Discover Luxury Japan Holidays
Japan truly is a country unlike any other: rich in extraordinary heritage sites, fascinating idiosyncrasies and exquisite beauty – you are bound to fall under its otherworldly spell. Enjoy a luxury Japan tour with us to witness how this culture-rich island simultaneously embraces new innovations and maintains its past, by upholding traditional Japanese values and immaculately preserving its outstanding heritage and beauty spots. A wide array of other special discoveries await, even its local transport system is unparalleled. Experience Japan in local fashion by enjoying a bentō lunchbox on a lightning-fast 300 kmph bullet train while marvelling at how everything runs precisely to schedule, and catch glimpses of ethereal geisha in their delicate kimonos in Kyoto and Kanazawa.
Explore the natural wonders of its countryside during a trip to Japan and experience renowned hot spring onsen, as well as the hidden paths around the many living temples and shrines. These rural escapes make for ideal day trips from the exhilarating First World capital of Tokyo, especially the historic Nikkō with its UNESCO sites and Hakone with its acclaimed art galleries. There are also many landscaped havens open to the public in the cities themselves, from Shinjuku Gyoen with its Japanese and European areas in Tokyo, to the austere but equally beautiful zen and moss gardens in Kyoto.
Japanese holidays have the reputation of being expensive, but our local guides can find you a hearty bowl of ramen or some side-street sushi at just a few hundred yen, plus you never need to tip anybody. That said, Japan has some of the most luxurious and exclusive restaurants and spa retreats in the world. From the dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants serving cosmopolitan cuisine to the uniquely Japanese multi-course kaiseki feasts included with a ryokan stay, to eat in Japan is a food lover’s dream. Staying in one of Japan’s luxury hotels or traditional ryokans is a highlight as you will experience a level of hospitality that we can often only wish for back home! Some of these traditional Japanese ryokans preserve the architecture and customs of pre-modern Japan, with sliding screen doors, bamboo-mat floors and ornamental gardens. Others offer a new take on the old traditions and Japanese culture, such as Amanemu. As you travel Japan, you will step into a world which closely mirrors ours in the West, yet on closer inspection, you’ll find it to be distinctly Japanese in the details.
For a more unusual tour of Japan, head off the bullet train track and you’ll find the great mountain backbone of the largest island, Honshu, which can be appreciated at one’s own pace on a relaxed or active holiday. In Hokkaido, the northernmost island, go skiing down Mount Fuji-shaped Annupuri mountain at the centre of Niseko resort on your holiday to Japan, hike through the unspoilt expanse of Daisetsuzan National Park, or go snow-shoeing and ice-walking on the remote eastern peninsula - perfect for family holidays in Japan. South of Honshu are the lesser-travelled islands of Kyushu with stunning volcanic landscapes and Nagasaki – Japan’s San Francisco. And on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands, explore hidden valleys, historic temples and shrines, and hot spring towns. If you are looking for a beach break to combine with your Japan tour, the tropical islands at the southern end of the Okinawa chain have some of the very best sand and surf in all of Asia.
A luxury holiday in Japan is sure to be unforgettable, particularly during nature’s finest seasons: the renowned cherry blossom sakura season - which tends to bloom in southern Japan from the end of March, and the often-overlooked autumnal season - when vivid autumn leaves set the magnificent country ablaze with their colourful hues. Holidays to Japan constantly defy expectations, as it is such a vastly varied country, but you can always expect the warm welcomes, from humble inns to the most exclusive city hotels and restaurants. While this otherworldly country may seem overwhelming, it is remarkably ordered, and our expert travel guides are on hand to help you plan your luxury tour of Japan.
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Our suggested tours in Japan
Seeking Ancient Japan: Follow in the footsteps of Stanley Stewart
Seek ancient Japan on the Izu Peninsula – a land of hot-springs, towering peaks, empty coastal headlands and 400 year-old...
View hereJapan’s Ultimate Island Hopping Tour
The 1,000 km Okinawa island chain extends from mainland Japan into the tropics, and the islands featured on this itinerary...
View hereExperience Japan
It's said that Japan is an expensive holiday destination, and it's certainly true that the top hotels match the best...
View hereFollowing the Cherry Blossom through Japan
It’s not an exact science, but the famous cherry blossom trees tend to bloom around the end of March on...
View hereGardens, Architecture and Customs of Japan
From the Imperial Palace gardens to the zen-inspired grounds of ancient temples, Japan is an ideal destination for lovers of...
View hereJapan’s Coasts and Countryside
The great bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima are rich with the history and culture of Japan, from its...
View hereSake, Snow, Shrines, Sand and Sushi
Japan has world class ski resorts as well as beaches to rival the best in Bali. So why not combine...
View hereSome of our favourite hotels in Japan
Park Hyatt Tokyo ,
Tokyo
Famous for its leading role in the film 'Lost in Translation', the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a firm favourite among...
View here Madoka no Mori ,
Hakone
Mt Fuji National Park (Hakone) is already home to some of Japan's most luxurious 'ryokan' - the traditional equivalent of...
View here Palace Hotel ,
Tokyo
A firm Ampersand Favourite, the Palace Hotel sits in a prime position in Tokyo overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens to the capital's atmospheric skyline...
View here Ryokan Kurashiki ,
Kurashiki
Ryokan Kurashiki is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems and Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. This ryokan is halfway along the idyllic willow-lined canal...
View here Shangri-La ,
Tokyo
Located just around the corner from Tokyo station, the Shangri-La is a strong contender for Tokyo's best hotel. It has...
View here The Peninsula Tokyo ,
Tokyo
With just ten hotels under its umbrella worldwide, the Peninsula brand holds its own against much larger luxury chains. Like...
View hereSome of our favourite places of interest in Japan
Kinosaki
If we had to pick one hot spring town from the dozens throughout Japan, it would be Kinosaki. This little...
View hereKyushu
To the south of the mainland lies Kyushu: a mystical island with a subtropical climate and verdant terrain. Dramatic landscapes...
View hereSapporo
Sapporo is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It is an area the size of Scotland,...
View hereTakayama
This small traditional mountain town is a favourite amongst Japanese and western visitors alike. Its fine late 17th century charm...
View hereShirakawago
The charming hamlet of Shirakawago lies within one of Japan’s most picturesque spots in the Gifu region, where feudal ‘shōguns’ and ‘samurai’...
View hereTokyo
The ultimate metropolis, Tokyo is one of the world's most exciting and vibrant cities. While the sheer size and energy...
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