Spencer Travel designs bespoke Japan luxury travel combining cultural immersion, Michelin dining, and exclusive experiences. Our advisers secure reservations at top-tier ryokans, private temple access, and Virtuoso benefits at properties like Aman Tokyo and The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Best travel times: March-April (cherry blossoms) or October-November (autumn foliage). Typical investment for couples: $28,000-48,000 including business class flights.
Why Travel to Japan?
Japan is a study in contrasts: ultra-modern cities where bullet trains glide past ancient shrines, Michelin-starred restaurants next to centuries-old tea houses, technological innovation wrapped in timeless ritual. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity, respect, and slow immersion.
Spencer Travel’s Japan expertise goes beyond the tourist trail. Our advisers have walked Kyoto’s philosopher’s path at dawn, stayed in family-run ryokans where kaiseki dinners are art forms, and navigated Tokyo’s hidden izakayas with local guides. We understand the nuances: when to book cherry blossom viewings (12 months ahead), which ryokans offer private onsen baths, how to balance urban energy with rural tranquillity.
What Makes Japan Special
- Unparalleled hospitality — Omotenashi (wholehearted service) is a cultural cornerstone
- Culinary mastery — More Michelin stars than any country; from sushi omakase to street food perfection
- Seasonal beauty — Cherry blossoms, autumn maples, winter snow festivals
- Cultural depth — 2,000+ temples, traditional tea ceremonies, sumo rituals, geisha districts
- Modern marvels — Tokyo’s architecture, bullet trains, technology museums
- Safety & cleanliness — One of the world’s safest, most efficient destinations
When to Visit Japan
🌸 Spring (March-May): Cherry Blossom Season
Peak: Late March-early April (Tokyo/Kyoto)
Why Visit: Iconic sakura blooms, mild weather, hanami (flower viewing) picnics
Book Ahead: 12 months—luxury ryokans and peak-season hotels fill fast
☀️ Summer (June-August): Festivals & Mountain Escapes
Peak: July-August (summer festivals, Mount Fuji climbing season)
Why Visit: Vibrant matsuri festivals, fireworks, highland retreats
Best For: Festival enthusiasts, mountain hikers
🍂 Autumn (September-November): Autumn Foliage
Peak: November (Kyoto’s maple leaves)
Why Visit: Stunning autumn colours, comfortable temperatures, harvest cuisine
Book Ahead: 9-12 months for November Kyoto stays
❄️ Winter (December-February): Snow & Serenity
Peak: January-February (Hokkaido snow festivals, ski resorts)
Why Visit: Powder skiing, hot spring snow-viewing, winter illuminations
Best For: Skiers, onsen lovers, photographers
Spencer Travel Insider Access
As a Virtuoso agency, Spencer Travel unlocks exclusive Japan experiences:
- Luxury Ryokan Reservations — Top-tier traditional inns (Hoshinoya, Gora Kadan, Beniya Mukayu) that book out 6-12 months ahead
- Private Temple Access — Early morning visits to Kyoto temples before public opening
- Michelin Restaurant Reservations — Three-star sushi omakase, kaiseki dining (often impossible for tourists to book)
- Tea Ceremony with Masters — Private sessions with tea practitioners in historic tea houses
- Sumo Practice Viewing — Behind-the-scenes access to morning training sessions
- Geisha District Tours — Private guides in Kyoto’s Gion with respectful cultural context
- Mount Fuji Helicopter Tours — Aerial views with luxury hotel packages
- Virtuoso Hotel Benefits — Complimentary upgrades at Aman Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Hoshinoya Tokyo, Conrad Osaka
Signature Japan Experiences
1. Classic Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto (10-12 Days)
Tokyo’s energy (Tsukiji market, teamLab Borderless, Shibuya) → Mount Fuji views and onsen in Hakone → Kyoto’s temples, bamboo groves, kaiseki dining → Optional extension: Hiroshima peace memorial + Miyajima island
2. Cherry Blossom Immersion (14 Days)
Time your journey to peak sakura bloom. Private hanami picnics in Tokyo parks → Hakone cherry-framed Mount Fuji → Kyoto philosopher’s path at dawn → Osaka castle cherry tunnel → Rural Takayama spring festivals
3. Japan Alps & Ryokan Retreat
