Japan luxury honeymoon, 14 days

Planet

This cultural tour makes the most of travelling around Japan via public transport, rather than private car or mini-buses, just as the locals do. This includes trips via train (including Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which are an attraction in themselves), subways, local buses, cable cars, boats and ferries, trams and also bikes, which are best for exploring rural Japan. Travelling this way reduces carbon emissions and road congestion, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

We only work with hotels and guesthouses which share our commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility, especially in terms of recycling and energy conservation initiatives. This includes stays at the Marriott Miyako Osaka and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Hiroshima - both owned by the Marriott hotel family, which has a huge corporate responsibility initiative focused on four core projects: Nurture (building communities), Sustain (environmental impact, sustainable solutions and waste reduction), Empower (diversity and inclusion) and Welcome (a stance against human trafficking).

To further keep up sustainable practices during your trip, we recommend you carry your own reusable, non-plastic chopsticks or cutlery, as Japan gets through 24 billion pairs of ‘waribashi’ (disposable chopsticks made of wood or bamboo) every year. That's 185 pairs for every person in Japan! There are also ample recycling facilities in the country and as tap water is drinkable, we urge you to use a refillable bottle rather than buying bottled water.

People

We are committed to responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism in Japan, and we’re proud to work with a fantastic local operator that shares our values with regards to responsible tourism.

Our tour activities focus on authentic cultural experiences, such as meeting a maiko (apprentice geisha) for afternoon tea in Kyoto, asking questions through a translator and dispelling myths about the often misunderstood geisha profession; traditional Japanese kenbu sword dancing classes and demonstrations at a local studio; an Osakan "street food safari" with a local guide, which focuses on local dishes prepared and sold by street vendors; and stays in traditional (and often family-run) Japanese ryokans, such as the Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki Onsen, which has a history spanning 150 years.

We believe that the best way to learn about the culture of Japan is through immersive experiences like these, which often benefit the local community as well. By gaining a deeper understanding about Japan’s culture, traditions, rich heritage and religious beliefs you’re likely to have a much more interesting and meaningful travel experience.