Example Itinerary

Relax & Rejuvenate: Babymoon in Japan

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Price Per Person

Interests: Romance, Post-Covid Wellness

Destinations: Japan

Attuned to detail, order, and the pursuit of beauty, Japan is an ideal destination for a babymoon. Explore Japan at a relaxed pace, while staying in some of the country’s most luxurious accommodations. In Tokyo, visit charming gardens and sample exquisite cuisine. Travel to the Izu Peninsula and spendtime in Japan’s picturesque countryside, taking gentle walks along gorgeous coastline and soaking in your ryokan’s restorative hot springs. Continue on to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Explore centuries-old temples and wander ancient side streets. End your journey in peaceful Nara, home to the sacred sika deer.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Suitengu Shrine: Visit this popular shrine where locals pray for easy and safe births, and receive a blessing from a monk.

• Mother Nature: Forest bathing in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and soaking in mineral-rich onsen waters are just a couple of quintessentially Japanese ways to unwind and get in touch with Mother Nature.

• Nutrition: Learn how to make nourishing and authentic Japanese dishes with a private cooking class at the home of a local couple.

Why Remote Lands?

Remote Lands are specialists in extraordinary travel to Asia, since 2006.

6 Time Winners

10 Time Winners

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Day-by-Day

Day 1

Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo. You will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel, Aman Tokyo, renowned for its soothing minimalistic-inspired design, impeccable service and impressive views. This afternoon, relax and unwind at Aman’s sanctuary-like spa. Take advantage of an array of spa treatments, which source organic ingredients from around the world. Step out and sample what Japan does exceedingly well: exquisitely-crafted cuisine. Sushi is not the only go-to order in Tokyo; enjoy tempura or teppanyaki, both of which are cultural delicacies.

Hotel Options

Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Spread across the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo’s financial district, this lofty hotel presents city superb views and is just steps from Tokyo Station and Ginza shopping district.

History: This newly built-hotel is the first ever ‘city’ hotel from the luxurious Aman Resorts, a group that has over two dozen resorts in their portfolio spread across four different continents.

Services: The wealth of services here all take advantage of the stunning views, whether you’re treating yourself to a massage in the spa, enjoying fine Mediterranean cuisine in the 33rd floor restaurant or doing laps in the infinity pool.

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Day 2

Tokyo

After breakfast, explore Hamarikyu Garden, a serene landscape garden located in the middle of Tokyo. Stroll past seawater ponds and a teahouse on an island. If you wish, visit the teahouse and learn about the subtleties of an informal tea ceremony. Stop by Suitengu Shrine, an exceedingly popular shrine where the focus is on babies and locals pray for easy and safe births. While here, receive a blessing from a monk and, if you wish, purchase iwata-obi and amulets to take home as charms. Next, wander through Daikanyama, a windy neighborhood packed with trendy boutique shops, bookstores, and tiny cafes.

Day 3

Tokyo

Cherry blossoms are not the only beautiful blooms found in Japan. Today, visit Ashikaga Flower Garden, located approximately 2 hours outside of bustling Tokyo. With over 350 wisteria trees, Ashikaga has the largest wisteria garden in Japan. In springtime, the grounds are transformed into a wisteria wonderland. Enchanting pastel flowers hang from trellises and trees to create a stunning effect. Depending on the season, the garden is also home to roses, hydrangeas, iris, peonies, lilies and Japanese flowering dogwood. If you wish, opt to hire a photographer for a session amongst the blooms to commemorate this special time.

Day 4

Izu Peninsula

Today, you will be transferred to the train station for your train ride to the Izu Peninsula. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ryokan, Asaba. A tranquil retreat set along the Katsura River, Asaba is one of the premier ryokans in the country. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure as you absorb the ryokan’s traditional Japanese aesthetic, stroll Asaba’s well-kept gardens, and soak in mineral-rich indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsens. This evening, enjoy a traditional performance on Asaba’s 150-year-old Noh theatre stage. A historical treasure, the Noh stage was moved to Asaba during the late Meiji period.

Hotel Options

Why We Love This Hotel

Ryokan Refinery: Japanese “ryokan” inns represent the oldest style of hotels still in use today. Refined and luxurious to a virtually unparalleled degree, it is clear why they have survived the test of time.

Service: The celebrated service on hand at the Asaba Ryokan is a perfect combination of helpful and discrete, something the hotel has perfected over the past few hundred years.

Cuisine: The resort’s delicately crafted dishes are rich with flavor and style alike, engendering a truly unique culinary experience.

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Day 5

Izu Peninsula

Enjoy the day at your leisure and take advantage of the soothing onsens. If you wish, opt for a half day or full day of touring around the Izu Peninsula. Walk through rolling countryside hills and gaze out at the dramatic coastline. Explore local villages, waterfalls, and hidden-gem temples. Stop to sample sweet hot spring dumplings and watch the sunset at the beach. The peninsula’s rugged coastline offers a starkly beautiful contrast to the setting sun.

