Luxury Japan Tours

Introduction to Japan
(6 Days)
Tokyo, Kyoto

A Week in Japan
(7 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

Family Tour of Japan
(10 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Mount Fuji, Kyoto & Hiroshima

Highlights of Japan
(11 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Kanazawa

Essence of Japan
(12 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto

Culinary Tour of Japan
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Yamanaka Onsen, Kyoto & Osaka

Contemporary Art & Architecture of Japan
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Miho Museum, Naoshima, Tokyo

Traditions of Japan
(16 Days)
Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama

Best of Japan
(17 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa

Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Season in Japan
(9 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

Japan: Culture, Cuisine & Hot Springs
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa

Romantic Japan
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Osaka, Okinawa, Tokyo

Hiking Tour of Japan: Nakasendo Road & the Japan Alps
(12 Days)
Kyoto, Nakasendo Road, Takayama & Kamikochi, Matsumoto, Tokyo

Historic Hikes of Japan: Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo Road
(12 Days)
Kyoto, Kumano Kodo, Ise-Shima region, Nakasendo Road, Tokyo

Exclusive Japan: Amans, Art & Onsen
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Naoshima, Kyoto, Ise-Shima region

Highlights of Kyushu
(8 Days)
Fukuoka & Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yufuin & Beppu

Luxuries of Kyushu: Seven Stars Train
(7 Days)
Fukuoka, Seven Stars in Kyushu train

Garden Tour of Japan
(13 Days)
Tokyo, Kurashiki & Okayama, Kyoto, Kanazawa

Traditional Crafts of Japan
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Kurashiki, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa

Best of Hokkaido & Tohoku
(12 Days)
Tokyo, Sapporo & Otaru, Hakodate, Sendai with Matsushima & Yamadera, Nikko, Tokyo

Hokkaido in Winter
(6 Days)
Sapporo & Otaru, Niseko

Discover Hokkaido
(6 Days)
Sapporo & Otaru, Furano & Biei, Noboribetsu, Hakodate

Treasures of Japan: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
(17 Days)
Tokyo, Nikko, Osaka with Hiroshima, Miyajima and Himeji Castle, Koyasan (Mount Koya), Kyoto & Nara, Kanazawa & Shirakawago, Hakone & Kamakura

Classic Japan & the Guntu Cruise
(11 Days)
Tokyo, Seto Inland Sea (Guntu luxury cruise), Kyoto, Hakone

Ryokan (Traditional Inns) of Japan
(12 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen & Kanazawa

Winter Tour of Japan: Snow Monkeys, Hot Springs & More
(11 Days)
Tokyo, Yamanouchi, Kanazawa & Shirakawago, Yamanaka Onsen, Kyoto

Japan Old & New
(16 Days)
Tokyo, Takayama & Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Naoshima, Hakone

Sacred Japan: Pilgrimage Sites, Ancient Forests & Cultural Treasures
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Koyasan (Mount Koya), Kyoto & Nara, Ise-Shima region, Osaka, Yakushima, Hakone & Kamakura

Kyoto in Depth
(7 Days)
Kyoto with Nara, Uji, Himeji Castle and/or Hiroshima & Miyajima

Autumn in Japan
(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Yamanaka Onsen, Kyoto & Nara

Multi-Country Tours

Luxuries of Japan & Thailand
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Bangkok, Chiang Mai

Best of Japan & China
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Beijing & Great Wall, Xian, Guilin & Yangshuo, Shanghai

Three Capitals: Beijing, Seoul & Tokyo
(11 days)
Beijing & Great Wall, Seoul, Tokyo

Highlights of South Korea & Japan
(15 Days)
Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju, Kyoto & environs, Hakone, Tokyo

Highlights of Kyushu

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Fukuoka & Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yufuin & Beppu

This private Japan tour focuses on the southern island of Kyushu, which is renowned for beautiful ceramics, exquisite gardens, active volcanoes, steaming hot springs, excellent regional cuisine and fascinating history.

Begin in Fukuoka, the most populous city on the island of Kyushu. During private touring, visit cultural highlights such as the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, beautiful Ohori Park, and interesting local temples and shrines. Also enjoy time to independently explore Fukuoka's famous yatai (food stalls) and perhaps sample Hakata ramen and other favorite local dishes.

