Luxury Japan Holidays

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Japan: Timeless Traditions and Modern Cities

A tailor-made journey through Japan blends city energy, mountain landscapes, and deep tradition. See Tokyo during cherry blossom season, with parks, markets, and surprising surf off the northern peninsula. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto’s temples and ryokan inns. In winter head north to experience some of the best skiing in the world. Enjoy onsen hot springs, sushi tastings, and local food tours that connect you with Japan’s everyday culture and seasonal life.

Why Wayfairer

Your journey, carefully planned and fully supported
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Will it suit how we like to travel?

Yes, your destination specialist will design your trip around your specific interests and preferred pace of travel.

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Who shapes our experience?

Experts who listen first, then connect the days, places, and people into a journey that feels seamless and personal.

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Who helps if our plans change?

Our 24/7 Concierge takes care of the details before your trip and steps in if things do not go as planned, so you can simply enjoy the journey.

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When to go to Japan

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Ready to start planning

Talk to a Wayfairer travel specialist who will design a trip around you. No fixed tours, no pressure, just honest advice and ideas tailored to your style.

Juliana Valderrama

Juliana Valderrama

Malcolm Wellby

Malcolm Wellby

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Where to go in Japan

Japan offers a clear mix of city, culture, and nature: Tokyo and Osaka for markets and food; Kyoto and Mount Koya for temples; Hakone for Fuji views and hot springs; Hokkaido for powder snow and wildlife; Hiroshima for history; Naoshima for modern art; Kanazawa, Takayama, and Matsumoto for castle towns; Kyushu and Shikoku for coastal drives and onsen. Tailor-made routes match your pace.

Hakone

Hakone

Mountain views, hot springs, and glimpses of Mount Fuji await. Ride the cable car, unwind in an onsen, and enjoy an easy nature escape from the city.

Just ninety minutes from the neon pulse of Tokyo, Hakone serves as a serene mountain sanctuary dominated by the iconic presence of Mount Fuji. This volcanic region invites exploration through a charming network of switchback trains and ropeways that reveal steaming valleys and the reflective waters of Lake Ashi.

Beyond the scenic vistas, Hakone is a hub of artistic and restorative culture. Guests can wander through the spectacular sculptures of the Hakone Open-Air Museum before retreating to a traditional luxury ryokan. Here, the experience is defined by soaking in mineral-rich onsen hot springs and savoring exquisite multi-course kaiseki cuisine, ensuring a deeply authentic and relaxing Japanese immersion.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima

A city of peace and renewal with moving memorials and vibrant neighborhoods. Visit the Peace Park and take a ferry to tranquil Miyajima Island nearby.

A profound testament to the human spirit, Hiroshima has transformed from a site of tragedy into a vibrant 'City of Peace.' The moving Peace Memorial Park remains an essential stop for reflection, yet the modern city captivates with its leafy boulevards and celebrated culinary scene, particularly the savory okonomiyaki pancakes.

Across the sparkling Seto Inland Sea lies the sacred island of Miyajima, where the iconic floating torii gate guards the ancient Itsukushima Shrine. Here, travelers can hike Mount Misen or wander among tame deer before retreating to a luxurious ryokan. This destination offers a deeply moving itinerary that perfectly balances historical weight with the serene, scenic beauty of coastal Japan.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido

A land of snow, flowers, and wide-open spaces. Known for skiing, summer blooms, and seafood, it’s a year-round haven for outdoor and nature lovers.

As Japan’s untamed northern frontier, Hokkaido offers a dramatic counterpoint to the manicured beauty of the mainland. This vast wilderness is defined by caldera lakes, active volcanoes, and the drifting ice of the Sea of Okhotsk. It is a year-round sanctuary where winter brings world-class powder snow and the elegant dance of red-crowned cranes, while summer reveals rolling fields of alpine flowers.

Beyond the scenery, travelers can explore the rich indigenous heritage of the Ainu people and indulge in the country's freshest seafood. Staying in remote luxury ryokans with private onsen baths ensures a restorative escape into the raw heart of nature.

Kyoto

Kyoto

A cultural heart of Japan filled with temples, tea houses, and cherry blossoms. Wooden streets and peaceful gardens reveal timeless elegance at every turn.

As the imperial capital for over a millennium, Kyoto remains the undisputed cultural soul of Japan. This city of atmospheric contrasts is home to seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from the shimmering Golden Pavilion to the meditative rock gardens of Ryoan-ji.

Travelers can escape into the emerald silence of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or spot elusive geisha in the lantern-lit alleys of Gion. Whether participating in a private tea ceremony or hiking the surrounding mountains to see Japanese macaques, the experience is steeped in tradition. With accommodation ranging from historic machiya townhouses to world-class luxury hotels, Kyoto promises a refined and deeply spiritual journey through Japanese history.

