Travellers seeking the ultimate luxury getaway will find all they need in the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan.
A seamless blend of luxury and culture, Japan gives travellers a taste of its unrivalled hospitality in every experience.
From accommodation to dining and even transport, here are the top five luxury experiences in Japan to book now.
Accommodation
A vast array of accommodation choices awaits in Japan with both modern hotels and traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) offering a taste of luxury. These establishments masterfully blend beautiful design and modern amenities with the renowned Japanese hospitality known as Omotenashi:
Where tradition and luxury collide, KAI Okuhida, Gifu Prefecture
Opening on 5 September 2024 in Gifu Prefecture, contemporary hot spring ryokan KAI Okuhida seamlessly combines the traditional Japanese inn with modern comforts, making for the ultimate luxury experience. Nestled amidst the majestic Japanese Alps, the property pays homage to the artisans of the region with decor made with traditional Hida craft techniques including lacquerware and cushions with hand-dyed covers. No stay at a ryokan is complete without a traditional ‘kaiseki’ meal.
KAI Okuhida offers a standard course which features sashimi and seasonal side dishes, with the option to upgrade to an exclusive kaiseki multi-course meal featuring high quality Hida beef. The property offers three common onsens which are exclusive to hotel guests. Several rooms on the property also feature their own private onsen baths. Room rates from £121 per night.
Luxury on the slopes of Niseko, Hokkaido
Accepting reservations for arrivals between 20 January and 6 April 2025, the brand new premier ski resort, Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO is set to open in December 2024 ahead of Japan’s ski season. With world-class powder snow in the winter and abundant nature all year round, and situated right next to the mountain gondola, the Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO is the perfect place for a luxurious ski getaway this winter season. The hotel will feature eight floors with a total of 234 elegantly designed rooms, including 16 suites. The property houses large and relaxing indoor and outdoor hot spring baths available to all guests alongside private baths in the rooms on the top two floors. The Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO also houses a restaurant boasting spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and countryside alongside hearty Hokkaido cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. Room rates from £308 per night.
Dining
Japan is no stranger to luxurious dining experiences with over 400 restaurants across the country holding at least one Michelin star, ranking second in the world behind France. While many of these restaurants are located in the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, regional parts of Japan house hidden gems which are definitely worth the trip:
Artisanal crafts and fresh seafood, Ishikawa Prefecture
Situated along the coast of the Sea of Japan in the heritage site of Ataka in Komatsu City, Matsuya is a 100-year-old ryotei restaurant serving up a delectable kaiseki course meal featuring freshly caught local seafood. The two Michelin starred restaurant perfectly incorporates its environment into every aspect of the experience. Upon entry, guests are treated to spectacular views of the Kakehashi River flowing into the Sea of Japan from the dining rooms which were designed in the style of traditional tea houses, paying homage to the history of the region. All dishes are made with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced locally and served in traditional tableware including Kutani ceramics and Wajima lacquerware. Guests looking to make bookings for the winter will be in for a treat as the season brings one of Matsuya’s specialities – the kora-age, a Komatsu-unique delicacy where crab shells are stuffed with juicy crab meat and deep fried till crisp.
Experience rural traditions through food, Iwate Prefecture
Thanks to Japan’s high standards of hospitality and long standing traditions, luxurious dining is not limited to Michelin-starred restaurants. Tonoya Yo in Iwate is a perfect example of this. Descended from samurai, owner and chef Yotaro Sasaki is best known for his mastery of traditional culinary techniques especially in the area of fermentation. Committed to the sustainable celebration of the bounty of Iwate, Tonoya Yo features a menu that highlights local produce sourced from farmers, herdsmen and fishermen in the region. Housed in a 200-year-old rice storehouse remodelled with classical-modern Japanese decor, alongside tableware crafted by renowned artisans and elegant Japanese flower arrangements, Tonoya Yo seats up to eight guests at a time, ensuring unparalleled hospitality. For a truly immersive experience, travellers can opt to book a stay in the annex which features traditional Japanese guest rooms as well as a Western-style bedroom.
Transport
Experience ultimate luxury onboard the Twilight Express Mizukaze
Offering luxury like no other, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is one of Japan’s most exclusive experiences. With just 15 private rooms, accommodating a maximum of 30 guests on board at a time, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is a perfect blend of Japanese elegance and nostalgic refinement. The beautiful sleeper train brings passengers on a journey through west Japan’s gorgeous landscapes in style and comfort, beginning and ending at Kyoto Station, stopping at Okayama Station, Matsue Station and Tottori Station. The train features exquisite observation, lounge and dining cars, as well as elegant residential cars featuring stunning rooms and suites. On board, passengers are provided with only the best, from high quality amenities throughout the train to top-class Japanese cuisine made by top chefs in a three-starred Michelin restaurant. Tickets for the 3-5 March 2025 journey (the only one with English speaking staff) are currently available via Japan Experience – the only western seller for this experience. Bookings for this experience must be made in pairs and tickets are priced at £16,604 for two. Terms and conditions apply.