As winter lingers and spring begins to emerge, Japan offers an ever-changing landscape—where cherry blossoms are on the brink of bloom, and the crisp air invites travellers to embrace both the old and the new. Whether wandering through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, immersing in the tranquility of a Kyoto ryokan, enjoy the sun-drenched beaches of Okinawa, or indulging in the refined hospitality of a luxury stay, Japan is a destination that blends tradition with modernity. In this spirit, we’ve curated a gift and travel guide that reflects the country’s effortless balance of style, beauty, and cultural rituals—perfect for both the seasoned traveler and those looking to bring a piece of Japan home.
No journey is complete without the perfect base, and Japan’s hospitality is a world of its own—where design and experience come together to create spaces that are both serene and inspiring. From luxurious stays infused with contemporary artistry to intimate boutique hotels offering an authentic glimpse into local life, the right hotel sets the tone for the entire experience.
Fendilicious Charm, white sheepskin leather, £490; KAY Sake Junmai Daiginjo 72cl, £39; Fendi Onigiri bag, £920
Transitional Dressing with Japanese Precision
Dressing for Japan in early spring is all about layering—balancing warmth with lightweight, breathable pieces. Japanese fashion is rooted in craftsmanship and minimalist tailoring, making refined outerwear a seasonal must. The Sunspel Cotton Raffia Blouson Jacket and Groundtruth 38L Travel Duffle Bag embody this balance, offering structure with an air of relaxed sophistication. Completing the look, the Ugg Women's Lo Lowmel Trainer mirrors Japan’s love for casual, yet impeccably designed footwear, bridging the gap between comfort and style.
Of course, no journey through Japan is complete without embracing its pop culture influences. The Onitsuka Tiger x Astro Boy collaboration pays homage to the nation’s deep connection to anime and kawaii culture, seamlessly merging nostalgia with contemporary streetwear. At the same time, Louis Vuitton x Murakami Capucines West Mini bag and 6am Mules, Fendi’s Fendilicious white sheepskin leather charm and Ongiri bag add a playful take on the styles of local contemporary artists and traditional Japanese references.
From City Strolls to Coastal Retreats
To add sophistication to an evening look, add Dior’s medium lady D-Joy bag while Tasaki’s balance arm earringsbring a refined yet modern element to any look. While Japan’s urban landscape is captivating, its coastal regions are equally alluring, offering pristine beaches and breathtaking seascapes. Whether exploring Okinawa’s crystal-clear waters or escaping to a serene island retreat, the ALEMAIS Day Dream Sarong Shirt and Skirt, and Brunello Cucinelli BC Duo Bag encapsulate effortless elegance—pieces that transition beautifully from city streets to seaside escapes.
Beauty & Rituals: The Japanese Approach to Self-Care
Japanese culture is deeply tied to wellness and mindful rituals, making beauty and self-care an essential part of any journey. Travel can be exhilarating, but long-haul flights and changing climates take a toll on the skin. Launching on March 7th, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Ceramide Drops are the perfect antidote—an ultra-nourishing formula designed to restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier, keeping it hydrated and resilient no matter the destination. Whether used mid-flight to combat dryness or as part of a daily routine, this lightweight yet deeply replenishing serum is a must-have for both jet-setters and those looking to refresh their skincare regimen at home.
Complementing this theme of indulgence and ritual, Newby’s tea selection offers a moment of sensory escape. Japan’s deep appreciation for tea culture is evident in everything from traditional tea ceremonies to modern cafés serving matcha-infused delights. For a more authentic Japanese tea experience, Newby’s Premium Matcha Tea delivers the smooth, umami-rich flavours of finely ground green tea leaves.
No sensory journey through Japan would be complete without an ode to sakura, the beloved cherry blossom that paints the country in shades of soft pink each spring. Dior’s Sakura Unisex Eau de Parfum captures this fleeting beauty in a delicate yet radiant fragrance—a poetic blend of airy florals and subtle musks that evokes the serenity of a Japanese garden in full bloom. Light yet enchanting, this scent is a love letter to the season, making it a perfect companion for springtime travel or a thoughtful gift for those who cherish the magic of Hanami. And finally, what better way to embrace the flavours of Japan than with a taste of Kay Sake Junmai Daiginjo.
This season is all about embracing transformation, much like Japan itself—a country that effortlessly moves between heritage and the cutting edge. Whether traveling to Japan or bringing its essence into your wardrobe and home, these selections capture the country’s unique ability to blend elegance, playfulness, and ritual into everyday life.
