Your Japanese Adventure

3rd - 5th December, 2022

• Tokyo | 2 nights | Mandarin Oriental

5th - 8th December, 2022

• Kyoto | 3 nights | Ritz Carlton

8th - 10th December, 2022

• Ise-Shima | 2 nights | Amanemu

10th - 13th December, 2022

• Tokyo | 3 nights | Mandarin Oriental

The major cities of Honshu and Kyushu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) experience average December highs of around 54° F (12° C), and lows of 41° F (5° C).

There is little rain and high sunshine hours. Tokyo, in particular, is very sunny in December; making up for the cooler temperatures.

If you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations - or for any emergencies - during your time in Japan, you can contact the following who will be your local contact during your trip:

If you need assistance, please contact:
A contact person will be provided +81 90 8096 9294

You can also reach out to us on the scenset app and we will be happy to help!

We have designed a great playlist for you to enjoy before and during your trip to Japan!

• Japan is a curated selection of popular music from Japanese artists; straight off the streets of Tokyo!

US Passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan and can stay for up to 90 days.

Please click here for full details.

These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

As of October 2022, Japan has lifted the ban on entry and visa-free travel has resumed (where applicable).

A valid vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 test certificate (taken within 72 hours before departure) is needed to enter Japan.

Please click here for full details.

Masks are required indoors (hotels, trains, planes, subways, cars, buses, restaurants, shops, etc.) except when eating or drinking.

Outdoors, observe those around you. If people are wearing masks or you're asked to wear one (like at a temple or shrine), please do so. This is important and avoids putting your guide in a difficult position.

If you are outdoors and others aren't wearing masks, you don't need to wear one.

In general, tipping is not necessary in Japan. Guests do not have to tip restaurant staff, bellmen, taxi drivers, or housekeeping.

While not expected, guides and drivers will always appreciate a tip for their services. Amounts are not fixed, but any number beginning with 4 should be avoided for superstitious reasons (4 is pronounced the same as "death" in Japanese). Tips should be passed along in a plain, white envelope with no markings/ribbons on it.

If you're looking for some great Japanese movies to really get you in the mood for your trip, you may want to download for the flight:

• Tokyo Godfathers is an animated movie by the late anime auteur Satoshi Kon and is a touching love letter to the city of Tokyo.
  
• Adrift in Tokyo is filled with Japanese humour, plenty of cultural references and gentle moments; an enchanting examination of modern Japan through the streets of Tokyo.
  
• All About Lily Chou-Chou is a moving coming-of-age film documenting the struggles of two boys to cope with teenage life, while introducing the absurdity of Japan’s pop culture.
  
• Strawberry Shortcakes follows the ups and downs of four female friends in Tokyo looking for love and trying to cope with the responsibilities in their lives.

Be met at the gateway by your assistant who will help you through customs and immigration and help retrieve your luggage and take you to your transfer.

Booked by scenset.

As you will be arriving on separate flights into separate terminals, two transfers will be provided, along with two greeters for the VIP assistance. This means there won't be any unnecessary delays, should one of the flights be delayed.

Meet your arrival assistant in the arrival area and move to your private vehicle. It is about a 90-minute drive to the greater Tokyo area.

Booked by scenset.

You're only a 25-minute walk away from the buzzing Akihabara district, why not head out for a stroll and explore the area? This area is synonymous with anime, manga, video games and youth-culture; it's great for people watching!

We'll provide you with a list of our favourite spots for dining in Tokyo closer to your travel dates, and we can make any reservations you'd like before you travel; just let us know!

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
2 x Deluxe Premier Rooms

• Breakfast included

Confirmation Numbers:
will be provided
will be provided

Availability is limited at many restaurants this evening, but we have booked a table for you at the Italian restaurant K'shiki, which is located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Reservation Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: Evening
Number: will be provided
Number of Guests: 4 adults
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Notes: Kindly refrain from wearing strong colognes or perfumes.

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby in the morning and set out for a private guided tour.

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for a tour in the comfort of your own private luxury minivan.

Booked by scenset.

On your full-day experience, you will see:

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

• The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle").

Meiji Shrine

• Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s contribution to modern Japan. The shrine is entirely surrounded by a forest, with an area of 70 hectares of land and over 120,000 trees, all of which were donated to the shrine from different parts of Japan.

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

• In Shibuya, one can witness (and experience) the world's busiest intersection, as well as one of Japan's most endearing symbols of loyalty - the statue of Hachiko; known for his loyalty in waiting for his master for nearly 10 years, arriving at the station daily in anticipation of his master's return from work.

