Asia

Japan is gorgeous all year round, but it truly sings in springtime. This is when the iconic cherry blossoms, or “sakura”, blanket the landscape in dreamy hues of pink and white, while ornate gardens bloom and spring cuisine flourishes. It’s also a wonderful time to experience Japan’s unique cultural practices, with vibrant festivals celebrating revival and renewal. We delve deeper into all the reasons why spring is the best time to visit Japan and what you can experience on a spring trip to Japan.

Experience it: Majestic Japan

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The Sakura season

Seeing the mesmerising cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the ultimate bucket list experiences. Usually occurring from late March to early May, the cherry blossoms bloom in waves, starting from the southern region and progressing northwards. 

Cities, parks, and temples are blanketed with stunning soft pink and white blossoms and you can’t help but take part in the “hanami” (flower viewing) tradition of enjoying the beauty of the blossoming trees. You’ll even see nighttime illuminations, known as “yozakura”, offering a unique and enchanting perspective on these gorgeous blossoms.

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When you visit Japan with Luxury Gold, you’ll meet a specialised cherry blossom tree doctor at Hirosaki Castle. These doctors ensure that each tree, from saplings to mature trees, is healthy and thriving. You’ll learn all about their meticulous care for these trees while admiring the blossoms around the castle.

Read more: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Ideal weather and natural landscapes

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Springtime in Japan brings mild temperatures and blue skies, making it ideal for exploring the country’s beautiful natural landscapes, from the mountains and national parks to zen gardens. 

When you visit Japan on our Majestic Japan luxury tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up the glorious spring weather and nature. We’ll board the bullet train to Mishima for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and then admire its reflection in Lake Kawaguchi. You can also choose to get a more spectacular view of Mount Fuji and the lake by riding the thrilling Kachi-Kachi Ropeway cable car. Or explore the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum where you can wander through the peaceful gardens and marvel at the architecture and kimono collection. 

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If you want to get closer to the water, we’ll take a private cruise on Matsushima Bay in Sendai. Soak up the views of the pine-clad islets of the bay, and hear about the countless haikus poets have written after being inspired by the bay, said to be a place of love and wonder.

You’ll also have the chance to delve deeper into Japan’s nature at Oirase Gorge, a wonderland of waterfalls, lush forest, and crystal-clear streams. Enjoy a walk along the bubbling river in Hachimantai National Park then sink into a soothing Onsen bath surrounded by the forest – the perfect springtime activity. You’ll then have the rare opportunity to meet sake brewmaster Takumi Sato for a private VIP tasting and brewery tour. Learn about the essence of sake and shared some of this sacred drink in the beautiful surroundings of Oirase. 

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Unique festivals and cultural customs

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Spring holds deep cultural significance in Japan as it represents renewal and new beginnings. The season is teeming with vibrant festivals, such as the remarkable Takayama Festival in the Gifu prefecture. You’ll see colourful parades with intricately adorned floats, lively puppet shows, and traditional music and dance performances.

When you visit Japan with Luxury Gold, you’ll see the Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. If you’re visiting in mid-April, you may be lucky enough to witness Shirasagi-no Mai, or the Dance of the White Heron, a large spring festival that takes place at the temple. The festival dates back to the 8th century during the Heian period and involves a procession of dancers dressed in elaborate white heron costumes and makeup, accompanied by a group of guardians and floats with musicians. It’s an incredible performance and unmissable if you visit Japan in April. 

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Spring is also one of the best times to get an insight into Japan’s sacred tea culture. Spring is the time of shincha (new tea) and the tea fields are green and lush. We’ll head to Sendai on Honshu island, where you’ll witness a tea ceremony at a traditional tea house. You’ll also learn the ancient art of making the perfect matcha green tea, and enjoy a warming brew of fresh tea. 

Read more: The timeless elegance of Japan: admire geisha in Kyoto

Fresh spring cuisine

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Springtime isn’t just about the blooms and views – it also brings an array of culinary delights. You can find Sakura-flavored treats such as mochi, and enjoy the fresh flavors of “takenoko” (bamboo shoots) and “sansai” (mountain vegetables) in your dishes. In Sendai, we’ll meet the owner of a local inn for a fresh seafood lunch, while in Hiroshima, you can savor the local delicacy of Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake dish. 

In Tokyo, take part in a private sushi-making class to learn this 2,000-year-old art from a master sushi chef and indulge in a mouthwatering lunch afterwards. And discover Osaka’s Donburi Street on a stroll with a Local Expert. Taste the local specialities such as Takoyaki (octopus wrapped in batter) and find out what this city is renowned as the kitchen of Japan. 

