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My Dream Japan Itinerary: A Luxury Guide to Tokyo & Kyoto
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items This is my curated dream bucket list for the ultimate luxury escape to Japan. From staying at world-renowned hotels like the Aman and Ritz-Carlton to driving supercars through the legendary Hakone mountains, this list is all about once-in-a-lifetime ...
Sections
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My Dream Base Camps (Luxury Stays)
Dream Experiences & Private Guides
Supercars & Exclusive Nightlife
My Dream Base Camps (Luxury Stays)
These are the hotels that define luxury in Japan. I’ve selected these properties because they are world-famous for their incredible views, legendary service, and zen-like atmosphere.
I added this to my dream list because of the location. Being right on the Kamogawa River means you can wake up to the sound of water and then walk straight into the historic Gion district. I'd definitely book a room with a river view to make the most...
Kyoto Five-Star Hotels | The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
I couldn't leave this off my dream list. The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a cinematic legend. I’m obsessed with the New York Bar—there is nothing like listening to live jazz with a view of the Shinjuku skyline. It feels like 'old-school' luxury and is the per...
Park Hyatt Tokyo Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
I’ve had this hotel on my mood board for years. I am obsessed with the minimalist Japanese design and those massive stone soaking tubs that look out over the Imperial Palace. It’s my absolute top pick for starting a trip in total 'Zen' mode.
Luxury Hotel in Tokyo, Japan - Aman Tokyo
Dream Experiences & Private Guides
I’ve heard that the best way to see Japan is away from the crowds. These private, expert-led tours are on my radar because they offer 'after-hours' access and deep cultural connections.
I’ve heard that Kyoto’s most famous temples can get incredibly crowded, so this private after-hours tour is at the top of my list. The idea of walking through those Zen gardens in total silence, led by a local expert, sounds like the perfect way to a...
Private tour Louvre By night
This is the ultimate 'bucket list' item for me. It’s apparently very rare for travelers to get access to a private tea house in Gion, so booking a dinner with a Geiko and Maiko feels like the most exclusive way to experience Kyoto’s traditional cultu...
Private Dinner with a Geisha
Instead of just watching a tournament from far away, I really want to see the discipline of Sumo up close. I’ve added this tour because it takes you inside an actual training stable to watch the morning practice. It seems like such a raw, powerful wa...
Tokyo: Sumo Morning Practice & Behind-the-Scenes Access
In my research, everyone says the Bullet Train is the best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. For this dream itinerary, I’m looking at the 'Green Car' First-Class pass. It has more space and a quieter vibe, which feels like the right move after a busy d...
The JR Green Class pass travel 1st class on the Japan Rail network.
Supercars & Exclusive Nightlife
This is the high-energy side of my dream trip. This section focuses on Japan’s unique car culture and the most glitzy rooftop bars for seeing the Tokyo skyline at night.
I’ve seen videos of people taking Lamborghinis and McLarens through the 'Japanese Alps,' and it looks insane. I’ve added this because it lets you drive a supercar on the Hakone Turnpike, which is basically the 'Nürburgring of Japan.' Seeing Mt. Fuji ...
Hakone JDM Sports Car Self Drive Tour! Drive Up to 4 Cars!
I first heard about CÉ LA VI while researching Singapore, so seeing they have a Tokyo rooftop at the Shibuya Scramble is a must. It’s a mix of a fine-dining restaurant, a bar, and a lounge. I’m planning to head here for the sunset views over the worl...
Rooftop Dining Restaurant in Tokyo | CÉ LA VI
This is the bar from Lost in Translation, and even though it’s iconic, it still looks like the most sophisticated place for live jazz and a cocktail. Looking out over the Shinjuku skyline with a glass of Japanese whisky is a scene I’ve played in my h...
NEW YORK BAR | パークハイアット東京
I’m a huge fan of Japanese car culture, and the Daikoku Parking Area is the most famous spot in the world for it. I found a private tour where you actually get picked up in a modified Skyline R34 GT-R to go see the meet. It looks like the most authen...
EVO, WRX, Skyline – JDM Night Run to Daikoku Car Meet
If the supercar rental is too much, this is my backup dream. They have a fleet of legendary Japanese sports cars (JDMs) that you can drive in a guided convoy through the mountains. I’ve heard the views from the 'Skyline' roads are breathtaking, and i...
JDM Driving Tours in Hakone – Scenic Roads & Mountains – Only 2 hours from Tokyo
I’ve seen this restaurant on almost every 'World’s Best' list. It’s famous for 'Innovative Satoyama' cuisine that looks like actual art. Since I’m a fan of the sustainable luxury vibe at the Aman, this feels like a must-try. It’s high on my list for ...
TABLEALL - Access To Exclusive Restaurants In Japan
I’m not usually into massive clubs, but RAISE is on the top floor of a skyscraper in Ginza with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. It looks incredibly glitzy and polished compared to the younger clubs in Shibuya. It’s definitely on my list for a night whe...
VIP RESERVATION | RAISE GINZA TOKYO
I’ve seen this all over social media and it looks like a total blast. It’s a 2-hour tour where you drive a street-legal go-kart through the actual streets of Tokyo. I specifically want the 'Bay Route' because it crosses the Rainbow Bridge and goes th...
Tokyo Bay: Scenic Skyline Go-Kart Tour (120 Minutes)