Much of Japan’s allure for first-time visitors rests in the country’s apparent paradoxes, such as its embrace of ultra-modern, high-tech life while allowing its most ancient and deeply established customs and heritage to flourish. Despite having a constitution that mandates pacifism and the highest concentration of martial artists in the world, Japan is home to some of the most sophisticated social mores in the world and subcultures like otaku, in which interests are pursued so obsessively that almost all social skills are lost.
This adventure kicks off in Tokyo, the world’s most populous city and home to towering skyscrapers, neon-fronted hypermarkets stocked with cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge contemporary art and architecture, delicious sushi, and kitsch maid cafés. A bustling metropolis full of karaoke bars, Sumo ringside seats, ramen shops, and purikura photo booths… After you’ve had your fill of the city’s glitz and glamour, take the bullet train out to the nearby mountains and relax in a ryokan (traditional inn) in Hakone, soaking in the hot geothermal spring waters of this onsen town and feasting on some of the finest traditional Japanese hospitality and multi-course kaiseki cuisine. The next stop on the bullet train will be Kyoto, the country’s cultural heart and the site of the country’s finest gardens, temples, and machiya townhouses.
As you arrive in bustling Tokyo, take a shuttle into the vibrant city, where you will check into Park Hotel that has a lovely view of Tokyo Bay. When you have checked in, a representative will come to meet you and give you helpful information about Japan, walking maps, phrase sheets, and travel tips. You'll also receive pre-paid Pasmo passes so you can ride the ultra-convenient Tokyo Metro. Both the Shimbashi and Shiodome stations are directly connected to your accommodation via an underground passage.
Overnight Stay at Park Hotel Tokyo
DAY 1Your day will be spent with a wonderful private city guide for a tour of Tokyo. They will take you around the city and point out all the sights. To get around Tokyo, you will use public transportation. Hamarikyu Garden, with its tidal seawater ponds and lovely tea-house, is a great place to start your stroll down to Tokyo Bay. Afterwards, take a boat ride along the Sumida River to the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in the world, where, on a clear day, you can see as far as Mt. Fuji. Start in Kappabashi, Tokyo's intriguing restaurant supply sector, and make your way to Asakusa, home to the Sens-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Visit Japan's most upscale shopping district, Ginza, before heading back to your hotel.
Overnight Stay at the Park Hotel
DAY 2Enjoy a day spending it as you wish, perhaps relax and enjoy the hotel facilities such as the Spa, Thann Sanctuary, which was voted as one of the world’s top 55 spas in the world. Try traditional Japanese cuisine for lunch at Hanasanshou featuring a Shokado lunch box and Mini Kaiseki course. Head to The Society for a cocktail or a whiskey, which was the first bar in Japan that gained official recognition by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
If you are feeling lively, explore the city on your own now that you know your way around. Meijijingu, on the city's western reaches, is Tokyo's most revered shrine and home to the city's most stunning Gardens. See the trendy neighbourhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando for a glimpse of contemporary Tokyo, then head to Shibuya to have some fun at the fantastic game arcades and purikura photo booths. Visit Akihabara, the heart of Tokyo's electronics and geek culture, where you may also enjoy the special allure of a maid café. The name may be suggestive, but these are more kawaii kitsch meccas than anything else.
Extras : During your time in Tokyo, you may want us to arrange a special interest visit, such as a private tour of Tsukiji fish market followed by a sushi making lesson; a visit to the incredible immersive artwork space called teamLab Planets; a private Ninjutsu workshop; tickets to the Sumo wrestling or a private manga drawing session. Just let us know if any of these extras are of interest and we’ll slot it into your itinerary.
Overnight Stay Tokyo Park Hotel
DAY 3To get to Hakone, a spa town on the forested slopes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park known for its hot-spring resorts, take the bullet train to Odawara Station and transfer to your magnificent traditional ryokan (Japanese Hotel) (onsen). The Hakone Open-Air Museum houses an impressive collection of works by renowned artists including as Picasso, Henry Moore, Taro Okamoto, Yasuo Mizui, and many more, and is well worth a visit. Set in a forest of 300-year-old beech trees, the stunning Pola Museum of Art in neighbouring Sengokuhara showcases a wide selection of works by both Japanese and Western artists. The museum's glass and concrete building was created to blend in with the surrounding nature. Then, unwind in your ryokan with a soak in the onsen and some kaiseki dishes.
Overnight Stay at Ryokan Yamanochaya
DAY 4Relax and enjoy the picturesque countryside of Hakone for the day. Do the circular tour of the area by mountain train, funicular railway, cable car, and boat across Lake Ashi if you want to try to see Mt. Fuji.
Overnight Stay at Ryokan Yamanochaya
DAY 5From Odawara, take the bullet train west to Kyoto, Japan's former capital and the site of the Imperial Court between the years of 794 and 1869. To the right, you'll see Mount Fuji. You'll be picked up at the airport and driven straight to your quaint boutique hotel in the city centre, which is conveniently situated right next to the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Overnight Stay at Noku Kyoto
DAY 6Your private guide will show you about Kyoto and point out the sights of interest. You'll also get access to a private car with a driver so you can go where you need on demand. Begin your exploration of Kyoto by visiting the city's most famous sights, the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Zen Garden, before continuing on to Ninnaji Temple, home to one of the city's most beautiful gardens. If you want to see some stunning scenery, visit Arashiyama and its bamboo gardens and river bridge. At Iwatayama Monkey Park, you can get up and personal with Japanese macaques, and while visiting Japan's stunning temples, be introduced to the country's spiritual side. Visit Otagi Nenbutsuji after stopping at the temples of Tenyu-ji (renowned for its Cloud Dragon ceiling) and Gio-ji (for its amazing moss garden). The 1200 stone statues of the rakan, followers of the Buddha, are the main attraction at this modest temple.
