14 Days - Five Star Japan

Welcome to Japan. Your journey begins in Tokyo, a city that captures the essence of modern Japan while holding firm to its centuries of tradition. The morning unfolds at a gentle pace with your private guide, giving time to absorb the city’s rhythm. Towering buildings, quiet gardens and tree lined avenues blend to create an atmosphere that is both vibrant and refined. Beneath the surface of this vast metropolis lies a sense of order, calm and artistry that defines life in Japan’s capital.

Start at Meiji Jingu Shrine, a place of quiet devotion surrounded by a vast forest. Pass through the immense wooden gates and walk along gravel paths lined with cedar trees, where the sound of the city fades into the background. Learn about the rituals of Shinto belief, the meaning behind offerings, and the connection between nature and spirituality. Within the shrine grounds, your guide shares stories of its imperial origins and the ceremonies still held here today.

From here, move toward Harajuku and Omotesando, districts that showcase two distinct sides of Tokyo style. In Harajuku, narrow streets buzz with creative energy, home to small boutiques, vintage shops and cafes that set global trends. A short walk away, Omotesando reveals a more polished world of architecture and design, with glass fronted stores by leading Japanese and international names. Take time to browse, observe the craftsmanship and enjoy a coffee in a quiet courtyard café.

In the afternoon, travel to Shibuya, where Tokyo’s pulse beats strongest. Watch from street level as crowds flow in perfect rhythm across the famous crossing, then head to the rooftop observatory at Shibuya Sky for sweeping views of the skyline. From this height, the sheer scale of the city becomes clear, stretching toward Mount Fuji on the horizon. It is a moment that captures both the ambition and the precision of Tokyo.

As evening draws in, step into a private studio for an intimate sushi making experience led by a master chef. Learn the art of preparing perfect rice, slicing seasonal fish and forming each piece with care. Dine on your own creations while enjoying a glass of sake, gaining a new appreciation for Japanese culinary discipline and simplicity. Return later to your chosen five star hotel such as Aman Tokyo, The Palace Hotel or Andaz Tokyo, where calm interiors, attentive service and skyline views offer a peaceful close to your first day in Japan.

Airport transfers can be arranged on arrival to ensure a seamless start to your journey. If you are not already in Tokyo, the itinerary can easily be extended with an additional night before or after the tour to allow for rest or independent exploration of the city.

The morning begins with a quiet encounter with Japan’s imperial past at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Once home to the Edo Castle, this area preserves fragments of the original fortifications surrounded by carefully landscaped lawns, stone bridges and lotus ponds. Your guide leads you through the wide paths lined with seasonal blooms, explaining how the Tokugawa shoguns ruled from this site before the modern era began. It is a place where history lingers gently amid the city’s constant movement, offering a graceful start to the day.

Beyond the gardens, explore the surrounding Marunouchi and Otemachi districts, where contemporary Tokyo reveals its polished face. This is the heart of the capital’s business and cultural scene, filled with glass towers, elegant boutiques and sleek hotels. Pause for coffee in a designer café or visit a small gallery showcasing modern Japanese art. The contrast between old and new is striking, yet the orderliness and sense of refinement remain the same.

As the afternoon unfolds, the pace softens. Take time to browse luxury stores in Ginza or unwind on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline. Your guide can arrange reservations for high tea or a light lunch at one of Tokyo’s celebrated hotels, where service is elevated to an art form. For those with an interest in architecture or design, this part of Tokyo offers endless discovery, from the precision of its façades to the calm of its hidden courtyards.

In the evening, make your way toward the Sumida River where a private yakatabune boat awaits. Step aboard this traditional wooden vessel and settle into a comfortable dining cabin as the city lights begin to shimmer across the water. Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal or freshly prepared sushi paired with fine sake and wine, as the boat glides past Tokyo Skytree and the illuminated bridges that line the riverbanks. The reflection of the skyline on the water creates a quietly memorable view of the city after dark.

Return to your chosen five star hotel such as Aman Tokyo, The Palace Hotel or Edition Tokyo, where warm lighting, deep bathtubs and attentive service offer a serene close to the day. The evening’s final moments, whether a nightcap in the bar or a glance at the skyline from your suite, remind you how effortlessly Tokyo balances energy and elegance.

