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Japan's first-time favourites

  • Tokyo's scramble crossing during dusk with people crossing and large buildings lit up
Toyko – Hakone – Kyoto

Japan's
first-time favourites

In a meet cute worthy of the big screen, tenderfoot travellers are introduced to a world of discovery in Japan, leaving a lasting impression and a longing to meet again.

Dipping inquisitive toes into a sea of delights, this tour hits the sweet spot between easy-going and on the go. Tokyo’s charms take hold first, luring even the most introverted out of their travel shell with the likes of shopping and authentic classes between a spot of temple touring.  

Hakone then steals hearts with an evening in a traditional ryokan with private hot springs, only for Kyoto to swoop in by introducing highlights like its Geisha district and nearby Nara National Park.   

A cobbled street in Kyoto lined with old buildings leading to a pagoda with people walking including two geishas
The red enterance of Asakusa temple in Tokyo featuring a large red lantern and people walking a pathway beneath
A red umbrella beneath a golden maple tree during autumn in Japan

Jump to...

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Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you'll be exploring in Japan, from Tokyo's glowing neon streets to the traditions of Kyoto's geisha district.

  • A busy street full of neon signs in Tokyo

    DAY 1 - 3

    Tokyo

    Full of heritage highlights and futuristic delights, just to explore the must-see sights of Tokyo could take an entire trip.

    Stay at: Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
  • A view of the Hakone-jinja shrine in front of lush greenery across the lake

    DAY 4

    Hakone

    In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Hakone – one of Japan’s most popular onsen resorts – is bursting with natural beauty.

    Stay at: Gora Kadan
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A taste of what's to come Japan's first-time favourites journal

Day 2
Day 4
Day 6
Day 7
Day 2
Day 4
Day 6
Day 7
  • Buildings in the Ginza district in Tokyo lit up at night

    10:00pm

    Kon’nichiwa from Tokyo. It’s the end of our first full day and the city hasn’t disappointed. A stroll around Hamarikyu Garden with our private guide banished any jet lag before we hopped onboard a boat to cruise the Sumida River. It was a calming way to start the day’s tour before we discovered one of Tokyo’s oldest districts – Asakusa. The tiny streets are lined with Edo-period buildings that lead all the way to the beautiful Sensoji Temple. We were then honoured with a traditional calligraphy class, before a little shopping trip in the Ginza district; where the architecture rivals the designer garments themselves.

    Explore
  • A view of the Hakone ropeway cable car ascending in front of a snow-capped Mount Fuji

    9:45am

    After a full day yesterday with a private guided tour of Yoygi Park, the Harajuku district and a post-lunch exploration of the Mori Art Museum, we’re ready to relax a little. We’re on our way to Hakone, a place famous for its onsens. But while our home for the night is rooted in the hot spring traditions, we’re doing a bit of exploration beforehand. On the agenda is a tour of Owakudani Valley followed by a lake cruise and a wander around the Open-Air Museum. We’re looking forward to an authentic Kaiseki dinner and soak in a private onsen bath though.

    Explore
  • A quiet street in Gion in Kyoto lined with Edo period buildings at dusk

    5:30pm

    When in the ancient capital, explore the temples and shrines. We got stuck straight in when we arrived yesterday by visiting a pair of temples before a wander around Gion, which is full of ancient architecture. Today, the Sanji-sangen-do Hall with its 1001 statues of the goddess Kannon, and the Kodaiji Temple and Yasakajinja Shrine were beautiful. Now, we’re getting ready for a very special evening meeting the enchanting Geisha performers.

    Explore
  • A deer in Nara Park being fed a deer biscuit by a visitor

    8:40pm

    Our last day took us to the magical city of Nara. It was once the capital in the 8th century, so we expected lots of beautiful architecture and weren’t disappointed with the likes of the Kasugataisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple. It was Nara Park and its free-roaming deer that stole our hearts though. Considered to be messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, these animals are the symbol of the city and even bow to visitors – their polite way of asking for a deer biscuit.

    Explore
0:00


Where to stay

  • A plunge pool with a sweeping city view and a decorative wall with the Bvlgari logo
    Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
    Grazing the clouds at the pinnacle of Tokyo’s snappy Midtown Yaesu tower is a sanctuary where the blueprints of la dolce vita have had a South Asian makeover. Japan and Italy seem a world apart, but at the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo the two influences blend so seamlessly it’s like the two were soulmates from the start.
    Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo


Where to stay

  • Gora Kadan
    The clocks are turned back in Japan’s most famous Ryokan, bringing the pampering of a traditional onsen and a seasonal Kaiseki menu to an eager 21st-century crowd. Rendered in neutral colours and natural textures that blend seamlessly into the surroundings, Gora Kadan is exactly what you’d picture when thinking of Japan’s quintessential hot spring Ryokans.
    Gora Kadan


Where to stay

  • The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    From its privileged position along the banks of the Kamogawa River, inspiration taken from traditional Ryokans ensures Ritz-Carlton’s Kyoto outpost ticks every box when it comes to having it all. A backdrop of the Higashiyama District’s mountains sets the peaceful tone on the way to The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto.
    The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto


Where to stay

  • The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    From its privileged position along the banks of the Kamogawa River, inspiration taken from traditional Ryokans ensures Ritz-Carlton’s Kyoto outpost ticks every box when it comes to having it all. A backdrop of the Higashiyama District’s mountains sets the peaceful tone on the way to The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto.
    The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Explore all the
places you can stay

  • A plunge pool with a sweeping city view and a decorative wall with the Bvlgari logo
    Japan
    Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo

    Grazing the clouds at the pinnacle of Tokyo’s snappy Midtown Yaesu tower is a sanctuary where the blueprints of la dolce vita have had a South Asian makeover. 

