Luxury Japan
Tours made for you

Experience the best of Japanese culture with a private tour of Japan designed just for you

Modern Cities

Explore Tokyo and Osaka

Excellent Dining

Discover the flavours of Japan

Ancient Arts

Admire traditional craftmanship

Ornate Palaces

Visit significant historic sites

Mount Fuji

Catch spectacular views of this peak

Enjoy sci-fi cityscapes, tranquil green tea plantations and placid, eternal lakes in Japan

Japan is a land where the future meets the past. You’ll find ancient customs and craftsmanship woven together with cutting-edge modern technology and futuristic fashions in this 6,800-island volcanic archipelago.

The dazzling capital of Tokyo is often people’s first introduction to Japan and to say it is an assault on the senses is an understatement. This is a city that moves at an astonishing rate but take the time to step back and you’ll discover that just like any big city around the world, there is a more sedate side waiting to be explored. Other cities, such as Kyoto and Kanazawa, while by no means small, have an altogether more relaxed feel thanks to their beautiful castles, manicured gardens, pagodas and quaint wooden buildings. In Kyoto it’s not uncommon to see kimono-clad geisha shuffling along the narrow streets, a reminder this is a country where traditions are still embedded in everyday life.

A patchwork of bamboo forests, sparkling lakes and hot springs, Japan’s beautiful countryside provides the perfect antidote to its frenetic cities. Here it’s all about taking the time to appreciate the natural environment and really tuning into yourself.

And then of course there’s the food. Without a doubt one of the highlights of any trip Japan, every meal offers something special. From fresher-than-fresh sushi to steaming bowls of ramen and crunchy tempura, there is so much to look forward to on a food tour of Japan.

Let Jacada help you to discover this diverse region with a seamless and personalised itinerary. Take a look at our example itineraries for inspiration, and then speak to our Japan travel designers to start planning your own tailor-made trip.

Highlights

Travel by high-speed trains from the sci-fi cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka to tranquil landscapes of the east

Watch kimono-clad geisha shuffle down a Kyoto street

Explore the medieval castle town of Kanazawa

Feel your troubles melt away in the warm waters of a traditional onsen resort in Hakone or Yamashiro and Yamanaka

Re-imagine Hiroshima, a city once destroyed by an atomic bomb and now a thriving, international metropolis

Discover Okinawa, a laid-back and idyllic island with a surprising fusion of cultures

Keith Jarman

Travel Designer

Travel to Japan just for the food. The emphasis on excellent, farm-to-table fare is second only to Italy, but with very different flavours. When you’re there you’ll be blown away by the striking countryside, the bright and manic cities, the depth of their customs and traditions and the serenity of the temples and gardens. It’s an intriguing and unique country of contrasts and one that everyone should visit during their life.

Keith Jarman

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Japan

There are many incredible places to stay in Japan. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Tokyo

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Relax in contemporary luxury at the Mandarin Oriental. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this hotel offers serenity above a ever-growing metropolis. When you arrive in the 38th floor lobby, you’ll find yourself stunned by the dramatic views over the city’s skyline. The 157 guest rooms and 21 suites are heavily inspired by the Japanese aesthetic, blending futuristic luxury with a typical Japanese understanding of sense of space, aesthetically capturing the country’s rich culture within the modern luxury that Mandarin Oriental are renowned for. Step out of your hotel and you’ll be in the middle of Tokyo’s metropolis, just a five minute walk from Ginza shopping district. After a busy day enjoying the buzz of Tokyo, relax in the Sense Tea Room or head to the Mandarin Bar and enjoy a signature cocktail by their award-winning chief bartender whilst listening to live jazz.

Kyoto

Four Seasons Kyoto

Traditional Japanese aesthetics can be found throughout the luxury Four Seasons in the centre of historic Kyoto. Lanterns brighten interiors filled with artisanal furnishing and sleek hardwood floors while fusuma screens and urushi lacquerware create an engaging cultural experience. The guest rooms enjoy balconies with incredible views overlooking the fascinating cityscape, Shakusuien Pond Garden or the distant Higashiyama Mountains. Upon imperial purple carpets, a custom Four Seasons bed waits after freshening up in a private rain shower oasis. The suites contain spacious living areas with sofas, coffee tables and marble-topped desks, natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Special touches such as shoji paper lamps and tatami-inspired wall panels contributes to a rich and contemporary residence. Savouring views of the beautiful 12th-century Myoho-in Temple, the Presidential Suite consists of Asa-no-ha hexagonal patterns and an approach to artisanal décor that authentically and intimately captures the essence of Japan. The Four Seasons has two restaurants. Brasserie boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a simple yet delicious menu. Locally-sourced ingredients combined with modern cooking techniques contribute to seasonal dishes throughout the day and into the evening. Sushi Wakon operates under the skilled hand of Michelin-starred Chef Rei Masuda, preparing a fine-dining extravaganza at the 200-year-old, 10-seat Hinoki counter. Drink tea while relaxing beside the 800-year-old pond garden, taking in the true essence and mystery of the Land of the Rising Sun. Additionally, the Spa is a haven of healing, restoring your mind and body to a state of blissful serenity.

