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Best of Japan
(17 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa
The ultimate private luxury tour of Japan, this in-depth, leisurely journey visits Japan’s most important and most fascinating locations and includes stays at the country’s best luxury hotels and ryokan (traditional inns).
Begin in Tokyo, the capital of contemporary culture and style in Japan. Stay at one of the city’s best luxury hotels, and enjoy comprehensive city touring with your private guide and driver. Visit Tokyo’s most interesting neighborhoods, such as Ginza, Asakusa, Shibuya, Harajuku, Aoyama, Shinjuku and Roppongi. See striking contemporary architecture, and tour important historical sites such as Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple. Experience the best of Japanese pop culture during visits to trendy districts, specialty shops, quirky cafes and popular sites such as Yoyogi Park. Also visit Tokyo’s best museums and art sites, such as the Mori Art Museum, a teamLab Borderless installation, Edo-Tokyo Museum or the Tokyo National Museum according to your interests. Experience Tokyo’s exciting culinary scene during visits to the Tsukiji Outer Market or Toyosu Market, the Kappabashi kitchenware district, and our favorite specialty food shops and department store food halls. Artisans of Leisure can also assist with reservations at the best restaurants in Tokyo, which range from local noodle shops, sushi bars and izakaya (pubs) to some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world.
Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional experiences in Tokyo, such as watching sumo wrestlers practice at a sumo stable, a private sushi-making lesson, specialized shopping, meetings with culinary and sake experts, private martial arts lessons, seeing a Japanese baseball game, attending a kabuki performance and visiting the Ghibli Museum. We can also arrange touring to include Japanese seasonal events such as ohanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties in the spring, fireworks festivals in the summer and viewing koyo (fall foliage) in the autumn.
Next, visit the seaside town of Kamakura, an ancient capital of Japan with dozens of beautiful Zen temples and Shinto shrines along the coast and in the hillside forests and bamboo groves. Tour the highlights of the region including the Great Buddha, a monumental bronze statue built in the 13th century.
Continue to Hakone, a volcanic national park renowned for hot springs and views of nearby Mount Fuji. Stay at one of Japan’s most luxurious and renowned ryokan inns, where you can soak in outdoor onsen (hot spring bath) and enjoy a gourmet kaiseki ryori (seasonal tasting menu) dinner. During private touring, explore Hakone’s geothermal areas and historical sites. Also enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Ashi for views of Mount Fuji. Perhaps also visit one of Hakone’s best art museums or a studio dedicated to yosegi (inlaid wood), a local craft. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can incorporate hiking or a drive up the base of Mount Fuji.
Next, travel by first-class shinkansen (bullet train) to enchanting Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture and tradition. Stay at one of Kyoto’s best luxury hotels or ryokan, and enjoy flexible private touring of the best of this elegant city with your private guide and driver. Visit the city’s most important historic attractions and temples and shrines such as Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji and its famous Zen rock garden, Kiyomizudera Temple, Nijo Castle, Ginkakuji, Saihoji (Moss Temple) and Fushimi Inari, famous for its tunnel of red torii gates. Take a private excursion to Arashiyama, a beautiful mountainside district, to see its enormous bamboo forest, historic gardens and sites, and to have a vegetarian lunch at a Zen temple. Enjoy a private tour of Gion, Kyoto’s traditional geisha district, walk on the Philosopher’s Path, and see traditional architecture in our favorite neighborhoods. Also browse Nishiki Market, antiques districts, small specialty museums and historic shops that have been selling traditional goods for centuries. Upon request, we can arrange access to imperial villas and private gardens such as Katsura Rikyu and other less-visited attractions. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange an exclusive private Japanese tea ceremony in a tea villa and reservations at Kyoto’s best restaurants.
One day, take a private excursion to Hiroshima for an educational and moving visit to the Peace Park and Museum and nearby Miyajima Island with its iconic torii (Shinto gate) that seems to float on the water. Another day, enjoy a private excursion to ancient Nara, the eighth-century capital of Japan.