    Explore this place
    • Asia, Japan, Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Mandarin Lounge with view of Tokyo skyline
      Japan
      Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

      Towering above the streets of Tokyo, uninterrupted views of the city’s skyline aren’t a tall order at any of Mandarin Oriental’s twelve in-house restaurants; sample them all for an international fare and find your favourite.

      Explore this place
    • The traditional entrance of Gora Kadan with black and white walls and red tiled roofs opposite a group of trees
      Japan
      Gora Kadan

      The clocks are turned back in Japan’s most famous Ryokan, bringing the pampering of a traditional onsen and a seasonal Kaiseki menu to an eager 21st-century crowd.

      Explore this place
  • Japan
    Yoshimatsu Hakone

    Set against luscious hills, verdant bamboo gardens, calm ponds home to colourful fish, and views of Mount Fuji – while this might sound like the most serene dream, it is the reality at Yoshimatsu. 

    Explore this place
    • The exterior of Ritz-Carlton Kyoto on the river bank under a clear sky with cherry blossoms in bloom
      Japan
      The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

      From its privileged position along the banks of the Kamogawa River, inspiration taken from traditional Ryokans ensures Ritz-Carlton’s Kyoto outpost ticks every box when it comes to having it all. 

      Explore this place
    • Asia, Japan, Kyoto, The Mitsui Kyoto, garden
      Japan
      The Mitsui Kyoto

      Greeting guests with its 18th-century Kajiimiya Gate, this reimagining from Mitsui elevates a centuries-old residence opposite Nijo Castle; where rooms designed by a world-renowned cast of creatives embrace a tranquil garden in tune with all seasons.

      Explore this place

Extraordinary
experiences

    • A sculpture featuring a white head adorned with greenery in a fountain
      Discover the best bits of Hakone

      It may be known for its onsens, but there’s much more to this volcanic national park. Ride the popular Ropeway to Owakudani Valley to see its hot springs and rivers before a private cruise on Lake Ashi. Later, head to the Open Air Museum where sculptures fill the gardens, and indoor galleries host world-famous artworks.

    • The Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple) in Kyoto on the banks of a lake surrounded by trees
      Visit some of Kyoto’s most famous shrines and temples with a private guide

      The ancient capital is home to some of the country’s greatest religious sites. Stroll through the Kodaiji Temple that houses the Yasakajinja Shrine as well as pretty formal gardens and a bamboo grove hiding two teahouses. There’s also the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion) Temple and the Ryoan-ji Temple to explore; one grand and ornate, the other beautifully simplistic. 

    • A person practicing traditional Japanese caligraphy
      Learn the art of Japanese calligraphy

      In the intimate setting of a private school, sit alongside locals to learn and practice the traditional art of calligraphy. Known as ‘Shodo’ in Japanese, discover how the different shades of ink and brush strokes come together to draw a ‘kanji’ – the Chinese character that Japanese writing is based on. 

    • Two women in traditional geisha attire and makeup walking through the streets of Kyoto with red umbrellas
      Experience a private dinner and Geisha performance

      Whether in a historical tea house or exclusive restaurant, sit down to a private Kaiseki dinner hosted by Japan’s most famous entertainers – Geisha. Chat to the Geisha about their schooling in the arts of song and dance before a local musician joins them on stage for an after-dinner show. 

    • Pink neon lights and interior of a shop in the Harajuku district of Tokyo
      Explore Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district

      Bursting with boutiques and foodie spots, the Harajuku district is beloved by Tokyo’s teens and the trend conscious. The abundance of unique fashion is definitely a highlight, but sweet tooths really have it good here with the endless choice of confectionary shops.

    • People walking past the sake barrells at the enterance of Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo
      Stroll around Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Jingu Shrine

      Built in 1920 in honour of its namesake, the first emperor of modern Japan, the shrine sits surrounded by a forest of evergreens. A mindful wander around is a great start to the day and be sure to keep an eye out for the decorative ‘kazaridaru’ sake barrels that line the walkways. 

Itinerary essentials
  • 7
    NIGHTS
IDEAL TIME
  • May - Jun
    SUNNY & BALMY
WHEN TO GO
  • 18hrs 40min
    LHR - HKG - NRT
FLIGHT TIME
  • 5hrs 45min
    BY ROAD
  • 2hrs
    BY RAIL
ALL TRANSFERS
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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