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A Japan itinerary with Four Seasons
Head of Partnerships Ivana and Head of MyLER Hannah discover Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
We’ve just returned from a fast-paced trip across Japan, checking into the Four Seasons hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. From sky-high views and backstreet dining to temple visits and calligraphy lessons, the itinerary was full and the hotel stays consistently excellent in their own distinct ways. Here’s a run-through of where we went, what we did, and why these hotels made each city even better.
Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi
Tokyo hit us at full speed, and the Four Seasons Otemachi kept pace. The gym, spa, and the top-floor bar Virtù set the tone: high standards and even higher views. We spent our first evening there with cocktails (it’s one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars), then dinner at Pigneto downstairs to settle in.
Over the next few days, we criss-crossed the city: shopping in Shibuya and Omotesando and wandering through Sensoji Temple in Asakusa where we each received a fortune (Ivana was given the rare “best fortune”). We looked out over the city from the Sky Tree, had lunch at Musashi, and joined a glass-cutting workshop in a quiet residential neighbourhood, where we made Edo Kiriko glasses. Dinner was a standout – robatayaki, grilled in front of us and served with long wooden paddles.
The cultural deep dive continued with a sumo morning practice, a Kagura dance, ramen at Tsuta, and a visit to teamLab’s digital art museum. Our last dinner in Tokyo was teppanyaki at Mon Cher Ton Ton, but the real highlight was the private sushi experience with Chef Yoshi. Hannah had the chance to make her own rolls under his instruction, using fish he’d chosen that morning at the market. From there, we boarded the bullet train to Kyoto.
Insider Tip: Book ahead for Sushi Yuu in Nishi-Azabu – it’s a discreet setting with exceptional sushi. For something quicker, the Tokyo Station basement (JR Kyoto Isetan) has some of the best casual sushi in the city.
Four Seasons Kyoto
Kyoto brought a change of pace. The Four Seasons here sits quietly beside a traditional pond garden, and the spa is known for its Japanese treatments. We arrived and went straight to dinner at Emba Kyoto Grill for flame, smoke and well-aged steak.
The next morning started with forest bathing (no swimsuits needed, forest bathing is more about trees than water), with views across the city from the top. Later, we wandered through Nishiki Market, ate from food stalls, visited Kiyomizudera Temple, and finished the day with dinner at Sodoh Higashiyama, followed by a private Geiko and Maiko performance. It included dancing, conversation about their interesting jobs and a few rounds of games.
Our final day in Kyoto was packed: the Golden Pavilion, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, lunch at Tenryuji Shigetsu (a Buddhist temple meal), and a traditional tea ceremony in a local master’s house. Dinner was a seasonal set menu at Izutsuya Pontocho. Before heading to Osaka, we joined a calligraphy workshop where we wrote our names in three different Japanese scripts, then had bento boxes at Uosaburo.
Insider Tip: Pick up Kyoto-style spices at Ochanoko Saisai in Nishiki Market – especially the mashi sauce and chilli blends. And yes, 7-Eleven is worth a stop: the egg sandwich and mochi ice cream have a serious following. Near the bamboo forest, Kumonocha Café does beautiful cakes with a Japanese twist.
Four Seasons Osaka
Four Seasons Osaka is brand new and it shows with clean lines, strong design, and fantastic restaurants and bars on the top floor with views to match. We had our first drinks in a tucked-away bar behind a hidden door (accessed via a discreet button), followed by fantastic French food at Jardin. The following day we visited Katsuo Temple, lunched in a local neighbourhood spot called Kawafuku Minoo, and then spent the afternoon exploring Osaka’s vintage shops. It’s one of the best cities in Japan for second-hand finds. Dinner that night was a formal multi-course meal at Naniwa Kappo Kigawa.
Our final day was one of the most memorable. We visited the Sasuke knife workshop, which is family-run, known globally and deeply rooted in tradition. We left with our own engraved knives and a newfound respect for their craft. Lunch was served in the home of a well-known bonsai grower, prepared by a Michelin-starred chef and paired with sake made by his daughter. We finished the trip with a relaxed dinner at a Japanese pub, whisky in hand, looking back on nine packed days and three exceptional hotels.
Insider Tip: Osaka delivers on retail. Look for Momotaro Jeans for premium denim, Issey Miyake Semba and UN3D for bold design, and Brand Off for pre-owned luxury with impeccable standards.
Some snapshots from our trip
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