Why Japan Should Be Your Next Escape

There’s a reason Japan keeps climbing the ranks for discerning travelers—and no, it’s not just the cherry blossoms or Michelin stars. In the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Japan was named the best country in the world. That caught your attention, didn’t it?

And for good reason: Japan is a study in contrasts that somehow makes perfect sense. Futuristic cities hum beneath ancient temples. You can step out of a tea ceremony in a 200-year-old wooden house and be in a bullet train 30 minutes later. This country doesn’t just welcome curiosity—it demands it.

Even Anthony Bourdain, after nearly a dozen visits, admitted: “I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface.”

I’ll be on the ground in Japan this week, scouting experiences for clients who want something far beyond the cookie-cutter. If Japan’s been whispering to you, keep reading. And when you’re ready to go, I’ll make sure you see the parts of Japan that most travelers miss.

A few ways I design Japan for clients:

🌸 Spring in bloom, sake in hand
Yes, cherry blossom season is breathtaking—but it’s more than pretty petals. We arrange hanami picnics with curated bento boxes, local guides to explain the meaning behind the rituals, and even private garden viewings in Kyoto’s temple districts. Skip the selfie stick crowds. We’ll do it right.

🍱 Culinary Kyoto
Forget the tourist-trap sushi joints. I’ll get you seated in hidden kaiseki kitchens where seasonal ingredients become art. Add on a traditional tea ceremony in a centuries-old teahouse and a market walk with a chef. It’s less “food tour” and more sensory immersion.

🛀 Winter warmth in Hokkaido
Snow monkeys? Check. Skiing Niseko’s powder? Absolutely. But the real indulgence? Soaking in a steaming onsen at dusk while snow falls around you. I pair these with private transfers, lodge-style ryokan stays, and winter menus featuring crab, miso hot pot, and Hokkaido’s legendary dairy.

⛩️ Culture and quiet in Nikko
Tokyo may be the entry point, but Nikko’s temples, forests, and rivers offer the kind of stillness that makes time feel slower. Expect golden shrines, quiet mountain air, and a slower pace that rewards deep breathers and daydreamers.

The seasons, decoded:

• Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms + cool temps = wildly popular. Book early or go with my secret shoulder-week picks.
  
• Summer (June–August): Hot and steamy. But: fireworks festivals, mountaintop escapes, and surprisingly great beach towns.
  
• Autumn (September–November): Fewer tourists, fall colors, and wild mushroom feasts in the mountains. My personal favorite.
  
• Winter (December–February): Snow, hot springs, skiing, and the glowing lantern festivals you never see in brochures.

Why my Japan trips aren’t one-size-fits-all:

You could spend a hundred hours on Reddit and still miss the best stuff. Or you could hire someone who knows the right ryokans, local guides, hidden bars, bullet train hacks, and where to find sushi before sunrise without the jet-lagged crowds.

• Insider access to exclusive experiences and top-tier accommodations
  
• Tailored itineraries based on your travel rhythm (fast-paced or slow and deep)
  
• In-country support and expert partners to help if anything goes sideways
  
• VIP perks through my luxury network—think room upgrades, early check-ins, and more

Before you go: a few pro tips:

• Pick up a few basics: “Arigato” (thank you), “Sumimasen” (excuse me). A little goes a long way here.
  
• Buy a Japan Rail Pass before you land: If you’re traveling across cities, it’s a no-brainer. I’ll guide you on whether it’s worth it.
  
• Respect the rhythm: Japan runs on quiet efficiency. That includes train rides, temple visits, and mealtime etiquette.

I’ll be sharing insights from the road while I’m there, so follow along on Instagram @premiereluxurytravel for behind-the-scenes peeks—and maybe even a few surprises.

Thinking about Japan for 2025 or beyond? Let’s talk now. The best rooms and reservations book months out, and I like to ensure that my clients always get the best choices! Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.