Your final day in Tokyo combines heritage, artistry and an unforgettable view of Japan’s most celebrated mountain. After breakfast, your private driver collects you for the short journey to Odaiba Heliport. Here, you will board a private helicopter for a flight that reveals Tokyo from a rare and breathtaking perspective. As you rise above Tokyo Bay, the city stretches beneath you in every direction, its waterways and bridges glinting in the sunlight. On a clear day, Mount Fuji appears in the distance, a perfect snow capped cone that seems to hover above the horizon. The experience captures the immense scale and beauty of Japan’s capital and the natural world beyond it.

After landing, continue to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric districts. This is the city’s old heart, where wooden facades, temple roofs and the scent of incense tell stories of another era. Step inside a small tea house, where you are welcomed by hosts dressed in elegant kimono. Here, take part in a private tea ceremony, learning the rhythm and symbolism behind each movement. The slow preparation of matcha, the placement of each utensil and the quiet exchange between guest and host offer a deep insight into Japanese hospitality and grace.

With the calm of the ceremony still lingering, explore the grounds of Senso ji Temple, the oldest in Tokyo and one of its most revered. Pass through the great red gate with its giant lantern and wander the temple courtyard, where monks and visitors move together in quiet harmony. Along Nakamise Street, shopkeepers sell traditional sweets, folding fans and small souvenirs, each crafted with a sense of pride and continuity. Your guide shares stories of Asakusa’s history, helping you see how faith, commerce and daily life have long coexisted here.

Pause nearby for lunch, perhaps at a long established restaurant serving tempura or soba noodles, both of which have their roots in this neighbourhood. A walk along the Sumida River offers views of Tokyo Skytree rising in the distance and small boats drifting past, a reminder of how connected this part of the city remains to its waterways. For those interested in craftsmanship, your guide can arrange a short visit to a local studio where artisans create paper lanterns or traditional glassware.

Return in the late afternoon to your chosen five star hotel such as Aman Tokyo, The Palace Hotel or Chinzanso. Take time to unwind with a swim or spa treatment before evening lights transform the skyline once more. As you look out across the city from your room, it is easy to feel both the excitement of Tokyo and the calm precision that defines Japan, a fitting conclusion before the journey continues toward Mount Fuji and Hakone.

Leave the capital this morning by private car for the scenic drive to Hakone, a journey of around two hours. The road leads out of the city and into forested hills where clear air and mountain views signal a change of pace. Hakone has long been a retreat for Tokyo residents, known for its mineral rich hot springs and peaceful lakeside scenery. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the region’s role as part of the historic Tokaido route, once travelled by samurai and merchants between Kyoto and Edo.

Your first stop is Hakone Shrine, a revered Shinto site set among towering cedar trees near the edge of Lake Ashi. Follow the path through dense woodland until the red gates of the shrine come into view. The final torii gate stands partly in the water, forming one of Japan’s most iconic images. Take time to explore the main hall and the smaller shrines nearby, while your guide explains the rituals associated with blessings for safe travel and good fortune. The gentle sound of the lake lapping against the shore and the cool mountain air create an atmosphere of calm and renewal.

Continue to Owakudani, a dramatic valley formed by volcanic activity. The landscape is marked by rising steam, bubbling pools and a faint scent of sulfur that reminds visitors of the earth’s constant movement below. Stroll along the observation paths to take in the views of the surrounding mountains, and, on a clear day, look toward Mount Fuji in the distance. Local vendors sell eggs boiled in the natural hot springs, said to bring long life to those who eat them, a small tradition that adds character to the visit.

For a wider view of the region, board the Hakone Ropeway, which glides gently over the valley linking Owakudani with the shores of Lake Ashi. The journey offers a remarkable perspective of the crater, the lake and, when the weather cooperates, the snow topped cone of Mount Fuji beyond. The complete circuit takes around thirty to forty minutes, giving ample time for photographs and quiet appreciation of the scenery.

Return later to your chosen five star ryokan such as Gora Kadan, Gora Karaku or Tenyu Kowakien. Soak in the private onsen fed by natural hot spring water and unwind before a multi course dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients from the region. Tatami floors, soft lighting and warm hospitality complete the experience, creating a sense of ease and contentment that defines traditional Japanese inn culture.

