Where 1,300 Years of Tradition Meets Modern Mastery
Discover Japan As An Honored Guest, Not A Tourist
Journey from Tokyo’s imperial gardens to the world’s oldest hotel to Kyoto’s geisha districts with fellow Total Access members.
October 2026 | 8 Nights, 9 Days | 13 Travelers
Trip Highlights
- Private Geisha Entertainment Dinner with Maiko & Geiko in an Exclusive Kyoto Ochaya
- Sumo Stable Visit with Wrestlers & Traditional Chanko Nabe Dinner
- Stay at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan – The World’s Oldest Hotel (Est. 705 AD)
- Zen Meditation & Tea Ceremony with Monk at Private Kyoto Temple
- Sake Brewery Tour in Kyoto, Whisky Tasting at Suntory Hakushu Distillery & Miso Sommelier Experience
- Wagashi Sweet-Making Demonstration, Vintage Kimono Shopping & Dotonbori Street Food Tour
Japan is a country of exquisite contradictions—where bullet trains glide past ancient temples, where master craftsmen practice arts unchanged for centuries alongside cutting-edge innovation, and where the simple act of pouring tea becomes a meditation on beauty and impermanence.
Over nine extraordinary days, you’ll experience Japan’s captivating duality — where centuries-old traditions coexist with dazzling modernity, and moments of stillness unfold amid some of the world’s most vibrant cities.
From the neon-lit energy of Tokyo to the tranquil hot springs of Nishiyama Onsen and the timeless grace of Kyoto, this journey offers a rare, insider’s glimpse into the heart of Japan.
In Tokyo, you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s ever-evolving contrasts — a place where ancient shrines stand quietly among glass towers, and precision, beauty, and ritual shape daily life. You’ll visit the majestic Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Japan’s first modern emperor and surrounded by a vast sacred forest, and the Yasukuni Shrine, where Japan’s complex history is remembered. In the vibrant Asakusa district, you’ll wander Nakamise Street to reach Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most colorful temple, and stroll through the elegant grounds of the Imperial Palace, the home of Japan’s imperial family.
Along the way, you’ll explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, enjoy world-class dining — from sushi counters to Michelin-starred restaurants — and witness the extraordinary morning training of sumo wrestlers, one of Japan’s oldest living traditions.
From the city’s rhythm, your journey slows as you travel into the Japanese Alps to the legendary Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, recognized as the oldest hotel in the world.
Here, surrounded by mountain air and the sound of flowing rivers, you’ll unwind in thousand-year-old hot springs that have soothed emperors and poets for generations. This is a place of quiet reflection and renewal — a glimpse into the deep Japanese reverence for nature, simplicity, and balance.
Next, you’ll continue to Kyoto, the cultural soul of Japan. Once the imperial capital, Kyoto is a living museum of temples, gardens, and centuries of artistry. Here, you’ll sit across from geisha and maiko in an intimate ochaya, gaining rare insight into one of Japan’s most refined traditions.
You’ll also experience a private tea ceremony prepared exclusively for you within a centuries-old shrine, where each gesture and movement carries profound meaning.
You’ll meditate with a Zen monk at a serene temple, then explore some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: the shimmering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the world-renowned Ryoan-ji Temple with its contemplative stone garden, the dramatic Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking the city, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermilion torii gates wind through forested hillsides.
The journey continues south to Osaka and Nara, where Japan’s warmth and flavor come alive. In Osaka, often called Japan’s “kitchen,” you’ll indulge in a private food tour through the lively Dotonbori district, tasting local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki while discovering the city’s vibrant nightlife. You’ll also explore the imposing Osaka Castle, once a powerful samurai fortress and a symbol of Japan’s unification.
Just a short journey away lies Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, where friendly deer roam freely through temple grounds. Here, you’ll stand in awe before the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji, one of the largest wooden statues in the world, housed within a monumental hall that has stood for over a thousand years.
Throughout this unforgettable journey, you’ll experience Japan not as a tourist, but as an honored guest — alongside fellow Total Access members who share your curiosity and appreciation for the world’s finest experiences. Together, you’ll gain access to private encounters, sacred spaces, and cultural traditions few outsiders ever witness.
This is Japan as it should be experienced—intimate, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
Preliminary Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Japan
Your Japan adventure begins the moment you land at Narita Airport, where individual private transfers will await. You’ll be driven directly to the Palace Hotel, your home for the next three nights.
This iconic property sits directly across from the Imperial Palace — one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses and the perfect base for exploring the city.
