A Week in Japan

This itinerary balances Japan’s rich cultural heritage with modern luxury, from private tours and gourmet meals to biohacking practices like forest bathing and Zen meditation. It’s designed for someone seeking both relaxation and immersion in the heart of Japanese tradition and innovation.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Immersive Culture & Fine Dining

• Accommodation: Aman Tokyo

  • Begin your stay at the luxurious Aman Tokyo, an urban sanctuary offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The hotel's minimalist design is inspired by Japanese aesthetics, blending traditional materials like washi paper and camphor wood with sleek modern touches.

• Japanese Onsen (Hot Spring) Bathing

  • Unwind after your flight with a traditional Japanese onsen experience in the hotel's spa. These natural hot springs are known for their detoxifying and relaxing benefits, which help combat travel fatigue.

• Private Tea Ceremony

  • Dive into traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony, hosted at the Aman Tokyo. Learn about the precision and rituals of making matcha, while enjoying serene moments of mindfulness.

• Dining: Sushi Saito

  • End your day with dinner at Sushi Saito, a three-Michelin-star restaurant known for its exceptional omakase sushi experience. Enjoy the freshest fish prepared by skilled chefs in an intimate, reservation-only setting.

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration & Art Immersion

• The Nezu Museum

  • Begin your morning at the Nezu Museum, which houses a world-class collection of Japanese and East Asian art, including tea ceremony utensils, calligraphy, and ancient Buddhist statues.

• Unique Culinary Experience: Narisawa

  • Have lunch at Narisawa, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves innovative Satoyama cuisine. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa’s menu is inspired by Japan’s seasons and sustainable farming, combining luxury ingredients with a philosophy of harmony between humans and nature.

• Private Viewing at teamLab Borderless

  • Explore the immersive, digital art experience at teamLab Borderless, Tokyo’s famed digital art museum. Opt for a private tour to experience the interactive light installations and exhibits without the crowds.

• Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

  • End the evening with a private tour of Tokyo Tower, where you can enjoy a romantic sunset view of the city from the observation deck.

Day 3: Kyoto – Temples, Tradition, and Luxury

• Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

  • Travel to Kyoto on the shinkansen (bullet train) and check into The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, a luxury riverside hotel offering views of the Higashiyama mountains. The hotel's design is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, complete with serene gardens and elegant rooms.

• Private Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  • After checking in, take a private guided tour of the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

• Dining: Kikunoi

  • Dine at Kikunoi, a three-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant. Chef Yoshihiro Murata crafts a multi-course meal that celebrates Kyoto's seasonal ingredients, artfully presented in ceramic dishes that change with the seasons.

Day 4: Zen Meditation & Geisha Experience

• Zen Meditation at Shunkoin Temple

  • Start your day with a private Zen meditation session at Shunkoin Temple. This practice is known to improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote relaxation—a perfect biohacking ritual during your stay.

• Private Tour of Gion District

  • In the afternoon, explore Kyoto's historic Gion District, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses. Arrange a private geisha experience, where you can meet and converse with a real geiko (Kyoto geisha) over tea.

• Unique Dining: Nishiki Market Food Tour

  • For dinner, take a guided food tour of the Nishiki Market, Kyoto's famous street market. Sample local delicacies like yuba (tofu skin), grilled seafood, and Kyoto-style pickles.

Day 5: Nara – Deer, Temples & Gardens

• Day Trip to Nara:

  • Travel to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, known for its tame deer that roam the city and its stunning temples. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha in Japan, and the Isuien Garden for a peaceful walk.

• Lunch: Nara Hotel

  • Enjoy lunch at the historic Nara Hotel, which has hosted guests like Albert Einstein. The hotel’s French-Japanese fusion menu is perfect for a refined midday meal.

• Return to Kyoto for Dinner: Tempura Matsu

  • End the day back in Kyoto at Tempura Matsu, a family-run restaurant known for its unique twist on traditional tempura and Kyoto cuisine.

Day 6: Osaka – Modern Flavors & Nightlife

• Accommodation: St. Regis Osaka

  • Transfer to Osaka and check into the luxurious St. Regis Osaka, located on the bustling Midosuji Boulevard.

• Kita-Senri Forest Bathing

  • Begin your day with a forest bathing experience in Kita-Senri, a beautiful forested park. Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is known for its health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and boosting the immune system.

• Unique Culinary Experience: Takoyaki Street Food Tour

  • Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen. Spend the afternoon sampling its famous street food, starting with takoyaki (octopus balls) and ending with okonomiyaki, a savory pancake.

• Dotonbori District

  • Stroll through Dotonbori, Osaka’s entertainment district, filled with neon lights and bustling restaurants. Enjoy an evening river cruise for a view of the city's vibrant nightlife.

Day 7: Return to Tokyo for Departure

• Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market Tour

  • Head back to Tokyo for a private food tour of Tsukiji’s Outer Market, where you can taste fresh sushi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and other seafood delicacies.

• Final Relaxation: Aman Tokyo Spa

  • Before your flight, enjoy a final pampering session at Aman Tokyo’s spa with a signature Japanese body treatment that uses natural products designed to relax and rejuvenate.

• Departure: Head to the airport for your departure flight, having experienced Japan’s finest in luxury, culture, and wellness.

Optional Add-Ons

• Helicopter Tour over Tokyo Bay: See the Tokyo skyline from a private helicopter ride for a breathtaking view of the city.

• Stay in a Ryokan: For a more traditional experience, spend a night at a luxury ryokan like Hoshinoya Kyoto, where you’ll sleep on tatami mats and enjoy a private onsen bath.