Japan done right

Japan rewards those who travel with intention. On a recent journey through the country, I discovered that true luxury in Japan isn’t only about five-star hotels—it’s about space, quiet beauty, and the feeling of stepping into places that still move at their own rhythm.

Tokyo is often the natural starting point. The city’s polished contrasts—serene gardens beside neon skylines—create a thrilling first impression. A stay near the elegant district around Ginza offers easy access to world-class dining, while an early morning walk through Hamarikyu Gardens reveals a calmer, traditional side of the capital before the city fully awakens.

From there, many travellers head straight for Kyoto on Shinkansen bullet trains. Kyoto’s temples and historic streets remain breathtaking—especially around Kiyomizu-dera or the lantern-lit alleys of Gion—but the secret to a more refined experience is venturing further beyond Japan’s main island.

Leaving Honshu opens the door to a different Japan. In Naoshima, contemporary art museums sit quietly along the Seto Inland Sea, blending architecture with nature. Further south in Kyushu, volcanic landscapes, onsen villages, and exceptional regional cuisine feel far removed from the country’s busiest tourist corridors. Meanwhile, the northern island of Hokkaido offers sweeping wilderness, refined ryokan stays, and some of the freshest seafood in the country.

Top Tip: If you can, travel in November. The autumn foliage is at its peak, the summer humidity has faded, and the crowds of spring’s cherry blossom season have long gone. Temples glow with deep crimson maple leaves, and destinations outside the typical Honshu route feel even more tranquil.

In Japan, luxury often reveals itself in the smallest moments: a perfectly prepared kaiseki dinner, a quiet temple garden at dusk, or a countryside hot spring beneath the turning autumn leaves. For travellers willing to explore a little further, the experience becomes not only luxurious—but deeply authentic.