Japan

Quality of life is a cornerstone value in Japan, so when it’s time for a little luxury, there are plenty of vacation packages and luxury tours that can upgrade your Japan tour into something truly extraordinary. Onsens and Michelin-starred meals are just the beginning. Whether you’re here for wellness, comfort or indulgence, Japan is ready to elevate the way you travel.   

Get the most out of Tokyo in a limited time on a private tour.

Tokyo is enormous in every sense. A local private guide can help take you to the sides of Tokyo you most want to see, avoiding the crowds and making the best use of your time. They can also make restaurant and shopping recommendations that suit your budget and interests, and can accommodate a variety of itineraries. Style and fashion are vital parts of Tokyo culture, and whether your tastes run high-end, hipster, or Harajuku, consider booking a shopping tour to suit your style. These tours can also help steer you toward boutiques offering foreigner-friendly sizes or custom-made creations.

While good food is ubiquitous in Tokyo, its fine dining scene can intimidate first-timers, so don’t be shy about asking the concierge about booking at Tokyo’s most exclusive restaurants. As a foreigner, this is sometimes the only way you’ll get a table.

Boutique Encounters in Kyoto and Kanazawa

Japanese comfort and luxury is often expressed through meticulous dining and entertainment. In Kyoto, the poster destination for ‘traditional’ Japan, sit down to an exquisite multi-course kaiseki meal. Wth seasonal ingredients and a devotion to harmony you won’t find on any other plate, this is a uniquely Japanese approach to fine dining that brings you closer to traditional Japanese culture than a typical high-end restaurant. It’s also possible as a foreigner to book an appointment with a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha). While such appointments are typically very expensive, shorter appointments combined with meals, or appointments for your group are available, where you can enjoy a variety of traditional geisha arts such as dance, music, conversation and even flower arranging.

These bookings can fill fast in Kyoto. Fortunately, Kanazawa is popping up on more and more Japan itineraries. While its shrines and temples haven’t reached the same blockbuster status as those in Kyoto, this delightful small city is easily walkable, and boasts many of the same traditional charms. Perhaps take advantage of this serenity by enjoying a kimono fitting before being guided through a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Relax the Japanese way at an authentic onsen.

Onsen or spa culture is a vital part of Japan’s identity, and for our money, there’s no better way to recharge after a long day of sightseeing. Some resorts and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) will offer private onsen facilities, ideal for some personalized relaxation. Still, visiting a public onsen is a highly recommended cultural encounter, keeping a few essentials in mind. Once you’ve changed into your kimono and slippers and it’s time to head to the baths, wash thoroughly at the designated stations before taking to the waters. These are for washing, while the baths are for relaxing; it’s that simple. Many public baths will also not allow guests with tattoos, though many are slowly relaxing this policy for foreigners. Check the establishment’s policy before arriving, or book accommodations with a private onsen if you’d rather be sure.

The Luxury of Being a Free Spirit

Progressive and modern as it is, Japan is also a deeply spiritual country, nowhere more so than at Koya-San just southeast of Osaka. This mountain is home to some of Japan’s holiest sites, and you can even spend the night in a Buddhist temple if you wish. Other boutique experiences such as training in basic samurai arts, or private tours of fascinating islands such as the art island Naoshima are much easier to organize on an individual tour, and while private touring can be quite expensive in Japan, you may find the freedom it grants to be worth it, especially if this is your dream trip.

As a culture, Japan has never lacked appreciation for life’s finer side. Booking a custom-made luxury Japan tour can elevate an already unforgettable trip even further.