Luxury Experiences Across Japan

This swordsmith experience led by Akihira, a Japanese master of the craft, offers the opportunity to take home a custom-made sword (amulet sword). Learn how to hammer the reddish Japanese steel that Akihira will use to create an exceptional sword. It is said that steel forged with sacred fire and water has spiritual power, and beautifully polished swords can expel evil spirits. Visit the Akihira Sword Dojo to create your own amulet sword. You can also hold and appreciate the works of Akihira, some of the finest pieces in Japan.

Tokyo

Samurai Swordsmanship: The Art of Iaido

Experience the traditional art of the samurai with a private Iaido session at the prestigious Mugai-ryu dojo in Tokyo. Under the guidance of a master instructor, guests will wear authentic dōgi (traditional training attire) and immerse themselves in the refined techniques and Zen-inspired philosophy of this centuries-old martial art. The session includes the rare opportunity to handle a genuine Japanese sword and perform tameshigiri—tatami mat cutting—a ritual that embodies precision, focus, and artistry. Guests will receive a commemorative photo, a certificate of completion, and a lasting connection to the spirit and philosophy of Japan’s samurai legacy.

Tokyo

2 hours

Sumo Morning Practice Tour

Traditional

Sumo has been long popular not only as Japan's national sport but also for its strong legacy of traditional Japanese culture. While there is an emphasis on the physical strength of its wrestlers, sumo is a martial art that places great importance on preserving the sport's dignity through its unique manners and customs. Visit a morning practice at a sumo stable to experience the intensity of the training and catch a glimpse into the profoundness of Japanese culture. The session concludes with a serving of Chanko Nabe, the traditional sumo stew prepared by the wrestlers.

Tokyo

3 hours

The Art of Kintsugi

Craftsmanship

Kintsugi was born in the world of the tea ceremony as a symbol of wealth and power in samurai society during the 16th century in Japan. The practice, which originated as a method to repair precious tea bowls with lacquer using maki-e technique (sprinkling pure gold powder over lacquer), embodies the Japanese philosophy of ‘wabi-sabi,’ celebrating simplicity and imperfection. Along with his English-speaking team, esteemed kintsugi master and renowned metal & urushi artist Showzi Tsukamoto shares his passion and expertise in this authentic kintsugi experience while offering insights into the history and philosophy behind this luxurious and sustainable art form.

Gastronomy

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Tokyo

3.5 hours

Fish Market Tour and Sushi Making

The historical Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the most iconic marketplaces and a must-visit place for food connoisseurs. Yoshinori (Yoshi) Tezuka, the fourth-generation sushi chef at Matsunozushi, a long-established sushi restaurant, will lead you on a guided tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market. As the first in Japan to receive CoC certification*, Yoshi takes sustainability seriously and is committed to promoting sushi culture with his cross-cultural communication skills cultivated through his experience. Early in the morning, while walking through the vibrant marketplace filled with top chefs, tourists, and locals, you will observe tuna being dismantled and learn about fresh fish and vegetables, Japanese knives and tableware, and more from a top chef. End the morning with a hands-on sushi-making lesson by Yoshi and a sushi breakfast of your own to enjoy. (*Chain of Custody certification)

Wazuka, Kyoto

2 hours

The Rich Heritage of Green Tea

Wazuka town in southern Kyoto is best known for its legacy of producing the finest quality Uji green tea, a tradition spanning over 800 years. Taking advantage of favorable climatic and soil conditions, the tea plantations in the town form a beautiful landscape. Harvest tea leaves in the fields, grind them into powder, and enjoy a tea-tasting session or a tea-infused lunch amid the breathtaking scenery. This immersive experience will lead you through the rich tea culture deeply rooted in this area of Kyoto, from the art of cultivation to processing and many tea-infused products. This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #009 “Japanese Tea: Eight Centuries of Tradition."

Kyoto

1.5 hours

Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting

Sake & Whiskey

Founded in 1675, Tsuki no Katsura stands as one of the oldest sake breweries in Fushimi, Kyoto, renowned for its exceptional brewing heritage. As the pioneer of "Sparkling Nigori Sake" showcasing vibrant seasonal flavors and "Junmai Daiginjo Koshu" aged to perfection, Tsuki no Katsura continues to produce authentic and innovative sake using meticulous handwork and traditional techniques. Enjoy a tasting of recommended junmai sake, including nigori and premium aged sake, at the bar beside the brewery with its beautiful Japanese architecture. You may even have the rare opportunity to chat with the 14th-generation Tokubei Masuda while savoring a diverse range of sake varieties.

Karuizawa, Nagano

3 hours

Distillery Tour with Master Blender Ian Chang

Sake & Whiskey

The pristine water and ideal climate of the picturesque town of Komoro in Nagano Prefecture captivated Ian Chang, a renowned multi-award-winning master blender and distiller, leading him to collaborate with Karuizawa Distillers in founding Komoro Distillery. At Komoro Distillery, dedicated artisans craft single-malt whisky rich in character and complexity, striving for the highest quality. The state-of-the-art facility also houses the Whisky Academy, which provides a range of courses for enthusiasts of all skill levels. A quick journey by bullet train and car from Tokyo, Komoro Distillery invites visitors to explore the world of Japanese whisky with a tour and tasting session and this exciting new venture by Ian Chang.

Wellness & Outdoors

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Tokyo

2 hours

Japanese Perfume Making

As you walk through the Japanese gardens of temples and tea houses and enter the tatami-matted rooms, your senses are awakened by the beauty of nature and the spirit of Zen. Here, we invite you to capture and take home an essence of Japan in the form of bespoke fragrance. Tomonori Ueda, one of Japan's leading perfumers, has been mixing scents for perfumes and cosmetics for nearly 40 years. He will assist you in creating a complex and rich fragrance that evokes the four seasons based on the distinctive aromas of Japan, such as cherry blossoms, clear water, moss garden, incense, green tea, and fragrant olives. The finished scents are bottled and wrapped in natural handmade Japanese paper or reusable beeswax wraps. This experience is designed to calm the mind and sharpen the spirit in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Kyoto

60 mins

Mindful Experience at Zen Temple

Mindfulness

Experience the profound tranquility of Taizo-in Zen Buddhist Temple, one of Japan's largest and most esteemed Zen temples with a history spanning over 600 years. This historical Zen temple is adorned with important cultural properties and enchanting gardens, including the captivating Yin-Yang dry landscape garden. Deputy Head Priest Daiko Matsuyama, a Zen master who transcends religious boundaries and lectures at universities around the world, invites you to partake in Zen meditations conducted in English, surrounded by the soothing sounds of chirping birds and gentle breezes. Daiko Matsuyama also offers calligraphy and tea ceremony experiences, providing further insight into the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Embark on a journey of mindfulness and discover the transformative power of Zen at Taizo-in Temple.

Hakone, Kanagawa & Mishima, Shizuoka

6 hours

Explore an Ancient Path

Adventure

Explore an Ancient Path in Hakone Hachiri "The Old Tokaido Road, connecting Kyoto and Tokyo for centuries, offers a true sense of history steeped in nature. Walk through the exceptionally preserved section of Hakone Hachiri, a cedar-lined stone path that unveils breathtaking views of lakes and mountains. Pause at a 400-year-old traditional tea house where you can savor their time-honored amazake (non-alcoholic sweet rice wine). Discover the art of local Yosegi woodcraft, spend the night at a serene inn, and indulge in the region's delectable soba and eel specialties on this replenishing guided journey. This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #062 “A Perilous Mountain Pass on the Kyoto-Tokyo Highway"

Mount Fuji

6 hours

Helicopter Journey to Mount Fuji