Japan · A private journey
The Long Way Through Japan
From Tokyo through the Alps to Kyoto, at the pace you choose.
Tokyo · Kanazawa · Shirakawa-go · Takayama · Kyoto
From $13,400 per person, two sharing Excludes international flights and peak seasons
The Essence of the Journey
Step into Japan’s poetic alpine highlands straight from the neon pulses of the capital. This masterfully orchestrated rail and road expedition pairs the preserved samurai streets of Kanazawa and historic timber hamlets of Takayama with the timeless imperial palaces of Kyoto. Trace hidden artisan quarters and mist-shrouded mountain paths before transitioning to a private, volcanic hot-spring villa sanctuary in Hakone. Designed for absolute insulation and comfort, this journey delivers the ultimate luxury contrast of ancient cultural immersion and restorative thermal seclusion.
Metropolitan Horizons
Private dawn access to high-design architectural landmarks and hidden galleries across the capital.
Thermal Insulation
Exclusive-use open-air hot spring sanctuaries hidden deep within the mountain forests of mist-covered hakone.
Timber Preservation
Unhurried walking expeditions through the preserved, dark-wood samurai quarters and pristine geisha districts of historic kanazawa.
The Hida Mountains
Secluded tea traditions and ancient woodcarving exposures with master artisans in the deep foothills of takayama.
All Natural Kintsugi Keys
A private, closed-door masterclass with generational gold-lacquer craftsmen in a traditional kanazawa estate.
Imperial Stillness
Private-entry temple garden steps and twilight wooden estate insulation across ancient kyoto.
Why Choose a Hayah Reserve Journey?
Bespoke Curation
24/7 white-glove itinerary and culinary customization.
Seamless Logistics
Private aviation and fast-track VIP transit chains.
Exclusivity Guarded
Rare, off-lottery experiences tailored for your family.
Pristine Sanctuaries
Exclusive access to remote, crowd-free luxury properties.
The Journey
Tokyo
The capital
You are met on arrival and taken straight into the city. Tokyo is best in small, deliberate doses: an old neighbourhood at dawn, a garden at midday, a counter of eight seats at night. Your time here is built around what interests you rather than a fixed list.
Private car into the hills · about 1 hour 30
Hakone
The mountain retreat
After the pace of Tokyo, Hakone slows everything down. Settle into a ryokan with its own hot spring bath, drift across Lake Ashi, and ride the ropeway above the steaming valley of Owakudani. On a clear morning Mount Fuji appears across the water, and a multi-course kaiseki dinner closes the day.
Private car to Odawara, then first-class Green Car bullet train, met on the platform · about 3 hours
Osaka
The kitchen of Japan
Osaka is loud, generous and entirely devoted to eating well. Your guide takes you through Kuromon Market and the back streets of Dotonbori, and finds the counters locals actually queue for. Osaka Castle and the neon of the evening canals fill the hours in between.
Private car to Kyoto · about 1 hour
Kyoto
The old imperial capital
Kyoto rewards time more than any city in Japan. Walk the lanes of Higashiyama early, before the day visitors arrive, and let your Region Expert time the temples so you see them at their quietest. Arashiyama, Nara and Uji are each an easy day from here.
Private car to Kansai International · about 1 hour 30
Departure
Kansai International, or Gran Class rail back to Tokyo
A chauffeured run down to Kansai for the nonstop back to the Gulf. If your flight is better out of Haneda or Narita, we put you on the Gran Class bullet train to Tokyo instead and meet you at the other end.
Along the Way
Private, one group at a time, with the people who keep these traditions alive.
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Tokyo Toyosu and a sushi master
Walk the market with a chef, then learn to press nigiri in private.
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Tokyo Ikebana at the Sogetsu school
A private lesson in the art of arranging flowers, where space and restraint matter as much as the blooms.
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Kanazawa Kintsugi with a craftsman
Mend broken pottery with natural lacquer and gold, and find the beauty in what has been repaired.
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Takayama Tea and the craft of Hida
A private tea session in a traditional tea room, alongside a master woodcarver from a region whose carpenters built Japan’s ancient capitals.
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Kyoto Kana calligraphy with a Kyoto family
Brush and ink, taught by a family that has practised the art for four generations. It will feel familiar to anyone who admires Arabic calligraphy.
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Near Kyoto
Forge your own knife
Shape a blade at a historic forge with a master smith, from the steel of the samurai sword.
A few of many. We place them where they suit your journey. Tell us what you love.
Our Curated Selection
The Investment & Inclusions
A Note on Design & Tariff: Expeditions of this scale are custom-priced based on your seasonal travel window and private party requirements.
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Private transfers with airport meet & greet
Hotels with daily breakfast
Private experiences along the route
Round the clock support, before & during your journey
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International flights and visas
The Long Way Through Japan
Begin the conversation
Tell us a little about your plans. We will shape the journey, and its length, around you.
- i.We reply personally within 24 hours.
- ii.A private call to understand how you like to travel.
- iii.A proposal with route, stays, timing and length.
Prefer to talk now? WhatsApp us
or write to hello@hayahreserve.com
Our Destinations
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Egypt
Beyond the monuments, discover a civilization alive in its culture, people and traditions.
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Tanzania
Journey into vast wilderness, where nature and culture unfold at their own rhythm.
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Malaysia
Explore a rich tapestry of cultures, heritage, flavours and landscapes.
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Japan
Discover ancient traditions, exquisite craftsmanship and quiet beauty