After checking in and settling into your rooms, we will reconvene in the evening for a spectacular welcome dinner at one of Tokyo’s celebrated Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants.
This traditional multi-course meal is an art form — each dish a carefully composed seasonal expression served on beautiful ceramics. From delicate sashimi to perfectly grilled fish to seasonal vegetables prepared with exquisite technique, every course tells a story about Japanese reverence for ingredients, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
It’s the perfect introduction to the journey ahead, shared with your fellow Total Access members over sake and conversation as Tokyo’s lights shimmer outside.
ACCOMMODATIONS: PALACE HOTEL TOKYO
DAY 2
Markets, Temples & Sumo Champions
Your day begins early at the legendary Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Market, where Tokyo’s top chefs arrive at dawn to source the freshest seafood. Your professional chef guide will lead you through the bustling alleys, explaining the intricacies of Japanese fish culture and seasonal specialties, before sitting down for a fresh breakfast at the market.
After the market, you’ll visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most important Shinto site. Hidden within a dense forest in the heart of the city, the shrine offers a moment of tranquility and a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions. The contrast between the urban energy outside and the peaceful grounds within perfectly captures Tokyo’s essence.
The afternoon brings you to Omotesando and Harajuku, where high-end designer boutiques sit alongside youth fashion culture and some of Tokyo’s most striking contemporary architecture.
After an early lunch at one of the area’s excellent restaurants, you’ll enjoy an architectural tour of the district and time for luxury shopping if you wish, experiencing the neighborhood’s unique blend of international sophistication and distinctly Japanese street culture.
After the afternoon in Omotesando and Harajuku, you’ll return to the hotel to rest and refresh before the evening’s main event.
As evening approaches, you’ll have an unforgettable experience: visiting an active sumo stable to watch wrestlers during their afternoon training session.
You’ll meet these athletes up close, learn about their rigorous lifestyle, and share a communal dinner of chanko nabe—the protein-rich hot pot that fuels their massive frames. The wrestlers are gracious hosts, and the evening offers a rare glimpse into this ancient sport’s living traditions.
ACCOMMODATIONS: PALACE HOTEL TOKYO
DAY 3
Imperial Gardens, Historic Asakusa, Wagashi Tradition and Sake-Paired Edomae Dinner
Begin your day at the Imperial Palace East Gardens, once the grounds of Edo Castle and still radiating an atmosphere of imperial authority. You will learn the complex history of the Tokugawa shogunate as you stroll through meticulously maintained gardens where emperors once walked. A brief visit to nearby Yasukuni Shrine offers insight into Japan’s relationship with its military past.
The afternoon transports you to old Tokyo—the Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji Temple, which has stood for nearly 1,400 years. The approach through Nakamise Street is a sensory experience of traditional snacks, crafts, and souvenirs that hasn’t changed much in a century.
In Asakusa, you’ll witness a master craftsman creating wagashi—traditional Japanese sweets that are edible works of art. These confections represent seasons and natural beauty through their intricate designs. Watching the process is mesmerizing, and you’ll taste several varieties paired with matcha tea.
After lunch at a traditional Asakusa restaurant and time to explore the temple grounds and atmospheric side streets, you’ll return to the hotel for some free time to rest, enjoy the spa, or explore on your own.
The evening brings an exceptional dinner in Nihonbashi, Tokyo’s historic merchant district. Tonight’s Edo-style cuisine, paired with carefully selected sake, celebrates traditional Tokyo flavors—a delicious counterpoint to the modern interpretations you’ve enjoyed earlier in the trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS: PALACE HOTEL TOKYO
DAY 4
Tokyo to the Japanese Alps: Whisky Tasting, Hot Springs in the Mountains, Staying at the Oldest Hotel in the World
This morning, you’ll leave Tokyo’s urban energy behind and journey into the Japanese Alps. Your destination is extraordinary: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest hotel, continuously operating since 705 AD.
For over 1,300 years—through the rise and fall of empires, natural disasters, wars, and Japan’s transformation from feudal society to modern nation—this mountain ryokan has welcomed travelers seeking the healing waters of its natural hot springs.
But first, a remarkable detour to the Suntory Hakushu Distillery, nestled in forests at the foot of Mount Kaikomagatake. Known as the “forest distillery,” Hakushu sits at over 700 meters elevation, surrounded by the pristine nature of the Southern Alps. Here you’ll tour the facilities and learn how Japanese whisky-making differs from Scottish traditions—from the wooden fermentation tanks to the variety of pot stills that create Hakushu’s distinctive character. The tasting session includes several expressions, some available only at the distillery itself!
