How to Experience Tokyo in Style: Private Shopping, Dining, and More

From the glittering boutiques of Ginza to rooftop kaiseki with skyline views, luxury holidays to Tokyo are about more than ticking off the tourist spots. They’re about curating a journey that lets you feel the rhythm of Japan’s capital—privately, stylishly, and with an insider’s edge. Whether you dream of having a personal shopper guide you through Tokyo’s most exclusive stores or want a table reserved at the city’s most elusive restaurants, we’re here to help make that dream real.

Tokyo’s blend of futuristic design and ancient tradition makes it a city that rewards deeper exploration—especially for those seeking refined, private experiences. For more cultural background, the official Japan Tourism Organisation offers helpful insight.

The Allure of Tokyo for Luxury Travellers

Tokyo has always been a destination of contrasts. It’s where sleek skyscrapers sit beside ancient shrines, and where the pace of innovation meets time-honoured tradition. For luxury travellers, this blend offers something uniquely captivating. You can go from a morning tea ceremony in a quiet garden to an afternoon fitting at a designer atelier. You won’t just see Tokyo—you’ll live it.

Planning luxury holidays to Tokyo requires careful thought. You’ll want to avoid tourist-heavy spots and instead find exclusive experiences, hidden gems, and top-tier comfort. And when you tailor your journey around what truly interests you—whether that’s shopping, food, art, or all three—Tokyo rewards you with unforgettable moments.

Private Shopping Experiences in Tokyo

Ginza: The Capital of Chic

No trip built around luxury holidays to Tokyo would be complete without a day in Ginza. This district is home to global flagship stores, fine art galleries, and high-end Japanese brands you won’t find anywhere else. Think understated service, made-to-measure tailoring, and personal styling sessions.

Some of the standout experiences here include:

• Mitsukoshi and Matsuya department stores, where private lounges and concierge shopping come standard.
• Itoya, a luxury stationery shop spread over multiple levels, offering calligraphy masterclasses.
• Dover Street Market Ginza, where avant-garde meets exclusivity.

You can even arrange a personal shopper who speaks your language and knows Tokyo’s retail scene inside out.

Omotesando and Aoyama: Designer Heaven

Omotesando is Tokyo’s answer to Paris’s Avenue Montaigne. With its tree-lined avenues and daring architecture, it’s a place where luxury fashion lives and breathes. Aoyama, just around the corner, feels more local and discreet, often housing Japan-only collections.

Expect:

• Flagship stores for Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, and Bottega Veneta
• Bespoke fitting rooms, private viewings, and in-store events
• Hidden boutiques offering traditional kimono tailoring with a modern twist

We can arrange appointments and translators to help you get the most from each interaction.

Nihonbashi and Hidden Artisans

For those looking to take home something more personal, Nihonbashi is the perfect detour. It’s home to heritage shops, many of which have been serving Tokyoites for centuries. You can:

• Watch artisans craft washi paper, lacquerware, and handmade knives
• Commission personalised souvenirs or ceremonial fans
• Visit tailors who work with only a handful of clients each season

This is slow luxury—quiet, cultural, and completely unique.

Fine Dining and Private Culinary Delights

Exclusive Sushi Counters

Japan’s sushi scene is famous—but in Tokyo, some of the best experiences happen behind unmarked doors. High-end sushi counters typically seat just 6–10 people and require bookings months in advance. With us, you’ll skip the waiting lists and walk into a room where the chef is ready to tailor the menu to your tastes.

Top picks include:

• Sukiyabashi Jiro, for classic Edo-style sushi
• Sushi Saito, where every piece is a work of art
• Sushi Shin, offering more flexibility and equally refined flavours

These are ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or simply indulging in one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Private Kaiseki and Rooftop Dining

If you’re planning luxury holidays to Tokyo, consider a private kaiseki dinner. This multi-course meal reflects Japan’s seasonal ingredients and artistic approach to food.

Options include:

• Rooftop dining with views of the Tokyo Tower or Skytree
• Garden settings in historic ryotei
• Chefs who will prepare your menu in-suite at your hotel or rental villa

Pair this with sake tastings or whisky flights for an evening to remember.

