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      Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan
      Price guide
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        Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction

        Duration9 days
        Ideal time to visitMarch–April
        Price guide
        From
        $0 PP

        Discover the Land of the Rising Sun with this luxury Japan itinerary. Your introduction to this fascinating country takes you on a classic Japan tour to the main island of Honshu with visits to three of Japan’s most important cultural centres. You’ll stay at luxury hotels throughout, with expert guides on hand and our insider recommendations to ensure that you get the most out of each destination.

        Trip highlights

        • See Tokyo's cultural wonders with a personal guide
        • Admire the incredible views of Mount Fuji
        • Visit Kanazawa's samurai district and geisha quarter
        • Explore a 17th-century castle on a private guided tour
        • Immerse yourself in the captivating onsen culture of Japan
        • Stay in a traditional hot spring ryokan
        • Enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner experience
        • Travel in style to Kyoto aboard a bullet train
        A scenic view of Tokyo in Spring, highlighting the cherry blossom season. The river is lined with lush cherry trees in full bloom, their pink petals creating a canopy over the water. Several small boats, each carrying people, gently float down the river, adding to the serene and picturesque atmosphere. The sky is clear and bright, further enhancing the vibrant colors of the cherry blossoms and the calm, reflective water.
        Cherry blossom season in Tokyo
        A stunning view of Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background on a clear day. The five-story pagoda, painted in red and white, stands prominently to the right, surrounded by lush greenery and partially blooming cherry blossoms. Mount Fuji, with its snow-capped peak, rises majestically in the distance under a pale blue sky, completing the tranquil and picturesque scene.
        Views over Mount Fuji
        A charming evening scene of a traditional Japanese street. The cobblestone pathway is lined with historic wooden buildings, their warm, glowing lanterns illuminating the surroundings. The sky is dusky, with hints of clouds adding depth to the serene atmosphere. Soft light from the windows and lanterns casts a cozy and inviting glow, reflecting the timeless beauty and cultural heritage of the area. In the background, trees and additional buildings are visible, completing the picturesque setting.
        Traditional Japanese houses in Kanazawa
        A narrow, traditional Japanese street on a rainy day. A woman dressed in a beautiful kimono and holding a white umbrella walks away. The street is lined with old wooden buildings and various shop fronts, reflecting the rich cultural heritage. Another person with an umbrella can be seen in the distance, walking in the opposite direction. The wet pavement glistens softly, enhancing the tranquil and timeless atmosphere of the setting.
        A maiko in Kyoto's Gion district

        Bespoke trips with Jacada

        We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

        • Luxury accommodation throughout
        • Privately guided tours
        • Private transfers
        • Meticulously selected experiences
        • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
        Sketch of woman in art gallery

        Itinerary in detail

        Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample luxury Japan itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

        Days 1-4

        Experience Tokyo's modern marvels and timeless traditions

        Enjoy three nights in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, as you begin your adventure absorbing the city’s infectious energy. The ultramodern transitions seamlessly into the traditional here, from neon-lit skyscrapers to cherry trees and temples.

        Upon arrival into Tokyo’s Narita airport, you’ll be met by an English-speaking representative and assisted through immigration to your private transfer, where you can start to marvel at the towering giants of the city’s skyline.

        A private guided tour will then take you beyond the city’s contemporary highlights to ancient temples and shrines nestled amid the cityscape. In the tranquility of spiritual sanctuaries such as Meiji Shrine and Asakusa’s Senso-ji, history and tradition unfold in delicate detail. You can also choose to venture into the eclectic Harajuku district, where Japan’s street fashion takes centre stage.

        A private tour of the city

        Shodo japanese caligraphy

        The day might begin at Tsukiji, one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world, before fresh sushi at a nearby restaurant. Next a peaceful stroll in the vast and tranquil Hamarikyu Garden. A cruise can take you onwards down the Sumida River to Asakusa, one of Tokyo‘s oldest and best-preserved districts. Your guide will lead you to small streets near the Sensoji Temple where you can still feel the presence of ancient Japan. Perhaps participate in a private Japanese tea ceremony or a calligraphy class before finishing the day with a visit to Ginza, known for its expensive real estate and prestigious department stores, boutiques, bars and restaurants.

        The bullet train to Kanazawa

        Bullet train in the station in Tokyo

        Leaving Tokyo, you’ll take Japan’s unbelievably fast Shinkansen “Bullet Train” onwards from Tokyo Station to your next stop, Kanazawa. The journey on this remarkable rail service takes just under two hours and 30 minutes.

