Sutrelia / Destinations / Japan
Asia · Kyoto · Tokyo · Niseko
Temples in Kyoto, three-star counters in Tokyo and the lightest powder on earth in Hokkaido — the most rewarding and most complicated country to arrange properly.
When to go
Cherry blossom late March to mid-April and autumn colour in November are the two peaks, both booked far ahead. Niseko's ski season runs December to March. Summer is hot and humid.
Getting there
Tokyo Haneda or Narita, and Kansai for Kyoto — around 13–14 hours from London. The Shinkansen links Tokyo and Kyoto in 2h15. New Chitose for Niseko.
What we arrange
Hotels and chalets, private transfers and helicopters, restaurant reservations, guides, events and everything in between — on one WhatsApp thread.
Where to stay
Every hotel here is one we know personally. Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the right room category and any partner benefits that apply.
A hidden forest garden at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji, built around moss, stone and silence.
EnquireA vast ryokan-inspired lobby on the 33rd floor, with the Imperial Palace gardens below and Fuji on a clear day.
EnquireOn the Kamo River with Higashiyama views, walking distance to Gion and the most comfortable base in the city.
EnquireWhere to eat
Yoshihiro Murata's three-star kaiseki in Kyoto — the definitive expression of Japanese seasonal cooking.
3 Michelin starsTen seats in Tokyo and routinely called the best sushi on earth. Reservations effectively require an introduction.
3 Michelin starsZaiyu Hasegawa's playful, generous Tokyo kitchen — consistently among Asia's fifty best and far warmer than its peers.
2 Michelin starsThings to do
Ten thousand vermilion torii gates up the mountain, empty at 6am and impassable by ten.
A proper chanoyu with a tea master in a machiya townhouse, rather than a tourist demonstration.
Fifteen metres of annual snowfall on Hokkaido, night skiing and an onsen afterwards.
An early guided run through the outer market for breakfast, and the tuna auction at Toyosu if you can face 5am.
Insider note
Book Japan six to nine months out for blossom or autumn. The best ryokan and counters release limited seats and fill immediately; last-minute simply does not work here.
Enquire
Tell us your dates, how many of you are travelling and what you want arranged. Our team comes back within one working day with a shortlist and a quote — not a brochure.
Received
We'll come back to you personally within one working day.