Overnight Stay in Noku Kyoto
DAY 7You should spend a day wandering the city on your own now that you know your way around. Take a walk down the Philosopher's Walk, which connects two of Kyoto's most significant temples—Ginkaku-ji, with its beautiful moss garden, and Nazenji Temple—via a canal lined with cherry trees. Or begin in Gion, where you might see some of Kyoto's apprentice geisha on their way to classes, a truly magical sight. Next, continue on to Yasaka-jinja Shrine and through Maruyama Park, where you'll find a route that takes you past Kodai-ji Temple and on to Kiyomizu Temple. And while you're there, check out the incredible variety of fresh produce sold in Nishiki Market.
Extras : We can arrange for you to have a private calligraphy class with a master calligrapher or one of our favourites is to attend a traditional tea ceremony in a machiya townhouse while dressed in a kimono during your time in Kyoto.
Overnight Stay in Noku Kyoto
DAY 8Extra : If you want to remain longer in Japan, you can always go to Hiroshima and the sacred island of Miyajima, Osaka, and even the agricultural island of Kyushu in the south.
Depart
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Matteo has been connected to the world of music and events since he was a teenager.
In 1998, Matteo started playing at a club in Palma called Varadero; that’s when he began as a freelance percussionist.
His passion for music motivated his interest in the DJ world and he became a professional and successful DJ, working all over the Balearic Islands. He has worked at venues including Pacha, Titos, BCM, Mood and Anima Beach. He has also worked with large brands such as Canon and BMW, creating a fusion that today continues to evolve to transmit the best energy to the public, the energy of sound.
Working in the event sector for many years, Matteo is a dedicated music producer. Along with his knowledge, passion and creativity, he expertly coordinates and manages outstanding events and shows with staging, lighting, bands, musicians, dancers and unique acts with a great attention to detail, bringing it all together with high quality management skills and a true, genuine passion.
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Santi started working at an advertising studio when he was just a teenager. When he got his first camera, it became his best friend, taking it everywhere with him, while traveling, going to meetings, attending family events and anywhere he could. Santi’s favourite style is candid photography and videography, as it is captured without creating a posed appearance, an unplanned, natural moment. “There is no posing, just the spontaneity of the moment.”
Working as a Senior Paralegal with distinctions in all law examinations, Hayley was privately educated in the UK with a career in law working at her father’s law firm. Hayley spent her spare time working weekends at the Grammy-award winning Parr Street Studios. Hayley was noticed for her flair for organisation and making things happen and she was asked to arrange a charity concert. Organising artists from all over the world to include Gwen Dickey (Wishing On A Star, Car Wash), Jackie Graham (Ain’t Nobody) and Brit nominated trio The Celtic Tenors with presenters straight out of the hit ITV show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Arranging video messages from Heather Mills, Chris De Burgh and the late Robin Gibb that were displayed on the night, the show was a success.
Building up a solid network around her, Hayley then worked on high profile corporate and private events arranging the entertainment and logistics with A List artists from the UK and USA including Sir Tom Jones. With an enviable contact list, Hayley successfully launched My World VIP in 2016, offering clients around the world an impeccable, first class concierge service.
With 25 years in the hospitality sector working in 5 star establishments, Ema has worked all over Europe and the UK. A Professionally trained Chef and Catering Manager specialising in VIP clients. Experience in Events coordination, leading a 20 strong team for events over 500 capacity, Ema has a passion for luxury and exquisite customer service with attention to detail, embracing the My World VIP philosophy of being driven by excellence.
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Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
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Dan has a true passion for travel that began when he was 16 when he stayed in Madrid for two months, experiencing the culture and absorbing into the way of life. Dan and Hayley filmed with ITV’s travel programme, Wish You Were Here, with Judith Chalmers and Ruth England for a series where they were featured in Mallorca on five episodes. Dan and Hayley were married in the Church in Deia in 2009 have lived in various parts of the island over the years, settling in Deia in 2016 with their two children. Now based back in the UK, Dan is responsible for quality assessments for all our experiences and suppliers to ensure a first class service.
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Please enter the details of your party for a reservation request to the Exhibit 2 show at House of son Amar – Mallorca. The show is running until 1st October.
Please enter the details of your party for a reservation request to the Ohalá show at House of son Amar – Mallorca. The show is running until 1st October.
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Clare grew up in the UK, with strong connections to the Performing Arts and Theatre Industry before choosing a career path in the Travel and Tourism Sector. Throughout those initial years working within the Hotel, Conference and Banqueting division before moving into Management.
Clare took time out to experience world travel for herself before retraining as an Executive Assistant in the Tech Industry, working for world leaders such as IBM and Pace Micro Technology and being an integral part of the companies Flotation.
Clare then merged industry with high end travel and real estate and moved to the USA where she worked within aviation and yachting
Twenty years ago Clare moved to Palma De Mallorca as VIP Manager for the Island’s largest real estate agency and property developer before launching her own agency located in the prestigious marina of Puerto Portals. Specialising in high end villas, vacations, management, lifestyle and concierge, successfully operating for 14 years.
More recently, opening a new division to the existing business within the wine Industry, sourcing and importing French wines to the Balearics, part of a personal passion project and fitting in perfectly with the current business model of My World VIP.