Hidden Gems of Japan

Overview

Heading from the city to the mountains to the coast – and back again – get ready to discover the diversity of Japan on this tailor-made itinerary. A variety of experiences and excursions really showcase this unique destination – from bathing in natural hot springs, to wine-tasting in the Northern Alps.

Day 1 to 2 Accommodation

Tokyo, Japan

Tour terrific Tokyo with an expert guide, visiting some of its verdant delights, including the 17th century Koishikawa Korakuen and Shinjuku Gyoen gardens. Browse the designer shops of the fashionable Omotesando area, before refuelling with an authentic teppanyaki lunch.

Aman Tokyo

Type: Luxury Hotel
Summary: An ultra-stylish retreat atop a Tokyo skyscraper
Feature: The Aman Spa embraces Japanese practices and ingredients
Rooms: 84 rooms & suites
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Star rating: 5 Star

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MEAL BASIS

Breakfast

TRANSFERS

Take a private car transfer to Shinjuku station for your train to Matsumoto. From here, take a private car transfer – through the stunning Japanese Alps – to Tobira Onsen Myojinkan.

Day 3 to 4 Accommodation

Matsumoto, Japan

Stay in the charming Tobira Onsen Myojinkan ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn amid the heart of Japan’s Northern Alps, home to hot spring baths (onsen) and serving authentic Kaiseki-style cuisine. Visit the Yamabe Winery, touring the facilities, before enjoying a taste of the quality wine and lunch.

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan

Type: Boutique Hotel
Summary: A unique and utterly serene hideaway in the Japanese Alps
Feature: A hot spring onsen and French-inspired macrobiotic cuisine
Rooms: 27 Japanese and 17 Western Style Rooms
Location: Nagano, Japan
Star rating: Member of 'Relais & Châteaux'

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MEAL BASIS

Half Board

TRANSFERS

Take a private car transfer to Matsumoto station for your train to Nagano and onward bullet train to Kanazawa. From here, take a private car transfer to Beniya Mukayu, Yamashiro Onsen.

Day 5 Accommodation

Ishikawa, Japan

Stay in the hot spring resort of Yamashiro Onsen, that has been famous for its mineral rich hot springs for over 700 years. Take a tour of the nearby city of Kanazawa, exploring the 17th century Kenroku-en garden, ranked one of the top three in Japan, as well as the adjacent Kanazawa castle. Visit the traditional Nomura Samurai House, stroll the Higashi Chaya geisha district, and sip green tea in the Shima teahouse.

Day 6 to 7 Accommodation

Kyoto, Japan

Upon arriving in Kyoto, a private guide will whisk you off for a tour of the Arashiyama district. Marvel at one of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the impressive Tenryuji temple, before stopping for a lunch of tofu, the region’s signature dish. Peruse the tea houses and Zen meditation hall of the Okochi Mountain Villa, once home to popular samurai film star Okochi Denjiro, followed by a stroll through Kyoto’s famed bamboo groves. After the tour, take a private car transfer to Hoshinoya Kyoto for a one night stay.

Day 8 to 9 Accommodation

Sakurai, Japan

Stay amid the enchanting countryside outside the city of Sakurai in the unique L'Auberge de Plaisance Sakurai inn, where the stunning vistas are matched by some seriously exceptional French cuisine made using local ingredients, all washed down with quality French wine.

Day 10 to 11 Accommodation

Ago Bay

Located in the enchanting Ise-Shima National Park, Ago Bay is famous for the elite Ama Divers, women who free-dive for abalone, sea urchins, and pearls. Ama – translating to “sea woman” – have been diving in Japan for up to 3,000 years! With the time here at your leisure to enjoy the stunning Amanemu, why not visit the Mikimoto Pearl Island museum or the Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu?

Amanemu

Type: Luxury Hotel
Summary: A luxurious rustic retreat that embraces Japanese tradition
Feature: The Aman spa boasts a traditional mineral-rich hot spring
Rooms: 24 suites and 4 villas
Location: Ise Shima National Park, Japan
Star rating: 5 Star

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MEAL BASIS

Breakfast

TRANSFERS

Take a private car transfer to Kashikojima Station for your train to Kintesnsu Nagoya and onward bullet train to Tokyo. From here, take a private car transfer to Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Day 12 to 13 Accommodation

Tokyo, Japan

Spend another night in Japan’s capital before you fly home. You may recognise the iconic Park Hyatt, Tokyo from the award-winning blockbuster ‘Lost in Translation’.