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Discover all this and more, such as a private Geisha performance and a stay at the remarkable Hotel Granvia Kyoto, on our Majestic Japan luxury tour.

You don’t always need to visit the iconic museums and galleries to see artworks by famous artists. Choose the right hotel, and you can find masterpieces right there in the hotel lobby or guestroom. From antiquities at the Hotel Metropole Venice to artworks by Dalí and Warhol at Ashford Castle in Ireland, here are some of the best Luxury Gold hotels where you can discover remarkable art collections.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal

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Known for its rich history, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal is a feast for art lovers. The hotel is home to an exclusive art collection, created in collaboration with art curator Marie-Justine Snider, MASSIVart Collection and Sid Lee Architecture. It showcases around 124 artworks by 37 Canadian artists across 21 floors.

From paintings and drawings to photography and sculptures, there are endless treasures to explore in the hotel. You can find Paul Hardy’s Drift Glow oil painting, a sculpture by Michel De Broin, a Platner armchair, and a mixed media installation by Alexandre Berthiaume.

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There’s also the immortalised Suite 1742, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their iconic bed-in. From original furniture to an archival cabinet and virtual reality headset that lets you experience John and Yoko’s point of view, this is a mini museum in itself, and firmly cements the hotel as an artistic hotspot in Montreal.

Stay here: Vibrant Quebec & New England

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Hotel Metropole Venice, Venice

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Venice is famed for its exquisite museums and monuments, but you can enjoy a unique private art collection with a stay at Hotel Metropole Venice. Dripping in historic grandeur, the hotel is home to an extensive collection of antiques, artworks and tapestries from all over the world.

Admire vintage fans, wallets, handbags, nutcrackers, corkscrews, crucifixes, and other precious artifacts throughout the Metropole’s corridors and rooms. There’s even a Salone degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) and an original painting of Selim II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

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The Costume Museum of the Mocenigo Palace in Venice even once loaned the Metropole priceless pieces for a temporary exhibition, thanks to the hotel’s artistic reputation and existing collection. 

Stay here: Ultimate Italy

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The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Ireland

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Set on the spectacular 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle, overlooking Lough Corrib, The Lodge is a true hidden gem. While most come here to enjoy an Irish fine dining experience at Wilde’s Restaurant, there’s also another major drawcard – the art collection. 

You’ll discover a remarkable collection of masterpieces from Salvador Dalí’s Marjore and Andy Warhol’s Absolut Vodka to Toulouse-Lautrec’s A Portrait Of Yvette Guilbert. There’s a Henry Moore black lithograph called A Seated Woman in an Armchair, a pair of colored lithographs called Maravillas Suite by Joan Miró, and Egon Schiele’s Nude Girl With Arms Raised. From Lucienne Day and David Hockney to Henry Moore and Peter Blake, there’s some serious art here.

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It’s well worth the 20-minute walk from the magnificent Ashford Castle, where you can also meet resident artist Rick Lewis A.R.A. As one of Ireland’s most renowned artists, Lewis has produced a stunning series of paintings featuring Ashford Castle and is even available for guest commissions.

Stay here: Ultimate Ireland

Read more: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, South Africa

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This luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town hosts its own private art collection, showcasing a remarkable blend of African art and contemporary works. The pieces are scattered throughout the hotel and you’ll discover paintings, sculptures and intricate beadwork, celebrating the local culture, traditions, and natural environment. 

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Named after the rugged mountain range surrounding the hotel, the location was a source of inspiration for many artists throughout history. You can even spot the famous mountain scenes painted by the Dutch/South African painter Tinus De Jongh and his son Gabriel De Jongh.

Stay here: Spectacular South Africa

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Leela Palaces, India

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The Leela Palaces have created an extraordinary artistic experience for guests. At The Leela Palace Bengaluru, your artistic journey begins at the door. The dazzling 17th-century Peacock Throne which was the seat of Mughal emperors, is located at the entrance to the lobby, and the gilded peacock stonework is simply exquisite.

The Leela Palace Udaipur pays tribute to the Land of the Mewars with traditional artisanal crafts and artifacts inspired by the regal cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Its hallways are lined with a trove of Indian artwork.

The Leela Palace New Delhi has created an extraordinary artistic experience for guests. Their extensive art collection is scattered throughout the hotel, featuring works by artists such as Satish Gujral, Paresh Maity, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Satish Gupta and Laxma Goud. 

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Discover ornate Rajasthani paintings and Tanjore gold leaf paintings. Admire the artworks lining the corridors then discover the massive golden mosaic revealing a blossoming lotus bud in the central courtyard. The guestrooms and suites feature lithographs depicting Indian kings and queens, embedded with semi-precious stones and gold leaf by famed photographer Rohan Shreshta. 