Lunch at the distillery’s restaurant showcases the region’s culinary specialties — French-Japanese fusion cuisine using local Yamanashi ingredients, perfectly complementing the whiskies you’ve just sampled.
In the afternoon, you will continue your journey through the Japanese Alps, arriving at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. Tucked into its hidden valley, you’ll understand immediately why people have made this pilgrimage for over a millennium.
The ryokan (Japanese traditional hotel) features six different onsen baths, each fed by naturally heated mineral waters believed to have healing properties. Your room includes a private onsen, but the communal baths—separated by gender and offering spectacular mountain views—are essential experiences. The sound of the river below, the mountain air, the scent of the hot springs—this is Japan as it has been for centuries.
As evening falls, you’ll gather for an elaborate kaiseki dinner featuring specialties of the region. Koshu wagyu beef is cooked on volcanic stone right at your table, while seasonal mountain vegetables and river fish showcase the bounty of the surrounding Alps. Each course celebrates local ingredients prepared using traditional techniques.
After dinner, more onsen soaking awaits. Under the stars, surrounded by mountains, immersed in waters that have soothed travelers for 1,300 years, you’ll experience a profound sense of connection to Japan’s timeless traditions.
This is a night you’ll remember long after you return home.
ACCOMMODATIONS: NISHIYAMA ONSEN KEIUNKAN
DAY 5
From Japanese Alps to Kyoto: Mountain Serenity to Ancient Capital
After a traditional Japanese breakfast and one final morning soak in the healing waters, you’ll reluctantly depart Nishiyama Onsen. The private van journey will take you back through the spectacular Alpine scenery, descending from the mountains toward Japan’s ancient capital.
Arriving in Kyoto around midday, you’ll experience something truly unique: a miso tasting led by a miso sommelier. Most people think of miso simply as “that paste in soup,” but Japan produces dozens of regional varieties with wildly different flavors, colors, and uses. You’ll sample 8-10 different misos, learning about the fermentation process and how this humble ingredient shapes Japanese cuisine. The accompanying lunch features miso-based dishes that showcase its versatility—from delicate soups to robust marinades and everything in between.
After checking into your Kyoto hotel, you’ll have time to settle in and refresh before this evening’s extraordinary experience.
As dusk falls over Kyoto, you’ll join a private walking tour of Gion, the city’s famous geisha district. Your expert guide will lead you through narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, explaining the intricate world of geisha culture as you wind through Pontocho’s atmospheric alleys and along the Shirakawa Canal.
This is Kyoto at its most photogenic — lanterns lighting up, the click of wooden geta sandals on stone paths, the possibility of glimpsing a geisha hurrying to an appointment.
The evening culminates with a private dinner in an exclusive ochaya (tea house) featuring maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (fully trained geisha).
Over an exquisite multi-course dinner, you’ll enjoy traditional geisha dances accompanied by shamisen music, and learn about geisha training and artistic lifestyle. This is a privilege rarely extended to visitors, an intimate window into a world that has captivated people for centuries. Premium sake and wine flow throughout the evening, and by night’s end, you’ll understand why geisha culture remains one of Japan’s most refined and protected traditions.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Mitsui, Kyoto
DAY 6
Kyoto’s Temples, Treasures and Village Skills
This morning brings you to Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples, perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the city. Arriving early means you’ll largely avoid the crowds that descend later in the day. From here, you’ll descend through the charming Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets—beautifully preserved lanes lined with traditional shops and tea houses that transport you to old Kyoto.
Mid-morning brings something wonderfully indulgent: vintage kimono shopping with an expert stylist. Kyoto’s vintage kimono shops are treasure troves of silk, offering everything from casual cotton yukata to elaborate formal kimonos. You will learn about the significance of different patterns, how to identify quality fabrics, and the cultural meanings behind various designs.
After the kimono experience, you’ll return to the hotel for lunch at one of the excellent restaurants nearby. The afternoon is yours to relax—enjoy the hotel spa, explore the neighborhood on your own, or simply rest in your room before the evening’s activities.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form tunnels snaking up the mountainside. It’s simultaneously one of Japan’s most photographed sites and genuinely spiritual.
From Fushimi Inari, it’s just a short distance to the historic Fushimi sake district, where Kyoto’s soft water has supported sake brewing for over 400 years. A private sake sommelier will guide you through historic breweries, explaining fermentation processes and rice polishing techniques while you taste various varieties ranging from crisp and dry to rich and complex.
