Japan- the Land of the Rising Sun is one of Asia’s most extraordinary and enigmatic destinations. For most, it is one of the “must see” travel destinations, as its distinct culture and lifestyle are so far removed from anywhere else on the planet.
Why Japan?
Japan is the land of contrasts where modernity and traditionalism coexist in perfect harmony. For a country that was cut off from the rest of the world for over 250 years, it is remarkable how swiftly it has arrived at the forefront of global economic and scientific advancement keeping its cultural heritage and identity intact.
Iconic Japan holiday destinations and experiences are known and cherished world over: majestic Mt. Fuji, cherry blossom, serene temples and rock gardens of Kyoto, bonsai, kimono-clad geisha, samurai and ninjas, origami, sake and sushi, robot cafes, bullet trains and anime. It offers breath-taking scenery, profound spirituality, incredible food, stunning architecture and rich arts & crafts.
A highly developed, efficient and dependable infrastructure combined with incredibly high standards of service and civility make it one of the safest and most attractive destinations for travellers of all ages and types, especially families.
Our luxury holidays to Japan are highly personalised, unique and meaningful, offering genuinely authentic and engaging experiences. Our expert destination knowledge and association with handpicked guides and local experts will ensure that you are able to experience the best the country has to offer: whether you are interested in a private tea ceremony at a tea master’s home; exclusive backstage access to Kabuki and Noh theatres; visiting private ateliers, workshops and breweries or special interest sightseeing tours, we love creating unforgettable experiences!
Where should I go?
Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku are the largest islands, as they make up about ninety-seven percent of Japan’s land area.
Tokyo and Kyoto are Japan’s yin and yang and together they define modern-day Japan. Glitzy neon-lit streets and avant-garde architecture of Tokyo and Osaka showcase the modern facet of the country whereas the ancient buildings and traditions of Kyoto and Kumano Kodo and beautiful ryokans and simple shukubo temple lodges highlight Japan’s glorious past and firmly rooted cultural heritage.
It is a world of contrasts in one city. One of the largest cities and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo is the political, economic and fashion capital of Japan.
Hakone is located in Fuji-Hakone National Park, a short bullet train ride west of Tokyo and just to the south of Mount Fuji, Japan’s most sacred mountain.
The Japanese believe that the mountains are the abode of holy spirits and consider them sacred. Takayama, located in the heart of the Hida Mountains in Gifu prefecture.
Despite a rich history, iconic sights and beautiful Edo-era ambience, Kanazawa is often overlooked by international travellers. With the introduction of a direct bullet train service from Tokyo in March 2015, getting here couldn’t be any easier or quicker!
Kyoto flourished as Japan’s imperial capital for about 1,000 years and is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.
Everything you’d have seen and heard about Japan can be found and experienced in and around Tokyo and Kyoto including the famous Shinto shrine at Nikko, Mount Fuji near Hakone and the Sacred Deer Park and Todaiji Temple at Nara.
A sleek ride on Japan’s iconic bullet and express trains will transport you to Takayama, into the heart of Japanese countryside where you can get a glimpse of a bygone era and see interesting local markets. If you are interested in gardens, Kenroku-en in Kanazawa is one of the three great gardens of Japan besides Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki are seen by many as a stark reminder of Japan’s horrific recent past, but they are also a humbling symbol of humanity at its best and a true celebration of life considering how the country on the whole dealt with the aftermath. Those in love with literature and theatre will have a different notion of Nagasaki and would most certainly want to visit
The Glover House from Madame Butterfly! If you enjoy active holidays, you can trek in the Japanese Alps beyond Matsumoto, walk along the ancient pilgrims’ trails in Kumano Kodo or on coastal routes in Okinawa, or take in the thrill of powder skiing in Hokkaido.
For wildlife and bird lovers, the highlights include spotting snow monkeys in Yudanaka and venturing into unspoilt hinterland looking for famous birds such as Red-crowned Cranes, Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Okinawa Rail and Pryer’s Woodpecker.
Client testimonials
The holiday was so enjoyable – lots to chat about. Tikli Bottom is a gem and we were the only guests for our short stay. We loved it there – peaceful and luxurious, and the staff were a delight – especially the cook!
Holiday to India
What an absolutely wonderful time we had in India. Your planning was perfection. Our favourites were Siana (you told us that!) and Kanker Palace…both families were wonderful in totally different ways. Welcomed with open arms we felt as though we were indeed royalty ourselves!
Holiday to India
Just a line to thank you for arranging such a fantastic trip to India for us. It was the experience of a lifetime which we will relive as we sort out our 1000 or so photos! Thank you again. P.S. We saw 4 tigers!
A holiday to India - tiger safari
The trip was a huge success and we saw our Tiger in Chitwan, a long relaxed sighting, sitting in the undergrowth washing his face, quite unperturbed by us.
A holiday to Nepal
I did just want to drop you a note to thank you and your team for looking after us so well over the past couple of weeks.
Holiday to India
Thanks for organizing our Nepal Trip – everything was wonderful. I soon realized why we had to go on these dates as GUN was an excellent guide and naturalist, I don’t know what we would have done without his assistance.
A holiday to Nepal
Just to say thank you for arranging such a wonderful holiday for us. It has been a fascinating experience. Everything worked perfectly and I can say that you gave us more than what you promised on the tin! We will definitely return and will be in touch.
A holiday to Borneo
The trip was overwhelmingly successful in all respects for every one of us. It was a trip of a lifetime and certainly one that will be in our memories forever.
A holiday to India - Rajasthan and wildlife
I just wanted to thank you so much for organising an absolutely amazing trip. We both loved it all and cannot wait to get back to India.
A holiday to Rajasthan
The kids loved Dubai but then when we reached Maldives - Banyan Tree was absolutely marvellous. The spa was fabulous , one of the best massages we have ever had.
Family Holiday to India and Maldives
Words cannot even begin to describe how amazing the trip was. First of all, the arrangements you made went perfectly. We were picked up and dropped off at every city without any glitches.
Family wildlife holiday to India
Thank you for arranging a faultless and memorable holiday in Bhutan. Having travelled quite a lot elsewhere, I can’t think of any holidays where the pluses so greatly exceeded the minuses.
A Holiday to Bhutan
Thanks so much for arranging a holiday which ticked all of the boxes, and which I think did feel appropriately special to my father given the occasion. Very memorable indeed.
A holiday to Bhutan
We had such a wonderful time in India, from the moment we landed in Mumbai we were captivated by the sights and smells.
Safari in India
I'm home safe and sound and finally adjusting to my time zone. Thank you SO much for the bottle of wine in Kathmandu and the gorgeous flowers that arrived today. How very thoughtful. No other tour company has ever done something like this before!
Holiday to India and Nepal
All in all, a fantastic trip. Thank you very much for all your help in making this happen – much appreciated!
Tiger & Photgraphic Safari in India
Take the first step on your extraordinary journey to Japan
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...