The Slow Fund: Japan Earthquake Update

In January, Japan’s Noto Peninsula suffered a major earthquake, which damaged roads and buildings, and impacted communication lines to the region.This part of the country is special to B&amp;R. We have been <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/central-japan-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cycling the Noto Peninsula for over a decade</a>, making friends and building a community here. In the days that followed the tragedy, information was hard to come by and we waited, hopeful to hear word from our partners on the ground that they and their families were safe.&nbsp;Chef Toshiya Ikehata is one of those people. One of the culinary highlights of our time in Noto has been dinner at his Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Noto in Wajima. Opened in 2014, he was planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his famed French restaurant with an expansion.&nbsp;

Orsolya Kako, our Experience Designer for Japan, managed to locate Chef Ikehata and his activities. While plans for his restaurant are on hold, he has focused his energy on feeding his community. Just two days after the earthquake, Chef Ikehata opened a soup kitchen, and brought peers from 20 restaurants together to do the same in several locations across the peninsula. They are now preparing and serving thousands of meals a day to residents and relief volunteers in Wajima.&nbsp;Through B&amp;R’s <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/sustainability/the-slow-fund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Fund</a> we have been able to support his courageous efforts, and we cannot wait to return to introduce our travellers to him and his signature dishes once the region opens again to visitors.&nbsp;B&amp;R established the Slow Fund to support community projects in the destinations our travellers visit. The fund focuses on projects that serve education, arts and culture, nature and wildlife conservation and community wellbeing, and is currently supporting projects in nine projects around the world.

Japan

Excavations of stone-age settlements date human arrival on the Japanese archipelago to be 100,000 years ago. The wonderful riddle of contemporary Japan is how whole-heartedly it has embraced all things modern—all the while retaining the customs of times past.&nbsp;This is truly a land of contrasts: from the bright lights and chaos of Tokyo to the elegance and history of UNESCO-protected Kyoto. It has the most serene and picturesque pockets-places with marvellous, meticulously tended gardens, centuries-old temples and remarkable mountain vistas.

Discover Japan

Japan | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

In Japan, we’re treated like family. The result of over 12 years spent nurturing close relationships with the locals, learning how to provide you with a deeply authentic experience. We’ve sought out some of Ishikawa's most picturesque rides on offer—epic climbs and all—made effortless in the saddle of your faithful e-bike. You’ll hardly break a sweat as you take in sublime views of the Noto, but don’t worry: the owner of our ryokan will still have a glass of sake waiting for you when you get back.

A journey over a decade in the making

In Japan, we’re treated like family; the result of over twelve years spent fostering and nurturing close relationships with the locals, learning how to provide you with a deeply authentic experience. We’ve sought out some of the most picturesque rides on offer—epic climbs and all—made effortless in the saddle of your faithful e-bike. You’ll hardly break a sweat as you take in sublime views of the Noto, but don’t worry: the owner of our ryokan will still have a glass of sake waiting for you when you get back.

Central Japan E-Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

In Japan, we’re treated like family. The result of over 12 years spent nurturing close relationships with the locals and learning how to provide you with an authentic experience. You'll trail-blaze Ishikawa's most serene and picturesque pockets on two wheels, landing upon the Noto Peninsula to embark on tranquil yet epic rides through fishing villages along country roads. Elsewhere, you'll slow down the pace as you soak in mountain hot springs, visit centuries-old temples, partake in the time-honoured tea ceremony, and marvel at meticulously tended gardens.

Ishikawa on two wheels

In Japan, we’re treated like family, the result of over twelve years spent fostering and nurturing close relationships with the locals and learning how to provide you with an authentic experience. As cyclists, we trailblazed the most serene and picturesque pockets on two wheels, landing upon the Noto Peninsula to offer&nbsp;quiet yet epic rides through fishing villages along country roads. Elsewhere, we slow down the pace as we soak in mountain hot springs, visit centuries-old temples, partake in the time-honoured tea ceremony, and marvel at meticulously tended gardens.

