Walk hand-in-hand beneath cherry blossom trees in the spring, or slalom down the Japan Alps in the winter. Dance ‘til dawn in Tokyo’s rollicking clubs, or bask in a hot-spring spa. Immerse yourself in history at Kyoto’s 17th century Katsura Imperial Villa and gardens, and tour the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love. For an unforgettable experience, scale Mount Fuji by night (July-August), and see the sunrise from Japan’s tallest peak.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: E-Visa is required prior to entry for stays under 90 days.
Nationals/citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States of America are exempt from short-term stay visa.
► Online visa application for visiting Japan
► US Department of State Japan Information
Part of the APEC Business Travel program
• Expedited Passport Clearance via Diplomat Entrance
• All full members of APEC have no need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except for transitional members, USA and Canada)
Traveler’s Medical Insurance is highly advised:
Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Medicare and other standard Healthcare coverage does not extend to basic medical care or emergency care outside of the USA.
I love October to November Fall Season the best. Cool and not humid.
Setouchi / near Hiroshima
Size: 22 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Japanese
Year Opened: 2021
Designer/Architect: Shiro Miura
The new project from Adrian Zecha, one of the creators of Aman Resorts. He is now creating his vision of a Japanese Ryokan on Ikuchijima Island on the Seto Inland Sea.
Japan has no shortage of charming ryokans, or traditional inns. But people pay extra attention when Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman Resorts, puts his name behind one. Azumi Setoda, located on the remote island of Ikuchijima in the Japanese Inland Sea, is the first property in the Indonesian hotelier’s Azumi line. Zecha lived in Tokyo for a time, and his fondness for Japanese aesthetics is obvious here. So is his respect for the place, once an important port on an island known for its citrus fruits — instead of designing something new, Zecha chose to revitalize a 140-year-old estate long owned by a prominent merchant family.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
Ise Shima / south of Kyoto
Size: 28 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Japanese
Year Opened: 2019
Designer/Architect: Kerry Hill
Experience the curative powers of Amanemu. Its 21,500-square-foot spa centers around a mineral-rich onsen (there are two private pavilions, as well), fed by salt-infused springs from Ise-Shima National Park. Indeed, each of 24 suites and 4 two-bedroom villas has its own onsen, along with walls that open to tranquil Ago Bay or the surrounding forest. Practice yoga on the outdoor platform, witness a prayer ceremony at the Ise Grand Shrine, or go fishing with a local angler and have the chef prepare fresh sashimi from your catch. The UNESCO-designated Kumano Kodo trails are worth the day trip.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
I AM AN AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• A-la-carte breakfast for 2 daily
• Complimentary WI-FI access
• $100usd (€ 90) per room or junior suite per stay
• $220usd (€ 200) per suite per stay
• VIP welcome treats with a local taste
• Complimentary upgrade based on availability at time of check-in
• A $500usd gift voucher for bookings over $5,000usd with Belmond
and more
Exploring Onomichi and Guntu
It was my first time in Japan, and I got spoiled…
Designed by Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe, this floating hotel holds a cozy 19 wood-paneled cabins and several common areas that delight at every turn. More on this to come, but just know, a cruise could never. They offer three directional routes through the Seto Inland Sea (East, West, and Central) that vary between three and four days.
The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Japan
On July 4, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Japan.
► My Virtuoso Japan Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Japan Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Japan.
Kyoto General Information Page
Tokyo General Information Page
Niseko General Information Page
or leave a comment below
page updated: August 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Japan Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being published.
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