The morning begins with a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum, a place where art and nature come together in perfect balance. Set against a backdrop of rolling mountains and forest, the museum’s extensive grounds display sculptures by both Japanese and international artists. Stroll along winding paths and open lawns where bronze figures and abstract forms appear among the trees, framed by ever changing light. The collection includes works by Henry Moore and Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as a colourful stained glass tower that offers panoramic views from its spiral staircase. Inside the main galleries, rotating exhibitions feature modern masters and contemporary Japanese art, providing a thoughtful start to the day.

After exploring the museum, travel north toward Oshino Hakkai, a peaceful village nestled between Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi. This small settlement is known for its eight clear ponds fed by the snowmelt of Mount Fuji, filtered naturally through volcanic rock. The water is so pure that locals still collect it for drinking. Wooden bridges, thatched houses and flower filled gardens surround the ponds, creating scenes that feel timeless. Take a slow walk through the village, pausing to sample fresh spring water or try local delicacies such as grilled mochi and handmade soba. The reflections of Mount Fuji in the still pools are a photographer’s delight.

Continue to nearby Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, for a relaxing cruise on the water. The lake’s broad surface mirrors the mountain peaks and changing sky, while seasonal landscapes transform its edges through the year - cherry blossoms in spring, deep greens in summer and fiery reds in autumn. From the boat, Mount Fuji rises clearly to the south, its symmetry and calm presence commanding the view. The experience offers time to appreciate the mountain’s beauty in quiet comfort, far from the crowds that gather at its base.

As the afternoon softens into evening, return by private car to your ryokan in Hakone. The drive through winding mountain roads offers glimpses of villages, cedar groves and distant lakes glowing in the afternoon light. Back at your chosen five star retreat such as Gora Kadan, Gora Karaku or Tenyu Kowakien, the rhythm of the day slows completely. Slip into the onsen to soak in mineral rich waters surrounded by nature, then enjoy a kaiseki dinner that celebrates local ingredients and presentation as an art form.

The night closes in gentle silence, broken only by the sound of wind through the trees and the trickle of water from the baths. With each detail tended to by discreet service, your stay in Hakone captures the very essence of Japanese hospitality and relaxation.

Leave Hakone this morning for a day devoted to culinary discovery and refined comfort. Your driver takes you to Haneda Airport for the short private jet flight to Toyama, a city set between the Japan Alps and the Sea of Japan. The aerial view reveals a region of mountains, rivers and coastal plains where some of Japan’s most prized ingredients are produced. On arrival, a private car meets you at the airfield and drives you into the city centre, where your guide introduces the story of Toyama’s rise as one of the country’s quiet culinary capitals.

Begin with a restorative session in a private sauna, a tradition deeply valued in this part of Japan for its clarity of mind and body. A light lunch follows, created around the finest local produce from both mountain and sea. Toyama’s chefs are known for using the day’s freshest catch, harvested from nearby Toyama Bay, alongside seasonal vegetables grown in the fertile river plains. Each course is simple, elegant and beautifully presented, reflecting the Japanese philosophy of harmony between nature and flavour.

In the afternoon, visit a private kitchen and cellar space to explore how chefs and producers work together to craft the region’s celebrated cuisine. Observe the meticulous care given to storage and preparation, from dry aged meats to regional wines and sake. The experience provides an intimate glimpse into the precision that defines Japan’s approach to food. Depending on your interests, your guide can also arrange a meeting with a local producer or artisan whose work connects directly to the dishes you will later enjoy.

Continue to the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, an architectural landmark with galleries that blend creativity and play. The museum’s exhibitions range from mid century design to contemporary installations, while the rooftop sculpture garden offers broad views of the surrounding mountains. The BiBiBi and JURULi exhibits, in particular, showcase the city’s mix of innovation and artistry, connecting Toyama’s creative culture to its refined way of life.

This evening, settle into one of Toyama’s five star boutique accommodations such as Garaku or Rakudo an, both known for their intimacy and attention to detail. Enjoy a multi course dinner prepared by a renowned local chef, paired with carefully selected wines or sake. With its combination of exceptional food, understated luxury and heartfelt service, Toyama introduces a quieter, more personal expression of Japan’s culinary excellence.

