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Tailor-made journey · Japan
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Experience Japan at its most peaceful with this luxury Japan winter tour, a journey that weaves together snow-covered mountains, ancient temples and world-class cuisine.
Begin in Tokyo, where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side. Continue through the mountain regions of Hakone and Nagano, where steaming hot springs, snow monkeys and views of Mount Fuji bring the season to life. End in Kyoto and Nara, exploring golden temples, Zen gardens and sacred shrines that reveal Japan’s ancient soul.
Each day is designed to balance cultural depth with moments of stillness – a winter journey that captures the soul of Japan.
Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo, where your private driver will greet you for a smooth transfer into the city. Take the evening to unwind after your flight or explore nearby neighbourhoods at your own pace. From the glowing lights of Shinjuku to the quiet courtyards of local shrines, the city introduces itself in layers of contrast and calm.
Day 2
Discover the balance of old and new that defines Japan’s capital. With your private guide, visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, then walk through the lively Nakamise shopping street nearby. Continue to Meiji Shrine, surrounded by forest, before a stroll through Omotesando, the city’s design district known for its contemporary architecture.
Day 3
Begin your day at a sumo training stable, where wrestlers prepare for competition with discipline and ritual – a rare window into one of Japan’s oldest traditions. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant side of modern Tokyo: cross the famous Shibuya intersection, browse Harajuku’s creative boutiques and enjoy the electric atmosphere of Akihabara, the hub of the country’s anime and gaming culture.
Day 4
Travel into the scenic foothills of Hakone, gateway to Mount Fuji. Visit the historic Moto-Hakone district, sail across Lake Ashi and take the Komagatake Ropeway for sweeping views of Fuji’s snow-capped peak. The region’s mix of art museums, hot springs and mountain paths offers ample opportunity. Spend the night in a traditional ryokan, where a private onsen bath and kaiseki dinner mark a peaceful end to the day.
Day 5
Board the Shinkansen for Nagano, travelling through landscapes blanketed in snow. Continue to the quiet town of Yudanaka, surrounded by mountains and known for its hot springs. Settle into a traditional inn and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal mountain ingredients, prepared with precision and care.
Day 6
Venture into Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs surrounded by snow. A gentle forest walk leads to the site, offering one of Japan’s most distinctive winter scenes. Afterwards, travel to Matsumoto, a historic town framed by the Northern Alps. Spend the evening exploring local streets lined with sake breweries and artisan shops.
Day 7
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving feudal fortresses, before exploring the charming merchant streets of Nakamachi and Nawate. Small cafés, antique stores and craft workshops line the riverside lanes, offering a glimpse into everyday life in regional Japan.
Day 8
Visit the Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest and most picturesque, to learn about the careful cultivation of this prized ingredient. Continue by train to Kyoto, the country’s cultural heart, where lantern-lit streets, traditional tea houses and temple gardens await. The evening is yours to relax or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants.
Day 9
Begin your exploration of Kyoto with Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, its reflection shimmering on the surface of a quiet pond. Visit the minimalist Ryoan-ji Zen Garden, a masterpiece of balance and simplicity, before heading to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, known for its seasonal plum blossoms. Stroll through Kamishichiken, one of Kyoto’s oldest geisha districts, where tradition endures in subtle, graceful ways.
Day 10
Walk through the endless vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks. Visit Sanjusangendo, where a thousand golden statues of Kannon line the temple hall, and finish the day at Kiyomizu-dera, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views over Kyoto.
Day 11
Travel to Nara, Japan’s first capital and a place of deep spiritual heritage. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha, and walk through Kasuga Taisha, where hundreds of stone lanterns line the forest paths. In Nara Park, friendly deer wander freely among the shrines and gardens, a living link to ancient Japanese mythology.
Day 12
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your private transfer to Kansai International Airport. As your journey ends, carry with you memories of snow-dusted temples, mountain hot springs and quiet moments of reflection.
Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms
Enjoy a private cherry blossom picnic in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen. Experience Japan’s iconic hanami tradition with early access, seasonal treats, and expert local guidance.
The Tokyo National Museum
Discover Japan’s oldest museum with a private guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum. Explore sixteen thousand years of art with clarity, context and ease.
Onsen After Hours
A private evening immersion in Kinosaki Onsen offers rare access to Japan’s most storied bath town once the lanterns dim and the streets fall quiet. Guided by a local onsen curator, this after-hours circuit reveals the etiquette, mineral science, and cultural role of communal bathing, experienced in near silence.
Forest Bathing with a Shinrin-Yoku Guide
A guided Shinrin-yoku experience on Yakushima Island offers structured forest therapy led by a certified practitioner, grounded in scientific research and Japanese environmental philosophy.
Private Sushi Lessons in Tokyo
Discover Tokyo’s sushi craft with a private lesson in Shintomi, guided by an expert itamae. A refined, hands-on introduction to the omakase tradition.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forests at First Light
Discover Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at dawn with a private photographer. A curated, crowd-free session for exceptional imagery.
A Night in Kinosaki’s Private Baths
Experience a private hot spring night in Kinosaki, Japan, with warm mineral baths and quiet moments for two, curated by Do Not Disturb.
Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani
Explore Jigokudani’s snow monkeys on a private guided tour, with quiet viewing areas, flexible pacing and insight into Japan’s macaque culture.
Nijo Castle After Hours
Explore Kyoto’s Nijo Castle after hours with a private guide. Quiet access, rich history and a deeper look at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nara Park Before Dawn
Experience Nara Deer Park before the crowds on a private morning tour. A calm, educational family experience with gentle deer and expert local guides.
Naoshima Art Island with a Curator
Experience Naoshima Art Island with a curator-level guide. A private, intellectually rich journey through Japan’s most influential art site.
Ski Touring in Hakuba’s Northern Alps
A private backcountry ski touring experience in Hakuba, exploring Japan’s Northern Alps beyond the lifts with expert guides and deep powder.
Tell us how you want to feel, we’ll take it from there.
Or talk to us 020 7551 7230
Our team brings over 35 years of experience in luxury travel, shaping bespoke journeys for discerning clients worldwide.
Our trip was truly magical and full of core memories that will last us a lifetime.
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