Luxurious ryokans and ancient trails used by samurai: Rediscover the wonders of Japan with Scott Dunn

With the full reopening of Japan, there’s no better time than now to start planning for a trip to Japan! Here are some of the luxurious ryokans and ancient trials used by Samurai to get you started!

In Japan, you can watch the wildlife frolic in the famed cherry blossoms, or visit lush, snow-capped mountains  

Japan is a place of contrasts: One where old meets new, and where advanced technology meets glorious natural spectacle. Whether it’s the scenic powder white snow of Niseko, the stunning neon lights in the streets of Shinjuku, or the incredible facade of the historic Himeji Castle, Japan has it all.

Deciding where to visit on your trip can be tricky, especially since there’s so much to see and do in every city. Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated several itineraries below to get you started on your first holiday back to Japan. Read on to discover where to find Japan’s most luxurious ryokans, as well as ancient trails used by samurai, and so much more. 

Escape to some of Japan’s most luxurious and intimate ryokans

Some say that ryokans represent the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality. These traditional Japanese inns are often small, family-run establishments akin to a boutique spa hotel: Here, you’re encouraged to do nothing but relax and just be. 

In this indulgent itinerary from Scott Dunn, you’ll get to discover beautiful onsens set against incredible backdrops, feast on delicious Kaita-kaiseki dining, and discover Japan’s famed omotenashi-style hospitality that will leave you wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated. 

From waterfalls to cherry blossoms, bask in Japan’s astounding natural wonders

Be awed by landmarks like the Seiganto-ji Pagoda and Nachi Falls, and discover secret viewing spots for the inimitable cherry blossoms

Japan’s varied topography is the perfect setting for an adventure in the great outdoors. Beyond the buzzing metropolises, there are remote islands, towering volcanoes, secret springs and snow-capped mountains just waiting to be explored. 

Veer off the beaten track and venture down some of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails in Scott Dunn’s Exceptional Japan itinerary. One of the trails that guests will get to experience is the Nakasendo Trail. Lined with traditional villages and beautiful mountains, this trail follows the ancient road that samurai used to take while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto. 

For a few short weeks every year, Japan is painted in a shade of pastel pink as its cherry trees begin to blossom with sakura. March and April are some of the best times to see the famous spectacle: This special itinerary from Scott Dunn will take you through some of the most picturesque places to see the cherry blossoms, including stops at Hakone National Park and Miyajima Island. Plus, thanks to Scott Dunn’s intrepid travel experts, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms at lesser-known parks and viewing points only the locals are privy to. 

Explore Japan’s local culinary delights

Boasting a wide array of regional cuisines, cooking styles and ancient culinary traditions, Japan is the ultimate destination for any gourmand. Enjoy a sake-themed day tour of Saijo where you will visit local brewers and have the chance to taste, learn and identify the subtle difference between different varieties of sake, or explore the endless maze of bars and restaurants of Shinbashi, where Tokyo’s ‘salarymen’ come to enjoy an after-work snack and drink. In Scott Dunn’s Hidden Gem Food Tour, you’ll get to enjoy delicious snacks — such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes and yakitori — and dine just like the locals do.

Take a cultural journey through the remarkable island of Naoshima 

Art enthusiasts will love the contemporary art paradise that is Naoshima island. Home to numerous museums and art displays, this small island began to grow as an art mecca in the 1980s: It even offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in an art museum – one designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, and one that is equipped with stylish guest rooms and suites that boast the best views of the inland sea. 

There, guests can indulge in decadent French and Japanese cuisine, pamper themselves in the nearby spa, and of course, explore the dozens of galleries and exhibitions spread across the remarkable area.