This morning begins with a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of Toyama’s proud sake tradition. Your guide takes you to the historic district of Higashi Iwase, a quiet area once known for its port warehouses and merchant homes. Here, one of the region’s oldest sake breweries opens its doors for a private visit. Step inside the wooden building, where the scent of rice and cedar fills the air, and learn about the centuries old techniques that define Japan’s national drink. From steaming and fermenting to aging and blending, the process is explained by the brewmaster himself, giving you an insider’s understanding of the precision and patience required to produce premium sake.

As you move through the brewery, gain an appreciation for how Toyama’s pure mountain water and climate contribute to the smoothness of its sake. Sample a range of small batch varieties, from crisp junmai to rich daiginjo, each revealing a different expression of craft. The experience concludes in a quiet tasting room where you can choose a bottle to take home, creating a personal connection to this long standing art form.

Continue to an exclusive restaurant for a private lunch designed around Toyama’s natural bounty. The chef prepares a curated menu that changes daily, drawing inspiration from the region’s fresh seafood, river fish and seasonal produce. The meal is served in a refined, intimate setting, where the presentation and pacing encourage you to savour every flavour. Whether paired with wine or local sake, this is a dining experience that reflects Toyama’s understated sophistication and respect for the seasons.

In the afternoon, your driver returns you to Toyama Station where the journey continues aboard the shinkansen to Kanazawa, a smooth twenty five minute ride through the Hokuriku countryside. The scenery alternates between green plains and coastal glimpses before you arrive in one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved historical cities. Kanazawa’s roots in samurai culture and traditional craftsmanship make it a perfect next chapter in this journey.

Check in to your chosen five star hotel such as The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa, Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or Hyatt Centric Kanazawa. Each offers refined comfort with a focus on design and hospitality, complemented by sweeping city views and proximity to Kanazawa’s cultural landmarks. The evening is yours to relax, perhaps with a walk through the softly lit streets around your hotel or a quiet drink in the lounge as you prepare to explore the city in depth the following day.

The day begins with a guided visit to Kanazawa Castle, a striking example of samurai architecture and a reminder of the city’s noble past. Once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, the castle complex has been carefully restored, its white plastered walls and timber beams gleaming against the surrounding greenery. Walk through its expansive grounds and explore the reconstructed turrets, gates and gardens that once formed the heart of Kanazawa’s military and political life. Your guide brings the story of the castle to life, sharing how this city grew from a fortified stronghold into a refined centre of culture and craftsmanship.

From here, stroll to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens and a masterpiece of Edo period design. The name Kenrokuen translates to “the garden of six elements,” representing the ideal qualities of space, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water and panorama. Wander along winding paths that reveal changing scenes at every turn - ponds reflecting maple trees, stone lanterns set among moss and water flowing beneath elegant bridges. Each season transforms the garden: cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, vivid foliage in autumn and snow covered pines in winter. Pause at a small teahouse or enjoy a delicate cone of gold leaf ice cream, a local specialty that symbolises Kanazawa’s association with fine artistry.

The visit to the garden continues at a relaxed pace, with time to sit by one of the lakes or explore the small shrines and pavilions scattered throughout. The quiet precision of the landscape design reflects centuries of aesthetic philosophy, inviting a sense of calm reflection. For travellers interested in Japanese horticulture, your guide can share insight into the techniques that keep this living artwork in perfect balance across the seasons.

Later, make your way to Omicho Market, the city’s vibrant culinary centre since the seventeenth century. The market’s narrow lanes are lined with hundreds of stalls selling freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan, along with fruit, vegetables and traditional sweets. Taste plump oysters, grilled scallops or Kanazawa’s famous snow crab, all served straight from the vendors who take pride in their produce. The sounds of traders calling, knives at work and locals chatting over snacks create a lively, authentic atmosphere.

As the afternoon winds down, return to your five star hotel such as The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa, Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or Hyatt Centric Kanazawa. Enjoy a drink in the lounge or unwind with a view of the city below as night lights begin to glow. Kanazawa’s blend of refinement and warmth leaves a lasting impression, capturing the spirit of traditional Japan with the sophistication of a modern city.

Depart Kanazawa this morning aboard the shinkansen for the smooth two hour journey to Kyoto. The train glides through the Hokuriku countryside, passing rice fields and small towns framed by forested hills before arriving in Japan’s ancient capital. On arrival, your private driver and guide will be waiting to take you directly to the Gion area, where narrow lanes, wooden facades and quiet teahouses preserve the atmosphere of another time. Kyoto marks a shift in tone from the refinement of Kanazawa to a city where history, ceremony and artistry still shape everyday life.