Escape cities for mountain villages. Takayama’s preserved streets → Shirakawa-go UNESCO thatched houses → Kanazawa’s gardens and geisha district → Luxury mountain ryokans with private onsen
4. Hokkaido Winter Wonderland
Sapporo snow festival → Niseko powder skiing → Ice hotels and snow-viewing onsen → Winter wildlife (red-crowned cranes, Hokkaido foxes) → Seafood capital feasts
5. Southern Japan: Kyushu & Art Islands
Fukuoka’s ramen culture → Beppu’s “hells” hot springs → Nagasaki’s history → Naoshima art island (Benesse museums) → Hiroshima + Miyajima
6. Culinary Deep Dive
Michelin-starred dining tour: Tokyo sushi omakase, Kyoto kaiseki, Osaka street food, sake breweries, cooking classes, Tsukiji market tour with chef guide
Best For
- First-Time Visitors — Classic Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto route with cultural highlights
- Repeat Travellers — Go deeper: Japan Alps, Kyushu, Hokkaido, art islands
- Food Lovers — Culinary paradise: from $300 omakase to $5 ramen perfection
- Culture Seekers — Tea ceremonies, temples, traditional crafts, sumo, geisha districts
- Couples & Honeymooners — Romantic ryokans with private onsen, cherry blossoms
- Multi-Generational Families — Safe, clean, fascinating for all ages (teen anime fans to grandparents)
- Solo Travellers — Safest destination in Asia, English signage, solo-friendly culture
Sample 12-Day Itinerary: “Cherry Blossoms & Culture”
Day 1-2: Arrive Tokyo
Private transfer to luxury hotel (Aman Tokyo or The Ritz-Carlton). Evening Shibuya crossing tour, izakaya dinner with local guide.
Day 3-4: Tokyo Exploration
Private Tsukiji market tour + sushi breakfast. TeamLab Borderless digital art. Meiji Shrine, Harajuku fashion district. Optional: Sumo morning practice viewing. Evening: Michelin-starred kaiseki dinner (reserved by Spencer Travel).
Day 5-6: Hakone
Private driver to Hakone. Stay at Gora Kadan luxury ryokan (Virtuoso benefits). Private onsen with Mount Fuji views. Hakone Open-Air Museum. Lake Ashi boat cruise. Multi-course kaiseki dinner at ryokan.
Day 7-8: Kyoto Arrival
Bullet train to Kyoto (first-class reserved seats). Check into The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (Virtuoso upgrade + benefits). Philosopher’s path cherry blossom walk at dawn. Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari torii gates. Private tea ceremony in historic tea house.
Day 9-10: Kyoto Immersion
Arashiyama bamboo grove (early access before crowds). Nara day trip (deer park, Todai-ji temple). Gion geisha district evening walk with expert guide. Private kaiseki dinner at two-Michelin-star restaurant.
Day 11: Osaka Day Trip
Osaka Castle + cherry blossom viewing. Dotonbori food tour (takoyaki, okonomiyaki street food). Return to Kyoto for final night.
Day 12: Departure
Private transfer to Kansai Airport. Business class flight home.
Investment Range: $28,000-48,000 per couple
(Business class flights, luxury hotels, private tours, most meals, JR Pass, Spencer Travel service fee)
Investment Guide: What to Expect
| Budget Component | Estimated Cost (per couple) |
|---|---|
| Business Class Flights (Sydney-Tokyo) | $10,000-14,000 |
| Luxury Hotels (10 nights: Aman, Ritz-Carlton, ryokans) | $8,000-15,000 |
| Private Tours & Guides | $3,500-6,000 |
| Dining (Michelin restaurants + daily meals) | $3,000-5,000 |
| Ground Transfers & JR Pass | $1,500-2,500 |
| Experiences (tea ceremony, sumo, special access) | $1,000-2,000 |
| Spencer Travel Service Fee | $3,000-4,500 |
| Total Investment | $28,000-48,000 |
What’s Included:
- Virtuoso benefits at luxury hotels (upgrades, breakfast, amenities)
- Reserved Michelin restaurant bookings (often impossible for tourists)
- English-speaking private guides throughout
- 24/7 concierge support during travel
- JR Rail Pass for bullet train travel
- All ground transfers and logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
“Louise planned our cherry blossom trip, and it was magical. She secured a ryokan in Hakone that was fully booked online, reserved impossible-to-get sushi omakase, and arranged a private tea ceremony. Every detail reflected deep cultural knowledge. We can’t wait to return for autumn foliage.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
