Relax & Rejuvenate: Babymoon in Japan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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