Private Trips to Japan
Japanese life is as distinct as it is refined—the art, food, and architecture stand out uniquely, balancing simplicity and deep aesthetic principles. Sushi, geisha, manga, Zen Buddhism…all distinctly Japanese and familiar, yet exotic and shrouded in mystery to outsiders. Today, Japan is firmly at crossroads of old and new, and there's no better time explore the vivid and contrasting wonders of modern Japan with its rich medieval legacy and sublime natural beauty. With our two decades of experience, let us plan a unique and remarkable trip with you. Explore various destinations below as well as trip ideas.
TOKYO
What you've heard is true—there is no other place in the world like Tokyo, the world's most populous metropolis and pop-culture capital teeming with over 38 million people. The world's most fascinating city should not be seen, but experienced. Only in Japan as the saying goes, with one of a kind experiences, sights and encounters coming from every direction in Tokyo. But far from being overwhelming, it's a city packed with charms and contrasts, as long as you know where to look.
Tokyo offers an astounding variety of unique shopping, trend-setting entertainment, famous teen pop culture, and an unparalleled spectrum of cuisine. We'll help navigate you to the perfect sushi, places not to miss, all without feeling overwhelmed in the short time you may have.
TAKAYAMA
Hidden in the foothills of the Japanese Alps, Takayama features one of the best preserved Edo-era old town districts in Japan, beautiful temples, tranquil parks and forest, and abundance of hot spring baths, all pleasantly free of the larger crowds in Kyoto. The central Sanmachi Suji neighborhood offers traditional sake tasting, two-hundred year old whiskey brewery, and venues to try delicious Hida beef.
The old city is famous for its morning market along the river, Miyagawa, and the biannual Takayama Festival, where crafted floats are displayed throughout the city, each a testament to the region's history and craftsmanship – for traditional folk and arts this is an unmissable destination. Held in spring and fall every year, the festivals are widely regarded as one of Japan's most beautiful, as well as having an atmosphere from a mostly forgotten century.
HIROSHIMA
A symbol of world peace, Hiroshima is a place to contemplate profound historical events. The iconic bombed-out dome memorial at its heart is poignant and memorable in its revelation of the atomic bomb's destruction. Rather than being sorrowful, exploring Hiroshima creates a deep respect for the revitalization and hope of both a people and a city.
Throughout the city admire a re-designed and re-imagined side of urbanization, where care has been taken to maintain green space and wide streets. Our unique Hiroshima itinerary includes a stay at a nearby resort on sublime Miyajima Island.
NAOSHIMA
The "Art Island," Naoshima, is tucked away on the picturesque Seto Inland Sea. If we've organized an arts-focused trip for you, then Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a collective name for the art activities on the island, will be a highlight. Sandy beaches and scenic bluffs on the remote island are a pleasant setting for unique installations in a series of museums showcasing Japan's and the world's contemporary art scene. The relaxing setting is an tranquil place to explore, and we've arranged for you to be guided around museums by their respective creative directors, providing an insider's perspective on architecture and design.
We've been guiding visitors here for over 20 years and hope that the new fame won't spoil the authentic ambiance. In addition to Naoshima, our unique itinerary also takes you to nearby Teshima, visiting the art museum on that island. Read more about Naoshima
KYOTO
There are a hundreds different ways to experience Kyoto, but we feel our itineraries are the best, honed over 20 years of exploring the city. Our private Japan tours feature the 1,100 year-old ancient capital foremost, exploring both west and east sections of the city in a unique itinerary that divides time between a luxury ryokan and hotel. Kyoto is home to an astonishing 17 World Heritage Sites, along with more than 2,000 temples and shrines, but in the abundance of these treasures we will reveal to you what is most impressive about the city, including historic crafts at the heart of Japan's creativity, exploring the "five families" who are shepherding the city's traditional crafts into the present and future.
Children will delight in Monkey Park and enjoying a scenic bicycle ride through the old districts of town.
KANAZAWA
Nicknamed "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa is located on the Sea of Japan and features Japan’s most beautiful gardens, a splendid castle, an ancient samurai and geisha district, historic houses and impressive museums. An excpetional modern arts scene compliments ancient crafts, including pottery, gold leaf, and silk painting. Here too are exceptional landscapes, of green-tea-colored landscapes, "grasso" villages, snow-dusted mountains, rugged coastline of the Noto Peninsula.
The port city's sushi is regarded as the best in Japan, while local teahouses give you a vivid glimpse of local culture. Here too is also a destination to experience a night or two at an idyllic ryokan.
