Japan Highlights

Explore Japan’s distinct culture on our Japan Highlights itinerary, uncovering both the fascinating old and new faces of Japan.

Japan's Cherry Blossoms

Visit Japan in spring time to witness the magical cherry blossoms; one of Japan's most cherished symbols.

Great Cities and Mountains of Japan

This itinerary provides an excellent balance between the hustle and bustle of Japan’s populous cities, including the spirited capital Tokyo, and time spent in the best preserved old towns that Japan has to offer.

Japan Holidays

The Land of the Rising Sun, a stratovolcanic archipelago of 6,852 islands in the Pacific Ocean, defies the imagination. Few places on the planet provide such an intricate blend of east and west, and fewer blend the past, present and future so seamlessly. From Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, tea ceremonies, sumo tournaments, and beautifully-clad geisha to sleek shopping malls, high-tech gadgetry, delectable cuisine and awe-inspiring scenic wonders, Japan will forever be an enigma.

Offering a unique blend of age-old customs and cutting-edge modernism, this island nation along the Pacific coast of East Asia is as intoxicating as its national drink, sake.

Head to neon-lit capital Tokyo for skyscrapers, state-of-the-art shopping malls, luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, and much more. Savour sashimi and sushi from Tsukiji fish market, see sporting giants complete at a sumo tournament, experience kabuki at the National Theatre, and don’t miss the Imperial Palace and the Sensoji Temple.

For some 2,000 shines and temples that are a legacy of Japan’s imperial past, visit Kyoto. Here you can dine with a geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) in the Gion district, marvel at thousands of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, see cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, and visit both the Golden Pavilion and the Shogun’s residence, Nijo Castle.

To reconnect further with Japan’s past, pay your respects to WWII victims at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum at Hiroshima, explore Osaka Castle in Osaka, relax in the Kenrokuen Garden at Kanazawa, and visit the sacred island of Miyajima to see its giant red ‘floating’ Otorii gate.

Beyond the urban centres, there is much to discover; from Hakone, crowned by the 12,388-foot-high Mount Fuji, to Nikko - a pilgrim town that is home to the sumptuous Tosho-gu shrine. Also impressive is Takayama, where April’s annual Sanno Matsuri is the beloved festival to celebrate the return of spring to a snow-covered town.

Other highlights include taking the bullet train from Tokyo to the ski resort of Hakuba in the Japanese Alps, spotting snow monkeys at Yudanaka, basking in the springtime beauty of cherry blossoms, and experiencing hospitality known as omotenashi at a ryokan - a Japanese-style inn. For beach thrills, hit the southernmost islands of Okinawa for white sands and turquoise waters.


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Tokyo, Japan

A slick backdrop to the critically acclaimed film Lost in Translation, the Park Hyatt in Tokyo’s vibrant Shinjuku district is the epitome of contemporary luxury, and its discreet service, superb amenities and dazzling views rarely fails to delight.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Kyoto, Japan

The Hotel Granvia’s location atop Kyoto’s futuristic railway station means that you can step off the bullet train and immediately enter a haven of contemporary urban luxury and fine dining, ideal for exploring this inimitable city of geishas and gardens.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a stylish luxury hotel ideally located in Japan’s enchanting cultural capital. A short walk from Kyoto’s geisha district and boasting superb facilities and great cuisine, the Hyatt Regency is a great base for exploring the city.

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Tokyo, Japan

The Mandarin Oriental is a chic hotel located in a commanding position high above the busy metropolis of Tokyo, giving unparalleled views. It is just a short distance from the exclusive Ginza shopping area and the Imperial Palace Gardens.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Offering commanding views of the city and Imperial Palace Gardens, The Peninsula is an icon on the Tokyo cityscape. Luxurious comfort, sophisticated facilities and the legendary Peninsula service make this one of the most exclusive properties in Tokyo.

Peninsula Tokyo

Japan Mountains, Japan

Perched high in the beautiful Hakone Mountains southwest of Tokyo, Hakone Ginyu is nothing short of extraordinary - a stunning contemporary spa ryokan, bringing you flawless service and the essence of Japanese flair amid the most soothing of surroundings.

Hakone Ginyu

Western Japan, Japan

Close to the Peace Park and nightlife of Nagarekawa, the ANA Crowne Plaza is a comfortable and contemporary first class hotel with good facilities, that is conveniently located for exploring the poignant and historically important sites of Hiroshima.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima

Tokyo

The Park Hotel is very well located in Shiodome, so is a great base for sightseeing whilst in Tokyo. It is a contemporary hotel offering Michelin-starred cuisine, frequent art installations, excellent service and sensational views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji.

Park Hotel Tokyo

Western Japan, Japan

Located in the charmingly atmospheric onsen village of Kurokawa, among the unspoilt mountains of central Kyushu, Ryokan Yumotoso is a traditional Japanese-style inn offering the chance to relax in hot springs among serenely beautiful surroundings.

Ryokan Yumotoso

Kyoto, Japan

A blend of traditional grace and unashamedly chic interiors, The Screen is Kyoto’s first contemporary design hotel, and offers a wonderfully refreshing ambience and luxurious amenities in this ancient city of geishas, rickshaws and teahouses.

The Screen

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