Luxury Japan Itinerary: Premium Experiences and Stays

Tokyo is a cosmopolitan metropolis where ultra-modern skyscrapers and time-honored traditions coexist. Begin your luxury journey with some of the finest hotels, dining, and shopping Japan has to offer.

• Attractions: Start your trip in Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district, renowned for its luxury boutiques and flagship stores. Stroll through Mitsukoshi and Wako, which offer an exceptional shopping experience. Explore Chuo Dori street, which transforms into a pedestrian paradise on weekends when cars are banned. Don’t miss an afternoon tea at The Peninsula Tokyo, followed by a private tour of the Kabuki-za Theater to enjoy a backstage look at kabuki performances, a traditional form of Japanese theater.
• Things to Do: Embark on a curated shopping tour with a personal guide, or take an exclusive architecture tour to explore Ginza’s unique blend of cutting-edge and traditional designs. Visit the Ginza Six shopping complex, a luxury shopping and dining destination, offering rooftop views of the city. If you’re into art, pop into the Shiseido Gallery, where modern and contemporary art exhibitions regularly take place.
• Where to Stay: Indulge in opulent stays at Aman Tokyo, a sanctuary high above the city with breathtaking views of the Imperial Gardens, or The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, offering incredible views of the Tokyo skyline and impeccable service. Both hotels offer exclusive wellness programs, including traditional Japanese treatments.
• Dining: Dine at Sukiyabashi Jiro, a world-famous Michelin-starred sushi restaurant where every bite is an experience. Alternatively, for a more intimate atmosphere, try Narisawa, where the chef combines traditional Japanese ingredients with French techniques for a truly innovative dining experience.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Ginza’s hidden alleys are full of charm. Find a kaiseki (multi-course) meal at an intimate, local restaurant where chefs prepare each course using seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss a private sake-tasting session in Ginza, where you’ll discover some of the most exclusive, premium sakes Japan has to offer.

Looking for a quick but fulfilling trip to Japan? Check out our 7-day Japan itinerary to cover must-see highlights in just a week!

After the dynamic energy of Tokyo, head to Kyoto to enjoy a more traditional but no less luxurious side of Japan. Kyoto offers exquisite temples, beautiful gardens, and a rich cultural experience.

• Attractions: Begin your day with a private guided tour of Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple, two of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen Buddhist temples. The glittering gold leaf exterior of Kinkaku-ji, reflected in the serene pond, is an awe-inspiring sight. Ryoan-ji’s famous rock garden invites visitors to reflect on the simplicity and beauty of Japanese aesthetics. Afterward, explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique nightingale floors that chirp when walked on, originally designed to warn of intruders.
• Things to Do: Participate in an exclusive tea ceremony at a private garden, hosted by a tea master who will guide you through the ritual’s deep meaning. You could also book a kimono rental experience, where you’ll be dressed in traditional attire before embarking on a professional photoshoot around Kyoto’s historic districts. Take a stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where you might spot a geiko or maiko heading to appointments in the evening.
• Where to Stay: For luxury accommodations, stay at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, nestled along the peaceful banks of the Hozu River, offering breathtaking views and a private onsen experience. Alternatively, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto blends modern luxury with traditional design, featuring an 800-year-old pond garden on the property.
• Dining: Experience kaiseki at Hyotei, a 400-year-old restaurant, or at Kikunoi, where Chef Murata takes you on a culinary journey through the seasons with a Michelin-starred multi-course meal that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Don’t miss a private geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) performance in the Gion district. These performances are typically private and require reservations far in advance, but offer an unforgettable experience that reflects Kyoto’s deep cultural heritage.

Curious about Japan’s cultural heritage? Dive into our Japan cultural itinerary to explore temples, shrines, and time-honored traditions.

Hakone is famous for its hot springs (onsen), natural beauty, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. It’s the perfect escape for those looking to relax in luxury.

• Attractions: Start your day with a private cruise on Lake Ashi with stunning views of Mount Fuji. As you cruise the lake, you can also visit Hakone Shrine, a serene spot located right by the water. Afterward, head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures and art installations are placed harmoniously within the natural landscape.
• Things to Do: Spend your afternoon soaking in a private onsen at Gora Kadan, a former imperial villa turned luxury ryokan, or stay at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, known for its infinity hot spring pools with panoramic mountain views. If you’re in the mood for more art, visit the Pola Museum of Art, which features collections from artists like Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.
• Dining: Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, where local seasonal ingredients are served in a serene setting. Alternatively, visit Itoh Dining by Nobu for a high-end Japanese dining experience featuring premium wagyu beef in a relaxed setting.
• Where to Stay: For a luxurious ryokan experience, consider Ginyu Ryokan, offering private open-air baths with stunning views of the Hakone mountains. You could also stay at Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa, which offers Western-style luxury with the Japanese tradition of onsen bathing.

Tip from Firefly Japan: For a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, consider booking a private helicopter tour, or take a cable car ride up Owakudani for a close-up view of the volcanic landscape and the iconic mountain.

Looking to explore Japan’s natural beauty? Our Japan itinerary for nature lovers covers stunning parks, mountains, and lakes.

Kanazawa, known for its beautifully preserved Edo-era districts, incredible art, and famous Kenroku-en garden, offers an authentic yet luxurious cultural experience.

• Attractions: Begin your exploration of Kanazawa at Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, designed to represent the six attributes of perfection in Japanese gardening: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, water features, and scenic views. Follow this with a tour of Kanazawa Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and showcases traditional architecture. Explore the charming Higashi Chaya district, where you can visit tea houses that were once frequented by geisha.
• Things to Do: Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which features works by internationally renowned artists and hosts rotating exhibitions. For a hands-on experience, take a private gold-leaf workshop, where you can learn the art of applying Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf to various objects and create your own gilded souvenir.
• Where to Stay: Stay at the luxurious Korinbo Ryokan or Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, which blends traditional hospitality with modern amenities, offering the perfect base to explore the city.
• Dining: Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Kanazawa’s famous seafood at Sushi Ippei, known for its high-quality, fresh local fish. For an unforgettable dining experience, try Zeniya, a two-Michelin-star restaurant serving traditional kaiseki with a modern twist.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Kanazawa is also famous for its traditional Kaga yuzen silk-dyeing techniques. You can participate in a private workshop to dye your own silk handkerchief or scarf using this delicate art.

Fascinated by Japan’s history? Our Japan itinerary for history enthusiasts highlights castles, ancient temples, and other heritage sites.

Your luxury trip ends in Osaka, known for its culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. While the city is famous for its street food, there are also high-end dining and cultural experiences waiting to be explored.

• Attractions: Begin your day at Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, where you can explore its gardens and learn about the city’s historical significance. Follow this with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, a futuristic skyscraper offering panoramic views of Osaka from its floating garden observatory. In the evening, explore the Dotonbori area, where neon lights, bustling crowds, and gourmet food stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Where to Stay: For ultimate luxury, book a stay at The St. Regis Osaka, renowned for its personalized butler service, or The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, offering a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury.
• Dining: Enjoy a private dining experience at La Cime, a Michelin-starred restaurant where each dish is crafted with precision and elegance. Alternatively, dine at Hajime, a three-Michelin-star restaurant offering inventive and artistic cuisine, making it one of the top fine-dining destinations in Japan.
• Tip from Firefly Japan: Don’t leave Osaka without trying okonomiyaki (savory pancake) or takoyaki (octopus balls), the city’s beloved street foods, even if you’re staying in luxury hotels. There’s no better way to experience the local culture.
• Craving a culinary journey through Japan? Our Japan foodie itinerary takes you through the country’s top dishes and regional specialties.