        Days 4–6

        Two nights in Kanazawa

        Walking through the narrow streets of Kanazawa feels like stepping back in time. The city survives as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan, renowned for its meticulously preserved Edo-era districts adorned with quaint tea houses, traditional merchant houses and samurai residences. Beyond its historical charm, Kanazawa has an impressive array of museums showcasing both contemporary and classical works, as well as a thriving arts and crafts scene. Local artisans produce some beautiful handicrafts, from intricate Kutani ceramics to delicate silks dyed through a process known as Kaga Yuzen.

        You’ll explore the city with private tours to ancient samurai and geisha districts, stay in a traditional hot-spring ryokan and feast on a kaiseki dinner.

        Highlights of Kanazawa

        Sightseeing

        Relaxation

        Dining

        A cobbled street in Samurai District, Kanazawa, Japan

        Take a guided tour

        Set off to explore with a private driver. You could visit Omchi Market, the “Kitchen of Kanazwa”, to see fresh fish caught in the Sea of Japan before a sushi lunch. In the Nagamachi Samurai District, beautiful wooden homes are bordered by canals used as defence in the Edo period. You can visit the fascinating Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence. Next, the Kenroku-en Garden brings together the six attributes of the perfect garden: extensiveness, quiet seclusion, artifice, antique elegance, abundant waterways and spaciousness.

        Take a plunge into one of Japan's best onsens

        Relax in the onsen

        There’s no better way to end a busy morning of sightseeing than relaxing in your ryokan’s onsen, soaking up the benefits of the mineral-rich waters. The ritual begins with a thorough cleansing of the body before entering the communal baths. This centuries-old practice not only rejuvenates but also serves as a reminder of the harmony between nature and the human spirit. Onsen culture is an integral part of Japanese identity.

        Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner, as shown being prepared

        Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner

        Experience Japan’s artful culinary tradition with a traditional kaiseki dinner experience, a multi-course feast that epitomises the art of Japanese fine dining. Courses thoughtfully progress from light and refreshing to rich and complex. One of the key elements of kaiseki is the use of seasonal ingredients.

        The bullet train to Kyoto

        Tsuzumimon gate in front of JR Kanazawa

        Set off from Kanazawa Station to reach your final destination. It’s a seamless journey as you transfer to Kyoto, taking your second trip aboard the ultra-fast Japanese Shinkansen.

        Days 6–9

        Three days in Kyoto

        With its hundreds of castles and shrines, Kyoto stands out as Japan’s cultural capital. You’ll find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of Japan’s storied past as the city’s historic districts such as Gion and Higashiyama unfold like living museums, traditional wooden machiya houses lining narrow cobblestone streets. The city’s gardens and parks are a canvas of ever-changing colours, adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. A visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, offers a reflective moment by its glistening waters, while the bamboo groves of Arashiyama whisper tales of tranquility. Kyoto’s culinary scene is equally captivating, with Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants, bustling stalls at Nishiki Market and hidden izakayas serving up an array of flavours.

        Highlights of Kyoto

        History

        Culture

        Views

        Visit Nijo Castle, built around 1600 for the warrior Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period.

        Personalise a half-day tour

        Visit Nijo Castle, built around 1600 for the warrior Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. It’s is particularly famed for its “nightingale floors” which squeak to warn residents on intruders. Next explore Kinkaku-Ji, the Golden Pavillion, built by the third Ashikaya shogun Yoshimitsu in 1397. Finally, enjoy the simplicity of Ryoan-Ji Temple’s zen garden or visit the Kodaji Temple.

        Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Pictured kere are two geisha's walking down a beautiful cobbled street during sunset.

        Soak up the atmosphere in Gion

        Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Pause for lunch here and you’ll find yourself mesmerised by the ancient culture that is still so strongly embedded within Kyoto, perhaps seeing kimono-clad geisha on their way to engagements.

        Sannenzaka street in Kyoto, Japan

        Start the day at Kiyomizu-dera

        The Kiyomizu-dera temple is popular for its cliff-top main hall with a magnificent panoramic view of Kyoto. From here, you can stroll downhill to the Sannenzaka neighbourhood, which has been perfectly restored with small shops and traditional restaurants.

        Dream come true trip to Japan‌”

        We had our dream trip to Japan thanks to Jacada. They worked with us using our ideas and adding their own to plan and implement a wonderful trip. The planning was fun and everything went smoothly. Their knowledge and professionalism is the highest. We will recommend them to our friends.

        Published 08th June 2023 on Trustpilot
        Joan Greathouse

        Why book with Jacada

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        We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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        Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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        We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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