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WHY JAPAN

There is no place in the world quite like Japan. Known as one of the safest and most unique countries on earth, where time-honored customs and traditions coexist with a dynamic, futuristic, and ultra-modern society, it remains a perpetual source of fascination for travelers.

Japan offers something for everyone — from exquisite centuries-old art and architecture to stunning, world-renowned contemporary design, diverse natural landscapes that range from rocky coasts to snow-capped, sprawling urban vistas, and iconic cuisine that ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining to equally amazing local eateries. It’s a country that offers visitors the opportunity to spend time in finely manicured gardens while practicing Zen meditation or absorbing the tranquility of an elegant tea ceremony, experiencing the hospitality of Japan’s impeccably trained geisha artisans, or spending a quiet evening soaking at a luxurious onsen. It’s a country where, within the distance of a train ride, visitors can go mountaineering through lush bamboo forests, take in some of the world’s finest skiing, stroll through acres of legendary cherry blossoms, or simply lose themselves in the buzzy futurism of one of Japan’s incredible cities. A year-round destination, Japan offers something for every season, every palate, every interest, and every age. 

What makes Japan even more remarkable are the Japanese people, among the kindest and most welcoming on earth. The best of Japanese hospitality is encapsulated in the term “omotenashi,” which may be thought of as “service from the bottom of one’s heart.” It’s a notion that imbues all of our work at JapanQuest Journeys. On one of our customized journeys, you will experience the true epitome of Japanese omotenashi. We are sure that after your trip to Japan is complete, you will soon be dreaming of your next visit to this extraordinary and enchanting country. It is our pleasure to take you there.

No matter your interests or passions, a trip to Japan offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely singular experience. A true year-round destination, a visit to Japan is unlike anything you will likely discover anywhere else in the world.

SPRING

In spring, the air is thick with the sweet scent of cherry blossoms that pervade every corner of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. The ocean of pink blooms covering the slopes of the Eastern Hills lightly sway in the cool breeze, enthralling passers-by with their transient beauty and inviting them to follow the trail of the blossoms through countless temple gates and the beautiful gardens of the royal villas hidden behind tall walls.

The trickling sound of water from a nearby well soon opens your senses to the realm of the mysterious beauty of a rock garden. The muffled murmur of Buddhist priests chanting sutras and the faint gong of the temple bell speak of days long past when powerful samurai wooed beautiful ladies with poems written in bold brush strokes yet carrying quietly subtle meanings.

Blink your eyes, and you are back in the here and now of the old Zen temple that reflects the hundreds of years of history it has seen come and go. The samurai’s calligraphy is still there for you to admire, and an ageless priest who until now went unnoticed will politely inquire as to whether he may explain the meaning behind this priceless piece of art unassumingly decorating the otherwise barren halls.

SUMMER

The chirping of cicadas in a small bamboo grove announces summer has arrived, and Tokyoites seek respite from the heat in the cooler air of the mountain resort of Hakone, whose hills and lakes offer a range of perfect vantage points for gazing at the majestic Mt. Fuji — Japan’s most holy of peaks — which itself seems only a stone’s throw from the nearby ocean. In Japan, the mountains and the sea keep each other company, never far apart, like lovers in a haiku.

Small villages and towns scatter across the countryside, where the old castle town of Kanazawa, and the living museums of the old merchant quarters of Kurashiki and Takayama invite you to take a taste of Japan’s rural areas where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive. Here, farmers still work their paddy fields in the early morning hours as they have done for centuries, and celebrated masters of the old art forms teach their eager young disciples the patience involved in doing things slowly, perfectly, and in a manner that speaks to a deep cultural history.

FALL

Autumn arrives in the blink of an eye to transform the foliage on mountain slopes into a blaze of red, orange, and yellow, a celebration of colors that easily rivals the beautiful costumes on a Kabuki stage. Japan is a setting for the mysterious beauty of flaming Japanese maples adorning Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, and among the forested peaks of the countryside.

What better way to experience the warm hospitality of Japan’s beautiful landscape, its exquisite cuisine, and openhearted people than a stay in a traditional inn. The simple yet sophisticated ikebana arrangement in the alcove of your tatami room perfectly mirrors the season, as does the food —always the freshest local fare prepared to the highest culinary standards — all tastefully arranged in many small bowls and dishes of delightfully crafted tableware. Each dish is a sophisticated work of art that appeals to all of your senses.

A frame houses in Japan

WINTER

Tokyo’s busy business districts and bustling shopping streets are a source of constant stimulation, aglow with the light of a million blazing street signs and flickering billboards. Follow fashionable young couples strolling down the Ginza or along Omotesando, where Japan’s exclusive department stores and chic boutiques tempt you to follow the sweet calls of a welcoming irasshaimase that invites you to step inside and experience Japan’s service culture at its finest.

Cold winter days are the perfect time to hit the slopes of world-class mountain ranges in the northern island of Hokkaido at Japan’s finest ski resorts in Niseko or at Honshu’s Hakuba. The nearby snow monkeys of Jigokudani, often seen bathing in hot springs, are also an extraordinary winter amusement to witness. Later it’s off to visit the picturesque old farmhouses in the remote mountain village of Shirakawa, a UNESCO Heritage Site that ranks among the best places to visit in the world.

Towards the end of the year, the atmospheric hustle and bustle found in Shitamachi’s old shopping streets, with hawkers’ stalls stockpiled with seasonal foods and traditional Shinto decorations, signals the country’s upcoming New Year’s celebrations when the chiming of temple bells across the city calls worshipers to their local shrine or temple.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

So we can tailor your journey to your exacting needs, kindly take a few moments to complete our questionnaire. In doing so, please keep all of the members of your party in mind. We thank you in advance and look forward to designing your extraordinary bespoke journey. You can also contact us at [email protected] or 202.455.0095.

Note: An investment in a bespoke journey with us starts at $3,000 per person per day, based on double occupancy.