Journey · Honeymoon
Japan, Off the Golden Route
Honeymoon
10 to 12 nights
Tokyo, Karuizawa, Kyoto, Kanazawa
Best months
Late March to mid April, mid October to late November.
Curator’s statement
The golden route is Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on the Shinkansen, and it is fine. We take one city out and put a ryokan in. Two nights in Karuizawa with dinner in the room does more for a honeymoon than a third city ever will.
The month decides the rest. Blossom and foliage need the rooms booked 6 months out. May and early June are mild and quieter, and we say so. Ten nights is right, 12 if Kanazawa is included, and it should be.
Day by day
How the days fall.
A starting shape. The month you travel will move it.
Days
1 to 3
Tokyo
Shibuya on foot. A sushi counter the first night, chosen for the month.
Days
4 to 5
Karuizawa
Two nights in the mountains. Dinner in the room, the bath at 6 in the morning.
Days
6 to 9
Kyoto
Four nights. Temples at opening time, one tea ceremony, Nishiki Market for lunch.
Days
10 to 12
Kanazawa
Omicho Market, Kenroku-en and the samurai district. Fly home from Komatsu or return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Where to stay
The rooms we book for this journey.
Named properties, chosen for the floor and the view as much as the address.
Fifteen rooms in Shibuya, on the residential side of Cat Street.
Villas along a river valley in the mountains, 1 hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
A forest garden at the foot of the northern hills, 10 minutes from Kinkaku-ji.
From a client
