Kyoto machiya
A restored townhouse with a courtyard garden.
Japan
Japan: slow cities and a ryokan
Tokyo, a ryokan in the hills, and Kyoto with mornings left open.
An eleven-night private Japan journey: Tokyo with a guide, two nights in a ryokan with private baths, and Kyoto from a restored townhouse.
Two cities and one stretch of countryside is the right shape for a first visit. We plan the trains, forward the luggage, and book the tables and the guides. Mornings are left open so the trip still feels found.
The ryokan nights in the middle are the heart of it: private baths, a dinner that arrives course by course, and a slow start.
Highlights
- Private guides in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Two nights in a ryokan with private baths
- A restored townhouse in Kyoto
- Trains booked and luggage forwarded
Guide price
From £8,400 per person, based on the itinerary as described. A planning figure, not a quote.
- Nights
- 11
- Best time
- March to May, October to November.
- Stays
- Kyoto machiya, Hakone ryokan
A specialist replies within one working day.
Day by day
How the journey unfolds
- Days 1–4
Tokyo
A guide for two days, the rest yours. Markets, neighbourhoods, and dinners booked.
- Days 5–6
Ryokan
Train to the hills. Baths, kaiseki, and nothing else.
- Days 7–11
Kyoto
A townhouse in the old streets. A guide for two days; temples early, before the crowds.
- Day 12
Depart
Train to Osaka or Tokyo for the flight.
Where you stay
The stays in this itinerary
Hakone ryokan
A private onsen bath and a kaiseki dinner.
Good to know
Questions about this journey
Should we add a third region?
On a second visit, yes. On a first, two cities and a ryokan is enough.
When is the best time to go?
Late March to early April for the blossom and late October to November for the autumn colour. Both are busy; May and early June are quieter and still lovely.
What is a night at a ryokan like?
A traditional inn with tatami rooms, a kaiseki dinner and often a private onsen bath. We choose ryokans used to overseas guests and explain the etiquette beforehand.
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Make this journey yours
Keep the shape, change the details: dates, party, pace, stays. A specialist will redraw it and send a private proposal.