Day 6

Kyoto

Today, you are off to Kyoto, an ancient, walkable city steeped in culture and tradition. Following your train ride, you will be met and transferred to the perfectly-located Ritz Carlton hotel, situated on the banks of the Kamogawa River. If you wish, elevate your experience with an upgrade to the luxurious Tsukimi Suite, which boasts a private moon-viewing deck overlooking the Higashiyama mountains, as well as a private lantern-lit Japanese garden. Spend the afternoon relaxing. Attend to your wellbeing and consider a spa treatment before dinner.

Hotel Options

Why We Love This Hotel

Nature: Aman Kyoto's palette is the inviting green of forest scenery and the warm, woody tones of shelter. So aligned with its surroundings, the hotel changes with the seasons; Taka-An's menu puts the spotlight on seasonal produce, while the floor-to-ceiling windows showcase how the passing months shape the landscape.

Culture: Kaiseki banquets, matcha and mochi afternoon tea, tranquil and contemplative gardens, indoor and outdoor onsen bathing facilities, options for futon bedding and tatami mat flooring – the entire property has been designed with an immersion in both nature and culture in mind, so guests can experience true Japanese hospitality.

Wellness: A stay at the Aman Kyoto is not just a quiet retreat to return to after a day of sightseeing in Kyoto, but also an oasis designed to replenish the body and mind. The in-house spa specializes in Shiatsu massage, onsen pools are fed by the mineral-rich waters of local hot springs, while private yoga sessions in a forest clearing release stress and tension.

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Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Sitting on the serene banks of the stunning Kamogawa river within walking distance of several famous streets and popular sights, this hotel couldn’t have a more perfect location. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from the Kyoto airport.

History: Paying homage to rich Japanese culture, the fourth Ritz-Carlton in Japan opened in Kyoto in February of 2014.

Service: Guests can count on dependable, high-level service at the Ritz-Carlton, where a luxury experience is guaranteed, complemented by extremely helpful staff.

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Day 7

Kyoto

This morning, go forest bathing in one of the most highly regarded bamboo forests in Japan, and the world: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. If you like, hop on a rickshaw for a scenic ride through brilliant shades of green. While in Kyoto, we recommend taking a private boat ride along the Hozugawa River. Cruise past Buddhist temples, rock formations, and deep green pools. Or, if you wish, step back in time and board the Sagano Railway, a scenic train ride through the forest. Visit Kiyomizudera, a gorgeous temple on wooden stilts. End the day exploring the side streets of Gion, a historic neighborhood that is home to geishas and dates back to the middle ages. While in Gion, we suggest having tea with maiko, a geisha in training.

Day 8

Kyoto

Visit Nara, a well-ordered ancient city with lanterned streets, imperial architecture, and 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Nara Park, home to hundreds of sika deer. The Nara deer are considered sacred and are now symbolic of the city. Experience a deer calling and watch as the deer bound out from the forest at the sound of a horn. Visit ancient temples, including Kasuga Grand Shrine, established in the 8th century, and Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Round out your excursion with a special cooking lesson, and learn how to make authentic Japanese cuisine at the home of a local couple who are passionate food-lovers.

Day 9

Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred either Osaka airport or to the trains station if you are flying out of Tokyo.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–3

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.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 4–5

Preferred Hotel

Asaba Ryokan

Surrounded by lush gardens and bamboo forest, this first-rate ryokan inn is anchored around a pristine lake and offers indulgent hot spring baths. Founded in the 15th Century, this family-run business remains one of the premiere ryokan inns in Japan. All of its 17 guest rooms feature unique designs while staying true to their timeless, minimalist aesthetics. Meticulously crafted meals are served in accommodations, and the staff unrolls fresh futons every night. There is a stage atop the central pond, a gift to the Asaba Ryokan during the Meiji restoration, that holds performances and an intimate spa. Indoor, outdoor, and private baths give guests the opportunity to bathe in flowing onsen waters, and many rooms are fitted with their own private baths. Service is impeccable and the surroundings are serene.

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Suggested Hotels For Days 6–8

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.

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Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Just steps away from the popular streets of Gion, Kawaramachi and Pontocho, the Ritz-Carlton hotel is the perfect gateway for seeing Kyoto’s famous sights. Respecting the ancient traditions and culture of Kyoto, the extravagant space is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional architecture. Famous for Zen Temples, palaces and gardens, Kyoto's atmosphere is incorporated in the Ritz-Carlton’s design. Built in the style of a traditional Meiji House and courtyard, a stay here is truly a cultural experience. A four-story waterfall is featured in the hotel entrance amidst patterned motifs. Luxury Ritz-Carlton touches include high-thread count linens, plush Japanese “IMABARI” robes and towels, Kyoto soap and seasonal bath salts, LED TVs and touch-panel environmental controls for automatic drape closure. Accommodation amenities include a concierge service, swimming pool, banquet room, babysitting service, sophisticated dining and drinking options, as well as an indulgent spa for any pampering needs.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.