BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Japan: Ancient & Modern

Where tradition transcends time

Venture into a realm where ancient rituals dance with neon dreams, and where acceptance flows as naturally as spring cherry blossoms. This meticulously crafted eight-day journey weaves through Japan’s most compelling landscapes, from Tokyo’s kaleidoscopic energy to Kyoto’s whispered traditions. Here, in a nation that celebrates both innovation and heritage, your experience unfolds through a tapestry of moments that marry timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication.

Japan at a Glance

In Japan, progressive values flourish beneath ancient temple eaves, as fundamental as the changing of seasons that paint the landscape in ever-shifting hues. Tokyo’s cultural renaissance blooms in districts like Shinjuku Ni-chōme, home to the world’s highest concentration of LGBTQ+ venues, where rainbow flags flutter above sleek cocktail bars and cutting-edge galleries. The capital’s inclusive spirit extends beyond its neon-lit streets, flowing through temple towns and traditional ryokans where same-sex couples are welcomed with the same exquisite hospitality that has defined Japan for centuries.

This is a land where nature crafts poetry in grand gestures: cherry blossoms dust ancient stones with pink snow, autumn maples set gardens ablaze with crimson light, and Mount Fuji stands eternal watch over it all. During spring, Tokyo’s Rainbow Pride brings technicolour life to the streets around Yoyogi Park, while year-round, the city’s progressive culture finds expression in everything from avant-garde fashion to Michelin-starred gastronomy. As you venture beyond the capital, the hypermodern gives way to scenes of timeless beauty: moss-covered temples in Kyoto, free-roaming deer in Nara’s ancient parks, and the mist-shrouded mountains of Hakone, where natural hot springs have soothed travellers for centuries.

8-day Travel Itinerary

This carefully orchestrated journey traverses Japan's most compelling landscapes, weaving together centuries of tradition with contemporary sophistication. Begin in Tokyo, where cutting-edge design and ancient customs create an atmosphere of endless possibility, before venturing into the serene beauty of Hakone's volcanic landscapes. Here, traditional ryokans offer glimpses into Japan's refined hospitality traditions, while natural hot springs invite moments of pure tranquility. The journey crescendos in Kyoto and Nara, where golden temples and bamboo forests tell tales of imperial splendour and artistic mastery.

DAY 1

Tokyo | First Whispers of Urban Poetry

Your Japanese journey begins in Tokyo, where the ancient and ultramodern collide in a symphony of light and tradition. Upon arrival, retreat to one of the capital's legendary luxury sanctuaries—perhaps a soaring tower in fashionable Shinjuku, an intimate boutique hotel in historic Asakusa, or a design-forward haven in cosmopolitan Ginza. Each offers its own perspective on the city, from Mount Fuji framed in floor-to-ceiling windows to intimate garden views that whisper of old Edo. As you settle in, let the afternoon unfold at your own rhythm. Perhaps wander through the sophisticated boutiques of Omotesando, where architectural masterpieces by Pritzker Prize winners house global fashion houses, or find your zen in the tranquil Meiji Shrine gardens, where centuries-old cypress trees create a pocket of serenity in the urban rhythm. As evening approaches, Tokyo's innovative culinary scene beckons. Your welcome dinner might unfold at one of the city's countless Michelin-starred sanctuaries, where master chefs transform seasonal ingredients into edible art, each course narrating Japan's gastronomic evolution through exquisite presentation and flavour.

DAY 2

Tokyo | Imperial Legacy Meets Contemporary Edge

Morning light reveals Tokyo's cultural treasures as your private guide weaves together stories of shogunate power and contemporary creativity. Begin at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where ancient stone walls and manicured gardens create a contemplative heart in the city's centre. Here, where emperors have walked for centuries, moated walls whisper tales of samurai loyalty and courtly intrigue. Your journey continues to the Tokyo National Museum, where masterpieces of Japanese art trace the nation's artistic evolution from prehistoric pottery to contemporary innovation. In the afternoon, discover the soul of old Tokyo in Asakusa, where the seventh-century Sensō-ji Temple stands in dramatic contrast to the futuristic Skytree tower. Wander down Nakamise-dori, where traditional craft shops and modern boutiques coexist beneath lantern-lit eaves. As day mellows into evening, perhaps venture into the welcoming spaces of Shinjuku Ni-chōme, where Tokyo's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene pulses with energy and warmth.