Hidden Bars and Cocktail Salons

Tokyo is a world leader in mixology. Beyond its world-class whisky bars, you’ll find tucked-away cocktail lounges that seat fewer than ten people. Ask us to reserve:

• A private tasting at Bar Benfiddich, known for herbaceous, farm-to-glass drinks
• Entry into High Five, where each cocktail is created based on conversation
• A whisky salon in Ebisu offering Japanese whisky flights led by sommeliers

These experiences elevate nightlife into an art form.

Stylish Places to Stay in Tokyo

Aman Tokyo

If calm elegance is your goal, Aman Tokyo delivers. Set in the Otemachi Tower, the hotel blends sleek design with warm hospitality. The 30-metre pool, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a calm retreat after a day of exploring.

Rooms feature washi paper, timber, and stone—bringing a slice of ryokan tradition into a five-star setting. The spa is one of the largest in Tokyo and perfect for post-flight recovery.

We have access to exclusive rates and benefits at Aman Tokyo. Ask us what’s available for your travel dates.

Hoshinoya Tokyo

Traditional meets modern at Hoshinoya, which reinvents the Japanese ryokan for the modern traveller. Located near the Imperial Palace, the hotel includes:

• Tatami-matted rooms
• Hot spring baths on the top floor
• Seasonal menus served in-room or in the intimate dining area

This is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in Japanese culture without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re curious about Hoshinoya’s offers, we can provide current promotions and added perks for your trip.

The Peninsula Tokyo

With views of the Imperial Gardens and walking distance to Ginza, The Peninsula offers convenience and charm. Expect:

• Spacious suites
• A luxury spa and indoor pool
• Private BMW airport transfers

The Peninsula is also known for its Afternoon Tea—a Tokyo ritual that blends East and West beautifully.

We’ve secured Peninsula promotions that include complimentary upgrades or spa credits—ask us for the latest offers.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Made famous by "Lost in Translation," the Park Hyatt is a haven of quiet luxury above the city. The views of Mount Fuji on a clear day are unbeatable. Rooms are large, service is discreet, and the hotel’s library bar is a favourite for returning guests.

Let us show you available upgrades and seasonal packages exclusive to Park Hyatt stays.

Unique Luxury Experiences in Tokyo

Tea Ceremony with a Master

Book a one-on-one experience with a tea master in a historic teahouse. You’ll learn the ritual’s details and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality.

After-Hours Museum Tours

Want to view art without the crowds? We can arrange private after-hours tours at:

• Nezu Museum (Japanese art and architecture)
• Mori Art Museum (modern installations)
• TeamLab Planets (immersive digital art)

Helicopter Ride Over the City

Soar above Tokyo at night for an unbeatable view. Helicopter tours depart from central Tokyo and showcase:

• Tokyo Bay
• Rainbow Bridge
• The Skytree and beyond

Personalised Art and Culture Tours

For those who appreciate design and culture, we’ll arrange guided experiences such as:

• Architecture walks focused on Kengo Kuma’s projects
• Calligraphy workshops with celebrated artists
• Private gallery appointments with emerging Japanese creatives

These experiences add depth and context to your luxury holidays to Tokyo.

What Makes Awake & Wander Luxury Travel Different

Planning luxury holidays to Tokyo is not just about reservations—it’s about relationships. As members of Protected Trust Services and holders of an ATOL license, we offer more than expertise. We offer security.

When you book with us, your holiday is protected by:

• ATOL: All flights and packages we sell are covered under the Air Travel Organiser’s Licence, protecting your money if a supplier fails.
• PTS Membership: Your money is held in a secure trust account until you travel.
• Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance: Included in every tailor-made holiday.

That means peace of mind, every step of the way.

Our Take:

At Awake & Wander, we believe luxury holidays to Tokyo should feel effortless, personal, and full of discovery. From hand-picked hotels to after-hours gallery tours, we’ll help you experience Japan in a way that few others can.

Plan with Confidence

Tokyo’s luxury side is both stylish and serene. But planning a journey that blends comfort with creativity takes expertise. That’s where we come in.

Whether you know exactly what you want or need help deciding, our team at Awake & Wander is here to make it seamless. Call us on 01495 400011 or use the enquiry form on our website to get started.

You can also browse our online booking tools to create your perfect itinerary yourself. But remember—we’re just a message away if you’d rather leave the planning to us.

Frequently Asked Questions