Harajuku & Omotesando

• Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is a narrow, crowded street lined with shops that sell the latest fashion trend, sweets, and other interesting items. It is in this area that some of the outrageous fashion that Japan is known for originates.
  
• As the trendy streets of Harajuku end, the amazing architecture of Omotesando begins. With seemingly endless modern, cutting-edge architecture, great shopping, and delicious restaurants, Omotesando is Tokyo’s Champs-Elysées Boulevard.

Booked by scenset.

Enjoy the finest genuine Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu, Crab Shabu-Shabu and Japanese seasonal cuisine.

Restaurant: Seryna Honten
Reservation Date: Sunday, December 4
Address: 3-12-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Time: Evening
Number: will be provided
Number of Guests: 4 adults
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Notes: Kindly refrain from wearing strong colognes or perfumes.

Why not head out tonight for some karaoke? Unleash your inner superstar and sing your heart out at one of the many bars across Tokyo specialising in the iconic karaoke-culture.

This is a suggestion only and no bookings have been made.

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to Tokyo Station.

Upon arrival at Tokyo Station your assistant will greet you and assist you with boarding your train bound for Kyoto.

Pick up time: Morning

Booked by scenset.

Take the Shinkansen - Tokyo train directly to Kyoto on the bullet train.

Train: A bullet train
Seats: Four seats together

Luggage space available behind seats

Depart morning
Arrive midday

Booked by scenset.

Your guide will be waiting for you on the platform, and will know where on the train you shall be exiting from.

Once you arrive, your driver and guide will take you around Kyoto to see this beautiful place.

You will see:

Nishiki Market

• A long, narrow street, this market sells everything from pickles, to countless green tea varieties, and lots of Kyoto typical delicacies. As you stroll through the market, you’ll have plenty of chances to sample treats and pick up some unique items to bring home.

Nijō Castle

• Known for its nightingale floors that chirp with every step, the castle provides a stunning example of architecture and interior decorations. After you explore inside the castle, enjoy the stroll around the castle grounds with its beautiful gardens.

Booked by scenset.

Once you've finished, head over to Daitokuji Temple where historical Tea Masters practiced the living Art of Tea Ceremonies under Buddhist monks.

After the walk, you are invited to the tea practitioner’s house for a simple bowl of Matcha (powdered green tea). The traditional townhouse has a charming atmosphere which will further evoke discussions on how the style of Zen and taste of Tea are one.

Booked by scenset.

Often, geisha speak some simple English, but it is seldom enough to hold a conversation. A guide will enhance your experience and allow you to talk on as deep of a level that you like.

Included in your experience.

For the evening, enjoy a special dinner with a private geisha performance.

During your Japanese course meal, you’ll enjoy a shamisen/dance performance by geisha, and the chance to play some games and interact with the ladies as well.

Be careful though – these ladies are masters of their craft and should you lose you’ll need to down a drink.

Start Time: Early evening

Booked by scenset.

Ritz Carlton Kyoto
2 x Grand Deluxe Kamogawa River View

• Breakfast included

Confirmation Numbers:
will be provided
will be provided

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Continue with your private guide to see the main sites of this historical city.

You will see:

Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji)

• Founded in 1482, the Silver Pavilion "Ginkakuji" is widely considered to be the birthplace of much of Kyoto, and Japanese culture. A love of culture lead to the development of the tea ceremony, Noh theater, and flower arrangement.
  
• The temple is closed for entry, but the grounds are the perfect opportunity to take in classical Japanese architecture and gardens.

Philosopher's Path

• A scenic, stone path that connects the Silver Pavilion and Nanzenji.
  
• This path, which received its name after the daily meditative strolls, is home to many small local shops, artisans, and temples. The path is exceptionally beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season and fall foliage season, but beware - the crowds during this time are also quite large.

Kiyomizudera

• Situated in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district is Kiyomizu Temple. For over 1200 years people have flocked here seeking comfort and guidance, offering up prayers in its splendid halls.

Sanjusangendo

• The Buddhist temple Sanjusangendo was built in Kyoto in 1165. Being one of the most popular tourists destinations in Kyoto, this long flat and squared block of wood that really says very little from the outside, inside hiddens a real treasure: 1001 golden statues of the Thousand Armed Kannon deity, to whom the temple is dedicated.

Gion / Yasaka Area

• Famous for its shrine, traditional winding streets, and wooden town houses, the Gion / Yasaka area offers seemingly endless hidden alleyways to explore. The area is filled with some of Kyoto's finest dining, unique shopping and of course, the chance to witness a geisha on her way to an evening engagement. Should you spot a geisha, please be considerate in your requests for pictures.

Booked by scenset.