Begin at Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most beloved Shinto sites. The entrance is marked by vermilion gates and long rows of paper lanterns that glow softly even in daylight. The shrine is dedicated to the guardian deity of Gion and is an enduring symbol of celebration and renewal. Stroll through its open courtyards and small sub shrines where locals come to offer prayers for health and good fortune. Just behind lies Maruyama Park, a peaceful garden with ponds, weeping cherry trees and shaded paths. It is an ideal place to pause, surrounded by the quiet rustle of leaves and the distant sound of temple bells.

From here, explore Gion, Kyoto’s historic entertainment district and the heart of its geisha culture. With your private guide, wander cobbled streets lined with wooden machiya houses and traditional teahouses that have hosted artists and patrons for centuries. Each turn reveals scenes of daily Kyoto life – a geiko slipping into a doorway, the faint music of shamisen drifting from behind sliding screens, the warm glow of lanterns marking the entrances of exclusive restaurants. Your guide provides context to this world of refined etiquette and artistry, where every detail, from manner to movement, carries meaning.

In the late afternoon, visit a private dressing studio for a kimono experience. Skilled attendants assist in selecting fabrics, colours and obi sashes suited to the season before helping you dress in traditional style. The transformation offers a chance to understand the craftsmanship and symbolism behind Kyoto’s most iconic attire. Photographs in the quiet backstreets of Gion create an elegant memento of the day.

As evening falls, step into a historic machiya townhouse for a private geisha dinner. Seated in a tatami room lit by soft paper lamps, enjoy Kyoto kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients while being entertained by geiko and maiko through dance, music and conversation. The evening is intimate and graceful, offering a glimpse into Japan’s most refined performing tradition. Later, return to your chosen five star hotel such as Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, The Ritz Carlton Kyoto, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto or Dusit Thani Kyoto, where the comfort and service reflect the timeless elegance of the city itself.

This morning begins in the western hills of Kyoto, where the Arashiyama district offers one of the city’s most poetic landscapes. Your driver takes you through quiet suburban streets until the emerald green bamboo forest rises around you, tall stalks swaying gently in the breeze. Arrive early to walk the narrow path while the light filters softly through the canopy above. The sound of the wind through the bamboo creates a rhythm all its own, at once soothing and almost musical. For a different perspective, ride through the grove in a traditional rickshaw, an experience that allows you to take in the shifting play of light and shadow while your guide shares local stories of the area’s history and symbolism.

From the grove, it is a short walk to Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the fourteenth century, it is famous for its landscaped garden designed to reflect the surrounding mountains. The view of the pond with its curved bridges, pine trees and reflective stillness embodies the Zen ideal of balance between nature and design. Wander slowly through the grounds, pausing to take in the distant hills that frame the temple’s gardens.

Continue across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge that stretches over the Katsura River, a beloved landmark of Arashiyama. The bridge links the temple area with the forested slopes beyond and offers sweeping views of cherry blossoms in spring and crimson maples in autumn. For those with a sense of adventure, a walk up to the nearby Monkey Park rewards visitors with panoramic views across Kyoto and the chance to see wild macaques roaming freely in their natural setting. The experience adds a lighthearted touch to the day’s exploration.

After a relaxed lunch, travel north to Kinkaku-ji Temple, better known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple’s upper floors are covered entirely in gold leaf, reflecting brilliantly over its mirror like pond. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, designed with careful attention to balance and perspective, where every turn reveals another perfectly framed view. The sight of the golden structure shimmering in the water is one of Kyoto’s most iconic images and an enduring symbol of the city’s artistry.

Return to your five star hotel such as The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto or Dusit Thani Kyoto. As evening settles over the city, enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the hotel’s fine restaurants or take a walk through nearby streets, where lanterns glow softly outside small teahouses. The day’s blend of natural beauty and architectural grace leaves an impression of Kyoto as a place where tradition continues to live and breathe in every detail.