En route to Nagasaki, enjoy flexible private touring in Saga Prefecture, one of the most important ceramics regions in Japan. Visit notable ceramics towns such as Karatsu (known for rustic pottery traditionally used in tea ceremonies), Okawachiyama (the Village of the Secret Kilns that produces Nabeshima), and Arita and Imari, which are synonymous with fine export porcelain.

Continue to Nagasaki, a major port city with a beautiful fjord-like setting and a fascinating history. During private touring, visit Dejima, where Dutch traders were allowed to operate during the Edo period when the rest of Japan was closed to outsiders. Tour Glover Garden to see the Victorian houses and gardens of the thriving international community that emerged after the opening of Japan in the 19th century. Dine on local dishes influenced by Chinese and Portuguese traders and missionaries who visited the city in centuries past. Also spend time at the Nagasaki Peace Park and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

Next, visit Kumamoto, a former castle town. During private touring, see the impressive curving stone ramparts and high towers of Kumamoto Castle. Walk through Suizenji Garden, a 17th-century stroll garden in which carefully placed hills, rocks, trees and ponds replicate miniature versions of Mount Fuji and famous sights along the Tokaido Road. Perhaps also browse a local market for specialty food products from the Kumamoto region.

Venture into the center of Kyushu to explore Mount Aso, an active volcano surrounded by a massive caldera. Drive up the slopes of the mountain to take in panoramic views of the verdant landscape dotted with volcanic cones, farms and villages.

Next, travel to Yufuin, an onsen (hot springs) town on the southern island of Kyushu. Stay in your own traditional Japanese house at a luxury ryokan inn, and enjoy kaiseki ryori meals and a private hot spring bath. During private touring in the region, see highlights such as geothermal pools, traditional villages, crafts workshops and nearby Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous onsen towns. Also see the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a collection of 60 ancient sculptures carved into rocky cliffs.

Itinerary Overview
Day 1

Arrive Fukuoka

Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights

Day 2 Fukuoka
Half-day private tour
Day 3

Fukuoka – Saga Prefecture – Nagasaki

Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring of pottery towns en route

Day 4

Nagasaki

Half-day private city tour

Day 5

Nagasaki – Kumamoto

Private transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private tour

Day 6

Kumamoto – Mount Aso – Yufuin

Private transfer to luxury ryokan for two nights, with touring en route. Afternoon private tour

Day 7

Yufuin & Beppu

Full-day private scenic and cultural excursion, including option to visit Usuki Stone Buddhas

Day 8

Yufuin ­– Depart Fukuoka

Private transfer to airport or train station


Hotels
Fukuoka:

Grand Hyatt Fukuoka

Nagasaki: Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resort
Kumamoto: Hotel Nikko Kumamoto
Yufuin: Kamenoi Bessou or Sansou Murata Ryokan

Cost
Upon request  

Luxury Japan Tours

Introduction to Japan
(6 Days)
Tokyo, Kyoto

A Week in Japan
(7 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

Family Tour of Japan
(10 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Mount Fuji, Kyoto & Hiroshima

Highlights of Japan
(11 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Kanazawa

Essence of Japan
(12 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto

Culinary Tour of Japan
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Yamanaka Onsen, Kyoto & Osaka

Contemporary Art & Architecture of Japan
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Miho Museum, Naoshima, Tokyo

Traditions of Japan
(16 Days)
Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama

Best of Japan
(17 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa

Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Season in Japan
(9 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

Japan: Culture, Cuisine & Hot Springs
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa

Romantic Japan
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Osaka, Okinawa, Tokyo

Hiking Tour of Japan: Nakasendo Road & the Japan Alps
(12 Days)
Kyoto, Nakasendo Road, Takayama & Kamikochi, Matsumoto, Tokyo

Historic Hikes of Japan: Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo Road
(12 Days)
Kyoto, Kumano Kodo, Ise-Shima region, Nakasendo Road, Tokyo

Exclusive Japan: Amans, Art & Onsen
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Naoshima, Kyoto, Ise-Shima region

Highlights of Kyushu
(8 Days)
Fukuoka & Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yufuin & Beppu

Luxuries of Kyushu: Seven Stars Train
(7 Days)
Fukuoka, Seven Stars in Kyushu train

Garden Tour of Japan
(13 Days)
Tokyo, Kurashiki & Okayama, Kyoto, Kanazawa

Traditional Crafts of Japan
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Kurashiki, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa

Best of Hokkaido & Tohoku
(12 Days)
Tokyo, Sapporo & Otaru, Hakodate, Sendai with Matsushima & Yamadera, Nikko, Tokyo