Tour the city's ramen district and experience this globally popular food.

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Continue with your private guide to see the main sites of this fascinating city.

You will see:

Golden Pavilion

• Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s iconic sites. The temple grounds first began as a small villa in 1224 and was converted to a Zen temple shortly after.

Arashiyama

• Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most beloved spots. It has a famous and storied wooden bridge, numerous temples known for their statuary and gardens, a scenic bamboo grove that is great for a stroll, and picturesque streets that complement each other to make a pleasant atmosphere excellent for leisurely walks.

Tenryuji

• With a history dating back nearly 700 years, Tenryuji is one of Arashiyama's most visited sites, and for a good reason. While the building complex has suffered from fire damage throughout history (like much of Japan), the stunning gardens remain in their scenset form. As you stroll through the garden, both from within the temple and on the garden paths, you'll move from the pond, which symbolizes a large lake, up the mountain and into the forest (where multiple cherry trees can be found).

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• The bamboo forest offers paths for walking or biking. It is a must see for those visiting Arashiyama. The bamboo grown here has been used for centuries for creating crafts, such as tea whisks, sake cups, baskets and many others.

Booked by a travel agency.

During this experience, you'll meet with a monk, learn about the benefits of zen, and then try a practice session.

Afterwards, the monk will give you the advice you need to continue this practice on your own.

Note: Traditionally you sit on the floor for this experience. Please advise if you will need chairs.

Booked by scenset.

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to the station by private vehicle.

Pick up time: Morning

Your driver will assist you in boarding your train.

Booked by scenset.

Your assistant will meet you at the vehicle and escort you to your train.

Your assistant will move with you to Amanemu.

Take the Shinkansen - Kyoto to Nagoya.

Train: Nozomi 220
Seats: Car 10, Seat 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D, 2-B

Depart: Morning
Arrive: Morning

Luggage space available behind seats

Booked by scenset.

Your assistant will take you to your vehicle for transfer to Amanemu. The drive is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Booked by scenset.

Make sure you check out the spa at Amanemu, it's a stand-out!

You can view the spa menu here, let us know if you'd like to book any spa appointments ahead of your trip and we'll be happy to do so.

This is just a recommendation - nothing has been booked yet.

Amanemu
2 x Mori Suites

• Breakfast included

Confirmation Number:
will be provided

Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Booked by scenset.

Your driver and guide will take you around to see this beautiful place.

You will see:

Ise Shrine

• Exploring this beautiful complex, you'll learn more about the native Japanese religion, Shintoism, the goddess Amaterasu and her family, and how the current emperor is able to trace his roots back to some of the earliest recorded history in Japan.

Inner Shrine

• The Inner Shrine is one of the two major shrines that make up the Ise Grand Shrine. Known as Kotai Jingu, the Inner Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess and Shinto's most venerated deity. It is Japan's most sacred shrine.

Outer Shrine

• The Outer Shrine is the other of the two main shrines that makes up the Ise Grand Shrine. The Outer Shrine is dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the Shinto deity and guardian of food, housing and clothing. This deity is the provider of the food for the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, who is enshrined at the Inner Shrine.

Mikimoto Pearl Island

• Located in Toba Bay, the Mikimoto Pearl Island is a wonderful museum dedicated to pearls, pearl cultivation and Mikimoto Kokichi. Mikimoto Kokichi was born in Toba in the mid-19th century and, by the end of the century, was the first person to successfully cultivate pearls. The Mikimoto Kokichi Memorial Hall tells his life story. Close by on the island, the Pearl Museum provides insight regarding pearls and their cultivation.
  
• The Mikimoto Pearl Island also offers hourly performances by female pearl divers, known as ama (lit. "sea women"), who have traditionally been planting and harvesting the oysters and other seafood for centuries.

Booked by scenset.

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to the station.

Your assistant will meet you at your vehicle and escort you to the platform to take the train to Tokyo.

Pick up time: Morning

Booked by scenset.

Take the train from Nagoya to Tokyo.

Train: Hikari 648
Seats: Car 9, Seat 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D

Luggage space available behind seats

Depart midday
Arrive early afternoon

Booked by scenset.

Your assistant will meet you on the platform and escort you to your vehicle for transfer to the Mandarin Oriental.

Booked by scenset.

Mandarin Oriental
Two Deluxe Premier King Rooms

Confirmation Numbers:
will be provided
will be provided

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast

Meet your sake expert and spend the next couple of hours learning about sake, from the type of rice used to make it to the various flavors and food pairings possible.

Please note: this experience includes light snacks to accompany the sake, but no meals.

Start time: Early evening (meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel)

Booked by scenset.

Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Booked by scenset.

With your guide, head to Kamakura for a day of touring:

Kamakura Town

• Kamakura was the center of political power in Japan from the 12th to 14th century. It's a small village on the coast of Japan. Wander the streets to explore the village. Visit the well-known sweets shop and see a master at his craft. There are metalworkers throughout the town who are more than happy for visitors to see their work.

Hasedera Temple

• Hasedera temple is halfway up a tree-lined slope to the west of Kamakura with wonderful views of the city. The temple is famous for its more than 30-foot-tall eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It is regarded as the tallest wooden sculptures in Japan and, according to legend, it is from the same tree that a similar statue in Nara's Hasedera Temple.

Kamakura Daibutsu

• The Grand Buddha of Kamakura sits in the open air on a large stone platform. It was housed in various temples until the 15th century when its housing was destroyed in a tsunami.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

• Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is a well known shrine to the west of Kamakura. It is famous as a place where visitors wash their money with the hope that the money will double.

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu

• Tsurugaoia Hachiman-gu is Kamakura's most important shrine. It was founded in 1063 and is dedicated to the god, Hachiman, the patron deity of the Minamoto Family, the shoguns of the Kamakura Era.

Booked by scenset.

Established in 1885, Sushiko Honten is one of the oldest sushi restaurants in Tokyo. This restaurant is rightly regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants in the city and has been visited by icons including Anthony Bourdain.

The space is easy to miss due to its discreet location and is only marked by a small Japanese sign illuminated to the left of the entrance. A picture of the exterior can be found below.

Restaurant: Ginza Sushi Ko Honten
Reservation Date: Sunday, December 11
Address: 6-chome-3-8 Ginza Chuo City Tokyo
Time: Evening
Number: will be provided
Number of Guests: 4 adults
Seating: Counter
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Menu: Please choose the course menu - Nigiri only or Appetizer & Nigiri


Cancellation Policy: 100% charge of the full set menu if canceled 3 days prior to the reservation
Notes: Kindly refrain from wearing strong colognes or perfumes

Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Booked by scenset.

Continue your exploration today with your guide, where you will see:

Tsukiji Market

• Your brief tour today will take you to the outer market to experience some of Tsukiji’s best eating (and drinking). We recommend the yaki-tamago - a sweet, custard like scrambled egg pan fried in layers and served fresh out of the pan. Food is included in your outer market tour.

Asakusa

• Asakusa is home to one of Tokyo’s most famous gates – Kaminari-mon. As you make your way through the many shopping stalls, you’ll eventually come to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. It is here that visitors can enjoy a striking contrast of ancient and modern Japan – Tokyo’s oldest temple, built in 645AD, with the world’s tallest free-standing tower, Tokyo Skytree, as a backdrop.

Sensoji Temple

• Sensōji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, having been built in 645AD. Unfortunately, after remaining relatively unscathed for 13 centuries, it was destroyed during WWII.
  
• Sensoji was rebuilt after the war and has become a symbol of rebirth of the city and the nation.

Kappabashi Dori

• A cook’s dream come true: Kappabashi-Dori is a shopping area between Ueno and Asakusa that is home to seemingly endless numbers of shops that supply over 100,000 restaurants in Tokyo with all their equipment needs.

Yanaka

• Yanaka, foodies’ old section of Tokyo tour. You can still see many old houses, walk through a shopping street where local people buy their dinner from each specialized store, not from a large supermarket.
  
• End the tour with a drink & food at 80-year old renovated Japanese house. Many fun sampling of local foods.

Booked by scenset.

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to Narita Airport.

It is about a 90 minute drive.

Pick up time: in the afternoon.
A guide will reconfirm this with you.

Booked by scenset.

Your assistant will help you breeze through check-in and security.

Booked by scenset.

Scenset is a proud member of The Conscious Travel Foundation, a global community that unites members of the travel industry to reshape the impact of tourism on the world.

• Tokyo | 2 nights | Mandarin Oriental
  
• Kyoto | 3 nights | Ritz Carlton
  
• Ise-Shima | 2 nights | Amanemu
  
• Tokyo | 3 nights | Mandarin Oriental

• Daily breakfast
  
• Snacks (where mentioned in itinerary)

• VIP Airport Assistance
  
• Private guide throughout
  
• Private driver and all transfers mentioned in itinerary

• All train journeys as detailed in the itinerary

• Private, full-day tours with a private guide for Tokyo, Kyoto and Ise-Shima
  
• Daitokuji Walk and Tea Tour
  
• Dinner with a Geisha in Kyoto (including guide/translator)
  
• Private Meditation Experience