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Japan

A tale of two eras

You probably didn’t expect to see Japan among these trips. But it’s extremely ‘doable’ within a week. Sashimi masters, ninja experts, manga artists. Cherry blossom, matcha – and mechanical crabs. Japan is a whirlwind of ancient traditions and modern innovations. And not to worry, we’ll take you beneath its surface as soon as you land.

From $12, 700 per person

BEST TIME TO GO

MAR–MAY
OCT–NOV

FLIGHT TIME

West Coast – 11HR 30M
Central – 13HR 15M
East Coast – 14HR 15M

One Week to Wander, Black Tomato

The Trip Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

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In this eye-popping place, you’ll learn the art of the ninja from the master sensei of Tokyo before losing yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kyoto. A glimmer of skyscrapers. A dose of tradition. Next up, the tantalising eateries of Osaka. Filled with flaming skewers and sake-barrels-come-seats, these tiny Izakaya (Japan’s answer to the pub) are where it’s at.

One Week to Wander, Black Tomato

Days 1-4

Learn from the master

Stay

Palace Hotel Tokyo is a peaceful retreat in the heart of an urban jungle, where you’ll drift off to the twinkling lights and towering skyscrapers of the Marunouchi district. With a rejuvenating Evian Spa (the only one in Japan), a private balcony overlooking the Imperial Palace, and a bath equipped with a waterproof tv (and Blu-ray player), it’s difficult not to melt into the surroundings.

See

Attending your own hands-on ninja (‘shinobi’) class, you’ll learn the ropes, training with throwing stars and blowguns. Dressed in authentic ninja gear, you’ll also uncover the spiritual side of this ancient art – learning meditation, ancestor veneration, and the concept of Ku (“no-self”). Steps measured, weapons ready.

Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Days 4-6

Deer crackers and matcha brews

Stay

Deep within Kyoto’s enchanting temple district, Four Seasons Kyoto offers a well-deserved moment of Zen. Each room is designed to maximize Kutsurogi – the Japanese art of relaxation. Think of a tranquil Shakusui pond garden, a chashitsu tea house, and Zazen meditation kits. Take a sip of matcha tea, feed the koi fish, and relax, Japanese style.

See

Between visiting the most impressive (and Japan’s largest) bronze Buddha in the all-wood Todai-ji temple and exploring the nearby 17th-century Japanese gardens, we’ll take you to meet – and feed – the sika deer of Nara-Koen Park, the ‘messengers of the gods’. From here, you’ll stop by Fushimi Inari, the most famous of Kyoto’s shrine: a winding tunnel of ten thousand red torii gates.

Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Days 6-7

Eat until you drop

Stay

Set between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, Conrad Osaka is the ultimate ‘address in the sky’. Located on the highest floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, you’ll be met with breath-taking floor-to-ceiling views in every room and with every glance. Whether that be from the spa’s soothing hot baths, whilst tucking into freshly grilled Teppanyaki at Kura Restaurant, or when relaxing from your own luxurious suite. Or all three.

See

Eating to ruin, or ‘kuidaore’, is how Osakans embrace their love for food. And now it’s your turn. Taking you further into the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori, we’ll show you the best eateries in town. Where red chochin lanterns and huge mechanical crabs cling to tucked-away Izakaya – Japan’s answer to the pub. With the scent of beer, batter and kimchi in the air, you’ll sample everything from kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) to takoyaki (battered octopus dumplings). But that’s just a taste.

Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Your added extra

A private manga drawing class with a Japanese artist, you’ll watch as characters and their expressions come to life on the page, by your very own hand.

Get in touch

Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

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