There’s a certain magic to Japan that captivates the well-travelled soul. It’s a place where centuries old traditions unfold in quiet temples, where Michelin-starred mastery elevates the simplest ingredient, and where design both natural and architectural is revered as art.
For travellers with a taste for the extraordinary, Japan offers more than a destination. It offers a transformation. Whether it’s soaking in a private onsen beneath the pines, dining in hushed Kyoto townhouses, or gliding across the country in first-class Shinkansen comfort, Japan’s most luxurious experiences are deeply immersive, exquisitely crafted, and designed to stir the senses.
If you're looking to journey beyond the ordinary, this is where refined exploration begins. Here is our guide to six must do tour experiences when visiting Japan.
1. Stay in a Heritage Ryokan with a Private Onsen
Immerse yourself in centuries old hospitality at a luxury ryokan in Hakone, Kyoto or Kanazawa. Think serene garden views, private mineral hot springs, multi-course kaiseki dining, and impeccable omotenashi service.
Delve in with Abercrombie & Kent – Classic Japan 2025 tour which includes a stay at the exquisite Gora Kadan, a Relais & Châteaux ryokan in Hakone, where guests enjoy traditional onsen bathing and impeccable kaiseki dining. The itinerary also features a samurai sword lesson, Osaka food crawl, and a visit to Nara Park.
2. Explore Japan by first-class bullet train
Glide between Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa in Shinkansen comfort, with private guides unveiling temples, artisan workshops, and culinary treasures at every stop tailored to your interests.
Take the slow road by rail and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and serene landscape which ranges in its diversity from snow-capped mountains to glistening waterways and sun-soaked field as well as the world’s longest undersea tunnel.
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Travel Tip - Travel light onboard trains like a Japanese local and leave the luggage transportation to your hotel. In Japan it is commonplace for travellers to use a popular luggage-forwarding system called takuhaibin. Simply fill out a pink form at your hotel, pay the fee and send your luggage onto the next destination, making train travel simple and less cumbersome than having to cart your luggage with you.
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3. Dine with intention: From Kaiseki to Michelin
Savour Japan’s culinary artistry in exclusive settings, from riverside kaiseki in Kyoto to intimate sushi counters in Tokyo. Private sake tastings, market tours, and chef-hosted dinners offer deeper flavour and connection.
Bunnik Tours – Best of Southern Japan gets travellers up close and personal learning the delicate ritual of green tea-making in Hoshino Village and experiencing the centuries-old technique of “hell steaming” in Beppu’s geothermal kitchens, this tour is a feast for all the senses.
4. Cruise the Seto inland sea
Sail through the serene waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan’s hidden archipelago of art, history and coastal beauty.
Ponant’s luxury expedition yacht is perfect for an eight-day cruise between islands like Naoshima and Inujima, discovering open-air art museums, Edo-era villages, and quiet coastal beauty, perfect for art lovers and escapists alike.
5. Walk ancient pilgrimage trails in style
Follow the sacred steps of the Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo trails with curated luxury walks that balance nature, history and comfort, complete with boutique stays, luggage transfers, and expert local guides.
Walk Japan offers an eight-day snowshoeing expedition through Hokkaido’s remote eastern wilderness swaps skis for serenity. Guests walk across frozen lakes, sip sake by the fire, and overnight in modern Japanese inns with hot spring onsens.
6. Immerse yourself in art, culture and orchestra
For lovers of music and fine arts, Japan’s cultural calendar is nothing short of sublime. Renaissance Tours offers an exceptional 10-day journey where guests enjoy premier seats at performances by the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, right in the heart of Tokyo.
Beyond the concert halls, travellers explore Japan’s architectural and artistic treasures, including private tours of the Kisho Kurokawa-designed National Art Centre and the Tokyo National Museum.
For Australian travellers seeking a journey that is as thoughtful as it is unforgettable, Japan is a canvas of possibility.
Let the Apex Travel powered by TAG team craft your bespoke Japan itinerary, one that captures the essence of luxury, culture and connection.
Your next extraordinary journey to Japan begins here
