Japan Bespoke
From ancient temples to neon dreams
Japan
Luxury hotels, Japanese ryokans, historic private homes & traditional wooden townhouses (‘machiya’)
Biking, walking, boating, architecture, design, art & culture
January – June, October – December
Japan is where centuries-old temples and neon skylines coexist—gracefully, improbably and beautifully. Sip matcha in Kyoto gardens, dine with friends in hidden mountain ryokans and navigate Tokyo’s buzz like a local. With deep-rooted traditions and next-level hospitality, our Japanese journeys are often stitched together by contrasts—and made unforgettable by connections.
A different way of life. Leap out of your comfort zone and experience the cultural richness and diversity of Japanese traditions, architecture and their zen-filled approach to life.
Experience authentic local hospitality as doors open across the land, welcoming you into the homes, shops and restaurants of passionate paper makers, soba noodle chefs and kintsugi artists.
Explore pockets of the country rarely seen by tourists, adventuring on two feet or two wheels past temples and rice paddies, through cedar and beneath persimmon trees dripping with fruit.
Experience Designer
Trip Inspiration
Embark on an epic ride through serene countryside routes, winding through lush rice paddies, where every turn reveals new beauty.
Explore Japan by Bike or on Foot
We've sought out the island's most serene and winding routes to explore on two wheels or two feet, where epic rides and challenging trails traverse country roads, rice fields, majestic forests, stunning coastal paths and fishing villages. Soak in mountain hot springs, visit centuries-old Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, experience the time-honoured tea ceremony and marvel at meticulously manicured rock gardens that reflect the Japanese attention to detail in every beautiful stone.
9-14 days
February – June, October – November
Bike past active volcanoes and natural hot springs on the southernmost island of Kyushu. Walk along an ancient samurai trail that once connected Tokyo to Kyoto in the Edo period.
A visit to a fourth-generation soy sauce brewer, sampling the dark elixir born of patience and craft.
Experience the cleansing water ritual at a Shinto shrine, where centuries-old traditions of honour and discipline come to life.
Family Adventures Through Japan’s Hidden Gems
Discover the most picturesque pockets of Japan with your favourite people—from its must-see cities to historically significant sites, dipping into tiny temple-peppered towns and nature reserves in between. Bond over moments like easy-going hikes through the coastal hills of Kamakura and learning about one of the most prominent events of World War II during a visit to Hiroshima.
7-14 days
January – June, October – December
Visit a historic samurai house, try your hand at sushi- and noodle-making and find your rhythm on the taiko drums.
A night in a Buddhist temple, learning the art of meditation.
Featured stays
Aman Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Fufu Kawaguchiko
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Japan
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Benesse House
Location: Naoshima, Japan
The biking, cultural experiences, food, hotels and ryokans were perfect.
B&R is the best, and this was the most wonderful trip. The biking, cultural experiences, food, hotels and ryokans were perfect. Beautiful scenery every day and above all, our guides were fantastic!
— Alexandra B; Massachusetts, USThe rise of cultural touchstones persist to this day.
While Sakoku, Japan’s long period of isolation from 1639 to 1853, kept it closed off from much of the world, one upshot was the rise of cultural touchstones that persist to this day, like haiku poetry, kabuki drama, wood-block prints, the tea ceremony, landscape gardening and the cultivation of bonsai trees.
— Orsolya Kako, Experience DesignerProcess
Step 1
Let's connect
Have a trip in mind or just starting to dream? Share your travel preferences with us and we will reach out to kick off the planning.
Step 2
Detailed Brief
We'll set up a conversation to get to know you and your group. From there, you'll receive a journey proposal—destinations, activities and accommodation options shaped around what matters most to you. An initial Trip Development Fee is collected before moving to the next stage.
Step 3
Tailored Itinerary and Confirmation
Your Experience Designer will share a detailed trip plan, then work closely with you to refine it until every detail is right. When you're ready, a per-person deposit confirms your trip, with full payment due 95 days* before departure.
Step 4
Support, Start to Finish
Before you leave, you'll receive a full breakdown of your journey. On the road, you'll have dedicated support throughout. When you return, the same Traveller Experience team will be ready to hear how it went—and to start thinking about what comes next.
* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.
Good to know
Food
Japan is a culinary haven, from Michelin-starred sushi to exclusive kaiseki (multi-course) meals, offering a tailored gastronomic experience. However, gluten-free, vegan or Western diets can be challenging to accommodate, so be prepared to embrace the local flavours.
Cultural Customs
The Japanese are known for their affinity for order, especially when it comes to queueing. From a check-out counter to the train platform, you’ll see neat and orderly lines wherever you go.
Packing
You may be asked to remove your shoes at religious sites, traditional inns and some restaurants, so consider that when you’re packing footwear and bring things that are easy to slip on and off.
Why choose a Bespoke trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.
Lifelong Memories
Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you're after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.
Years of Local Friendships
We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.
Creativity and Spontaneity
From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.
