Luxury Japan and the Philippines: Culture and Beaches
Travel from the Land of the Rising Sun to an archipelago nation of pristine beaches with this luxury Japan and Philippines itinerary. After three days in exciting Tokyo, you’ll head out to the mountains for waterfall hikes and temple visits. Slow down with a tea ceremony in Kyoto, where you’ll also have an exclusive audience with geisha. And transfer to Siargao, the Philippines’ surf capital, for beach time and island hopping.
Trip highlights
- Taste your way around Old Tokyo's food hotspots
- Watch sumo wrestlers train and see how they live
- Hike through mountain valleys and marshland in Nikko
- Have an audience with practising geisha in Kyoto
- Paddle between islands and through mangroves in Siargao
- Take part in a traditional tea ceremony with a master
Our bespoke trips include
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
Itinerary in detail
Days 1–3
Feel old and new collide in Tokyo
Japan’s capital city is hard to pin down and impossible to forget. Over three days in Tokyo, you’ll spend time among its mix of shiny towers, neon lights and ancient monuments – all set against the perfect, snow-capped Mount Fuji. Stroll past futuristic skyscrapers to find Buddhist temples and shrines.
In the centre, Senso-ji – founded in the seventh century – exists in a serene bubble. While the ornate 17th-century structures of Zojo-ji sit in the lofty shadow of the landmark Tokyo Tower. Stroll through the gardens of the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and high stone walls. And pause in Hamarikyu Garden, whose seawater ponds are backed by the skyscrapers of the Shiodome district.
Where you could stay
Tokyo unlocked
Sumo training
Food tour
Tokyo, tailored
Meet sumo wrestlers where they live and train
Tokyo’s Ryogoku district is home to Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and a large number of sumo stables, where the rikishi, or wrestlers, reside. Learn how lower ranked rikishi complete household chores while others train. You’ll see match preparations in action, witnessing rituals like ‘King of the Castle’, where wrestlers spar until one is defeated.
Graze your way around Old Tokyo
Characterised by traditional wooden houses and temples, Old Tokyo also offers a taste of the city’s culinary roots. On this evening tasting tour, start in a tachinomi or standing tapas bar, where locals traditionally head for snacks and drinks after work. And visit a kappo restaurant, where chefs cook fresh, seasonal ingredients in front of diners.
Unlock Tokyo’s secrets on a private city tour
On a bespoke tour, visit spots off the typical tourist trail. You might start at Tsukiji, one of the world’s largest wholesale fish markets in the world, and be guided to the best sushi spots. Cruise down the Sumida River to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest districts. Visit tucked-away temples. And immerse yourself in a tea ceremony or calligraphy class.
Days 4–5
Explore the ethereal mountain landscapes of Nikko
Your next stop is Nikko, a small mountain city in Japan‘s Tochigi Prefecture. It’s the gateway to Nikko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the lavish shrine, Nikko Toshogu. Enter via gilded gates, surrounded by cedar forest, and view buildings adorned with wood carvings and gold leaf.
Mountain peaks rise above trails to waterfalls and through marshland. Your Nikko itinerary will take in scenery including the sacred volcano, Mount Nantai, and Lake Chuzenji – known as the Sea of Happiness. Reach Akechidaira Observatory via a ropeway ride for views across the water to Kegon Falls.
Make it mine
Fire ceremony
Mountain hike
Take part in an ancient ritual at Chuzenji Temple
On the lakeshore and surrounded by trees, the rust-red Chuzenji Temple was founded in 784 by Shodo, Nikko’s first head priest. See the six-metre tall statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy, and a rare collection of figures representing the Shitenno – heavenly kings of Buddhism. Your visit ends with an exclusive fire ceremony. Write a wish on paper using calligraphy equipment, then set it alight.
Explore the highland marshes and waterfalls of Oku Nikko
Oku Nikko, or Inner Nikko, sits high within mountainous Nikko National Park. Dive into its bloom-filled landscapes with an expert naturalist guide. You’ll follow a trail through the Senjyogahara Marshlands, tracing the Yukawa River. Visit Yumoto Onsen, famed for its milky hot springs. And reach Ryuzu, or Dragon’s Head, Waterfall, named for the shape of the rock splitting the cascade in two.
Days 6–9
Be immersed in ancient traditions and culture in Kyoto
Japan’s imperial capital, Kyoto is located on the island of Honshu, southwest of Tokyo. Here, thousands of temples and Shinto shrines survived the destruction of World War II. Wander inside grand palaces and stroll around beautiful gardens. Modern skyscrapers contrast with traditional machiya wooden townhouses and narrow streets.
Geisha still practice here, and your Kyoto itinerary includes an unforgettable evening in their company. Watch the women perform traditional dance and songs, and speak to them via a translator. Your unique cultural experiences continue with a traditional tea ceremony, and in-depth tours of temples, pavilions and gardens.
Where you could stay
Cultural immersion
Tea ceremony
Geisha experience
Historic highlights
Experience the slow ritual of preparing matcha tea
In Japan, making tea is traditionally a slow, ritualistic process. Guided by a tea master, you’ll learn about the culture around tea, including tearoom architecture, the utensils used and its connection to Zen Buddhism. You’ll follow the steps of a tea ceremony as your host teaches you how to prepare powdered green tea, or matcha.
Meet practising geisha and watch them perform
Geisha are impeccably trained in the arts of song, dance, entertainment and conversation. During an unforgettable evening at an exclusive restaurant and tea house, you’ll watch them at work – and spend time in their company. The women will perform dances and songs, play games and, aided by a translator, engage you in conversation.
Visit some of Kyoto’s most enchanting monuments
Kyoto is famed for its high concentration of ancient monuments. You’ll explore highlights including Kinkaku-Ji, the Golden Pavillion, built by the third Ashikaya shogun Yoshimitsu. Explore Nijo Castle, built around 1600 for the first shogun of the Edo period. Its so-called ‘nightingale floors’ were designed to squeak to warn of intruders.
Days 10–14
Spend time in Siargao, the Philippines’ surf capital
Finally you’ll head over to the Philippines. The archipelago nation has an overwhelming number of beaches and islands. You can fly from Tokyo to Bohol, famous for its Chocolate Hills and creamy sands. Or travel via Manila for five days in Siargao.
This island is considered the surfing capital of the Philippines. Its Cloud 9 wave attracts competitors from around the world, while shallower waters are approachable for beginners lessons. The island’s quiet coves are also ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.
On the water
Mangroves tour
Boat tour
Go kayaking through a mangrove reserve
Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll paddle through Siargao’s century-old mangrove forest. The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve is protected by community-led conservation efforts. Learn about its biodiversity. And look for Philippine ducks and giant fruit bats, which roost in the trees.
Go island-hopping on a guided boat trip
Siargao’s coastline opens to a scattering of smaller islands and islets. On a guided boat tour, start with drinks on Pansukian, a desert isle. Your next stop is Daku, where you can snorkel or surf before pausing for a beach picnic. Finish on Guyam, dense with coconut forest and edged with pale sand.
My travel advisors David and Jessica were fantastic from start to finish! They listened to what we were interested in and made a magical bespoke trip catering to our needs and wants. We will never forget our time in Japan and can't recommend Jacada enough for a once in a lifetime adventure. We will most certainly use them again for…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
