Exclusive Japan | LUXURY TURNKEY HOLIDAYS IN JAPAN
The Exclusive Japan journey is Hitotoki Travel's signature luxury itinerary along Japan's famous Golden Route, connecting Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto. Typically spanning 10 to 14 days, this fully customized journey combines private guides, handpicked luxury hotels and ryokans, and immersive cultural experiences — from private tea ceremonies and artisan encounters to refined kaiseki dining and serene hot spring retreats.
Designed for discerning first-time visitors seeking a seamless introduction to Japan, each itinerary balances iconic highlights with insider experiences shaped through our Japan-based network of temples, artisans, and hospitality partners. Trips typically start from USD 1,000 per person per day, excluding international flights. For a broader overview of pricing, read our detailed guide on how much a luxury trip to Japan costs.
Exclusive Japan
A luxury introduction
Enjoy a mix of vibrant city visits and peaceful countryside getaways.
Discover the treasures of Tokyo: from Meiji Jingu – Tokyo's most popular shrine – to Omote-sando – the Champs-Élysées of Japan – and Harajuku, hub of Japanese youth culture.
exclusive experience
Head to the volcanic region of Hakone, famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji. The Hakone region hosts some of the best hot springs Japan has to offer.
Discover Kyoto and visit Kinkaku-ji – the Golden Pavilion – and Ryoan-ji, famous for its Zen garden, before heading to a private tea ceremony in a century-old machiya – a Japanese traditional house.
Japan's Golden Route is rewarding in every season. Spring (late March–early May) is the most celebrated, with cherry blossoms transforming Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto into extraordinary landscapes — though it is also the busiest period. Autumn (October–November) offers vivid foliage and cooler temperatures, with fewer crowds than spring. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid but vibrant, with festivals across the country. Winter (December–February) is the quietest season — ideal for serene temple visits, snow-dusted views of Mount Fuji from Hakone, and the possibility of snow in Kyoto, which transforms the city's gardens and temples into something extraordinary.
A classic Golden Route itinerary spans 10 to 14 days and moves between three distinct environments. Tokyo offers contrasts between ultra-modern neighbourhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku, and traditional landmarks such as Meiji Jingu shrine and Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. Hakone, a short journey from Tokyo, is a volcanic region celebrated for its hot spring onsen, views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Kyoto brings together over 1,600 Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and traditional machiya townhouses — including Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Fushimi Inari, and the geisha district of Gion. The route is typically traveled by shinkansen bullet train between cities.
The Golden Route is one of Japan's most accessible journeys by rail. Tokyo to Hakone takes approximately 85 minutes by the Romancecar limited express from Shinjuku station. Hakone to Kyoto is a short shinkansen journey from Odawara (approx. 2 hours to Kyoto station), with the possibility of passing Mount Fuji on a clear day. A Japan Rail Pass covers most of these connections and is generally good value for the route. All three destinations are highly walkable, and local trains and buses provide easy access to temples and attractions.
