Japan
Why Japan
Nowhere else in the world can you find as much brilliant innovation paired with age-old tradition. Futuristic cities juxtaposed with stunning ancient history; busy streets and towering skyscrapers, a tranquil ryokan tucked in the mountains. If you’re fascinated by tradition and by artisans who’ve been perfecting their crafts for centuries, or believe that every second of every day should be filled with adventure, Japan is the place.
Moments That Matter
We pack in enough to satiate the Japanophile in all of us. In between market tours and ancient shrines, gorge yourself on sushi, explore ancient districts and Buddhist temples, and meet with amazing artisans who will show you the inspiring result of technique and time. Leave inspired full, and still hungry for more.
Your Private Experience
Who It’s For
A luxurious exploration tailored for unabashed foodies, Naoshima Island art lovers, and those who want to connect with centuries of design and craft.
When to Travel
Our favorite times of year are April - May, with brilliant cherry blossoms and sunny skies; and Oct - Nov, bursting with autumn foliage and moderate temperatures.
Make It Yours
The end-all-be-all of food journeys? The pensive artistic experience? The city-to-country getaway? We can craft a trip that highlights everything you hope to experience in Japan.
Itinerary Highlights
From Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto to the Art Island of Naoshima, we’ll handle all the details: bullet trains, internal flights and transfers, reservations and accommodations, meet-ups with artists and chefs.
Where We Sleep
We blend the luxurious, modern world with ryokan-style rooms of tatami mats and sliding doors. And it all comes with a restoring dose of Japanese shibui, that notion of striking a peaceful harmony with nature.
Tokyo
Here, time passes gently and the cityscape outside feels a world away. Inside it's fashionable high art, a bar with floor-to-ceiling views of central Tokyo, and all the comforts you'd expect. The Ginza district location means you're in the heart of nightlife, theater and shopping.
Kyoto
Our Kyoto hillside retreat is an architectural beauty. This unique luxury hotel offers tranquil rooms highlighting local craftsmanship and garden views tucked away from the bustling Higashiyama streets.
Naoshima
Few experiences in life can prepare you for staying on the Art Islands, especially in the breezy, light-filled gallery space/luxury hotel on Naoshima. The brainchild of architect Tadao Ando, its expanses of concrete, glass, and wood are designed to showcase one of the world’s most stunning indoor-outdoor art collections.
Miyazu
A night in a traditional Japanese ryokan is like an ancient ritual, where staff in kimonos offer slippers as you’re whisked to minimalist rooms of tatami mats and sliding doors that open to lush gardens. Dine on freshly caught seafood and look over the neighboring Amonohashidate, the natural land bridge that’s wooed Japanese artists for centuries.
People Love MO/AD’s Japan
Unique access to people and places. This was a trip we could not have done without Modern Adventure.
One of the best weeks of my life. I definitely want to do another trip with MO/AD.
Everything was perfectly planned and amazing. We were able to explore places that most people never see.
FAQs
How many people is this itinerary suitable for?
Our private itineraries to Japan are ideal for groups of four or more—you and friends, families, and multi-generational groups. For groups of six or more, an optional Modern Adventure local guide can be arranged.
Can you curate an itinerary for a larger group?
Yes, we can help you craft an unforgettable milestone celebration, for groups as large as 40 or more.
What makes a MO/AD experience different?
Our level of curation and care. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end, with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We also support you each step of the way, with comprehensive trip materials and itineraries, detailed day-by-day options, insider destination info, gear recommendations, and 24/7 dedicated support.
How far in advance should I plan my trip?
Preferably three to six months in advance. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible.
What is typically included?
We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure the experiences are authentic and immersive, and included in your trip price. This includes all accommodations, local transport and airport transfers, private travel for all day trips and excursions, private tours with local guides and cultural experts, exclusive VIP access and activities, all breakfasts and some lunches and dinners.
How much will it cost?
Private Modern Adventures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by time of year, number of people in your group, types of activities you prefer including private local guides and private transfers.
What's not included?
MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, transportation to your trip’s starting point, hotel incidentals (including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs), and any activities or meals not included in your confirmed MO/AD itinerary.
What deposits are required?
After learning more about you, your interests and preferred style of travel, as well as your preferred travel dates, we will present you with a detailed itinerary including activities, internal flights, transport and accommodations. In order to check and confirm availability for your group, there is a $750 non-refundable deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost.
Your trip is guaranteed—and your dates secured—with a 25% non-refundable deposit. Many of our local partners, including our hotel and resort partners, require advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip is due 30 days prior to travel.
What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa for stays in Japan of under 90 days. Just bring a valid US passport. For citizens of other countries, please check with the Japanese embassy or consulate for information and requirements.