Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction

Enjoy three nights in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, as you begin your adventure absorbing the city’s infectious energy. The ultramodern transitions seamlessly into the traditional here, from neon-lit skyscrapers to cherry trees and temples.

Upon arrival into Tokyo’s Narita airport, you’ll be met by an English-speaking representative and assisted through immigration to your private transfer, where you can start to marvel at the towering giants of the city’s skyline.

A private guided tour will then take you beyond the city’s contemporary highlights to ancient temples and shrines nestled amid the cityscape. In the tranquility of spiritual sanctuaries such as Meiji Shrine and Asakusa’s Senso-ji, history and tradition unfold in delicate detail. You can also choose to venture into the eclectic Harajuku district, where Japan’s street fashion takes centre stage.

Walking through the narrow streets of Kanazawa feels like stepping back in time. The city survives as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan, renowned for its meticulously preserved Edo-era districts adorned with quaint tea houses, traditional merchant houses and samurai residences. Beyond its historical charm, Kanazawa has an impressive array of museums showcasing both contemporary and classical works, as well as a thriving arts and crafts scene. Local artisans produce some beautiful handicrafts, from intricate Kutani ceramics to delicate silks dyed through a process known as Kaga Yuzen.

You’ll explore the city with private tours to ancient samurai and geisha districts, stay in a traditional hot-spring ryokan and feast on a kaiseki dinner.

With its hundreds of castles and shrines, Kyoto stands out as Japan’s cultural capital. You’ll find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of Japan’s storied past as the city’s historic districts such as Gion and Higashiyama unfold like living museums, traditional wooden machiya houses lining narrow cobblestone streets. The city’s gardens and parks are a canvas of ever-changing colours, adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. A visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, offers a reflective moment by its glistening waters, while the bamboo groves of Arashiyama whisper tales of tranquility. Kyoto’s culinary scene is equally captivating, with Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants, bustling stalls at Nishiki Market and hidden izakayas serving up an array of flavours.