Luxury Escapes 2020 Introduction

Luxury Escapes 2020

Tokyo – Okayama – Naoshima – Hiroshima – Kyoto

Introducing 10 Days 9 Nights luxury Japan Tour. This is the small group tour limited to 18 guests, and the upgraded version of Luxury Escapes 2019. The tour will give you the special experience by staying in luxury accommodation, joining traditional cultural programs, and traveling with your fellows! The highlights of this tour is the private garden light up event, many cultural experiences such as Sushi making and Samurai sword play, and visit to Naoshima, the island of art.

Day 1 Tokyo Arrival

After the flight, you will land in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis. You will be welcomed by English speaking assistant at the airport, and transfer by private vehicle to Conrad Tokyo, your hotel situated in the heart of Tokyo. Conrad Tokyo is where legendary Conrad excellence meets calming, inspiring Japanese design. Overlooking picturesque Hamarikyu Gardens and the impressive Tokyo Bay, the hotel is home to the city’s most stunning views. Please enjoy your stay at Conrad Tokyo.

Day 2 Tokyo

Today, you will start the journey with a morning visit to Tsukiji Outer Fish Market where you find fresh and processed seafood and food-related goods. Then, proceed to private Sushi making lesson, a real sushi chef will teach you everything you need to know to make hand-formed sushi. The lesson will be held privately. Continue to Edo Tokyo Museum, a modern building where you learn about various aspects of earlier Tokyo with historical artifacts. Last stop for the day is Rikugien Garden, a beautiful Edo style Japanese garden and a perfect place to feel the season. In this evening, you will gather with the group for Welcome Dinner at a gorgeous restaurant in Conrad Tokyo.

Day 3 Tokyo – Mt. Fuji Hakone – Tokyo

This morning, set off on a journey to Hakone. Along the way, you may be able to see the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji from 5th station. Have lunch at a local restaurant with lavish views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). After lunch, visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. From the main building to the garden, the museum is filled with fascinating artworks and remarkable collection of kimono exhibition. In the evening, return to the hotel in Tokyo.

Day 4 Tokyo – Okayama

Today, get to know more about vibrant Tokyo, start with Asakusa, famous for its big red lantern. Take a stroke through Nakamise Shopping Street, and visit Asakusa Kannon Temple. Then, you will proceed to Tokyo City View, and enjoy 360-degree views of the city. After the visit, say goodbye to Tokyo, and transfer to Okayama by bullet train. Okayama is located in Setouchi area. Tonight, you will stay at Granvia Okayama Hotel, a luxury hotel which is connected to Okayama station.

“Red Pumpkin”©Yayoi Kusama, 2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square

Day 5 Okayama – Naoshima – Okayama

This morning, you will take a ferry to Naoshima, an island of art in the Seto Inland sea. Naoshima is well known as the island featuring modern art, and whole island is like a museum. “Red pumpkin” and “Yellow Pumpkin”, artworks of Yayoi Kusama will welcome you. You will visit Chichu Art Museum, Benesse Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, a famous architect in Japan. Then, you will enjoy “Ie”(Japanese traditional houses) project exhibitions. After the visit, returen to the hotel in Okayama, and enjoy the rest of the day.

Day 6 Okayama – Hiroshima

This morning, you will visit Korakuen, one of the best three landscape gardens in Japan, and Kurashiki Bikan District, a historical canal area. Along the canal, you will see many wooden warehouses painted white with traditional black tiles, and weeping willows. Next, head to Hiroshima by bullet train. Our group will visit Atomic Bomb Dome, surviving structure of the 1945 atomic bomb strike and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, one of the most prominent features of the city. After the visit, head to Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel.

Day 7 Hiroshima – Kyoto

Today, you will take a ferry to sacred island of Miyajima, literally meaning “Shrine Island” in Japanese. From there, visit the centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its unique floating torii gate and designated as a World Heritage Site. After the visit to Miyajima, travel to Kyoto by bullet train. This evening, our group will pay an exclusive visit to Myoshinji temple where you enjoy Buddhist vegetarian dinner and private garden light-up event. This is the highlight of the tour. Kyoto is very busy, however, this is the exclusive visit, and you can escape from the crowd. It must be the peak season of cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn. You will enjoy the breathtaking scenery here. Tonight, you will stay at The Thousand Kyoto, a brand new luxury hotel which is located just a couple of minutes from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station.

Day 8 Kyoto

Today, you will explore Kyoto, the home of Japanese culture. In the morning, visit Kinkakuji Temple(Golden Pavilion) which is one of the most visited temples whose top two floors are completely covered by gold leaf. Next, proceed to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermillion colored tori gates. In the afternoon, go onto Samurai Kembu Theater where you will witness traditional swordplay and performance. You can also experience swordplay wearing Japanese traditional Hakama, and take photos.

Day 9 Kyoto

Uncover more about Kyoto, enjoy Rick Shaw Ride in Arashiyama, and the scenic walking paths of Sagano Bamboo Grove in outskirts Kyoto. Next, you get to experience Zen Meditation to discover the self. Zazen is the spiritual foundation of Japanese culture; seek nothing, you will grasp something. Tonight, you will gather with the group for Farewell Dinner. This is the climax of the journey. Please enjoy the wonderful night with Maiko performance.