Japan is a land of beautiful contrasts, where neon-lit streets meet quiet shrines and timeless traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. Alongside its vibrant energy, a gentle sense of calm lingers, staying with you long after your journey.
In this issue, we invite you to see Japan through the Travel Club by Travel + Leisure lens - through a thoughtfully curated journey designed to uncover both the iconic highlights and the hidden gems that make each visit feel unique.
How do you like to travel? The ease of an escorted tour or cruise, or the freedom of crafting your own adventure? With Travel Club, your trip is all about what works best for you - and our goal is delivering an experience you'll never forget.
Do you want everything planned out? We’ve got you covered with guided tours.
Prefer to go at your own pace instead? We can help you put together a personalised itinerary, like the one below, so you can explore your way, on your own time.
Here's a Japan experience, put together by our expert team.
Accommodation: Hotel Narita (or similar), including breakfast
After arriving, ease into your journey with a comfortable stay near Narita International Airport, giving you time to rest and recharge before exploring the city.
Start your day in Asakusa with a visit to Asakusa Shrine, a historic site that offers a peaceful glimpse into Tokyo’s cultural roots.
Then, head to Shibuya Crossing, where the city’s energy comes alive, with bright lights and bustling streets.
As evening approaches, make your way to Roppongi, a lively district known for its dining, shopping, and electric atmosphere – perfect for unwinding to end your first day.
If you’re already wanting more, don’t worry, you’ll be back in Tokyo later. For now, get ready to continue your adventure as you head to Osaka.
Accommodation: Hotel Osaka (or similar), including breakfast
Spend the next few days discovering Osaka, a city known for its food, culture, and lively atmosphere.
Dotonbori
You can enjoy a private guided tour, starting with Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, set within spacious grounds that are ideal for a relaxed walk. Then head to the bright lights and vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, where you will feel like you’re in a food paradise.
For something more playful, spend a day at Universal Studios Japan, a popular theme park with immersive attractions and entertainment for all ages.
You can also explore Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
With a mix of sightseeing, entertainment, and dining, Osaka gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace while enjoying a different side of Japan.
Accommodation: Hotel Kyoto (or similar), including breakfast
Continue your journey in Kyoto with a visit to Nishiki Market, a lively spot known for local snacks and traditional ingredients, perfect for a casual food exploration.
Nijo Castle
To make your journey easier, enjoy another guided tour as you discover Kyoto’s heritage with stops at Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, both offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial past.
Then, make your way to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its rows of vibrant torii gates, an iconic setting for photos and a memorable walk.
Kinkaku-ji
Round out your visit with time in the Gion District, known for its traditional streets and cultural charm, before visiting Kinkaku-ji, a striking landmark set against a calm and scenic backdrop.
Accommodation: Hotel Kanazawa (or similar), including breakfast
Kanazawa offers a strong sense of tradition with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Known for its Edo-period heritage, the city is rich in arts, crafts, and culture, with geisha and samurai districts that feel authentic.
Kenrokuen Garden
Begin with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, ideal for a peaceful walk. Then explore Ninjadera (Ninja Temple), known for its hidden rooms and clever design – you’ll never know what’s waiting around the next corner.
For a taste of local life, head to Omicho Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialties.
Round out your visit in Nagamachi Samurai District, a historic neighbourhood that offers insight into the lives of samurai families.
Accommodation: Club Wyndham Chikumakan Nagano (or similar)
Ready for a mix of relaxation and light adventure? Nagano offers both in every season and is best known as one of the host locations of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Surrounded by mountains, it’s a refreshing change of pace from the cities.
Zenko-ji Temple
Start with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples with a history spanning over 1,400 years. You can also stop by the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum for a quieter cultural experience.
For something unique, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can see wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
Take a day trip to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most well-preserved castles, known for its striking black exterior.
Then unwind in Shibu Onsen, a charming hot spring town with a traditional atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel Tokyo (or similar), including breakfast
Back in Tokyo, it’s time to explore the city in more depth - with a mix of art, culture, and beauty.
You might want to check out teamLab Borderless, where the space shifts with light and movement as you walk through it.
If you’re up for a short trip out of the city, Ashikaga Flower Park is worth it, especially when the flowers are in full bloom.
Closer to the city, spend some time in Harajuku; it’s a good spot to walk around, grab a coffee, and see a different side of Tokyo.
You can also try a kintsugi workshop, where broken ceramics are repaired with gold, turning them into unique mosaics.
With a few days here, you don’t need to rush. Revisit places you liked or just take it easy and enjoy the city at your own pace.
Effortless Travel
We make your journey more relaxed by taking care of the little details, including IC transport cards, private transfers, guided tours, and luggage forwarding.
Choose your resort, contact our Travel Club, and we will tailor the rest of your journey.
Experience Japan, your way.
Effortless Travel
We make your journey more relaxed by taking care of the little details, including IC transport cards, private transfers, guided tours, and luggage forwarding.
Choose your resort, contact our Travel Club, and we will tailor the rest of your journey.
Experience Japan, your way.
For enquiries, contact us at travelcub@travelandleisure.com
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