6 Nights
Sometimes you have to ignore the most popular tourist destinations to reveal the true ‘soul’ of a country. Across the islands of Honshu and Kyushu, this bucolic Japanese adventure invites travelers on the path less travelled, from the gardens of the Imperial Palace to the volcanoes of Kagoshima. Combining modern architecture and tradition, from the Tokyo skyline to the mountains of Kyushu, this is an itinerary to delight lovers of well-being and the calm of a Zen garden–a perfect introduction to the delicacy and pure nature of Japan.
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Nestled in the heart of Japan’s capital, The Kitano Hotel Tokyo is a contemporary address, perfectly in tune with the times. Its location in Chiyoda City, home of the political power, is ideal to explore the city’s most famous sights. From the hotel, it is just a short walk to the beautiful Imperial Palace Gardens, where you can stroll among the blossoming sakura trees and lush green lawns. Its elegant and contemporary interiors showcase noble materials and invite you to discover Japanese hospitality in its most modern form. The serene atmosphere that emanates from the property, spreads to the rooms, bathed in natural light and designed with taste, including cherry wood furniture. The hotel’s wellness centre combines Chinese and Western traditions and is the perfect place to reset your body and mind. At the end of the day, the rooftop, offering a panoramic view of Tokyo’s urban jungle, is the ideal location to enjoy a cocktail, while the restaurant L’Orangerie Koh-an, invites you to dine, traditional style. ... Learn moreless
A stroll through the Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) offers a glimpse of the splendor and immense scale of the Japanese Emperor's official residence. Located on the former site of Edo Castle, the eastern gardens offer visitors a respite from the frenzy of Tokyo. Spanning some 52...
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A singular and impressive experience, the tea ceremony (chanoyu) is a thousand-year-old highly choreographed art form that follows a strict, rule-bound structure. To fully grasp its many rules and gestures and understand which postures to adopt, enthusiasts are recommended to be guided through the ritual...
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Nestled in the mountains of Kyushu, overlooking the onsen town of Yufuin, the Enowa Yufuin Hotel is a sanctuary of nature, gastronomy, and well-being, a botanical and sensory retreat. The sleek, modern architecture blends seamlessly into its surroundings with an aesthetic deeply rooted in Japanese traditions. Tranquility envelops each guest room and villa, all of which feature private onsens, inviting contemplation of the valley and Mount Yufu. This is the setting in which the philosophy of Tibetan chef Tashi Gyamtso is expressed, creating plant-based, farm-to-table cuisine at the Jimgu restaurant. Each meal unfolds as a thoughtful homage to the region’s bounty. Enowa Yufuin’s commitment to well-being extends to its spa, hilltop saunas, and the Enowa-no-Yu bath, infused with botanical treasures. Here, nature and serenity come together in perfect harmony. ... Learn moreless
The ‘Hells’ of Beppu comprise eight extraordinary hot springs. Unlike most onsen, swimming is prohibited here due to the extremely high temperatures. Visitors encounter impressive bubbling, steaming pools, heated by volcanic waters and showcasing intense colors of orange, blue, blood red and turquoise......
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Whether you follow the path that runs alongside the Gokase River or prefer to rent a boat and explore it on the water, Takachiho Gorge offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Formed around 120,000 years ago following a series of eruptions of the Aso volcano, the gorge is now home to waterfalls,...
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Hotel and restaurant in the woods. It is through reconnecting with nature that one's humanity can be discovered. Driven by his vision, the site's owner has spent over twenty years landscaping the woods and hills, excavating the hot springs, to give birth to this rare place. Set deep in the four seasons forest and overlooking the volcanic mountains of Kagoshima, a handful of discreet villas welcome those in search of serenity. Tranquility reigns, open air baths and spas soothe the body, and the spectacular view over Mount Kirishima calms the spirit. Rooted in its region, the restaurant serves original cuisine with seasonal vegetables from the garden and chickens raised on its own farm. ... Learn moreless
Ring the bell, make an offering, clap your hands twice and make a wish. This is the ritual followed by every pilgrim that passes through the gates of a shrine in Japan. Kirishima-jingu is one of the oldest Shinto sites in the country. Built in the sixth century at the foot of the sacred Mount Takachiho,...
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The Sengan-en garden–also known as Iso-teien–was designed in 1658 by the Shimazu family, powerful lords of the region. With its ponds, bridges, sculptures, rocks, bamboo grove, shrines and tea houses, the garden is what is considered in Japan to be a ‘borrowed landscape’–rather than adopting the careful...
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**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
