The Luxury Japan Explorer

Tokyo is the dynamic epicentre of 21st century Japan. Fly in on day one, be welcomed by Abercrombie & Kent and transferred in a luxury vehicle to the Four Season Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. 


On day two, travel to Hamarikyu, a serene, landscaped garden in central Tokyo. Visit the island teahouse to fully appreciate the park's beauty. Hamarikyu is renowned for its pretty flowering shrubs in the springtime and gorgeous roses in the fall, as well as the remains of an old moat. From here, stroll through the busy Nakamise street market to visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. In the afternoon, you have the option of participating in a private sushi-making class before exploring the Tokyo National Museum and Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine. 


On day three, take part in a private lesson in the musical art of taiko, a traditional form of drumming.

On day four, transfer to Hakone via Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic symbol that is sacred to all Japanese. Visit the World Heritage Centre to learn about this spectacular peak and the Fuji Five Lakes before continuing on to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hakone is known for its hot springs, magnificent natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum with 1,000 sculptures in the garden, and check out the Picasso Pavilion. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Gora Kadan, the former summer residence of the Kan-In-No-Miya imperial family. 

On day five, take a boat tour on Lake Ashinoko and visit the Okada Museum of Art.

Catch a shinkansen train to Kyoto, the heart of historic Japan, steeped in imperial heritage. Stroll along the Tetsugaku-no-michi or “Philosopher’s Path” that comes alive in cherry blossom season. In the evening, there is an optional private dinner with a performance by a geiko (a senior geisha) or a maiko (an apprentice) who play traditional instruments, sing and dance. 


On day seven, visit impressive Nijo Castle and then marvel at the stunning gold-leaf-clad Golden Pavilion before enjoying a rickshaw ride through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. 


On day eight, enjoy a day trip to Nara, stopping at Fushimi Inari to walk under some of the 5,000 red torii gates, followed by a visit to a sake brewer. At Nara Park, drive through the vast estate with more than 1000 deer – considered in Shintoism to be messengers of the Gods – then visit Todaiji, a temple founded in 752.

Travel from Kyoto to Kanazawa on the Thunderbird Shinkansen, and the next day, explore the Nagamachi District. The hand-made silks are dyed in the centuries-old traditional methods used by silk artists. before visiting the remarkable Kenrokuen Garden. On day 11, visit the Higashichaya District before exploring on your own, perhaps go to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art or the D. T. Suzuki Museum, both impressive galleries with thought provoking art.

Your final shinkansen ride back to Tokyo, where you will have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace and do some shopping.

On day 13, wave goodbye to Japan after a luxury vehicle transfer to the airport.