East Asia
Luxury Holidays Japan
— The Destination —
A country of quiet contradictions — ancient temples and neon-lit boulevards, bullet trains and bamboo groves, kaiseki dinners and hidden whisky bars. Japan is tailor-made for the curious luxury traveller: private guides unlock Kyoto's secret gardens, ryokan hosts serve multi-course breakfasts in tatami rooms, and the country's legendary service culture anticipates every need before it is spoken.
— When to go —
Best time to visit
March to May — cherry blossom season transforms the country into a pale-pink dream, with mild temperatures and clear skies. October to November is equally magical for autumn foliage and comfortable exploring.
Climate & weather
Four distinct seasons. Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov) are mild and dry, ideal for sightseeing. Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and humid with occasional monsoon rain. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but crisp, with excellent skiing in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.
— Places to visit —
Highlights of Japan
Tokyo
a mesmerising collision of tradition and futurism. Explore the Meiji Shrine, the artisan boutiques of Daikanyama, the Tsukiji outer market at dawn, and Michelin-starred restaurants that range from sushi counters to French-Japanese fusion. The city's luxury hotels are destinations in themselves.
Kyoto
the cultural heart of Japan with over two thousand temples and shrines. Wander the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari at sunrise, visit the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, and experience a private tea ceremony in a centuries-old machiya townhouse.
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Japan's sacred volcano reflected in the still waters of Lake Kawaguchi. Stay in a ryokan with private onsen baths, cruise Lake Ashi, and ride the ropeway through sulphur vents and volcanic valleys with Fuji dominating the horizon.
Hiroshima & Miyajima
the Peace Memorial Park and Museum offer profound reflection, while nearby Miyajima Island's floating torii gate is one of Japan's most photographed and spiritually significant sights.
Nara
Japan's first permanent capital, home to the Great Buddha of Todai-ji and hundreds of tame sika deer roaming the park. The temple's wooden hall is the largest of its kind in the world.
Osaka
Japan's kitchen, famous for street food, neon nightlife and a warmer, more playful atmosphere than Tokyo. The perfect counterbalance to Kyoto's formality.
— Beyond Japan —
Nearby attractions & onward journeys
Hokkaido
Japan's northern island of powder snow, world-class skiing, lavender fields and the seafood markets of Sapporo. Best visited in winter for snow sports or summer for wildflower meadows.
Okinawa & the Ryukyu Islands
subtropical beaches, coral reefs and a distinct island culture closer to Taiwan than Tokyo. A beach-and-culture extension few travellers consider.
Kanazawa
a beautifully preserved Edo-period city on the Sea of Japan, famous for the Kenroku-en garden, geisha districts and gold-leaf crafts, reachable by bullet train from Tokyo.
South Korea
Seoul's palaces, K-culture and Michelin dining are a short flight from Tokyo or Osaka, making a Japan–Korea twin-centre itinerary an elegant pairing.
— Where to stay —
Featured residences in Japan
- — Aman Tokyo
- — Hoshinoya Kyoto
- — The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
- — Park Hyatt Tokyo
- — Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
- — Mandarin Oriental Tokyo