Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to Japan
A destination that has been enticing travelers for centuries, Japan may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about a yacht charter, but it’s definitely a seaworthy spot that leaves a lasting impression. The southern shores are endless, with the scattered island pearls reached from Okinawa serving up turquoise beaches and gentle remote vibes. Further up following the Seto Sea can take you to big name places like Kyoto with its geisha alleyways and Zen like vibes. Tokyo on the other hand is where old meets new. No matter where you turn, Japan is sure to live up to its rare reputation.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht to Japan
Secret Sights
From the coy glance of Kyoto’s geisha to meditating with monks in mountain monasteries, the bowing deer of Nara, and the hot spring bathing monkeys, Japan is etched with secret storybook sights. For yacht charter guests looking for shrines and skyscrapers, Zen like gardens and whole islands turned into contemporary art museums, Japan seems to have a thousand secret doors just waiting to be cracked open.
Scenic Landscapes
Cast your glance over the snowy peaks of Mount Fuji, fall in love with frothy pink cherry blossom, and get your fill of ornate temples, shrines, and the cool towering shade of bamboo forests – Japan is a joy to behold. From skiing to snorkeling, the tapestry of scenic landscapes invites you to sun yourself on tropical beaches, hike up vertical mountains, or to stand in awe gazing at poetic architecture of castles and temples stashed away in soft undulating hills.
Enchanting Culture
From Kawai dress up to the famous sushi bars and fish markets, the bubbling beauty of a steamy Onsen at the end of a long day, and the morning joy of a gentle cup of Matcha tea, Japan always seems to simmer with some new enchantment. No where captures this better than the juxtaposition of immersing yourself in Tokyo and Kyoto. While one is a thrum of bright lights and liveliness, the latter is soft, elegant, and a maze of hidden alleys and traditional tea houses.
Where to Visit in Japan
Tokyo
Endless adventure awaits in the bright lights of Tokyo, whether its stumbling out of all-night karaoke bars in Shinjuku, dining on Michelin starred sushi, catching a sumo wrestling match, or splurging in the shopping district of Harajuku. Few cities in the world offer as much varied appeal and epic scale of things to do than Tokyo. Be sure to hit up the Tsukiji Market for an early morning display of monstrously sized tuna, admire the temple and shrine architecture of the Senso Ji and the Meiji Jing, see Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms close by, and eat your way through the finest restaurants and quirkiest pop culture cafes.
Okinawa
Nicknamed the Hawaii of Japan, Okinawa and the islands in the south are a gauzy glorious vision of tropical vibes, coral clad dives, primeval forests, shimmering peaks, and lost mangroves. It has a different feel to the rest of Japan despite being peppered with perfect ramen dishes, bustling fish markets, and historic shrines. Okinawa is super yacht centric thanks to its sublime sailing playground and sugar white sands. But even beyond the beach, there’s more than 160 islands to explore.
Kyoto
From the inland Seto Sea to Kyoto takes you on a voyage just like the traders of old, mapping out a traditional journey to one of Japan’s most authentic cities. Kyoto is a world away from Tokyo, offering gardens, geishas, temples, and tea houses. Boasting a wealth of UNESCO sites, ancient festivals, and the chance to wander through the ten thousand torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto serves up so much history and Japanese folklore to feed your richest fantasies. Speaking of feasting, Kyoto is also home to Japan’s traditional haute cuisine.
When to Charter a Yacht to Japan
For those looking to see Japan in her best cherry blossom dress, the best time to sail to the Hanami heaven is between the months of March and May. If you prefer to see the temples peeking out of vibrant foliage then the autumn months of September to November are also magical. Typhoons can be a problem particularly in Okinawa between the months of July and August.