Japan
There’s something utterly captivating about Japan, where ancient rituals meet the fast pace of modern life in perfect harmony. I had the privilege of experiencing this balance firsthand during a tailor-made journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, with every detail thoughtfully curated by Destination Asia. From ultra-luxe accommodations to immersive cultural experiences, Japan unfolded as a place where every moment felt sacred and unforgettable.
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & the Glamour of Ginza
Touching down in Tokyo, I was greeted by a local guide and whisked away to the Peninsula Tokyo, our home base for the next few nights. That evening, I took my first steps into the city's dazzle with a guided walking tour of Ginza—an upscale district brimming with architectural marvels and flagship boutiques. Think Maison Hermès, the Kabuki Theatre, and the storied Wako Building. It was the perfect blend of modern design and historical elegance.
Day 2: Tokyo's Layers of Culture
We explored the city’s past and present with a full-day adventure: ancient Asakusa and the colorful Sensoji Temple, a peaceful Meiji Shrine nestled in a forest, and Tokyo’s youth-centric neighborhoods—Shibuya's scramble crossing, Harajuku’s quirky Cat Street, and Akihabara’s anime haven. We ended the day at a Maid Café—a true “only in Japan” moment complete with cosplay and cute desserts.
Day 3: TeamLab Planets & a Free Day
Our day at leisure included tickets to the immersive art experience, TeamLab Planets. Walking barefoot through water and digital light was surprisingly meditative—a sensory journey unlike anything else.
Day 4: From Neon to Nature in Hakone
With a private car and guide, we left the city behind for Hakone. The day’s highlights included a Lake Ashi cruise, cable car ride over Owakudani’s steaming crater, and yes, black sulfur-boiled eggs! We stayed at Tensui Saryo, a ryokan with open-air baths where relaxation and nature converged. Our luggage had already been forwarded to Kyoto, because in Japan, even your suitcase travels in style.
Days 5–8: Kyoto —Temples, Tea, and Tranquility
Kyoto welcomed us with a private tea ceremony that taught me how beauty can live in stillness. Over the next few days, we visited the famous bamboo groves of Arashiyama, the gleaming Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), and the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari. We fed wild deer in Nara, strolled Nishiki Market, and soaked in Kyoto’s quiet elegance from our home at the Four Seasons.
Every detail—bullet train tickets, transfers, entry fees, and local guides—was arranged seamlessly. If you’re looking to uncover the many layers of Japan with luxury and depth, I would be honored to curate your perfect itinerary.