A big konnichiwa to Japan

The first stop was, naturally, Tokyo. We stayed at the Park Hotel and the Tokyo Station Hotel, both close to Ginza, which made a perfect base for exploring the modern city and the Imperial Palace Gardens. Tokyo, like the rest of Japan, is very walkable, so there’s no need to rush: take your time at the Shibuya four-way crossing, among the colours of Ueno Park or at the market by Asakusa Shrine.

A street food tour of Ginza was a highlight. A local guide brings the city to life and takes you well beyond the usual tourist spots. We loved the hidden places under the railway arches and worked our way through everything from yakitori to mochi.

We also went to a sumo show with lunch. It was a little cheesy, but a fun introduction to the sport, and the food was excellent. Clients wanting something more authentic can have it, although access is tightly controlled by the sumo clubs, and tickets to a tournament are possible if the dates coincide.

Tokyo is so big that three nights only skims the surface. It’s well worth adding a few extra days.

From Tokyo we joined a shared coach excursion to Hakone National Park, passing Mount Fuji and catching a glimpse of it on the way. It’s rare to see Fuji completely clear, and winter is the best time to try.

Hakone is an ideal stop for a taste of the Japanese countryside. It’s close to Tokyo and firmly on the tourist trail, so it can get busy, but a coach tour is a good way to see some of Japan. It saves a little money and takes the hassle out, especially for a day or two among the national parks.

We stayed at a simple ryokan, with Japanese beds and a kaiseki dinner: a procession of small plates, always built around seasonal dishes from the area, and a great way to try traditional food. In most ryokan you can change into your yukata robe and be served in your room, a wonderfully traditional experience. The area offers everything from ultra-luxurious stays to simpler Japanese inns and hot spring resorts.

Next came the bullet train, taking us from the traditional yesterday to the modern today. It’s worth travelling in Green Class for a little more room, and it’s a quintessential Japan experience: speeding south at 300 km/h in real comfort, and always bang on time.

In Hiroshima we stayed at the Original Granvia Hotel, which is very convenient. We explored the gardens and Peace Memorial Park ourselves, which is easy to do. Beyond its history, Hiroshima is a lovely city to explore: not as hectic as Tokyo, very friendly, and with a great food scene.

The following day we took the train and ferry to Miyajima, where we had a guided tour of the famous red torii gate and the island’s wild deer. Our guide, Etsko (pronounced “Let’s Go”), was wonderfully personable. She chatted to us about life in Japan and the history of Miyajima, and even taught us origami.

It’s worth spending the day here. Clients can also stay overnight, watching the deer roam free and the sun set over the torii gate once the day-trippers have left.

Our last stop was Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and another must-do. Everyone wants to see it at cherry blossom season, but it’s very busy then, and Kyoto is wonderful all year round, especially in winter.

We loved walking through Gion, surrounded by eateries and quirky cafés, and the tea ceremony was not to be missed. It’s a place best explored on foot, and its cobbled streets make a great setting for a food tour. We took a tour of Nishiki Market, and were also very taken with Nijo Castle and its gardens, and the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine. The real draw of Kyoto is traditional Japan: walking down the alleyways and immersing yourself in the culture.

For clients who want to splash out, Six Senses Kyoto is definitely worth it. We also spent a few nights at two of the Banyan Group’s excellent boutique hotels, Dhawa Yura and Garrya Nijo Castle, the latter with castle views and a great location in an area with a thousand years of history. It’s a good place for people who like to walk and get happily lost in a city.

Japan’s quirky, “cute” and counter-culture side, and the hunt for unique knick-knacks, is a reason to go in itself. Look out for handmade gifts, chopsticks, sake and clothes with cool Japanese design. The Don Quijote stores are well worth a visit for their crazy Kit Kat flavours and demonstrations such as tuna cutting and ninja displays.

We wish we’d had more time for Nara, Osaka, or the mountains and east coast, where Japan feels even more traditional. That will have to wait for the next trip.

Top Tips

Give Tokyo longer: three nights only skims the surface, so add a few days.

For Mount Fuji, winter is the best time for a clear view, but clients shouldn’t count on one.

A shared coach to Hakone saves cost and hassle, and a ryokan stay with a kaiseki dinner is a great way to experience tradition.

On the bullet train, Green Class is worth the small extra for the room.

Suggest an overnight stay on Miyajima for the deer and the sunset over the torii gate once the crowds leave.

Add Suica travel cards to packages: they cost little, are easy to use and can be topped up.

Consider Kyoto outside cherry blossom season. It’s quieter, and wonderful in winter.

For sumo, the lunch show is a fun introduction, while tournament tickets are the more authentic option if dates align.

Konnichiwa, Japan. Our newest destination is ready for your enquiries, and so are we.

Get in touch with the Lusso team to start planning a Japan itinerary for your clients.