JAPAN

Japan – eclectic and electrifying all at once. It's a country where age-old traditions coexist with quirky subcultures and new technology, where precision and politeness are hallmarks.

One moment, you could be enjoying a private geisha dinner show or soaking in a rooftop onsen in the heart of Tokyo; the next, you may find yourself surrounded by cosplayers in the hip shopping district of Harajuku or on a bullet train speeding off to another city.

What's not so surprising: On your bespoke holiday to Japan, you can fully immerse in culture local to the region or prefecture. Learn the art of sword-making in Okayama, sit down with a master in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, or watch a sumo performance in Tokyo's Ryogoku district before practising a few killer moves yourself.

In the land of culinary adventure, excite your taste buds by feasting on what is possibly the world's best sushi at the Michelin three-star Sukiyabashi Jiro – reservations are notoriously hard to get, but leave that to WONDERGOLANDER. Perhaps, you'll cook your own hot spring meal in Beppu's "Hell Kitchen" or indulge in a picnic in the middle of Hokkaido's famous flower fields.

And if nature's your thing, experience the best in every season on a bespoke holiday to Japan, whether admiring stunning cherry blossoms during spring or autumn foliage with after-hours access at the best places or getting up close to seals and sea eagles on an ice-breaker cruise in winter.

Your bespoke holiday to Japan in the new travel era

WONDERGOLANDER is currently only designing private tours to Japan, with a minimum of five nights. This means that you will either have your personal driver-guide escorting you throughout your holiday, or enjoy a combination of private transfers between destinations and exploring the destination with a guide exclusive to your group at each location, with some free and easy time where appropriate.

If you prefer a self-drive holiday, we can design this as your mode of transport between destinations or only in a specific geographical region (for a limited duration of the entire trip). Your bespoke holiday to Japan will still primarily revolve around private or small-group touring (where private tours are unavailable).

Travel costs have risen significantly due to high demand and limited supply. For the best perceived value, we recommend trips to Japan to be designed at least 4 months in advance. Last-minute arrangements (60 days and under) may result in high premiums or disappointment, particularly during peak periods.