This morning you will depart Kyoto aboard the shinkansen for Fukuyama, an elegant and unhurried journey through green countryside, rice terraces and small coastal towns. At Fukuyama Station your driver will be waiting to take you to a quiet private marina, where Guntu rests at anchor. This remarkable vessel is Japan’s most exclusive floating ryokan, a masterpiece of understated design that combines the intimacy of a boutique inn with the freedom of travel across the water. Built entirely from pale hinoki wood and furnished with natural textiles, Guntu feels calm and effortless from the moment you step aboard. The staff greet you with the grace and precision of a traditional ryokan, offering tea and cool towels as you are shown to your suite. With only nineteen rooms and a total capacity of thirty eight guests, Guntu offers a sense of stillness that few places on earth can match.

Your suite opens onto a private terrace overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, a view of blue water and scattered islands that will accompany you throughout the voyage. Inside, the atmosphere is soft and minimal, with tatami floors, handmade paper screens and a deep cypress bath that fills with fragrant hot water. As the vessel glides quietly from the dock, you can settle into the rhythm of the sea. Lunch is served in the main dining salon where the chef presents a delicate menu based on seasonal Setouchi produce. The flavours are clean and balanced, designed to reflect the character of the surrounding waters.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through the open decks where the scenery shifts with every passing hour, or relax in the tea lounge where a selection of regional teas and small sweets are served throughout the day. Guests seeking total relaxation may wish to visit the small gym or the massage suite, where therapists use local sea salt and citrus oils. As the sun begins to sink behind the islands, the staff invite you onto the upper deck for cocktails. The air is scented with salt and pine, and the only sounds are the gentle movement of the waves and the cry of seabirds.

Dinner tonight introduces the full artistry of Guntu’s kitchen. Each course is a reflection of time and place: sashimi from the morning’s catch, grilled river eel brushed with sweet soy glaze, and mountain vegetables simmered in delicate broth. The meal unfolds slowly, accompanied by sake from nearby Hiroshima Prefecture and quiet conversation with the chef. As night deepens, the lights of distant villages glimmer across the water while Guntu drifts peacefully between the islands.

The day begins with stillness and soft light reflecting off the sea. Breakfast is served in your suite or on the open deck and might include freshly grilled fish, miso soup and seasonal fruit. Today’s route traces a series of narrow straits and channels between the small islands that dot the Seto Inland Sea. Each island has its own rhythm and character shaped by centuries of fishing, shipbuilding and small scale farming. The landscape is gentle but full of life, a mosaic of coves, temples and terraced fields stretching down to the water.

Your first stop is Omishima, an island renowned for its spiritual heritage and natural beauty. With your guide, visit Oyamazumi Shrine, one of the most sacred Shinto sites in western Japan. The shrine is shaded by ancient camphor trees that have stood for over a thousand years, their trunks wrapped with white paper streamers symbolising purity. Offer a small coin at the altar and listen to the soft rustle of leaves as wind moves through the branches. Nearby, small workshops line the village lanes, where locals produce sea salt, handmade paper and indigo dye using techniques passed down through generations. These artisans welcome visitors with quiet pride, happy to demonstrate their craft.

Return to the vessel for a long and leisurely lunch while Guntu continues her passage through the sea. The horizon opens wide and dotted islands appear and disappear as the ship moves gracefully through calm water. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your suite or visiting the onboard spa for a massage that draws on regional ingredients such as sea salt and citrus. Later, anchor near Tomonoura, one of the most picturesque ports in Japan and a town that inspired writers and painters for centuries. Step ashore to explore its stone alleys, wooden houses and small temples overlooking the harbour. Fishermen still mend their nets on the pier, and the air carries the faint scent of soy sauce from nearby breweries.

As the sun sets, return to Guntu for a tasting of local sake led by the onboard sommelier who explains how the climate and minerals of the region create subtle differences in flavour. Dinner tonight is another celebration of the region’s produce: sea bream steamed in kelp, crab from the day’s catch and delicate citrus desserts. After the meal, take a walk on the deck beneath the stars or soak in your private bath while watching the reflections of the moon on the sea. The night is completely quiet except for the gentle rhythm of the waves against the hull.