MOUNT FUJI
With its picture-perfect shape and shimmering snowy summit, iconic Mount Fuji has long been a dreamy pilgrimage destination for the Japanese. Standing majestic above the country, it continues to be the premier place to connect with nature and escape from busy city life. A single day in the area takes in the Five Lakes of Fuji, but also the unique Open-Air Museum, and outdoor space featuring works by Picasso and Rodin.
Hakone is where you can soak in an outdoor onsen spa, taste whiskey distilled with water from a pristine mountain spring, sleep in the country's finest traditional ryokan. Note: clear days can be scarce during some months, check with us when to go.
FUKUOKA
Fukuoka has always been the key point of exchange between Japan and the rest of Asia. This ancient harbor town is ingeniously positioned, facing the Sea of Suo to the northeast, the Sea of Genkai to the northwest, and the Sea of Ariake to the southwest. It was where Japan was first exposed to the world and it continues to be a testament to local culture and design. However, perhaps surprisingly, nothing is specifically designed or put-on for visitors. Instead, explore a regional culture in all its untrammeled glory, from the flashing lights of rising malls to the lost temples where serenity reigns.
If you're looking for a journey into different ages then Fukuoka crams a lot into a couple of days. Fukuoka also serves as a stating point for our special pottery trail journey.
MOUNT KOYA
Delve into Japan’s deep Buddhist spirituality—the most formative influence on Japanese history and culture—traveling outside Kyoto to sacred Zen setting Mount Kōya, a destination for not only pilgrims, but almost all Japanese at some point in their life. Mount Koya provides an effortless immersion into the world of Shingon Buddhism with a stay at Buddhist monastery—providing an idyllic interlude, a place to relax and re-energize between the cities.
Wander down small pathways through towering cedar forests from a monastery, share an evening with monks in their sublime temple, then open your senses to their morning chanting ritual. Most travelers miss this important facet of Japanese culture. Our unique itinerary also includes a stop in Nara en route. Read more about Mount Koya
BEST TIME TO GO
March - May, Sept - Nov
NEED TO KNOW
No Visa Required
COMBINE WITH
Korea - Seoul
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All Departure Notes
Luxury Custom Tours in Japan
Unique Experiences in Japan
Exceptional Hotels & Ryokan in Japan
The Indochina Travel Difference
Japan's famously insular culture was primed during hundreds of years of isolation and feudal conflict. Visitors can certainly enjoy the many unique charms of the country, but truly authentic, immersive experiences can be difficult to come by, if not impossible. Let us open these doors for you.
Hand-crafted Travel Experiences
Indochina Travel can organize your Japan luxury tour to not only enjoy the finest the country offers, but unique, insider experiences that are the most enriching part of your journey. Visit a sumo training stable typically closed to the public, a private tour of the Mori Museum with the director, meet in the private studios of some of Tokyo's most notable artists, and dine in places typically frequented only by locals. We can arrange a classic Japan itinerary as the perfect introduction to the country, canvasing ultra-modern Tokyo, sublime Hakone, and the cultural capital, Kyoto, with our exceptional insider experiences in each destination. Travel in style through the country, exploring historic and vibrant cities, rustic villages, Zen gardens and ancient pagodas along with a distinguished expert.
Art & Zen
If your interest is in the arts, spend time exploring Kyoto's rich crafts traditions, and canvasing the contemporary arts, visiting with curators, collectors, from Roppongi's famed art triangle to lesser known galleries and spaces throughout Tokyo. Those with more time can venture further afield to the "art island," Naoshima, or if you've specific interests, such as pottery, we can your trip to visit ancient kilns in beautiful Kyushu along the "pottery trail" or a journey aboard the Seven Stars, the world's most luxurious train.
Family & Romance
We especially enjoy family trips as parents ourselves, we can firmly state there is no other place quite like Japan for kids. Relax and enjoy traveling in the safest and most reliable country on Earth while experiencing amazing activities we've organized, from mingling with monkeys in the mountain forests outside Kyoto, exploring ninja houses and feudal castles, Tokyo's futuristic hi-tech stores, witnessing Japan's famous youth culture, manga and animation, biking (yes, Tokyo is wonderful for family cycling), and thrilling to the Giants at the booming Tokyo Dome—all escorted by guides who are parents themselves. A honeymoon in Japan is unparalleled. The unfailingly polite Japanese are the perfect hosts, and the country an exotic mix of pristine Zen gardens, hot springs, ancient inns, and incredible cuisine.
