Asia + The Middle East

Japan

Food, culture, architecture, gardens, and all with the utmost civility

Most first-time visitors to Japan have an abstract idea of this destination, with thoughts of bright neon lights and quiet blossom-filled gardens. You can read endlessly about Japan, watch countless films and documentaries, or immerse yourself in Japanese art and cuisine in preparation, but once you arrive you will still be overwhelmed by the ‘real thing’. This is a country that cannot just be studied, but must be experienced first-hand – one that more than lives up to the hype.

The two absolute ‘musts’ are the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto and we tend to suggest that if taking in both, that you concentrate on the modern day Japan when in Tokyo and the historic Japan when in Kyoto.

We also suggest that we plan in a fair amount of time with our English-speaking guides but that we also plan in a few days without guides to absorb, in a less intense way the culture and the vibe of Japan both modern and traditional.

Once you have seen Tokyo and Kyoto we can plan a journey which works logistically with stays in these two cities but takes in some of rural Japan as well as its important cultural sights. Nara can be a day trip out of Kyoto just as Nikko or Hakone tie in easily with a stay in Tokyo.

For the latest travel update on this destination, please contact us to speak to one of our experts.

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An online magazine by the experts at cazenove+loyd

Read our curated collection of travel notes and stories from our experts, clients and friends on the ground who will give you the inside track on our thrilling destinations.

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This is a country that cannot just be studied, but must be experienced first-hand - one that more than lives up to the hype.

Getting under the skin of Japanese art and architecture

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Experience Japan's cultural highlights

It is no overstatement to say that Japan has one of the most richly defined and perfectly preserved cultures in the world. For a slice of the country’s past and present, we can arrange authentic experiences that let clients get to grips with its many cultural identities.

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Initial Conversation

Your Destination Expert will build a relationship with you and a nuanced understanding of what you want from your holiday.

Creating an Itinerary

Once we know you, we can match our years of specialist knowledge to you and begin designing your extraordinary trip.

Continuously Tailoring

We will continue refining your itinerary, adding in those special touches and leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every day is spectacular.

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From the moment you leave home, we will be on hand to ensure a totally seamless experience.

Map

Getting around

Even in a two or three week trip, you can only scratch the surface and we tend to advise that you do a few things well rather than trying to do too much. The good news is that the infrastructure is faultlessly efficient - particularly the airports and trains.

Testimonials

Stories from Japan

Just checked in to the Palace Hotel Tokyo again and had a few gifts waiting for us from you guys. Thank you so much for those, but even more so, for an unbelievable trip. Both my mother and I enjoyed it immensely. Mission accomplished! Japan is truly magical and you helped reveal that in no small way.

Joshua W

"Just a quick note to thank you for all your help with our trip to Japan. We had a great time, the guides were all super, the suggestions were great and your team got us out of another traditional Japanese meal for which my wife will be eternally grateful! Thanks a mill!"

Aidan Walsh

"A well executed trip all round – everything went off without a hitch. We experienced and learned a lot about Japan and the Japanese and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly."

Bob McDermott

"Our trip to Japan was spectacular, thanks to the meticulous and discerning planning of cazenove+loyd . Everything worked like clockwork, and we felt very well taken care of throughout our two week journey. No detail was too small, and it made for a very pleasurable and rewarding travel experience."

Jane and Ted Ruthizer

Thank you so much for a fabulous trip. It was something special and handled in a most professional way.

Susan Meisel

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Our Snapshots of Japan

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Each of our dedicated experts has extensive knowledge of the destinations they specialise in. They are continuously re-visiting, trying and testing so that they can offer you up to date and little-known insights into the regions they are so passionate about.