Upon request, other activities that can be arranged around Kyoto include an exclusive private dinner with geisha entertainment, private Zen meditation in a local Buddhist temple, meetings with local craftspeople, private ikebana (flower arranging) lessons, visiting a master swordsmith, meetings with ceramics experts, tea tastings and tea plantation visits, visits to sake breweries and tofu factories, manga drawing lessons, a visit to a private machiya (traditional merchant house), hiking to temples in the hills, attending local festivals, private Japanese cooking classes, and visiting the best places around Kyoto to view cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
Continue by first-class express train to Yamanaka Onsen, a resort town known for hot springs, refined culinary and craft traditions, and a scenic gorge. Stay at one of Japan’s finest luxury ryokan inns, enjoy exquisite kaiseki ryori meals and relax in your private open-air onsen bath. During private touring, meet renowned artisans in their workshops, explore the historic town and perhaps walk through scenic Kakusenkei Gorge. If desired, visit the nearby traditional town of Yamashiro Onsen and its ceramics boutiques. Also visit Natadera Temple, an ancient Buddhist complex of buildings perched on cliffs and tucked into caves.
Continue to Kanazawa, one of Japan’s wealthiest cities during the feudal era and now a wonderful cultural and culinary destination on the Sea of Japan. With your expert guide, explore the highlights of the town, including traditional Japanese architecture in former samurai and geisha districts and beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. Learn about Kanazawa’s celebrated traditional crafts, including silk, lacquer and gold leaf products. Also tour fascinating Myoryuji (Ninja Temple), and visit museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Explore the city’s Omicho food market, and experience Kanazawa’s refined cuisine at our favorite restaurants. One day, Artisans of Leisure will arrange an exclusive private visit and culinary experience at a traditional Japanese farm in the countryside. Other touring options around Kanazawa include visiting the Ohi Museum, the D.T. Suzuki Museum, and a renowned pottery kiln and studio.
Return to Tokyo by shinkansen for additional touring or shopping according to your interests, as well as free time to enjoy the city.
| Itinerary Overview |
| Day 1Arrive TokyoPrivate arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nightsDay 2TokyoFull-day private city tourDay 3TokyoHalf-day private city tourDay 4Tokyo – Kamakura – HakonePrivate transfer to Hakone luxury hot springs ryokan for 2 nights, with touring in Kamakura en route. Kaiseki ryori dinnerDay 5HakoneFull-day private tour, including private cruise on Lake Ashi. Kaiseki ryori dinnerDay 6Hakone – KyotoPrivate transfer to station for first-class shinkansen to Kyoto. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 5 nights. Afternoon private tourDay 7KyotoFull-day private city tour, including private tea ceremony and vegetarian lunch at a templeDay 8Kyoto, Hiroshima & MiyajimaFull-day private excursionDay 9KyotoFull-day private city tour, including option for cultural activityDay 10Kyoto & NaraHalf-day private excursionDay 11Kyoto – Yamanaka OnsenPrivate transfer to station for first-class express train to Kaga Onsen. Private arrival transfer to luxury ryokan inn for 2 nights. Kaiseki ryori dinnerDay 12Yamanaka OnsenHalf-day private tour. Kaiseki ryori dinnerDay 13Yamanaka Onsen – KanazawaPrivate transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tourDay 14KanazawaFull-day private tour, including afternoon culinary experience at a farm in a rural villageDay 15Kanazawa – TokyoPrivate transfer to station for Gran Class shinkansen to Tokyo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nightsDay 16TokyoHalf-day private city tourDay 17Depart TokyoPrivate airport transfer |
| Hotels |
| Tokyo:Aman Tokyo, Peninsula Tokyo and/or Park Hyatt TokyoHakone:Gora KadanKyoto:The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto*Aman Kyoto, Tawaraya Ryokan or Hiiragiya Ryokan can be booked for a supplementYamanaka Onsen:Kayotei RyokanKanazawa:Hyatt Centric Kanazawa or The Hotel Sanraku |
| Cost |
| Upon request |
Booking Information >
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:
- Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
- Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
- Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
- Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
- Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
- A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
- Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
- Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world
Client Testimonials
“We had a fantastic time in Morocco! An experience we will never forget and will never duplicate. The hotels you provided were wonderful, our guide and driver were terrific, knowledgeable, entertaining and fun to be around. The country, people and culture were warm, friendly and engaging. It was truly one of the best if not the best trip we have ever taken.”
“The World team on the ground was phenomenal. They treated us like their own family. TOP NOTCH. Our Egyptologist guide was full of knowledge, bright, friendly and just went out of his way to assist us. Our driver had skill and confidence. The hotels were all spectacular. Some of our favorite sites were sites you included in our itinerary (from what I can tell, no one else knows to visit them!). We never would've have known about these sites if not for your recommendation. We can't wait to do another international trip with World of Leisure. The pre-planning, the execution, everything—this trip has been stress-free and exceptional. I can't believe we've waited this long to take a trip like this!”
