Tailor-made journey · Japan

Ultimate Luxury: Grand Tour of Japan

Duration: 16 days
From: $13,995 pp

Plan this journey

Tailor-made, always

Every itinerary shaped around your dates, pace and preferences.

One dedicated expert

The same person from the first conversation until you return.

Decades of experience

Over 35 years shaping bespoke journeys for discerning travelers.

This extraordinary journey through Japan reveals a country where ancient culture and cutting-edge innovation coexist perfectly, and allows you to experience the most luxurious accommodation each region has to offer.

Request a quote

At a glance...

From the quiet temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, from misty mountains and hot springs to sacred shrines and serene gardens, this journey offers the ideal mix of discovery, culture, and indulgence.

Over 16 days, travel by Japan’s iconic bullet train, stay in some of the nation’s most luxurious hotels and traditional ryokan, and immerse yourself in experiences that reveal Japan’s spirit – refined, respectful, and endlessly fascinating.

Plan Your Trip

In detail

Days 1–4

Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, where a private airport assistant welcomes you and escorts you to your transfer, ensuring a smooth arrival in the world’s most vibrant metropolis. Settle into your elegant room at the Palace Hotel Tokyo, overlooking the Imperial Gardens, before spending your first evening unwinding or strolling the peaceful grounds nearby.

The following morning begins with a personal welcome briefing from your local guide, helping you navigate Japan with confidence. Then, embark on a cruise from the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest districts, where the towering Sensoji Temple and the hum of traditional markets offer a glimpse into the city’s enduring traditions.

On your third day, discover one of Japan’s most fascinating cultural rituals – a morning at a Sumo stable. Watch wrestlers train up close, then enjoy a traditional chanko-nabe lunch alongside them, gaining a unique insight into their disciplined way of life. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or explore Tokyo’s buzzing Ginza district after dark.

Stay at Palace Hotel Tokyo, a haven of modern elegance and impeccable service in the heart of the capital.

Days 5–6

Tsumago

Board the Shinkansen bullet train and journey to Tsumago, a beautifully preserved post town in the Kiso Valley. Step back in time as you walk along the Nakasendo Highway, once the main route linking Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) during the Edo period. The quiet streets, traditional inns, and forested trails offer an intimate glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Spend the next day exploring the surrounding countryside at your own pace – perhaps hiking between Tsumago and Magome, where mountain paths reveal ancient villages and views unchanged for centuries.

Stay at Fujioto Ryokan, a family-run inn where tatami mats, kaiseki dining, and warm hospitality embody Japan’s enduring traditions.

Days 7–8

Hiroshima

Travel west to Hiroshima, a city that stands today as a global symbol of peace and resilience. Take time to explore the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, then cross the bay to Miyajima Island, home to the famed “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine – one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks.

Enjoy your evenings at leisure, perhaps sampling Hiroshima’s celebrated okonomiyaki at a local restaurant.

Stay at Sheraton Hiroshima, perfectly positioned for exploring this historic and heartfelt city.

Days 9–12

Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, where centuries of art, architecture, and ritual come to life. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over a thousand temples, Kyoto is Japan’s spiritual and aesthetic capital.

Begin with a guided tour of the Higashiyama district, where narrow streets lead to the breathtaking Kodai-ji Temple and sweeping views from Kiyomizu-dera. In the evening, stroll through the Gion geisha district, where lanterns flicker and the echoes of old Japan still linger.

Spend a morning exploring the Nishiki Market alongside a local chef, selecting seasonal ingredients before returning to his restaurant for a private cooking experience and gourmet dinner. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermilion gates wind up the hillside, then travel to Nara, home to friendly bowing deer and the magnificent Todaiji Temple, Japan’s largest wooden structure.

Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, an exquisite sanctuary blending contemporary luxury with centuries-old serenity.

Days 13–14

Hakone & Mount Fuji

Take the train to Hakone National Park, where steaming hot springs, tranquil lakes, and mountain vistas offer a restorative escape. Spend your days exploring Lake Ashi, visiting open-air art museums, or simply relaxing in your private onsen with views of Mount Fuji.

Stay at Gora Kadan, a former imperial retreat now considered one of Japan’s most exclusive ryokan – where traditional Japanese design meets exceptional comfort.

Days 15–16

Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for a final night at the Mandarin Oriental, one of the city’s most luxurious addresses. Take time for last-minute shopping in the chic boutiques of Marunouchi or a reflective visit to Sensoji Temple before your journey home.

On your final morning, a private transfer takes you to Narita Airport for your international flight.

Plan Your Trip

Add your Do Not Disturb moment

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.

We also recommend…

All Japan tours

Your journey doesn’t start with a booking. It starts with a conversation.

Tell us how you want to feel, we’ll take it from there.

Begin Your Journey

Or talk to us +1 888 931 0363

Our reviews

Our team brings over 35 years of experience in luxury travel, shaping bespoke journeys for discerning clients worldwide.

See more reviews on Trustpilot

Our trip was truly magical and full of core memories that will last us a lifetime.

Michael • Bora Bora Honeymoon★★★★★

“We just returned from an incredible journey through Ireland, and we couldn’t have had a better experience”

Brad • Ireland Adventure★★★★★

“This was a flawless experience. They took all our thoughts and perfectly curated the most beautiful honeymoon.”

Kris • Sicily Honeymoon★★★★★

Travel inspiration and editorials

All Japan editorials

brown wooden folding chairs on green grass field near body of water during daytime

6 min read How to Plan a Luxury Bali Honeymoon A Bali honeymoon moves between the river valleys around Ubud and the clifftops of the Bukit Peninsula. Here is how to time the trip and choose where to stay.

6 min read Best Honeymoon Destinations for Autumn Most honeymoon planning defaults to summer, or to whichever destination is warmest on the day of the wedding. Autumn deserves its own shortlist. It is grape harvest in Italy, dry…

7 min read Why So Many Travelers Fall for Kanazawa Ask someone who's been to Kanazawa what they remember, and they rarely lead with a single landmark. They talk about the whole place, how it fit together, how little effort…

6 min read Kyoto or Kanazawa – Which Is Better for Traditional Japan? Kyoto is the Japan of emperors, temples and centuries of tradition; Kanazawa is the Japan of preserved Edo streets, samurai homes and untouched neighbourhoods.

Your next steps

Planning your trip should feel effortless.

We Listen

You share what matters, whether it is a destination, a feeling, or a moment worth celebrating.
We Curate

Your dedicated expert shapes a thoughtful, private itinerary tailored entirely around you.
You Travel

Every detail handled. Every moment considered. Support before, during, and after your journey.