Wake early to the gentle rhythm of the sea as Guntu glides through calm waters beneath a soft morning sky. Breakfast is served on deck or in your suite, where the light reflects across the still surface of the Seto Inland Sea. The air is clear and quiet, a perfect farewell to this region of islands and narrow channels. After breakfast, step ashore on Momoshima, an island that has quietly become a haven for artists and designers. Walk through the small village where traditional homes and fishing sheds have been transformed into studios and galleries. Your guide introduces you to local creators who draw inspiration from the calm light and pace of island life. Their work, shaped by the sea and seasons, captures the delicate beauty that defines this part of Japan.

Return to the vessel before midday for a final lunch prepared by Guntu’s chefs. The meal might include freshly grilled sea bream, vegetables marinated in citrus and fragrant rice accompanied by handmade tofu. The flavours are simple and clean, expressing the essence of Setouchi’s cuisine. As you dine, the ship makes its final passage toward the mainland, moving slowly through a landscape of islands and bridges that fade into the afternoon haze. Take time to stand on deck and watch as the horizon widens. The quiet elegance of this voyage lingers in every movement of the water.

Disembark in the early afternoon where your driver is waiting to take you back to the train station, before your journey back to Osaka on the bullet train (around one hour). Check in to your chosen five star hotel such as The Ritz Carlton Osaka, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka or W Osaka. After the calm of the sea, the rhythm of Osaka feels vibrant and alive. Streets are filled with conversation, music and the scent of cooking that drifts from open doorways.

As evening approaches, head out with your guide to Dotonbori, the city’s best known dining and entertainment district. Walk along the canal as bright lights shimmer on the water and the sound of laughter fills the air. Try some of Osaka’s famous street foods such as takoyaki made with fresh octopus or okonomiyaki cooked to order on a hotplate. Every corner reveals something new - lanterns glowing above narrow alleys, shopfronts covered in bold signs, restaurants spilling out onto the street. Stop for a drink by the water and take in the electric energy of the city around you. Before returning to your hotel, pause for a photo beside the illuminated Glico running man, one of Osaka’s most iconic symbols.

Return later to your hotel where soft lighting, spacious rooms and impeccable service provide a sense of calm after the evening’s excitement. From your window, look out across the glittering skyline and reflect on the journey that has carried you from Tokyo’s elegance to Kyoto’s culture, from the peaceful waters of Setouchi to Osaka’s bright heart. The day ends in comfort, surrounded by the warmth and vitality that define Japan’s most welcoming city.

Wake early to enjoy your final morning in Japan, a city that greets the day with warmth and vitality. After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and begin exploring Osaka before your evening departure. This city is open and full of life, a place where laughter, food and friendliness define the atmosphere. Your last day offers time to experience its charm at an unhurried pace, discovering the places that reflect both its history and its easygoing character.

Start with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of the country’s most admired landmarks. Walk through the vast park that surrounds it, where trees line the paths and bridges cross moats that once protected the ancient fortress. The castle’s white walls and gold decorations shimmer against the sky as you approach its base. Inside, explore several floors of displays that tell the story of the castle’s origins, its battles and the rebirth of Osaka as a thriving city. Historical artefacts, paintings and models bring the past to life. From the top viewing deck, step outside to take in a full panorama of the modern skyline, the wide river and the peaceful gardens below.

After leaving the castle, travel by private car to Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Created more than a century ago, it still feels like a window into the past with its bright signs, lanterns and shopfronts glowing in every colour. Wander through cheerful streets filled with small restaurants serving kushikatsu, skewered meat and vegetables fried to golden perfection. Locals greet you with smiles, their voices rising over the music and chatter of the crowd. Take the lift up Tsutenkaku Tower to enjoy a sweeping view across the city, its mix of traditional rooftops and modern buildings stretching to the horizon. The district’s nostalgic energy and humour capture Osaka’s spirit perfectly.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time at your own pace. You might visit Shinsaibashi, a shopping district known for its covered arcades and boutique stores, or relax in a quiet café near the river. For lunch, try a final taste of local specialities such as ramen, udon or okonomiyaki, dishes that reflect the creativity and generosity of Osaka’s food culture. Every encounter here, from shopkeepers to street vendors, reminds you of the warmth that sets this city apart from others in Japan.

As the evening approaches, return to your hotel to collect your luggage and freshen up. If desired, your driver will then take you directly to Kansai International Airport, about one hour from the city centre. The journey offers a final glimpse of Osaka’s lights reflecting on the water and the hum of the city continuing into the night.