Bespoke Japan – 2027

Individual arrivals this morning at Tokyo Narita International Airport.  Passengers will be met at the airport by a local host and transferred to the hotel by private car.  Welcome to Tokyo, where cutting-edge, ultramodern design mixes with peaceful historic temples for an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.  Upon arrival at the hotel, check in for a stay of 4 nights.  Rated the #2 hotel in all of Japan last year, the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi offers guests a restful and elegant escape from the busy sounds and sights of the city.  The afternoon will be free to relax and settle in.  Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception on the hotel’s rooftop terrace.  Then, venture into the celebrated neighborhoods of Tokyo for dinner at a lively local restaurant.

This morning, meet our local expert guide and private motorcoach for a sightseeing tour.  Marvel at the beauty and design of Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and sample some of the famous local snacks on Nakamise shopping street.  We’ll also stop in Ginza, where the local fashionistas go for upscale boutiques.  After sightseeing, we’ll savor a specially arranged lunch.  Return to the hotel this afternoon for some time to explore on your own.  You might visit the fascinating Samurai Ninja Museum to learn more about the history of Japan’s famous warriors, or perhaps visit the pop culture epicenter of Akihabara.  Dinner will be on your own this evening.

Our guided sightseeing in Tokyo continues today with a visit to the area known as Japan’s “Food Town,” the Tsukiji Outer Market.  Once catering primarily to professional chefs, this area now offers a place for travelers to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese food, with restaurants, high-end kitchenware shops, and food stalls lining the streets.  After sampling some delicacies here, we’ll continue our touring with a stroll through the lovely East Gardens of the imposing Tokyo Imperial Palace.  The gardens are built on the site of the former Edo Castle, from which the Tokugawa shogun ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867.  Lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant is included during the tour.  In the afternoon, we’ll continue our exploration of the city with a visit to the serene grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine, a haven of peace within the bustling Harajuku district.  Finally, we’ll stop at Tokyo’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, the iconic Tokyo Tower, which was built as a symbol of Japan’s rebirth after WWII.  Return to the hotel late this afternoon for a free evening.  Dinner is on your own tonight.

After breakfast this morning, join our informative financial seminar at the hotel.  Hear the latest tips from Oxford Club editors and get your financial questions answered in this intimate setting.  Lunch will be served at the hotel following the seminar.  Today is our last day in Tokyo, so the remainder of the day will be at your leisure for continued sightseeing or exploring some of the city’s many amazing shops.  You might want to grab a selfie at the world’s busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing, or discover the amazing collection of Japanese history and art at the Tokyo National Museum.

This morning, check out of the hotel and board our luxury coach for an adventure into the Japanese countryside.  Weather permitting, our first stop will be the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial lift that offers stunning vistas over the Owakudani Valley.  If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of Mount Fuji.  We’ll then explore the Owakudani Valley itself, famous for its intense volcanic activity.  The bravest among us might even sample the local delicacy of kuro-tamago, or black egg.  Eating one of these is said to add seven years to your life!  We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before an afternoon cruise along the shores of Lake Ashi, where we’ll have another opportunity for an impressive view of the surrounding mountains and the striking red gateway to the Hakone Shrine.  Late this afternoon we’ll arrive at our special accommodation, the Hakone Kowakien Tenyu.  Each room at this unique ryokan offers a private open-air “Onsen” bath, where you can achieve full relaxation in the therapeutic, naturally heated water while savoring a mountain or forest valley view.  Tonight’s dinner of traditional Japanese specialties will be served at the ryokan.

Pack just your hand luggage today, as our bags will be whisked to our next destination by separate luggage truck.  After checking out of the ryokan this morning, our private transport takes us to Odawara Station, where we’ll board one of the amazing Japanese Shinkansen, or bullet train.  These trains are known for incredible efficiency and punctuality, and they can reach speeds over 300 km per hour.  Relax in first-class comfort with an artfully prepared Japanese bento box for lunch as we speed toward the historic city of Kyoto.  Upon arriving in Kyoto this afternoon, we’ll transfer to our home in the city, the Mitsui Kyoto Hotel.  This tranquil hotel showcases the unique beauty and refinement for which Japan is famous.  The afternoon will be free to relax.  Tonight, we gather for our first outing in Kyoto as we enjoy dinner at an elegant local restaurant.

Today’s touring with our expert local guide takes us to some of Kyoto’s most famous sights, including the sprawling Fushimi Inari Taisha, said to be the most important Shinto shrine in the country.  Next, we’ll visit the opulent Nido Castle, once the residence of the first shogun and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Finally, we’ll explore Kinkaku-ji, home of the astonishing Golden Pavilion.  A lunch of local specialties will be included during our tour.  We’ll also have a chance to participate in one of Japan’s most time-honored traditions, the tea ceremony, a cultural ritual that invites guests to celebrate the beauty of the moment.  Return to the hotel this afternoon for a free evening and dinner on your own.

This morning we’ll depart for a full-day excursion to Osaka, widely considered to be the financial center of Japan.  This cosmopolitan city is home to the Osaka Exchange, as well as the headquarters of many multinational electronics corporations.  We’ll begin our touring here with a visit to Osaka Castle, built in the 16^th century by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who was known as the “Napoleon of Japan.”  We’ll break for lunch at an acclaimed local restaurant.  Next, we’ll visit the vibrant Dotonbori district along the scenic canal of the same name.  This area of the city is famous for a variety of food options along with a dazzling array of neon signs and lights.  Our final stop in Osaka will be an architectural marvel, the Umeda Sky Building.  Enjoy an unparalleled view of the city from this skyscraper’s unique open-air observatory.  Return to Kyoto by private coach this afternoon for a free evening.  Dinner is on your own tonight.

Our final day in Japan begins with another educational financial seminar.  Oxford Club editors and special guest speakers will share their knowledge and answer questions from the group.  Lunch will be served at the hotel following the seminar.  The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure to explore Kyoto.  Perhaps you’ll want to wander through the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, or explore the traditional architecture of the Gion District.  You might also want to stop by Nishiki Market for some souvenirs of your journey.  Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner, where we’ll share remembrances of our time together.

This morning brings an end to our journey through Japan, as we check out of the hotel.  Private transfers to Osaka airport will be provided by chartered coach.