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Despite living in Japan for three years and travelling back plenty of times, Katrina was surprised at how a few little luxury travel experiences made her recent trip so special.
“Don’t be ridiculous I’m not paying extra to reserve my seat in advance”
“Who needs a private transfer when you could take the train?”
I’m usually a pretty easy-going traveller – as long as I have a place to rest my head I’m happy. But on my latest trip to Japan this June, I did things a little differently, and trust me – I’m never looking back! So here is my list of four things to splash out on next time you travel to Japan:
1. Business Class Flights
“Hello Miss Cordery, would you like a welcome glass of champagne?”
So there is one problem with Business Class flights – at least as a one-time splurge. I desperately wanted to make use of the full flatbed to sleep and arrive refreshed to my destination. But I also really wanted to be awake so I could appreciate the fact that I have a full flat bed. Decisions, decisions.
I wanted to spend time using every single amenity in the kit provided. I longed to enjoy movies on my generously-sized screen, eat my (actually tasty) plane food with the real (!) cutlery provided. And sample the free-flowing drinks.
In the end I managed a nice balance of sleep, and an appreciation of FinnAir’s excellent Business Class offering. Now I finally understand how celebrities step off planes looking fresh as a daisy. I felt like a celebrity myself.
2. Fancy dinners
As a self-confessed foodie, trying everything on offer in Japan is always a highlight.
Previously, I’ve been content to stick to street food, local favourites, and out of the way restaurants. But this time, as one of my luxury travel experiences, I tried the haute cuisine side of food in Japan. I now understand why they have more Michelin stars than anywhere else.
I sampled set menus of both Japanese and foreign cuisine; both exquisitely put together. It seemed that each tiny course – which lead seamlessly to the next – couldn’t possibly be more delicious than the one before.
Knowledgeable waiters greeted me by name (how did they even know it was me?!), and were happy to pair each course with right wine, or proprietary sake, or spend time to explain the ingredients in each dish.
3. Pools
Japan isn’t really a pool destination. Or so I thought. Who has time for swimming when there is so much to see and do? But when I checked into the Ritz Carlton in Okinawa I took one look at the sun reflecting off the pool just outside my window and all I could think about was hopping in. Even though there wasn’t much time before I was due to meet my travel companions for dinner, I couldn’t resist sneaking down for a relaxing dip – and as I ran into my friend there I clearly wasn’t alone! Even in the mainland cities I found time for a quick couple of laps before breakfast or dinner; waking me up or leaving me refreshed after a hard day of sightseeing.
4. Room with a view
As anyone who has seen Lost in Translation, I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for the Park Hyatt Tokyo. I’ve visited before, just to have a drink in the stunning New York Bar and Grill, but this time I was lucky enough to also be able to stay for my final night.
The view of Tokyo’s sprawling night lights in the evening was no less stunning than my last visit, and the backing of a live jazz band finished it off to perfection.
But it was certainly rivalled by the morning view from my room. As I pushed the button to open the curtains (who needs to get out of bed?) I was treated to a glorious sunrise. Mount Fuji itself was visible in the distance. A window seat for breakfast meant I was able to continue enjoying the Tokyo skyline every moment until it was time to head off to the airport.
Back home
Once I was back in the UK, my normal life was a bit of a downgrade – nobody even offers me complimentary champagne on my daily commute. The memories of the truly special luxury travel experiences on this trip were well worth the come down though. So even if your budget doesn’t stretch to everything, treat yourself to something. You won’t regret it!
If you’d like to add a few luxury travel experiences to your holiday in Japan, get in touch with our team. Or, if you are looking for the best of the best, then join like-minded folk on our new Luxury Japan small group tour.
