What a Client Trip to Japan Looks Like

Written By Krista Nannery

Japan has really catapulted itself up into my Top 5 countries sold over the last two years. Part of this is the exchange rate but the other part, I think, is just fascination with this super interesting culture that is so modern but yet so traditional.

What I like about working on trips to Japan is that I really get to do what I do best. When I send people to Paris or Rome, for the most part, they kinda already know what they want to see and do. When I send people to Japan, they often have no idea what they want to see and do. So I really get to run with things and get creative!

I thought it would be interesting to share some of the experiences I’ve organized for a fall trip for a Florida couple celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. As busy professionals, they just said “Give us two weeks in Japan. We like anything to do with food, architecture, sports, and history. Plus we want to chillax somewhere relaxing.” I love when clients give me themes like this because I know I can come up with some really cool experiences.

Here is just a taste of the experiences I’ve organized for my clients during their 15 day trip…

So many sakes, so little time…

🍶 An evening in Tokyo with a top sake sommelier
This is not your average sake tasting. My clients will spend the evening with a nationally certified sake expert who will guide them through rare pours and food pairings at an intimate bar or izakaya they’d never find on your own. They’ll come away with a deep understanding of regional varieties, brewing traditions, and how to drink like a local.

🔪 Visits to specialist knife shops in Tsukiji with a guide knowledgeable about Japanese knives
They’ll explore Tsukiji’s backstreets with a guide who speaks the language of blades — someone who knows the difference between deba and yanagiba (I didn’t know this either) and has relationships with master knife makers. They’ll learn how to choose the perfect knife, watch sharpening demonstrations, and maybe even walk away with a personalized piece that will last a lifetime.

⚾ Great seats at a baseball game in Hiroshima
My clients will feel the electric energy of a Hiroshima Carp home game from premium seats. It's not just about the baseball — it’s about the chants, the coordinated balloons, the snack vendors, and the joyful intensity of Japanese fandom. Their guide will help them navigate the stadium culture and share the deeper meaning of baseball in post-war Japan.

🍜 Udon-making class with a respected Japanese chef in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture
In the spiritual heart of Shikoku, my clients will learn to make sanuki udon from scratch under the guidance of a master chef. This hands-on workshop is held in the charming town of Kotohira, where the pace is slow and the traditions run deep. My clients will pound the dough, roll it out, and slurp their creation with pride. Did you know that Kotohira is the birthplace of the udon shop??

Benesse House

🎨 Visit to Naoshima island with special access to Benesse House’s Oval, designed by Tadao Ando
Naoshima isn’t just an island — it’s a living museum. My clients will explore open-air installations and world-class galleries, then check in to the exclusive Oval at Benesse House, typically off-limits to the public. Designed by iconic architect Tadao Ando, the Oval is a serene, otherworldly experience where art, nature, and design converge.

🕊️ Meeting with a survivor of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima
This is a deeply moving, once-in-a-lifetime encounter. My clients will sit with a hibakusha — a survivor of the atomic bomb — and hear their story firsthand. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with living history, offering perspective, compassion, and a human connection to one of the most important chapters of the 20th century.

For a 14 day trip, if you can imagine, there are about 10 more experiences like this that I’ve organized for my clients. They will of course also be visiting Kyoto and Osaka, where I have some other really great activities lined up for them.

My clients are staying at five great hotels in Japan during their 14 night trip, but here are my two favorite properties from the trip…

The Janu

Janu Tokyo

Janu Tokyo, the inaugural property of Aman’s vibrant sister brand, redefines luxury in the heart of Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills. The hotel features 122 spacious rooms and suites, many with private balconies offering views of Tokyo Tower and the city skyline. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel's eight dining venues, including Sumi, which offers an intimate sumibiyaki omakase experience, and Janu Mercato, celebrating all-day Italian dining. The hotel’s location offers guests immediate access to a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutiques, cafes, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.

The view from Kurayado Iroha on Miyajima

Itsukushima Iroha

Itsukushima Iroha is a serene boutique ryokan nestled on the sacred island of Miyajima, just steps from the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its famed floating torii gate. Blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, the ryokan offers rooms adorned with tatami-mat flooring and Western-style beds, many boasting panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea or the forested slopes of Mount Misen.

Ready to book your trip to Japan? Let’s talk! Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.

Ways I Can Help You

Krista Nannery
Previous

My Favorite London Tours and Experiences
Next

More Dumb Travel Mistakes I Won't Repeat