This comprehensive tasting flows seamlessly into dinner at a premium yakiniku restaurant, where you’ll grill cuts of premium A5 wagyu beef at your table—an interactive, delicious experience that pairs beautifully with the sake you’ve just learned about. The marbled beef, the sizzle of the grill, the camaraderie of cooking together—it’s a perfect evening with your fellow Total Access travelers.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Mitsui, Kyoto
DAY 7
Kyoto’s Golden Pavillion, Zen Wisdom, Private Tea Ceremony and Sushi Omakase Dinner
Start your day early with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, which gleams in the morning light—its gold-leaf-covered walls reflecting in the surrounding pond. One of Japan’s most iconic images, it’s somehow even more stunning in person. You will learn the complex history of this Zen temple and the philosophical meanings embedded in its garden design.
Next, you will explore Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden—fifteen stones arranged in raked white gravel. Scholars have debated its meaning for centuries, which is rather the point. The stark simplicity and mysterious composition embody Zen philosophy at its purest.
From Ryoan-ji, it’s just a few minutes to Taizo-in, a sub-temple within the vast Myoshin-ji complex. Here, you’ll experience something truly special: a private Zen meditation session and traditional tea ceremony.
Under the guidance of a Zen monk, you’ll learn the fundamentals of zazen (seated meditation) — the posture, the breathing, the practice of quieting the mind. Following meditation, you’ll participate in a tea ceremony, where every deliberate movement and the simple beauty of the tea bowl reflect centuries of Japanese aesthetic philosophy.
After this contemplative morning, lunch features tempura at one of Kyoto’s specialty restaurants, where each piece is fried to gossamer perfection—light, crispy, and showcasing the natural flavors of seasonal vegetables and seafood.
The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel. After several busy days of exploration, this downtime is well-deserved — enjoy the spa and hot springs of the hotel, or simply unwind in your room.
As evening approaches, you’ll head to an intimate sushi counter for an omakase experience. Sitting directly across from the master chef, you’ll watch as he prepares each piece with precision and artistry. It’s a quiet, refined evening that allows you to appreciate the mastery of this deceptively simple cuisine, shared with your fellow travelers in an atmosphere of focused appreciation.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Mitsui, Kyoto
DAY 8
Nara and Osaka – Sacred Deer, Giant Buddhas & Street Food Paradise
Today brings adventures to two more of Japan’s historic cities, each with its own distinct character.
The morning takes you to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital (710-784 AD). Upon arriving at Nara Park, you’ll encounter over 1,000 sacred deer that roam freely throughout the grounds. These remarkably tame deer have learned to bow to visitors in exchange for deer crackers — a charming interaction that never gets old. The deer are considered messengers of the gods, and feeding them is said to bring good fortune.
The centerpiece of Nara is Todai-ji Temple, housing a 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha that’s been sitting in meditation since 752 AD. The scale is difficult to comprehend until you’re standing before it—this is one of the world’s largest bronze statues, housed in one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. The craftsmanship and ambition required to create this in the 8th century is staggering.
For lunch, you will taste traditional Nara cuisine at a local restaurant—dishes that have changed little in centuries, using local ingredients and time-honored preparations.
The afternoon brings you to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and its undisputed food capital. First, visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. The castle offers excellent city views, and the grounds are particularly beautiful in autumn.
As dusk falls, it’s time to dive into Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit entertainment district and street food mecca. A private food guide will lead you on a crawl through the neighborhood, sampling Osaka’s famous specialties: takoyaki (octopus), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), kushikatsu (fried skewers), gyoza, and perhaps kani (crab) from one of the district’s famous crab restaurants.
The energy here is infectious—the sizzling grills, the cheerful chaos, the locals enjoying their evening out. It’s a fun, relaxed way to spend your final night of the trip, sharing laughs and great food with your fellow travelers.
After the food tour, you’ll return to Kyoto for one last nightcap at your hotel, reminiscing about the incredible journey you’ve shared.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Mitsui, Kyoto
DAY 9
Sayonara, Japan – Back to Tokyo via Shinkansen
Your final morning in Japan begins with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, savoring the last moments in Kyoto. For those with time before departure, the morning is free to explore at your own pace—perhaps a final stroll through Nishiki Market to pick up culinary souvenirs, a last visit to a favorite temple, or simply relaxing and packing at the hotel.
