Japan 2027: A private small-group journey

Late May, 9 days, 8 nights, limited to 10 guests. Invitation only.

Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

Tokyo’s modern energy, Hakone’s stillness, Kyoto’s timeless craft. Private moments that favour depth over pace.

Illustrative Flow

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Private arrival transfers arranged around each guest’s schedule. Settle in, then gather to meet the group over cocktails and shared plates.

Day 2: Tokyo, with a ceremonial beginning

Visit one of Tokyo's most revered shrines and participate in a private prayer ceremony led by a senior priest. Continue with a private guided walk to view modern Tokyo’s architecture and craftsmanship. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant where reservations are famously difficult to secure. The afternoon features historic neighbourhoods, authentic artisinal shops and tranquil gardens.

Day 3: Tokyo, your choice day

Choose one experience aligned with your interests. This might mean culinary access with a respected expert, an immersive arts experience, contemporary culture, or a quieter spiritual morning. The remainder of the day stays flexible, with reservations and suggestions handled for you.

Day 4: Romancecar to Hakone

A scenic transfer into the mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring Hakone’s natural beauty and cultural landscape, then check into a refined ryokan. Onsen time, stillness, and a traditional kaiseki dinner create one of the most memorable evenings of the trip.

Day 5: Hakone, your choice day

Today is about restoration and perspective. Choose between Mount Fuji viewpoints and lakeside scenery, an art-focused day, or deeper wellness with private treatments. Everything is arranged around your pace.

Day 6: Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto in Green Class with a specially prepared bento box. Arrive and transition gently into the city with a tea ceremony, then enjoy a featured lunch and time to settle. The evening is intentionally light, with dining recommendations and reservations made for individuals as desired.

Day 7: Kyoto, quietly iconic

A guided day through Kyoto’s most important sites, balanced with quiet spaces and garden moments. This is heritage without rush, with time for photography, reflection, and the small details that make Kyoto feel profound. Featured lunch included.

Day 8: Kyoto, your choice day

Choose an experience centred on Japanese arts and culture: floral design, music, performance, or sake culture. Later, gather for a hosted evening with a geisha and maiko, where they will perform a classical Japanese dance showcasing years of training. This unforgettable evening offers a rare opportunity to witness Kyoto's most iconic living tradition, blending hospitality, performance, and timeless beauty.

Day 9: Depart

Return to Tokyo for departures to maximize flight availability. Kyoto departures can also be arranged by request, depending on routing and preferences.

How it works

This journey is designed as a shared experience, with a few optional days that invite personal choice. On those days, you’ll select from a small menu of curated experiences, with pricing that varies by selection. Some options are offered in smaller groups to keep the experience intimate, and guests naturally split across interests. After a brief fit call, we share the detailed day-by-day outline, the optional experience menu, and full inclusions.

Details

Group size: Limited to 10 guests.
Hotels: Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, in three of Japan’s most respected luxury properties.
Room categories (three levels):
- Entry Level (included in base price): beautifully appointed rooms at each hotel
- Premium (upgrade): larger rooms or preferred positioning, depending on the hotel
- Suite (upgrade): suites and top categories by request
What’s included: private guiding and transport, rail tickets, key admissions, and on-trip support, plus 8 breakfasts, 6-8 lunches, and 3 hosted dinners.
What’s not included: international flights, travel insurance, most dinners, beverages beyond what is specified, personal expenses, and optional experiences on select days.
Optional experiences: select days include a curated menu of optional experiences. These are confirmed based on your selections and are priced separately.
Final selections are confirmed once the group is finalised and deposits are received. The overall flow remains the same, with occasional refinements based on access and availability.
Expected Investment
- From CAD 18,500 per person (double occupancy), excluding international flights.
- Most guests plan for approximately CAD 24,000–29,000 per person when optional experience selections are considered (excluding flights).
- Final pricing is confirmed at deposit and is based on supplier rates in Japanese yen and the exchange rate at time of booking.
- Single occupancy, Premium, and Suite categories are quoted upon request.
- Payment methods and any applicable processing fees are disclosed in advance.