“Our Greece trip was AMAZING!!!! We loved every hotel and tour. The food was delicious everywhere. We loved Israel. Our guide was unbelievable. He knew everything. We absolutely loved him. We received some incredible hotel upgrades.”
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“We are back from our trip to Egypt. It was absolutely wonderful in every way. Every representative along the way was fabulous – especially our Egyptologist guide. He has to be the best guide in all of Egypt. He taught us, kept us safe, and made sure we were comfortable every step along the way. We were treated like family by everyone and were taken care of in every way. The trip (which was not a vacation but rather an adventure of a lifetime) was the best of our lives.”
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“My clients had an amazing time in the Dolomites. They said that everything was perfect. Thank you for making this very last-minute Italy trip work.”
“We had a great time in Jordan. What you organized was once again perfect. We love the blend of culture, history, beautiful nature, connecting with local people and relaxation pauses in wonderful hotels. Our guide is perhaps the best guide we ever got throughout our many travels. He is amazing in knowledge on so many issues, caring and knows when to leave space. Just perfect. Once again, a big thank you. Really well done!”
“I just wanted to say big thank you for organizing such a magnificent Dubai trip. We had the best time!! Hotels, people, food, activities, everything was wonderful. In particular, our guide. We all loved her so, so much.”
“We had a wonderful, amazing time! Our guides and drivers and experiences were all top notch in both Portugal and in France.”
“Thank you for arranging a truly fabulous England and Scotland trip—we happily could have stayed another month! Our guide was delightful and very knowledgeable. She was fantastic. The hotels and restaurants were all outstanding. A+++. Thank you again for planning such an incredible bucket list trip! We are truly so grateful.”
“We got back from Mexico and had a wonderful time. We loved the food we made with the chef in Oaxaca and the chef in San Miguel. We had great food in Mexico and I have to say, some of the best things we ate were the things we made in these two classes. They were both excellent teachers, great technique and ingredient specific teachers.”
“Everything worked out beautifully. Dubai was fantastic. Our guide was wonderful, hotel beautiful, food spectacular—we truly enjoyed. We thank you.”
“Our Colombia trip was extremely successful. We found Colombia to be a very beautiful country with a quite interesting political and cultural history. Our guides that you arranged did a very nice job of exposing us to all of that. We were particularly impressed that you were able to put together such a great itinerary on very short notice. We found all of the guides as well as the hotels and the transportation to be of very high quality. We greatly appreciate all the effort you put in to organizing it. Finally, we were very pleased with your work in putting all this together on short notice. Many thanks for helping us have a first class experience and a very memorable and enjoyable trip.”
“Our Italy and Switzerland trip was wonderful, our grandsons did not want to go home. Every one of the guides we had was amazing. The hotels were great too. We loved the watchmaking experience and all of the activities in the mountains. Looking forward to planning the next trip.”
“Thank you for organizing a wonderful Egypt trip! We had a fantastic time and our guide was amazing.”
“I had an amazing time in Vietnam. My guide was such a lovely guy. He was very personable and shared so much of his culture with me. Our trip out to Halong Bay was extra special. The trip was well put together and my guides were always present and punctual. Thank you so much for putting all this together for me!”
“We just got back from one of the best trips we've ever taken! Thanks so much for arranging the Morocco trip for us! The accommodations were fantastic! We loved all of them from Kasbah Tamadot to Royal Mansour to the tent in Sahara Desert and Dar Ahlam. They all have its own special charm and beauty. The entire trip went smoothly, and full of surprises along the way. I will definitely recommend your services to others. Look forward to the next adventure with World of Leisure.”
“Our Germany and Hungary trip was excellent. We loved spending time with the drivers and guides and learning about the history, culture, architecture, war and holocaust from their perspectives.”
“A sincere thank you for making my clients happy! The loved their Iceland tour. It's a pleasure doing business with you and hopefully we'll be working together again soon.”
“We had a wonderful time and your team synchronized everything very well. Many thanks for your professional and expert help. My granddaughter was thrilled to experience her 'dream' Italy vacation.”
“Thank you for arranging our honeymoon in Germany and Croatia! You made our trip stress-free, and the itinerary was comprehensive and clear. Thank you also for arranging experiences for us that we never would have discovered on our own! Our guides and drivers were professional, knowledgeable, and so friendly! We had such an amazing time!”
“Our Egypt trip was PERFECTION! Every detail of coordination, organization, and planning, and especially our guide's extensive knowledge, passion, and care, made the trip SEAMLESS! World of Leisure and its global network are FANTASTIC! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!”