You’ll also discover the exclusive Art Walk, with a rare collection of Indian art. From murals and paintings to sculptures and contemporary installations, this remarkable experience is parallel to visiting a museum or art gallery.  

Stay here: Essence of India 

Read more: Step inside the most unique luxury retreats in India

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

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If you love art hotels, you can’t miss Hotel Granvia Kyoto. Featuring over a thousand artworks by Kyoto-based artists, the hotel holds one of the most significant art collections in the country. You’ll find both traditional and contemporary Japanese art here, with the collection spread from the lobby to corridors and guest rooms.

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Whether it’s the intricately hand-painted screens, unique sculptures, or handcrafted ceramics, art is an integral part of the experience at Hotel Granvia Kyoto. It offers invaluable insight into Japan’s rich artistic heritage and the chance to get immersed in the local Kyoto art culture. 

Stay here: Majestic Japan 

Read more: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

In India’s royal state of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer rises like a city of gold from the Thar Desert. In fact it’s the forts, Jain temples and palaces carved from the distinctive yellow sandstone that give Jaisalmer its nickname as ‘the Golden City’.

As part of our Imperial Rajasthan tour, you’ll spend two unforgettable nights in Jaisalmer packed with exceptional one-off experiences. From a guided excursion to a local farmers’ market, to dining under the stars while listening to live local musicians – here’s what awaits you in India’s Golden City

Jaisalmer Fort

On your second day in Jaisalmer, your Travel Concierge will take you to the astounding Jaisalmer Fort. Looming over the city from its perch on Meru Hill, this sprawling sandstone citadel is home to a quarter of Jaisalmer’s population – mostly made of descendants of the royal Brahmin and Rajput families who once lived here. It houses the Royal Palace (Raj Mahal) as well as seven extraordinary Jain temples, all intricately carved out of the same golden sandstone.

Explore the narrow alleyways, exquisitely decorated temples and climb to the walls of the fort for sweeping views over the city of Jaisalmer and the shimmering Thar Desert stretching to the horizon.

Experience it: Imperial Rajasthan

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Gardisar Lake

Rajasthan is a place of magic made real, of palaces, temples and cities that glow like rose gold in the pink light of sunset. Gardisar Lake is among the finest sights in the state, let alone in Jaisalmer itself – and after a visit here, it’s not hard to see how the Golden City got its name.  This man-made lake, originally created in the 12^th Century by King Rawal Jaisal, is surrounded by intricately decorated little chhatri pavilions and shrines to Hindu gods and goddesses.

Fed by the Indira Gandhi Canal, it’s a serene, mirror-like oasis in the heart of this desert city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the amber light creates a sequin effect on the water, and the yellow sandstone chhatris and shrines cast golden reflections.

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Jaisalmer local markets

Even in 21^st Century Jaisalmer, local markets remain the lifeblood of the city – especially within the gold walls of Jaisalmer Fort. As part of your exploration with your Travel Concierge, you’ll visit one of these local markets – and in so doing, get a glimpse into the timeless way of life that still thrives in the Golden City.

Although Jaisalmer is a desert city, season-dependent you’ll find traders selling bundles of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, arranged in colorful piles. You’ll also find hand-crafted leather goods, brightly-colored dresses and scarves, and handmade novelty items such as wooden puppets. Supported by your Travel Concierge at all times, this is a perfect opportunity to pick up a unique souvenir to bring back home with you.

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Sunset dinner with local musicians

Music is a vital part of Rajasthan’s cultural identity – its desert folk songs have been recited for centuries, passed on from generation to generation largely unchanged. There are several musical instruments that are only likely to be found within Rajasthan – including the 17-stringed kamaicha and the dholak drum.

You’ll get an opportunity to experience the distinctive and evocative sounds of Rajasthan’s desert folk music at an exclusive sunset banquet. As the sun sets over the towering sand dunes of the Thar Desert, you’ll dine on traditional – but elevated – nomadic dishes, watching the stars slowly appear in the night sky above you and listening to the music that has characterised this part of India for as long as anyone can remember. It’s a truly timeless experience that will leave you feeling even more in love with this country than before.

When you journey with Luxury Gold, you’ll not only enjoy a timeless travel experience, but unique moments that you won’t find elsewhere. In Rajasthan – and Jaisalmer in particular – you’ll find a way of life largely unchanged for centuries. Join us for an exceptional journey, furnished with fine dining, five-star hotel stays, and rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression.