Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan
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
-
Cherry blossom season in Tokyo
-
Views over Mount Fuji
-
Traditional Japanese houses in Kanazawa
-
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
- Days 1–4 Tokyo
- Days 4–6 Kanazawa
- Days 6–9 Kyoto
- Days 1–4 Tokyo
- Days 4–6 Kanazawa
- Days 6–9 Kyoto
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
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.
Where you could stay
Tokyo
Highlights
- 84 rooms and suites
- Restaurant and bar
- Pool and fitness centre
- Spa
- Visit the Senso-ji Temple
Overview
Embracing the minimalism of traditional Japanese architecture, Aman is a stylish, bespoke hotel that will offer you an array of amenities and easy accessibility to the city’s sights.
Each of the 84 guest rooms and suites have unique layouts with uncompromising city views and every contemporary convenience. You’ll find the design inspiration evident throughout the hotel, from traditional Japanese residential structures to the use of classical materials such as camphor wood, washi paper and stone alongside modern luxurious fabrics. The hotel also offers an exquisite dining experience in their elegant mediterranean fine dining restaurant on the 33rd floor with views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji.
Take a dip in the infinity pool on the 34th floor, high above the hustle and bustle of the city or head to the spa to relax after a long day of exploring the city. You’ll also enjoy Ginza, the upmarket shopping area just a pleasant 15 minute walk away.
→ Find out moreTokyo
Overview
Built of amber Namibian granite, The Peninsula Tokyo is a construction of sheer opulence occupying a covetable position opposite the Imperial palace and Hibiya Park in the business district of Marunouchi. The hotels offers you commanding city views, elegant design, luxurious comfort, sophisticated facilities and extraordinary dining.
With 314 spacious guest rooms, this hotel is as large as it is luxurious. Designed by the renowned interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, the hotel intertwines rich earth tones, woods, stone and lacquers with modern design and functionality to create a stunning luxurious living environment. Customise your space with the use of the bedside panels allowing you to tweak the room’s ambience from the comfort of your bed.
Taste the delicious European Cuisine at Peter with stunning views from the hotel’s 24th floor over the Imperial Palace, or visit the Hei Fung Terrace for a sophisticated Cantonese dining experience. Make sure you don’t miss out on the sensational Japanese cuisine at Kyoto Tsuruya where you can watch the skilled chefs prepare Japan’s oldest and most loved culinary delights.
→ Find out more
A private tour of the city
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
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.
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.
Where you could stay
Yamashiro and Yamanaka
Overview
This luxury ryokan is located in the small hot springs village of Yamanaka, which is untouched by time. Surrounded by thick forested hills and stunning natural beauty, find yourself immersed in rich Japanese culture whilst you unwind at this tranquil inn.
The 10 guest rooms and suites are arranged in the traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion. The decor is discreet and elegant from the tatami walkways to the original painted screens, the luxury and exclusive ambience of this ryokan is undeniable. During your stay relax in the natural hot springs renowned for their soothing and curative properties.
The piece de resistance of this ryokan is the cuisine. During your stay you will be served in your room, feasting on the delicious true Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Taste the exquisite local ingredients you are in for a true culinary delight.
→ Find out moreYamashiro and Yamanaka
Overview
Dating back over 800 years, this ryokan is immersed in Japanese history. Relax in the hotel’s onsen which have won international acclaim.
In authentic Japanese Sukita style, the 18 luxury guest rooms face the tranquil zen-designed garden. The natural beauty of the garden is echoed in the rooms, where the traditional Japanese use of light and space is evident, from the washi-paper sliding doors and tatami-mat flooring, you’ll find yourself emerged in this rich culture.
During your stay you will dine in on an abundance of local cuisine, tasting delicacies from the nearby sea and the bountiful land that surrounds the area. Find yourself totally emerged in local culture, even down to your clothing, this will be an experience you will never forget.
→ Find out more
Highlights of Kanazawa
Sightseeing
Relaxation
Dining
Dining
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Where you could stay
Kyoto
Highlights
- 134 guest rooms and suites
- Spa
- Four dining outlets
- Indoor pool
- Niko castle
- Imperial Palace
- Retail and entertainment in downtown Kyoto
Overview
With 134 guest rooms, the Ritz-Carlton is Kyoto’s first urban luxury resort. Sitting on the banks Kamogawa river, the hotel boasts astounding views of the famous Higashiyama mountains.
The hotel has four restaurants and you can take your pick from traditional Japanese dishes, Italian cuisine or go for the seafood private dining option. Enjoy brunch or sweet treats by the French patisserie Pierre Hermé Paris next to a cascading waterfall in the terrace, or retire to the library where a range of Japanese art and architecture books are available for you to thumb through at your leisure.
Situated in close proximity to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas, retail and entertainment districts, this hotel will allow you to enjoy the rich culture of Japan’s ancient capital within modern luxury. Explore the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle or the atmospheric dining of Pontocho, all of which will be on your doorstep.
→ Find out moreKyoto
Overview
Located in the heart of Kyoto, the stylish Hyatt Regency offers spacious rooms and excellent hospitality. This hotel is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere whilst exploring the rich culture of Kyoto.
Each of the elegant 189 guest rooms and suites are decorated in light neutral tones combining the aesthetics that Japan is famed for with the style and comfort of western living. During your stay marvel in the culinary excellence offered by the Hyatt, from authentic Italian cuisine to a French grill to flavourful Japanese dishes, there is something for everyone at this luxury hotel.
Explore the wonders of Kyoto, with countless temples and shrines and other historical structures, marvel in this city’s fascinating culture. After a busy day of exploring why not visit the hotel’s spa for a relaxing massage or visit The Touzan Bar to taste the hotel’s boutique sake collection.
→ Find out more
Highlights of Kyoto
History
Culture
Views
Views
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.
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.
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.
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.
Start planning
your adventure
How it works
- Simply click ‘Start Planning’ or give us a call.
- We’ll get in touch within 24 hours and work with you to perfect the details of your trip.
- Sit back and relax while we plan a bespoke itinerary for you.
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.