Hokkaido in Winter
(6 Days)
Sapporo & Otaru, Niseko

Discover Hokkaido
(6 Days)
Sapporo & Otaru, Furano & Biei, Noboribetsu, Hakodate

Treasures of Japan: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
(17 Days)
Tokyo, Nikko, Osaka with Hiroshima, Miyajima and Himeji Castle, Koyasan (Mount Koya), Kyoto & Nara, Kanazawa & Shirakawago, Hakone & Kamakura

Classic Japan & the Guntu Cruise
(11 Days)
Tokyo, Seto Inland Sea (Guntu luxury cruise), Kyoto, Hakone

Ryokan (Traditional Inns) of Japan
(12 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone & Kamakura, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen & Kanazawa

Winter Tour of Japan: Snow Monkeys, Hot Springs & More
(11 Days)
Tokyo, Yamanouchi, Kanazawa & Shirakawago, Yamanaka Onsen, Kyoto

Japan Old & New
(16 Days)
Tokyo, Takayama & Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Naoshima, Hakone

Sacred Japan: Pilgrimage Sites, Ancient Forests & Cultural Treasures
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Koyasan (Mount Koya), Kyoto & Nara, Ise-Shima region, Osaka, Yakushima, Hakone & Kamakura

Kyoto in Depth
(7 Days)
Kyoto with Nara, Uji, Himeji Castle and/or Hiroshima & Miyajima

Autumn in Japan
(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Yamanaka Onsen, Kyoto & Nara

Multi-Country Tours

Luxuries of Japan & Thailand
(14 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Bangkok, Chiang Mai

Best of Japan & China
(15 Days)
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Beijing & Great Wall, Xian, Guilin & Yangshuo, Shanghai

Three Capitals: Beijing, Seoul & Tokyo
(11 days)
Beijing & Great Wall, Seoul, Tokyo

Highlights of South Korea & Japan
(15 Days)
Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju, Kyoto & environs, Hakone, Tokyo

Testimonials

Our Japan trip was amazing. Each of our guides were excellent and made the trip most enjoyable while also informative and generally good company to have with us. As always, Artisans of Leisure plans and creates a first-class trip that left us to do nothing but enjoy our time and not have to worry about anything. We can hardly wait to plan our next adventure.
~ N.R., Greenwich, CT

We’re back from Japan and had a wonderful time. We are absolutely spoiled by traveling with Artisans of Leisure!
~ M.M., Santa Barbara, CA

Our Japan trip was a wonderful, memorable, lifetime experience. Our guide was a jewel and the absolute highlight of our trip. We appreciated the first-class handling of everything from the hotels, meals, tours and travel. Artisans has been the best, hands down!           
~ W.M., Brownwood, TX

Read more...

Luxury Hotels & Ryokan in Japan

luxury Japan tours

In the Press

Recommended by:

Departures
Conde Nast Traveler
The New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Travel + Leisure
Town & Country

Read more...

Japan On Our Blog

Just Back: The Highlights of Japan

Must Experience: teamLab Immersive Art in Japan

What’s New in Japan: Travel Inspiration

Our Favorite Luxury Train Journeys Around the World

Must Visit: Japan in Autumn

Favorite Family Activities in Japan

Must Visit: Naoshima, Japan’s Art Island

Stay Overnight at a Temple Lodge on Mount Koya, Japan

Private Ikebana Lessons in Japan

Must Experience: Staying at a Luxury Ryokan in Japan

Just Back: Tokyo & Tohoku in Japan

An Interview with Ashley Isaacs Ganz on Japan

Just Back: An Autumn Visit to Japan

Behind-the-Scenes Culinary and Crafts Touring in Japan

Kurashiki: One of Japan’s Most Picturesque Towns

Fun, Colorful, Festive Food During Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Yosegi: A Traditional Craft in Hakone, Japan

Exclusive Access: Dinner with Geisha in Japan

The Tokyo Toilet: A Contemporary Architecture Project in Japan

Must Stay: Aman Tokyo

Just Back: The Guntu and Other Inland Sea Highlights in Japan

Touring Toyoso & Tsukiji Markets in Tokyo

Magical Kyoto in Spring

Exclusive Japan

Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin” at Benesse Art Site Naoshima

Photos from Our Travelers: A Private Japan Tour

The Way of Tea: Experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony

Read more on our blog...