58 LUXURY TRAVEL
RURAL JAPAN EXPLORER TOUR
Osaka , Kyoto , Hiroshima , Shikoku , Naoshima , Himeji
On the flip side of futuristic , modern Japan lies authentic local adventure off the beaten track . Starting in the ancient capital of Kyoto , travellers can experience a private local guided tour , stopping for a traditional Zazen meditation at Gesshin-In Temple . A day is dedicated to venture south to Hiroshima to contemplate the city ’ s tragic history before boarding a ferry to Miyajima Island , the home of the iconic floating torii gate . Four days will be spent exploring Shikoku Island , home to Matsuyama , the oldest hot spring onsen site in Japan .
Guests can then head to the outstanding garden city of Takamatsu for a self-drive tour of the breathtaking Iya Valley region and a visit to Himeji Castle . A ferry will carry travellers to the eclectic art community of Naoshima Island for a day ’ s outing . The plateau of Mount Koya then offers a spiritual stay with monks , ahead of a guided cycling tour of culinary capital Osaka .
Rural Japan Explorer Tour from £ 4,800 per person for 15 days excluding flights
JAPAN INTIMATE HONEYMOON
Tokyo , Hakone , Kyoto , Hiroshima , Osaka , Kinosaki Onsen
Specialists in once in a lifetime travel , the Wayfairer travel experts compile the most intimate and special experiences in Japan to curate an unforgettable fortnight for the newlywed couple .
The excitement begins in Tokyo with a helicopter cruise through electric cityscapes , a private tour of the neon jungle and a day trip to the historical coastal town of Kamakura . In stark contrast , the pair will then venture out to Fuji-Hakone National Park to revel in the natural scenery and catch a glimpse of the elusive snowy peaks of Mount Fuji . This wets the palette for experiencing the cultural wonders of
Kyoto , being led around the ancient city by local tour guides and having access to the exclusive opportunity of afternoon tea with a maiko ( apprentice geisha ), is a very rare experience – even for the natives . A couple of days in Nara allows guests to engage in swordplay with a class in samurai kenbu and feed deer from their palms – an extraordinary break from daily life .
Those interested in more detailed history behind the city can learn about how Hiroshima has risen from the ashes and dedicate a day trip to Miyajima Island to explore its ancient wonders . Osakan street food allows newlyweds to explore Japan ’ s culinary capital before taking a dip in the invigorating hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen and then returning to reality .
Japan intimate honeymoon from £ 10,600 per couple for 14 days excluding flights
Wayfairer tailor made experiences in Japan start from £ 4,800 per person for a fortnight trip excluding flights .
www . wayfairertravel . com
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 60 2023