Kyushu

Kyushu

A region of volcanoes, hot springs, and historic towns. Explore cultural landmarks, coastal scenery, and natural wonders shaped by Japan’s southern islands.

Known as the 'Land of Fire,' Kyushu offers a dramatic landscape defined by geothermal power and subtropical lushness. Dominated by the immense caldera of Mount Aso and the smoking peak of Sakurajima, this southern island invites travelers to embrace a slower, warmer rhythm of life.

Journey through emerald valleys on nostalgic scenic trains to reach the charming hot spring village of Yufuin. Here, the tradition of outdoor bathing is elevated to an art form in secluded luxury ryokans. Blending rugged volcanic beauty with rich samurai heritage and artisan pottery towns, Kyushu provides a deeply atmospheric escape far removed from the neon bustle of the mainland.
Naoshima

Naoshima

A small island devoted to modern art and design. Explore museums, outdoor installations, and peaceful beaches that inspire quiet reflection.

Floating peacefully in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima has transformed from a quiet fishing community into a world-class destination for contemporary art. This surreal "Art Island" invites guests to cycle past Yayoi Kusama’s iconic spotted pumpkins and explore underground galleries designed by legendary architect Tadao Ando.

The experience here is defined by a seamless harmony between nature and creativity. Travelers can stay in exclusive museum-hotels where art is part of the living space, ensuring a private and contemplative atmosphere. With its sandy coves and laid-back rhythm, Naoshima offers a sophisticated cultural retreat that feels entirely removed from the ordinary world.

Osaka

Osaka

Bold, flavorful, and full of life. Explore bustling markets, neon streets, and some of Japan’s best street food in a city that celebrates fun and flavor.

Revered as Japan's 'Kitchen of the Nation,' Osaka pulses with a warm, energetic spirit defined by its legendary food culture and friendly locals. The city invites culinary exploration, from the fresh seafood of Kuromon Market to the neon-lit street stalls of Dotonbori serving iconic takoyaki.

History remains impressive at the grand Osaka Castle, surrounded by scenic moats and gardens. For a spiritual contrast, the city serves as the gateway to Mount Koya, where guests can visit ancient Buddhist temples in a sacred mountaintop forest. With world-class luxury hotels and exclusive private cooking classes, Osaka offers a dynamic and delicious immersion into modern Japan.
Shikoku

Shikoku

A calm island of temples, rivers, and green mountains. Follow parts of Japan's famous pilgrimage route or enjoy the countryside’s slower pace and scenic charm.

Often overlooked by the crowds, Shikoku remains Japan’s spiritual sanctuary and arguably its most authentic island. Defined by the rugged Pacific coastline of Kochi and the misty gorges of the Iya Valley, this region offers a journey into a lost world of ancient vine bridges and emerald rivers.

It is the home of the sacred 88 Temple Pilgrimage, where white-clad pilgrims still walk the mountain paths. Travelers can float down the pristine Shimanto River on traditional boats before enjoying seared bonito, a famous local delicacy. Staying in hidden luxury dwellings ensures a peaceful, high-comfort escape that connects you deeply with the rural soul of Japan.

Tokyo

Tokyo

A vibrant blend of old and new where temples meet neon lights. Discover quiet gardens, bustling markets, and a taste of Japan travel at its most dynamic.

Tokyo is a dazzling metropolis where hyper-modernity coexists with ancient tradition. As the world’s most sophisticated capital, it offers a sensory journey ranging from the quiet reverence of Meiji Jingu shrine to the electric pulse of the Shibuya Crossing.

The city is a culinary powerhouse, boasting more Michelin stars than any other city, yet it remains accessible through its efficient transport and polite hospitality. Guests can explore the historic streets of Asakusa or shop in the high-end boutiques of Ginza. With its selection of world-class luxury hotels and immaculate service, Tokyo provides a seamless and vibrant gateway to the wonders of Japan.

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Five of us, including 3 generations ages 12 to 82, planned a 2 week trip to Japan.. Four travel services were asked to develop an appropriate itineray for our group. Wayfairer was most responsive and developed the most interesting and appropriate itinerary. We decided on 3 locations, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone (as an onsen and outdoor experience). Our itinerary combined culture (temples, shrines and castles), museums ranging from Picasso to science to digital art, and unique Japanese experiences such as a kimono tea ceremony, a manga art class and tickets to a summo wrestling tournament. Wayfairer arranged for the most informative and fun guides for each experience and logistics were a perfect combination of public transportation and private vans. Accomodations, experiences, logistics all seamless and enjoyed by all. Five stars Wayfairer."

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