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The word “Japan” conjures diverse and colorful images: the serene, iconic Mount Fuji; Kyoto temples fringed by cherry blossoms; the outrageous couture of Harajuku girls on a Tokyo Sunday; futuristic bullet trains; a geisha in kimono and painted face. It is the land of anime and pachinko, of exquisite cuisine, and of electronics and robotics innovation that transforms the way we live and work. Visiting Japan, it is easy to recognize what science-fiction writer William Gibson called “the global imagination’s default setting for the future.”

The foundation of this prosperous modern Japan was its post-war constitution, which along with an unstinting work ethic kindled unbridled economic growth. Even with the recessions of past decades, Japan is still home to the world’s third-highest GDP; it is a beacon of modernity to a continent that is racing to catch up with this once hermitic nation.

Japan’s insular past may be long gone but many of the old ways remain. One can still see elegant women in meticulous kimonos gingerly navigating massive crosswalks; kabuki opera performances; and sushi masters using techniques from the 17th-century Edo Period. This is what makes Japan so appealing: the harmonious confluence of the ancient and hyper-modern into one fascinating whole, firmly rooted in tradition but ever hurtling into the future.

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PREFERRED HOTEL

Aman Kyoto

The highly anticipated Aman Kyoto brings an even higher level of luxury to the historic and cultural ancient capital. A blend of authentic, traditional ryokan hospitality and contemporary spaces, the Aman Kyoto offers travelers a respite in the heart of one of Japan's most visited cities. The secluded 80-acre property is situated in a hidden garden close to the Golden Pavilion at the foot of the Mountain of Hidari Daimonji, within easy reach of Kyoto's impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Scattered among the grounds is a series of standalone pavilions. The four guest pavilions house 24 guest rooms (choose between garden or stream views) and a pair of two-bedroom villas overlooking the forest canopy. Each room captures a contemporary, minimalistic style with nod to the quintessential ryokan feel; walls of windows bringing the outside in to spacious, light-filled interiors. Facilities include separate Arrival, Living and Spa pavilions. The signature restaurant, Taka-An, showcases Japanese haute cuisine in the form of the kaiseki banquet - a multi-course dining experience made using the season’s finest local produce. The Living Pavilion offers an inviting spaces with a central fireplace for guests to enjoy home-cooked Kyoto obanzai-style cuisine and afternoon tea. The Spa Pavilion’s onsen bathing facilities use water from a local spring and the range of treatments highlight local, natural ingredients such as green tea, black beans, sake and cold-pressed camellia oil.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Aman Tokyo

Since its opening at the end of 2014, Aman Tokyo has been one of the most talked-about luxury hotels in the city. The most striking thing about it is its location; spread across the top six floors of a 40-storey tower in the Otemachi business district, the panoramic views are simply incredible. What’s more, all of the 84 rooms and suites take full advantage of the lofty position with floor-to-ceiling windows letting light in during the daytime, while also framing the breathtaking lit-up cityscape at night. Aman Tokyo has also received praise for its impressive interiors, which have been inspired by minimalistic design, including the use of camphor wood, washi paper and stone surfaces throughout the rooms as well as traditional Japanese facilities such as large ‘furo’ baths. Situated on the 33rd floor, both guests and non-guests can enjoy the fine Mediterranean food at the hotel’s signature restaurant, not forgetting more of those incredible views across Tokyo stretching as far as the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji in the distance. Elsewhere, there is a spa, enclosed garden area, swimming pool, wine cellar, cigar lounge and a whole host of other facilities to keep guests entertained.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Beniya Mukayu

Quaint Yamashiro Onsen, about an hour from Kanazawa, is a place famed for hot springs dating back 1,300 years, and nowhere is this history better experienced than at Beniya Mukayu, a traditional ryokan whose Zen-like quality ensures a uniquely memorable experience. Each of the ryokan’s 17 rooms has the minimalist feel of a traditional ryokan, as well as a private open-air bath overlooking a well-manicured Japanese garden. A stay at Beniya Mukayu is a holistic experience; from tea ceremonies with the ryokan’s owner to yoga sessions with his wife, your stay can be a cultivated lesson in Japan’s many methods of relaxation. Other highlights include a spa with medicinal and traditional treatments, as well as traditional kaiseki dining. From Kanazawa, Beniya Mukayu is a one-hour drive or a 30-minute express train ride followed by a 15-minute car ride.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Conrad Tokyo

The Conrad Tokyo is situated in the high-rise Shidome area. The hotel boasts some of the city’s most spacious rooms featuring awesome vistas of the Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay. The well-appointed rooms come with many added luxuries and modern-conveniences such as flat screen TVs, DVD players and sound systems. The hotel’s world-class facilities range from a large indoor pool with far reaching city views and a modern fitness center with yoga classes to a spa on the 29th floor offering authentic Japanese inspired treatments. All food and drink tastes are covered in the Conrad’s five onsite dining options serving sushi, teppanyaki, kaiseki, Chinese and western cuisine.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Four Seasons Kyoto

Inspired by the tranquility and contemplative calm of the region’s many temples and Zen gardens, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto features 110 standard rooms, 12 suites, 57 condos and a Presidential Suite, which at over 2,600 square feet, is the largest hotel suite in Kyoto. The restrained chic of designer Agnes Ng’s modern ideas, allied with traditional design elements such as bamboo groves and shoji paper-walls, create an extraordinary set of contemporary, yet classic, accommodations – with a peaceful vibe, enhanced and completed by the gentle crash of water from the Waterfall Garden. The hotel features two restaurants, bar, lounge and even a tea house where guests can find a range of tantalizing treats and refreshments to expedite their relaxation – set off to perfection by a team of expertly trained, confident and multilingual service staff.

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TRAVELOGUES

Dozen Dream Destination: Teshima and Shodoshima for the Art

Author : Travelogues

From above you’d never guess that tiny, forested islands of Teshima and Shodoshima host to the finest permanent exhibitions in East Asia, but they do.

Dozen Dream Destination: Kyoto for the Aman

Author : Travelogues

Perhaps the best reason to visit Kyoto in 2020 is to be among the first to sojourn at the highly anticipated Aman Kyoto, slated to open in November 2019.

Dozen Dream Destination: Tokyo for the Summer Games

Author : Travelogues

In 2020 one of the world’s most densely populated cities will host the Summer Games and Remote Lands knows how to get you there in style.

Japan Celebrates Ainu Culture with Upopoy Museum in 2020

Author : John McMahon

The indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Ainu, are perhaps northern Japan's greatest cultural legacy, and this will be in full display in the run up to the Summer Games 2020.

Hiking the Takedao Abandoned Railway

Author : Juanita Pienaar

In every season the Takedao Abandoned Railway is a lesser-traveled wonder, a rare disused railway track north of Osaka. It's easy, unique, and great for Instagram.