Mid-morning, we will gather for one of Japan’s quintessential experiences: riding the shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo. The journey itself is part of the adventure — these sleek trains reach speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, yet glide so smoothly you can balance a coin on edge.
Watch as Mount Fuji appears in the distance (weather permitting) and the landscape shifts from ancient Kyoto to modern Tokyo in just over two hours!
Arriving in Tokyo, we will enjoy one final meal together—a farewell lunch at an excellent restaurant where you can toast to the extraordinary journey you’ve shared.
After lunch, individual private transfers will take each of you to Narita Airport based on your flight schedules.
As you fly home, you’ll carry with you most precious experiences only Japan can offer—the intimate moments with geisha and monks, the quiet power of ancient temples, the perfection of a carefully prepared meal, the sulfurous bliss of mountain hot springs, and the genuine warmth of people who opened their culture to you with grace and generosity.
Until we meet again—sayonara, and safe travels.
Accommodations
Imperial Elegance in the Heart of the Capital
The Palace Hotel Tokyo occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses — directly across from the Imperial Palace and its 115 acres of gardens, moats, and forest. This is Tokyo’s power center, where government buildings and corporate headquarters surround a space of almost surreal tranquility. When you open your curtains in the morning, you’re greeted not by the expected urban jungle, but by ancient trees and the sweeping green lawns of the palace grounds.
The hotel itself radiates contemporary Japanese luxury—a blend of minimalist design, natural materials, and meticulous service. The Garden Rooms with Balcony offer floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, while premium Japanese amenities invite long, contemplative baths after days of exploration. Every detail, from the locally crafted ceramics to the Egyptian cotton linens, reflects the Japanese principle of understated excellence.
The Evian Spa offers traditional treatments alongside modern wellness therapies, and the fitness center provides state-of-the-art equipment with those enviable palace views. Finally, the location simply cannot be beat—you’re within walking distance of Ginza’s luxury shopping, yet surrounded by an atmosphere of calm that’s remarkably rare in the world’s largest metropolis.
Service here operates at that sublime Japanese level where your needs are anticipated before you voice them, yet never feels intrusive. It’s the perfect base for exploring Tokyo—a sanctuary where you can retreat each evening to process the sensory overload of this magnificent capital city.
The World's Oldest Hotel—1,300 Years of Unbroken Hospitality
Officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest continuously operating hotel, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been welcoming travelers since 705 AD.
Let that sink in for a moment: this ryokan has hosted guests through 52 generations of the same family, surviving the rise and fall of empires, countless natural disasters, wars, and Japan’s transformation from feudal society to technological superpower. What draws people to make the pilgrimage to this remote mountain valley hasn’t changed in over a millennium — the healing waters of its natural hot springs and the profound tranquility found only in places far from civilization.
The journey to reach Nishiyama Onsen is part of its magic. As you wind deeper into the Japanese Alps, the modern world gradually falls away. The final approach follows a narrow mountain road along a rushing river, the landscape becoming more dramatic with each turn.
When you finally arrive, tucked into a hidden valley surrounded by forested peaks, you’ll understand immediately why people have been seeking out this place for 1,300 years. The current buildings date from more recent centuries, but the location and the waters remain unchanged—a direct connection to medieval Japan and beyond.
The ryokan features six different onsen baths, each fed by naturally heated mineral waters rich in calcium, sodium, and sulfate. The waters are believed to heal various ailments, but their real magic is the deep, restorative relaxation they provide.
Your room includes a private onsen bath, but you should absolutely experience the communal baths (separated by gender) with their views of the surrounding mountains. There’s something almost spiritual about soaking in the same hot spring waters that samurai, monks, and emperors have enjoyed for over a thousand years, steam rising into the mountain air, the sound of the river below.
The traditional architecture features tatami mat rooms, sliding shoji screens, and that particular kind of simplicity that’s actually quite sophisticated — no television to distract you, just the sounds of nature and the warmth of Japanese hospitality.
Your kaiseki dinner showcases mountain vegetables, river fish, and premium Koshu wagyu beef — ingredients sourced from the surrounding region and prepared using techniques perfected over generations. Breakfast continues the tradition with a beautiful Japanese spread. This isn’t just a regular hotel stay; it’s a connection to an unbroken thread of Japanese hospitality stretching back over a millennium, a night you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Imperial Heritage Meets Contemporary Luxury
If you want to stay at Kyoto’s most prestigious property, Hotel The Mitsui delivers in every possible way. Now part of Marriott’s ultra-premium Luxury Collection, this remarkable hotel occupies the former estate of the Mitsui family—one of Japan’s most powerful merchant dynasties whose influence shaped the nation’s economy for centuries.
