Views from Japan: Planning Sessions
Whether you dream of slow mornings in the mountains of Hokkaido or curated cultural immersion in inner-city Tokyo, the Views from Japan Journeys go beneath the surface. No two Journeys are the same; we design each trip from scratch, starting with a one-on-one Planning Session, tailored precisely to your tastes, pace, and priorities.
The World’s #1 Travel Destination
Japan is set to welcome 40 million visitors throughout 2025, yet most trips follow the same well-worn routes, social media hotspots and crowded sites. The advice is endless, repetitive and often generic for a destination with such incredible depth. Even the most discerning travellers often find themselves second-guessing every booking.
Your Personal Japan Travel Planner
At Views from Japan, we do things differently. We don't follow the crowds. We craft deeply personal journeys, drawing on years of experience, trusted local networks, and a genuine passion for Japan’s culture, craftsmanship, and everyday beauty. We work with Japan’s top hotels, cultural organisations, and tourism boards, curating insider travel guides, itineraries and experiences trusted by thousands of travellers around the world.
Our Exclusive Journeys & Bespoke Approach
The Views from Japan Journeys offer a private travel planning and concierge service for those seeking a one-of-a-kind Japan trip. Every itinerary is personalised entirely to you — designed, booked, and managed by a trusted Japan expert and local partners with unmatched insight.
Every trip starts with a one-on-one Planning Session, where we design your ideal journey together. From there, we create a fully custom adventure based on your tastes, timing, and budget. Once you're happy, we take care of everything — from exclusive hotel bookings and local guides to private transportation and rare cultural experiences.
Access to Japan’s Leading Hotels
From unique design hotels and rural ryokans to bucket list city retreats and budget-friendly family getaways, we have direct access to Japan’s leading hotels. No stone is left unturned and each hotel and ryokan is handpicked and personally experienced by the Views from Japan team.
A Journey Like No Other
From snow-dusted onsen in the mountains of Nagano, to warm island breezes in Okinawa, and centuries-old traditions of Kyoto to avant-garde design studios of Tokyo — our journeys uncover Japan like never before. Think slow mornings in misty towns, hands-on encounters with local makers, and elegant countryside stays few ever find.
Your Journey Starts Here
Availability is limited, as each itinerary is crafted with precision and care. To begin, book a Planning Session — a dedicated one hour consultation where we’ll begin to bring your vision to life. We’ll handle the logistics, craft the narrative, and open doors you won’t find elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Begin by booking a one-on-one Planning Session where we discuss your interests, pace, travel dates and desired experiences. From there, we’ll begin crafting your fully bespoke Japan itinerary.
What’s included in the service?
Your personalised trip is designed, booked, and managed by Views from Japan and our trusted travel partners across Japan. This includes hotels, ryokans, private guides, experiences, internal travel, restaurant recommendations and more. You simply arrange your international flights to Japan, and we handle every detail on the ground.
What if I only want hotels bookings?
Our bespoke travel service gives you complete access to Japan’s leading hotels, as well as exclusive perks and deals. We are happy to accommodate hotel-only bookings to suit the needs of your trip.
Please note: Once a hotel-only booking is initiated, we cannot revert back to a full trip package.
Are the itineraries customisable?
Yes. Every itinerary is built from scratch or tailored from one of our pre-built Journeys. All trips are bespoke and crafted around your preferences, travel style, and budget.
Do you work with all budgets?
We specialise in luxury travel, and each journey is built to reflect that. While we don't publish pricing, we’ll discuss your ideal budget during the Planning Session and tailor everything accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking your Planning Session at least 3–6 months in advance for off peak, and 6-12 months for peak seasons like spring (cherry blossom) and autumn. That said, we can often accommodate shorter timelines depending on availability.
Can you book restaurant reservations and in-destination support?
Yes. Depending on your itinerary and preferences, we can manage reservations and provide discreet in-trip assistance and coordination where needed.
Is the Planning Session fee applied to the trip cost?
The Planning Session is a standalone paid consultation. If you choose to move forward with a full Journey, that session serves as the foundation for your itinerary. The planning fee is not credited toward final bookings.
