Rock Garden
Contemplate the world's most famous Zen dry landscape garden, consisting of 15 stones arranged in a sea of raked white gravel.
Private Geisha Dinner
Enjoy a truly exclusive evening at an Ochasaya (teahouse) in Gion, featuring a traditional Kaiseki meal accompanied by performance and conversation with a Maiko.
Day 7: Kyoto, Japan - Temples & Tea
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii gates. A private guide can take you to the quieter upper paths for a more spiritual experience.
Exclusive Tea Ceremony
Participate in a private tea ceremony at a non-public temple, hosted by a tea master who will explain the intricate rituals of 'The Way of Tea'.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Visit the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, which offers stunning views of Kyoto, especially during the cherry blossom or autumn leaf seasons.
Higashiyama District Walk
Wander through the preserved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, filled with traditional crafts, incense shops, and high-end pottery.
Day 8: Nara, Japan - The First Capital Day Trip
Luxury Train to Nara
Take the Aoniyoshi luxury sightseeing train from Kyoto to Nara, featuring retro-inspired decor and comfortable lounge seating.
Todai-ji & The Great Buddha
Marvel at the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), one of the world's largest wooden buildings, housing a 15-meter tall bronze Buddha statue.
Nara Park Deer Encounter
Interact with the hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods. Purchase special crackers to feed them.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Walk the lantern-lined paths of Nara’s most celebrated shrine, famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers.
Day 9: Osaka, Japan - Neon Lights & Gastronomy
Private Transfer to Osaka
A short drive takes you to the vibrant city of Osaka. Check into a high-rise luxury hotel overlooking the city's expansive skyline.
Osaka Castle Tower
Explore the grounds of this historic fortress. A private guide can help you navigate the museum and the impressive granite walls.
Umeda Sky Building
Visit the 'Floating Garden Observatory' for a 360-degree view of Osaka. The futuristic architecture is a highlight of the city's modern side.
Dotonbori Gourmet Safari
Osaka is the street food capital of Japan. Enjoy a premium tasting tour of Dotonbori, including high-end Wagyu beef and local specialties like Takoyaki.
Day 10: Hiroshima, Japan - History & Resilience
Shinkansen to Hiroshima
Travel west on the Sanyo Shinkansen. The journey is fast and efficient, allowing for a full day of exploration in this historic city.
Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Visit the A-Bomb Dome and the moving Peace Memorial Museum with a private guide to understand the city's history and its message of world peace.
Shukkeien Garden
Relax in this historic Japanese garden that dates back to 1620, featuring miniature landscapes of mountains, valleys, and forests.
Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki Dinner
Try the city's famous savory pancakes at a high-end teppanyaki restaurant where the dish is prepared with precision on a hot iron griddle.
Day 11: Miyajima, Japan - The Floating Torii
Private Ferry to Miyajima
Take a private boat transfer to the island of Miyajima, arriving at the iconic 'floating' Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine during high tide.
Mount Misen Ropeway
Ascend the mountain via the ropeway for breathtaking views over the Seto Inland Sea and its many small islands.
Daisho-in Temple
Visit one of the most prestigious Shingon Buddhist temples in Japan, featuring beautiful architecture and hundreds of unique statues.
Kaiseki Stay on the Island
Spend the night at a luxury Ryokan on Miyajima. The island becomes incredibly peaceful after the last tourist ferry departs in the evening.
Day 12: Tokyo, Japan - The Final Return
Shinkansen GranClass Experience
Return to Tokyo in 'GranClass', the most luxurious way to travel on the Shinkansen, featuring leather reclining seats and meal service.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Visit the high-end department stores of Shinjuku or the artisan shops in Nihonbashi for exquisite Japanese crafts and luxury gifts.
Check-in at Aman Tokyo
Spend your final night at Aman Tokyo, an urban sanctuary that occupies the top floors of the Otemachi Tower, offering the ultimate in minimalist luxury.
Farewell Kaiseki Dinner
Celebrate the end of your journey with a modern Kaiseki dinner, paired with premium sake, looking out over the Imperial Palace gardens.
Day 13: Tokyo, Japan - Farewell
Leisurely Breakfast & Spa
Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast and a relaxing treatment at the hotel spa before your journey home.
Last Minute Imperial Gardens Walk
Take a short stroll through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, located just minutes from your hotel, for one last look at Japan's history.
Private Transfer to Airport
A private limousine will whisk you away to Haneda or Narita airport, ensuring you arrive for your flight in total comfort.
Departure
Board your first-class flight home, taking with you memories of a lifetime of luxury in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Best Time to Visit Japan
The best time to visit Japan for a luxury escape is during the Spring (late March to early April) for the cherry blossoms, or Autumn (late October to November) for the vibrant fall foliage. Both seasons offer mild weather and the most picturesque landscapes. Winter is also excellent for those seeking premium onsen experiences in Hakone or Hokkaido, while Summer can be quite humid but is the time for many traditional festivals.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). While Japan is becoming increasingly card-friendly, especially in luxury hotels and Ginza boutiques, cash is still highly valued in traditional Ryokans and smaller temples. Tipping is not expected and can sometimes be seen as confusing; high-end service is included in the price. It is best to carry a mix of a high-limit credit card and some physical Yen for local experiences.
Getting Around Japan
For this luxury itinerary, the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is the primary mode of transport between cities, specifically in the Green Car or GranClass for maximum comfort. Within cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, private chauffeured cars are the most efficient and comfortable way to avoid the busy subway systems. Domestic flights are also an option for reaching distant regions, with airlines like ANA and JAL offering exceptional premium services.