Park Hotel Tokyo
Known for its dedication to art and housing a permanent collection of contemporary works, Park Hotel Tokyo is the perfect choice for art lovers. Nestled in the heart of Minato Park, with over 40 suites uniquely hand-painted by Japanese artists, the hotel itself is a canvas that works as a series of artist-in-residence projects, a true celebration of Japanese artistry.
Loewe - Crafted World
Arriving in Tokyo in spring 2025, Loewe will open its first major brand exhibition, Crafted World, to celebrate the brand’s rich heritage, history and craftsmanship. Spanning 179 years of creativity and innovation, this ‘travelling’ exhibition first launched in Shanghai in 2024 with the Japanese exhibition arriving in Tokyo this March. From Loewe’s leather-making collective founded in 1846 to becoming a leading luxury fashion house today, visitors will be transported through Spain and bear witness to the visionary imaginations that have inspired this innovative brand across generations. Crafted World Tokyo will be on view from 29 March to 11 May, 2025 — 9 am-8 pm. 6-35-6 Jingumae Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150 0001. The exhibition entrance is free, but visitors must reserve a ticket.
YSL Sunglasses in brown havana and sand, £335; Dior, medium Lady D-Joy bag, £5,700; TASAKI balance arm earrings, 18k yellow gold and Akoya Pearl, £6,160
Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei
Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei, a luxury boutique hotel, takes visitors through a celebration of Kyoto aesthetics as they walk through its corridors to rooms themed like mountain lodges. The rooms embody the spirit of past meets present, functionality and tradition, each built with natural woods and other materials that add to the peaceful, relaxing setting.
Perfectly situated within significant places of interest, including the renowned Okazaki shrine, Kyoto City Zoo, Kyoto’s National Museum of Modern Art, the Hōnenin Temple, and the Philosopher's Path, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and features a winding path leading to Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion.
Kyoto, the old capital, a city filled with such rich history and over 2000 temples, is a place where one can sample delicate flavours such as green tea from Uji. Revered for its vibrant colour and earthy complexity, matcha is also a staple in Japanese culture—whether whisked into a frothy bowl for a mindful moment or incorporated into modern lattes and desserts. With its elegant packaging, the tea and the Newby Matcha Kit make for a beautiful gift or a sophisticated addition to any tea lover’s collection.
Newby Matcha Kit: White Matcha Bowl, £75; Bamboo Matcha whisk, £30; Wooden Matcha spoon, £12
Cult Gaia Esme Clutch, £710; Christian Dior Sakura eau du parfum, £255; Dr. Barbara Sturm, Ceramide Drops, £125
Groundtruth 38L Weekend Travel Duffle Bag, £320; Onitsuka Tiger x Astro Boy hoodie, £235; UGG Women's Lo Lowmel Trainer, £125
Ritz-Carlton Osaka
Ritz-Carlton Osaka opened in May 2022, the first in Japan for the international hotel group, which celebrated its 25th anniversary that same year. This hotel has the distinction of winning the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award. It stands out against its counterparts for its renowned personalised experience and refined ambience akin to an 18th-century nobleman’s home. Its standout cuisine and attentive service ensure customers receive the same exemplary experience that Ritz-Carlton is known for across the globe.
Osaka is a city known for its modern architecture, nightlife and delicious street food. It's main landmark being the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees is worth a visit as well as Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shrines.
Moncler x Frgmt Anise Short Down Jacket, £1,225; Maison Margiela tabi lace-up, £990; Sunspel cotton jacket, £445
Every visit to Japan should include a stop in Okinawa, a place to relax and appreciate nature. Okinawa has an abundance of picture-perfect beaches and a rich connection to histrory, the ultimate full-stop to an unforgettable journey across a land where tradition and modernity so perfectly meet.
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Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa
Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa, located in Yanbaru in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture, sits inside one of Japan’s most abundant ecosystems, in the deep forest, inviting visitors to become part of nature. Every guest can enjoy a room with an ocean view, and surrounding them are countless waterfalls and lush greenery in a place where the people cherish the unique and ancient culture that connects them to the forest. The club lounge reflects this environment, filled with the forest’s greenery, while in-room massages ensure that every guest leaves relaxed and rejuvenated.
Alémais Day Dream shirt, £290; Brunello Cucinelli, The BC Duo Bag, £2,800; Alemais Day Dream Sarong Skirt, £280
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