Take on Japan's Kumano region by foot to discover sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range

An exploration of the art forms, aesthetics and crafts of Japan, from the ancient to the modern

The wonderful riddle of contemporary Japan is how it has embraced modernity—all the while retaining customs of times past. This is truly a land of contrasts: from the bright lights and chaos of Tokyo to the elegance and history of UNESCO-protected Kyoto. Here, we’re treated like family, the result of over a decade spent fostering and nurturing close relationships with the locals in a country known for its tightly guarded traditions and customs. Discover Japan on a private adventure—tailored-made your way. Below are some highlights to stir your imagination and guide your trip planning.&nbsp;

Experience Iconic Japan

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to create your tailor-made trip.

In true Japanese style, each intricate detail of this trip was crafted with intention and weaved together for a meaningful experience. On Japan’s third-largest island, Kyushu, pedal into lush subtropical landscapes with green tea fields and smoking volcanoes on the horizon. Connect with the fascinating local culture from samurai practice to mythological stories and "power spots." Talented chefs, brewers and artisans will bring you closer to deep cultural roots, while each stay will show you a new way to relax and rejuvenate.

Experience Kyushu's volcanic landscapes

In true Japanese style, each intricate detail of this trip was crafted with intention and weaves together for a&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;experience.&nbsp;On Japan’s third-largest island, Kyushu,&nbsp;pedal&nbsp;into&nbsp;lush&nbsp;subtropical&nbsp;landscapes with&nbsp;green tea fields and&nbsp;smoking volcanoes on the horizon.&nbsp;Connect with the fascinating&nbsp;local&nbsp;culture&nbsp;from&nbsp;samurai practice,&nbsp;to&nbsp;mythological stories&nbsp;and ‘power&nbsp;spots’.&nbsp;Talented chefs, brewers,&nbsp;and artisans will bring you closer to&nbsp;deep&nbsp;cultural roots while each stay will show you&nbsp;a new way to relax and rejuvenate.

Float on the Seto Inland Sea aboard the Guntû—a small ship that fuses the luxury of a yacht with a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

Experience the exciting frenzy of modern Kyoto and its world class restaurants, then slip into the startling contrast of traditional wooden streets and pagodas hugged by blossoming cherry trees. The tranquillity of rural Japan will soothe you and the natural beauty and charming small town feel of World Heritage Site, Nara will persuade you to pause. Hike Japan’s legendary pilgrimage trails – places of pure serenity, and walk in the footsteps of the Samurai. Find enlightenment at ethereal temples, soak in therapeutic mountain hot springs, and discover the rewards of the countryside, where picturesque landscapes, connecting with nature, traditional living and slowing down are the laws of the land.

Experience the exciting frenzy of modern Kyoto and its world-class restaurants, then slip into the startling contrast of traditional wooden streets and pagodas hugged by blossoming cherry trees. The tranquility of rural Japan will soothe you and the natural beauty and charming small-town feel of World Heritage Site, Nara, will persuade you to pause. Hike Japan’s legendary pilgrimage trails—places of pure serenity—and walk in the footsteps of the Samurai. Find enlightenment at ethereal temples, soak in therapeutic mountain hot springs, and discover the rewards of the countryside—where picturesque landscapes, connecting with nature, traditional living and slowing down are the laws of the land.

A Land of Contrasts

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Start by experiencing the fine frenzy of modern Kyoto, then slip into the peace and tranquility of rural Japan and ancient Nara. Stroll some of Japan's most breathtaking walking trails and step back in time. Visit centuries-old temples, soak in mountain hot springs, and marvel at the soothing stillness of the awe-inspiring countryside.

The wonderful riddle of modern Japan is how whole-heartedly it has embraced all things modern while retaining customs of times past.

Discover the most serene and picturesque pockets of Japan with your favourite people.

Find your home away from home at one of these private accommodations in Japan that settle you into the local way of life

Modern Japan stands as a testament to its vibrant past; a nation whose dynamic culture is built on the fusion of ancient customs and innovation. From the serenity of centuries-old temples to the bustling energy of neon-lit cities, this land shines through its striking contrasts. On this adventure, soak in mountain hot springs and marvel at beautifully tended gardens while indulging in the island nation's world-famous cuisine.&nbsp;Pedal through Japan’s most picturesque pockets, where country roads, fishing villages and towering mountain ranges are the backdrop of each unforgettable ride.

Japan

The Slow Fund: Japan Earthquake Update

As Japan continues to recover from the earthquake that hit earlier this year, Butterfield & Robinson’s Slow Fund is supporting local efforts to provide for the communities affected.

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