Luxury Japan and the Philippines: Culture and Beaches

Tokyo’s Ryogoku district is home to Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and a large number of sumo stables, where the rikishi, or wrestlers, reside. Learn how lower ranked rikishi complete household chores while others train. You’ll see match preparations in action, witnessing rituals like ‘King of the Castle’, where wrestlers spar until one is defeated.

Characterised by traditional wooden houses and temples, Old Tokyo also offers a taste of the city’s culinary roots. On this evening tasting tour, start in a tachinomi or standing tapas bar, where locals traditionally head for snacks and drinks after work. And visit a kappo restaurant, where chefs cook fresh, seasonal ingredients in front of diners.

On a bespoke tour, visit spots off the typical tourist trail. You might start at Tsukiji, one of the world’s largest wholesale fish markets in the world, and be guided to the best sushi spots. Cruise down the Sumida River to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest districts. Visit tucked-away temples. And immerse yourself in a tea ceremony or calligraphy class.

On the lakeshore and surrounded by trees, the rust-red Chuzenji Temple was founded in 784 by Shodo, Nikko’s first head priest. See the six-metre tall statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy, and a rare collection of figures representing the Shitenno – heavenly kings of Buddhism. Your visit ends with an exclusive fire ceremony. Write a wish on paper using calligraphy equipment, then set it alight.

Oku Nikko, or Inner Nikko, sits high within mountainous Nikko National Park. Dive into its bloom-filled landscapes with an expert naturalist guide. You’ll follow a trail through the Senjyogahara Marshlands, tracing the Yukawa River. Visit Yumoto Onsen, famed for its milky hot springs. And reach Ryuzu, or Dragon’s Head, Waterfall, named for the shape of the rock splitting the cascade in two.

In Japan, making tea is traditionally a slow, ritualistic process. Guided by a tea master, you’ll learn about the culture around tea, including tearoom architecture, the utensils used and its connection to Zen Buddhism. You’ll follow the steps of a tea ceremony as your host teaches you how to prepare powdered green tea, or matcha.

Geisha are impeccably trained in the arts of song, dance, entertainment and conversation. During an unforgettable evening at an exclusive restaurant and tea house, you’ll watch them at work – and spend time in their company. The women will perform dances and songs, play games and, aided by a translator, engage you in conversation.

Kyoto is famed for its high concentration of ancient monuments. You’ll explore highlights including Kinkaku-Ji, the Golden Pavillion, built by the third Ashikaya shogun Yoshimitsu. Explore Nijo Castle, built around 1600 for the first shogun of the Edo period. Its so-called ‘nightingale floors’ were designed to squeak to warn of intruders.

Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll paddle through Siargao’s century-old mangrove forest. The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve is protected by community-led conservation efforts. Learn about its biodiversity. And look for Philippine ducks and giant fruit bats, which roost in the trees.

Siargao’s coastline opens to a scattering of smaller islands and islets. On a guided boat tour, start with drinks on Pansukian, a desert isle. Your next stop is Daku, where you can snorkel or surf before pausing for a beach picnic. Finish on Guyam, dense with coconut forest and edged with pale sand.