DAY 3

Tokyo | Fashion Forward

Begin your day in serene contemplation at the Meiji Shrine, where a canopy of 120,000 trees donated from across Japan creates nature's own cathedral. Through towering torii gates, discover a spiritual space that honours both Shinto tradition and natural harmony. Then, dive into Tokyo's creative heart in the fashion-forward districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, where avant-garde boutiques and architectural statements create a living gallery of contemporary style. The afternoon is yours to craft. Perhaps arrange a private tea ceremony in a hidden garden, where ancient ritual meets modern mindfulness, or explore the cutting-edge art spaces of Roppongi Hills, where global contemporary works find a home in sculptural buildings. For those seeking Tokyo's culinary heights, your evening might include a bespoke dining experience—perhaps at a hidden kappo counter where a chef transforms seasonal ingredients into works of art before your eyes.

DAY 4

Hakone | Where Earth Meets Heaven

Journey to Hakone, where volcanic energy shapes both landscape and lifestyle. Your home tonight might be one of Hakone's legendary ryokans, perhaps an imperial retreat turned luxury haven where traditional hospitality receives a contemporary polish. Here, private onsen baths offer contemplative soaks with views across forested mountains. Cruise across Lake Ashi's mirror-like surface as Mount Fuji stands sentinel in the distance, then soar above forest-cloaked mountains in a private cable car. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, nature and art engage in eternal dialogue through masterworks by Picasso, Moore, and Japanese luminaries. As evening approaches, sink into your private onsen bath before experiencing kaiseki dining at its most refined—a choreographed sequence of seasonal dishes that elevate Japanese cuisine to an art form.

DAY 5

Kyoto | Speed and Serenity

Board Japan's iconic bullet train, where engineering excellence meets graceful design, whisking you to Kyoto at speeds approaching 320 kilometres per hour. In the ancient capital, time seems to slow as you participate in a private tea ceremony within a centuries-old temple, where every graceful movement carries meaning. Later, explore the centuries-old Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," where pristine produce and artisanal crafts tell stories of culinary heritage. Your evening might unfold in one of Kyoto's finest accommodations—perhaps a restored machiya townhouse or an elegant riverside hotel where contemporary luxury honours traditional architecture. Here, in a city that has preserved its soul through centuries of change, modern comforts complement classical design in perfect harmony.

DAY 6

Nara | Ancient Dreams

enture to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, where spiritual heritage takes monumental form in the UNESCO-listed Tōdai-ji Temple. Here, the world's largest bronze Buddha gazes serenely across centuries, while sacred deer roam freely through ancient parklands. The afternoon leads you to Kasuga Taisha shrine, where thousands of bronze and stone lanterns create paths of eternal light. Complete your day with a private sake tasting at a historic brewery, where eighth-generation masters share insights into Japan's noble art of rice wine crafting. Learn the subtle distinctions between grades and styles of sake, each telling its own story of tradition and innovation in Japanese craftsmanship.

DAY 7

Kyoto | Golden Moments

Today reveals Kyoto's most sublime treasures, beginning with the gold leaf-covered Kinkaku-ji reflecting perfectly in its mirror pond. Watch as morning light transforms this architectural masterpiece, its golden reflection dancing on the surface of still waters. In Arashiyama, walk through towering groves of bamboo where filtered sunlight creates ever-changing patterns on ancient stones. Cross the iconic Togetsu Bridge, where mountains frame the rushing Katsura River, before perhaps enjoying a private dinner with a geiko (Kyoto's term for geisha), offering rare insights into one of Japan's most misunderstood traditional arts. In this city of secrets and symbolism, every moment holds the potential for discovery.

DAY 8

Departure | Modern Memories

Your final morning in Japan unfolds at your pace. Perhaps rise early for a last contemplative stroll through a temple garden, or seek out that perfect piece of contemporary Japanese design to carry home. As you prepare for departure from Osaka, carry with you memories of a Japan both timeless and transformative, where ancient tradition and modern sophistication dance in perfect harmony.

Additional Recommended Experiences

Extend your Japanese sojourn with carefully curated experiences that reveal the country's diverse character. Consider a few nights on the art island of Naoshima, where contemporary installations transform industrial spaces into galleries of wonder. Experience rural Japan's legendary hospitality at a luxury ryokan in the Japanese Alps, or time your visit to coincide with Tokyo Rainbow Pride, when the capital celebrates diversity with characteristic style and energy. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, arrange private workshops with master craftspeople in Kyoto, learning traditional arts from ceramics to calligraphy. Culinary enthusiasts might choose to explore Tokyo's gay district with a local food expert, discovering hidden izakayas and craft cocktail bars. Throughout the year, Japan offers exclusive experiences that match its cultural depth with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as profound as they are beautiful. Consider timing your visit to coincide with seasonal highlights: spring's cherry blossoms, summer's vibrant festivals, autumn's maple leaves, or winter's serene snow scenes. Each season reveals a different facet of Japan's enduring beauty, matched by warm hospitality and impeccable service that transcend the seasons.

Transform Your Japan Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Japan journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.