Japan (Oct 7^th-14^th, 2025)

Experience the perfect blend of Michelin-starred dining, timeless culture, and breathtaking history on this exclusive 8-day luxury trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan, hosted by Stephen Backholm, a seasoned traveler and fellow Lifestyle Investor. Immerse yourself in Japan’s most iconic cities, where ancient traditions meet modern sophistication.

Why Join This Adventure?

• Curated Luxury: From 5-star accommodations to exclusive culinary experiences, every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure a seamless and indulgent journey.
• Expert Guidance: With Stephen Backholm as your host, benefit from insider knowledge, culinary insights, and let someone else handle all of the stress of planning and navigating. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Japan.
• Cultural Immersion: This trip isn’t just a vacation—it’s a gateway to understanding Japan’s soul through its cuisine, history, and timeless traditions.

 

An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to explore Japan’s rich culture, this journey promises an unparalleled adventure. Reserve your spot today and get ready to savor every moment of Japan's vibrant culture and culinary excellence with a group of extraordinary Lifestyle Investor members.

Don’t just travel—immerse, indulge, and invest in memories that will last a lifetime.

 

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo & Welcome Cocktail Reception (Tuesday)

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport and begin your journey in comfort and style. Unwind after your long flight as the JR Express seamlessly transports you to Tokyo Station, located in the heart of the city. From there, your private driver will whisk you away to the luxurious 5-Star Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, where unparalleled elegance and world-class amenities await.
• Welcome Reception: Join your fellow travelers at Virtu in the hotel for world-class cocktails and a light dinner. Virtu was named the #11 bar on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List 2024.

Day 2: Sensō-ji Temple, Anakusa Historic District, and Michelin Recommended Dinner (Wednesday)

• Morning: Enjoy a slow morning and breakfast at Pigneto at the Four Seasons. Nestled in an elegant and serene setting, Pigneto offers a delightful blend of international sophistication and Japanese refinement, providing the perfect ambiance for a relaxed yet indulgent morning.
• Mid-Morning: Delve into the seamless elegance of the Tokyo subway system, a marvel of modern engineering and urban design. As we travel to Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple, enjoy the unique opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of city life while marveling at the subway’s unparalleled efficiency and cleanliness.
• Afternoon: Indulge in lunch at Asakusa Imahan. This esteemed establishment specializes in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, offering high-quality wagyu beef in a traditional Japanese setting.
• Mid-Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and lively atmosphere of the Asakusa, as we stroll through one of Tokyo’s most historic districts including the iconic Nakamise Shopping Street. Quaint teahouses, vintage stores, and charming izakayas line this district and offer a glimpse into Japan’s timeless charm.
• Evening: Savor an exquisite dining experience at Les Copains de DOMINIQUE BOUCHET, a cozy and highly acclaimed bistro recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide. Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and masterful French-inspired cuisine, this charming eatery offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

Day 3: Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku Isetan (Thursday)

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Pigneto at the Four Seasons.
• Mid-Morning: Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market. Our private guide will take us to both the inner and outer markets to see the wealth of the sea Tokyo has to offer.
• Afternoon: Lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market.
• Mid-Afternoon: Hop on the subway and head to Shinjuku, home to Tokyo's most iconic and luxurious shopping destination, the Isetan Department Store. Renowned as Japan's premier department store, Isetan offers an extraordinary array of goods, from high-end fashion and designer brands to exclusive beauty products and artisanal homeware. One of the highlights is the legendary Isetan Food Hall, often described as a gourmet paradise.
• Evening: Indulge in an exceptional dinner at Ginza Aster, located within Isetan. Renowned for its exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance, this restaurant offers a unique opportunity to experience dining as the Japanese do—where department store dining is elevated to an art form.

 

Day 4: Tokyo National Museum & Mario Kart Driving Tour (Friday)

• Morning: Breakfast at Pigneto at the Four Seasons.
• Mid-Morning: Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich cultural heritage with an exclusive private guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and most prestigious museum in Japan. Located in the serene surroundings of Ueno Park, this iconic institution is home to an unparalleled collection of over 110,000 artifacts spanning centuries of Japanese art, history, and culture.
• Afternoon: Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with an 8-course lunch at EST, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its harmonious blend of Japanese and French cuisine. Situated in an elegant setting, EST offers a dining experience that bridges two gastronomic worlds, combining the finesse of French techniques with the purity and precision of Japanese flavors.
• Mid-Afternoon: [Option 1] Mario Kart Tour of Tokyo or [Option 2] roam the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and soak in the tranquility. Yes, you can drive a real go-kart on the streets of Tokyo dressed as your favorite Mario Kart character, or you can stroll the incredible national garden and be carried away by its beauty.
• Evening: Indulge in an unforgettable evening at Tempura Kondo, one of Tokyo’s most celebrated two-Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned for elevating tempura to an art form. Helmed by the legendary Chef Fumio Kondo, whose culinary philosophy seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, this intimate dining experience is a true homage to Japan’s deep culinary heritage.