The property mixes 300-year-old heritage buildings with sleek contemporary architecture, creating spaces that feel both timeless and current.
Original structures from the Edo period have been meticulously restored, while new buildings employ the finest modern materials and cutting-edge design. The result is a hotel that honors history while embracing the present.
The location is superb—in Kyoto’s Nakagyo ward, close to Nijo Castle and within easy reach of the city’s major attractions, yet set back from the street in a way that creates a sense of sanctuary.
When you pass through the entrance, you leave the modern city behind and enter a realm where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet contemporary luxury. The grounds feature heritage trees that have stood for centuries, carefully maintained gardens that change with the seasons, and architectural details that speak to the Mitsui family’s refined taste and extraordinary wealth.
The Deluxe Rooms display understated elegance—natural woods sourced from specific regions of Japan, handcrafted details by contemporary artisans, and views of gardens from every angle.
The hotel’s thermal spa uses natural hot spring water pumped from deep underground, offering both traditional Japanese bathing experiences and modern spa treatments.
Service at The Mitsui operates at a level that few hotels anywhere can match—discreet, anticipatory, flawless. Whether you’re relaxing in the spa, dining in the restaurant, or simply reading in your room, there’s a palpable sense of being somewhere truly special — a property where centuries of heritage meet contemporary luxury, where every detail reflects an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
Useful Information
Weather and Clothing
[To be added.]
Electrical Outlets
[To be added.]
Includes
8 nights in luxury five-star hotels
- 3 nights at Palace Hotel Tokyo (Grand Room with Balcony)
- 1 night at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (world’s oldest hotel)
- 4 nights in Kyoto (The Mitsui, Deluxe King Room/City or Garden View)
Dining:
- All meals and drinks mentioned in the itinerary
- Multiple Michelin-starred dining experiences
- Welcome dinner at kaiseki restaurant
- Edomae cuisine with sake pairing
- Traditional sushi omakase dinner
- Traditional kaiseki dinners at mountain ryokan
- Geisha entertainment dinner in private ochaya
Cultural Experiences:
- Private geisha entertainment with maiko and geiko in Kyoto
- Sumo stable visit with wrestlers and chanko nabe dinner
- Zen meditation session and tea ceremony with monk at private temple in Kyoto
- Wagashi (traditional sweets) demonstration and tasting in Asakusa, Tokyo
- Vintage kimono shopping experience with expert stylist
Food & Drink Experiences:
- Tsukiji Outer Market tour with breakfast
- Suntory Hakushu Distillery tour and whisky tasting
- Miso sommelier-led tasting experience
- Fushimi sake brewery district tour with tastings in Kyoto
- Comprehensive sake brewery tour in Fushimi
- Dotonbori street food tour in Osaka
Transportation:
- Individual private airport transfers (arrival at Narita)
- All private van transportation throughout the journey
- Shinkansen bullet train tickets, green car (Kyoto to Tokyo)
- Individual private transfers to Narita Airport (departure)
Sightseeing & Guides:
- Expert English-speaking guides throughout
- All temple and shrine entrance fees
- Access to Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, Imperial Palace Gardens, Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo
- Access to Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
- Access to Todai-ji Temple in Nara with sacred deer park
- Access to Osaka Castle and grounds
- Gion district walking tour in Kyoto
Additional:
- All taxes and service charges
Excludes
- International airfare to/from Japan
- Shopping and souvenirs
- Hotel spa treatments and massages
- Any additional snacks or beverages outside of included meals
- Room service
- Any activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional cultural experiences outside the planned program
- Any pre- and post- trip extensions
Cancellation Policy
We are so excited to see the interest in this trip, and worked hard to negotiate the best price on all of these high-end experiences, exclusively for our members.
Please note that due to the nature of the trip and the size of the group, we can only allow cancellations if we can find a replacement for your spot.
Please remember to check your calendar first… Cancellations/refunds will only be issued if a replacement is found.
Price
The trip will be scheduled for October 2026, exact dates to be confirmed.
The cost for individual attendees is around $21,000 per person (exact price to be confirmed).
The cost for double-occupancy around $30,000 for a couple (around $15,000 pp), exact price to be confirmed.
Please also note that spots are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Express Your Interest
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Please select whether you are coming alone or with a guest:
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