Okinawa

HOSHINOYA Resort

A world away from the hustle and bustle of Japanese city life, immerse yourself in the relaxed culture of Japan’s southern Islands. HOSHINOYA promises to modernise the traditional Japanese ryokan offering you an authentic stay with modern comfort and conveniences. With just 48 villas on the remote island of Taketomi, you’ll find yourself in paradise. Architecturally the hotel mirrors the local culture. The single-level, wooden villas, which are surrounded by stone walls and topped with red tiles, seem almost Mediterranean to the western eye, however, inside the Japanese influence is apparent. With spacious, minimalist decor and the use of light wood, relax in contemporary Japanese tranquility. During your stay, dine in the hotel’s restaurant. The chef define’s his cuisine as Ryukyu Nouvelle, a brand new style of Okinawan food based on French cuisine. With a new menu every evening savour this truly unique culinary experience. Relax on the white sand beaches, take a water buffalo cart ride or scuba dive to experience one of the world’s top spots for watching manta rays. With a variety of activities there is something for everyone to enjoy in this bespoke resort.

Mount Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji

Nestled within a pristine red pine forest overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji is Hoshinoya Fuji, a beautiful glamping hideaway that allows guests to enjoy the tranquility of their natural surroundings. On arrival at reception guests are presented with a camping kit containing binoculars, headlamp, map and blanket before being driven up to the main site. Here you will find the cabins, restaurant and the Cloud Terrace – a network of walkways and wooden platforms seemingly suspended in the air. You’ll find 40 cubic concrete blocks nestled with the forest, minimalist in design but featuring everything you could possibly need. Large windows look out over the beautiful landscape and every cabin features a balcony where you can light a fire. Lighting in the cabins is soft, and around the site only the pathways are illuminated so as not to detract from the natural environment. The main restaurant features a grill station in the middle where chefs cook up succulent steaks which are served with a seasoning rack. Alternatively, head up to the top of the Cloud Terrace and have a go at cooking in the wood-fired oven. For complete privacy, you can choose to dine in the comfort of your cabin. Volcanic activity 10,000 years ago created a landscape of craters and ice caves, and the surrounding area is ripe for exploring. Canoe on the lake, go horse riding through the forest or take a lesson in stargazing and marvel at the night sky.

Naoshima Island

Benesse House Hotel

Minimalist design, contemporary cool, modernist chic. This hotel/museum fuses nature and art together with its striking architecture and artwork dotted all over the secluded Benesse House complex. Sculptures, installations and paintings are dispersed throughout the hotel; in bedrooms, on the grounds, and in the main galleries. With just 11 guest rooms and suites, most of which offer an expansive view of the stunning, Seto Inland Sea, guests can enjoy the natural beauty and remote setting of this luxury complex. Four different buildings are centred around the museum, each with its individual style and distinctive suites. Benesse House Hotel is ideally located in the heart of a buzzing, developing art scene, on Naoshima island. Numerous art projects, programs and exhibitions are fast emerging and can be easily visited during your visit. Hotel guests can also enjoy exclusive, after-hours access to the Benesse House museum. After a day of exploring the island, or the surrounding islands for that matter, relax in the spa and wine and dine in one of their excellent on-site restaurants, each offering fresh, local produce and fine cuisine.

Matsumoto

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan

The serene Tobira Onsen Myojinkan sits surrounded by the forest deep in the mountains above Matsumoto city. It combines the elements of a traditional Japanese ryokan inn with all the creature comforts of a modern luxury hotel for a wonderfully relaxing rural retreat. 45 rooms all enjoy their own onsen bath, either indoors or outside, and guests have the option of either sleeping on a simple futon over tatami mats or a Western-style bed. There are a number of natural hot spring baths here, open day and night, each offering blissful views of the stunning forest scenery accompanied by the sounds of murmuring brooks, tranquil bird song and conifers swaying gently in the breeze. Unlike other ryokans, where simple Japanese Kaiseki cuisine served in-room is the only dining option, there are three restaurants here serving modern Japanese delicacies and organic macrobiotic French as well as Kaiseki. When not relaxing at Myojinkan, guests can explore the forest and nearby scenic areas of the Japanese Alps, as well as take trips into the historic Matsumoto city.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.