ZENSES is dedicated to curating bespoke journeys across Japan, designed for discerning travelers who seek more than just sightseeing. Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to reveal the essence of Japan’s diverse regions, blending seamless comfort with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
From intimate encounters with master artisans to exclusive cultural performances rarely open to the public, from private dining with celebrated chefs to art-focused tours guided by experts, every moment is designed to be as enriching as it is unforgettable.
At the heart of our service lies a commitment to authenticity, refinement, and personalization — ensuring that each guest experiences Japan in a way that is uniquely their own.
Arrive at Haneda or Narita airport
Meet your English-speaking driver in the arrival hall and transfer by private car to Four Seasons Hotel Otemachi.
Check in.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Meet your tour guide in the lobby and depart by private car.
Shibuya Miyashita Park – a vibrant hub of luxury and street brands, cultural spaces, music bars, and offices, blending with the urban park.
Hibiya Okuroji – a 300m-long brick-arch space beneath railway tracks since the Meiji era, featuring boutique shops and fine restaurants.
Return to the hotel.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Meet your tour guide in the lobby for a private art-focused tour with a professional art expert.
Tokyo National Museum – Japan’s oldest museum with vast collections of Japanese and Asian art and artifacts.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo – focusing on postwar Japanese art alongside international works.
Omotesando – a stylish boulevard showcasing cutting-edge architecture by masters such as Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, and SANAA.
Return to the hotel.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Check out and transfer to Tokyo Station. Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
Arrive at Kyoto Station, meet your driver, and transfer to Hiiragiya Ryokan.
At leisure until evening.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Meet your tour guide and depart by private car.
Japanese Garden Tour – guided by a renowned gardener, explore Kyoto’s Zen gardens and pond landscapes.
Nishiki Market – Kyoto’s bustling “kitchen,” lined with local food stalls and specialty shops.
Kiyomizu-dera – One of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples, offers breathtaking views of the city from its famous wooden stage that dramatically juts out over the hillside.
Check in to HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Morning tour of Kyoto’s cultural landmarks:
Arashiyama & Tenryuji Temple – Zen temple with a scenic garden and famous bamboo grove.
Ryoanji Temple – home to Japan’s iconic rock garden.
Ninnaji Temple – historic head temple of the Shingon sect, once linked to the Imperial family.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) – a stunning World Heritage temple covered in gold leaf.
Return to the hotel.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Meet your guide for a day trip by private car.
Gangoji Temple – UNESCO World Heritage temple founded in the 6th century.
Private Zazen Meditation – experience Zen meditation in a National Treasure site.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine – one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines.
【Optional】Exclusive Night Visit – private lantern-lighting ritual and curator-guided tour of Kasuga Taisha Museum with access to sacred sites.
Check in to Fufu Nara.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Private “Nara-Yamato Four Temples Pilgrimage” guided by monks.
Hase-dera Temple – known as the “Temple of Flowers.”
Muro-ji Temple – historic mountain temple notable for welcoming women in the 9th century.
Oka-dera Temple – legendary “Dragon Lid Temple.”
Abe-Monjuin Temple – houses Japan’s largest Monju Bosatsu statue, a National Treasure.
Return to ryokan.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Transfer to Shin-Osaka Station and board Shinkansen to Okayama. Continue by private car to Uno Pier and ferry to Naoshima.
Tour highlights with guide:
Lee Ufan Museum – minimalist works in a Tadao Ando–designed building.
Chichu Art Museum – underground museum with works by Monet, Turrell, and De Maria.
Benesse House – fusion of museum and hotel.
Art House Project – traditional houses transformed into contemporary art spaces.
Ando Museum – Tadao Ando’s architectural legacy in a traditional home.
Check in to Roka.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Day excursion by boat and on foot.
Teshima Yokoo House – artist/architect collaboration in a restored home.
Les Archives du Cœur – heartbeats recorded as art by Christian Boltanski.
Teshima Art Museum – organic water-drop structure blending art and nature.
Inujima Seirensho Museum – art and architecture in a former copper refinery.
Inujima Art House Project – revitalized village houses turned into art spaces.
Return to Naoshima.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Travel via ferry and Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
Peace Memorial Park – memorial space of reflection.
Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine – sacred island with iconic floating shrine gate.
Continue by Shinkansen to Yamaguchi and transfer to Otozure Ryokan.
【Optional】bath at Onto Onsen – a redesigned heritage hot spring.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Private day trip to Hagi.
Explore the historic castle town with preserved samurai and merchant houses.
【Optional】Private visit to Hagi-yaki Pottery Studios – traditional ceramics cherished in tea ceremonies.
Optional visits:
Akiyoshi-do Cave – vast limestone cave.
Beppu Benten Pond – pristine spring water designated among Japan’s top 100 waters.
Return to ryokan.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Transfer to Fukuoka Airport for flight to Naha.
Arrive and transfer by hotel car to Halekulani Okinawa.
Check in.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Enjoy highlights of the islands:
Kouri Island – romantic “Love Island” with emerald waters.
Nakijin Castle Ruins – UNESCO heritage Ryukyu fortress.
Cape Manzamo – elephant-shaped cliffside rock.
Shuri Castle – former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Kokusai-dori Street – lively shopping and dining avenue.
Former Navy Underground Headquarters – historic wartime site.
Churaumi Aquarium – home to whale sharks and giant manta rays.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Optional Experiences:
Private cruise diving to Minnajima, Setokojima, or Ao no Dokutsu.
Brown sugar making workshop.
Side trip to Ishigaki Island for snorkeling, diving, and beaches.
Transfer to Naha Airport for flight to Haneda.
Meet driver and transfer to Four Seasons Hotel Otemachi.
Check in.
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
Transfer to Narita Airport for your flight home
These are merely suggestions. The guide will discuss and decide with you on the day where to visit, except for locations requiring advance reservations.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help!
What’s included
Additional note