Day 5: Bullet Train to Kyoto & Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (Saturday)

• Morning: Breakfast at Pigneto at the Four Seasons.
• Mid-Morning: Begin your journey to Kyoto with a quintessential Japanese experience: enjoying a beautifully crafted bento box lunch aboard the legendary shinkansen (bullet train). Before boarding, explore the vibrant food halls of Tokyo Station, where you’ll find an incredible selection of bento boxes filled with delicacies such as sushi, tempura, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables, all artfully arranged.
• Afternoon: Private transport will whisk you from the Kyoto train station and deliver you to the 5-Star Four Season Hotel Kyoto.
• Mid-Afternoon: Step into the serene world of Japanese tradition with an authentic tea ceremony at Shakusui-tei, a charming tea house surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Kyoto.
• Evening: Savor an exquisite dining experience at Cenci, one of Kyoto's renowned culinary gems. Cenci's excellence has been recognized with a Michelin star and a ranking of No. 47 in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in 2024.

Day 6: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine & Michelin Starred Dinner (Sunday)

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Emba Kyoto Chophouse at the Four Seasons.
• Mid-Morning: Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines. Wander along the breathtaking pathway adorned with thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind their way up the sacred Mount Inari.
• Afternoon: Savor a bowl of expertly crafted ramen at Menya Inoichi, a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery in Kyoto renowned for its innovative take on Japan’s beloved comfort food, made with the finest local ingredients.
• Early Evening: Take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Kyoto, where every step immerses you in the city’s rich past and enduring charm.
• Evening: Delight in an unforgettable dining experience at Yuyu, a Michelin-starred sushi bar celebrated for its artistry and dedication to perfection.

 

Day 7: Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and Exquisite Kaiseki Cuisine (Monday)

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Emba Kyoto Chophouse at the Four Seasons.
• Mid-Morning: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and historical grandeur of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, with an exclusive private guided tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning gold-leaf exterior and tranquil reflection in the surrounding pond, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
• Afternoon: Indulge in a refined culinary experience at one Michelin-starred Known for its impeccable blend of modern techniques and traditional Japanese flavors, Droit offers a menu that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients, presented with artistic flair.
• Mid-Afternoon: Delve into the rich history and architectural grandeur of Nijo Castle with an exclusive private guided tour. Built in the early 1600s as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.
• Evening: Conclude your journey with an extraordinary farewell dinner at Gion Maruyama, a prestigious two Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in Kyoto’s historic Gion district. Renowned for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine, Gion Maruyama offers a refined multi-course dining experience that embodies the pinnacle of Japanese culinary artistry.

 

Day 8: Final Glances and Journey Home (Tuesday)

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Emba Kyoto Chophouse at the Four Seasons. Walk the streets and soak up the final hours in Japan.
• Mid-Morning: The JR Haruka Airport Express train will take you back to Kansai Airport (KIX) for your journey home.

 

COST

Trip is limited to 11 people plus the host.  There will be four (4) double occupancy slots and three (3) single occupancy slots.  Single occupancy is $16,997 USD and double is $24,997 USD. The full fee is due at booking.

The trip fee covers everything except your flight to/from Japan. This trip arrives and leaves from two different airports and cities:

• Arrive Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport on October 7^th (leave USA on 6th)
• Leave Kyoto’s Kansai Airport (Airport Code KIX) on October 14^th

 

 

INCLUDED

Lodging & Board

• Four (4) nights at the 5-star Four Season Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi (Superior King Room Tokyo Skyline).
• Three (3) nights at the 5-star Four Season Hotel Kyoto (Deluxe Room 1 King Courtyard View).
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners listed in the itinerary (inclusive of all drinks (some limits apply)).

 

Activities

• Private guided tour of Sensō-ji Temple.
• Private guided tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market.
• Private guided tour of Tokyo National Museum.
• Mario Kart Tour.
• Tea Ceremony at Shakusui-tei.
• Private guided tour of the Fushimi Inari-taisha.
• Private guided tour of the Nijo Castle.

 

Transportation

• Train tickets from Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports to the Four Season Tokyo at Otemachi.
• All required ground transportation while in Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Bullet train transport from Tokyo to Kyoto.
• Train tickets from Kyoto to Kansai Airport (KIX).

 

Other items included:

• All tips at restaurants, tips to guides, drivers, etc.

 

EXCLUDED

• International flight to/from Japan.
• Refreshments, bottled drinks and bar bills outside standard itinerary/scheduled meals.
• Cocktails, wine, and spirits beyond selections.
• Optional/alternative or suggested activities.
• Personal expenses and tips for hotel staff.
• Extra expenses in hotels: spa, laundry, minibar, telephone calls, etc.
• Tickets to tourist attractions not included in the itinerary.
• Any extensions before or after the trip.

 

Cancellation Policy:

Please note that due to the nature of the trip and the size of the group, we can only allow cancellations and refunds if we can find a replacement for your spot.

 

Named Venues:

We do our best to reserve and attend all named destinations and restaurants on the itinerary but have the discretion to adjust venues if needed based upon availability and/or preference.