This multi-generational exploration of Japan is an adventure to remember

Our series Bespoke Behind the Scenes lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&R Experience Designers create for travellers. Whether it’s a multi-generational family reunion or an exploration of a dream destination, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design original journeys that meet every need and desire. Here, Experience Designer Orsolya Kako shares the story of a cultural immersion in Japan. 

There are so many reasons to travel, sometimes it’s to explore the culinary expertise of a region or to see ancient sights up close and personal. In other instances, it’s to achieve a personal goal. In this case, a traveller was heading to Japan to run the Tokyo Marathon, and decided to have his family and his wife’s parents join him on an incredible adventure. Not only would he have a cheering squad as he crossed the finish line, but they’d make incredible memories exploring the unique country. 

“As they had already spent a few days in Tokyo before the marathon, they really wanted to focus in and around Kyoto as well as an experience in the countryside to really get a sense of Old Japan,” says Orsolya Kako, B&R’s Experience Designer for Japan. Working with the family, she created an itinerary that spoke to all three generations and gave them hands-on experiences to really understand the culture and history of places they were visiting.  

There was a session with an artist to try their hands at the delicate technique of making washi paper, as well as a soba noodle tutorial, after which they enjoyed the delicious results of their class.  

In Kyoto, the family learned the history and traditions of samurai and then, after a demonstration, got to channel their inner warrior and practice some skills. They also shared a quiet moment over a tea ceremony in a historic home, a time-honoured spiritual experience that speaks deeply to Japanese tradition. “These special moments helped them to understand the depth of history that Kyoto offers as the ancient capital of Japan,” Orsolya explains. They also visited a geisha house and spent some one-on-one time with a maiko, an apprentice geisha. “This special and intimate experience was a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not many get to experience.” 

In between these immersive experiences, was time spent together absorbing the landscape and natural beauty of the country. They explored the sublime Kenrokuen Gardens, considered one of the country’s most beautiful and the definitive example of an Edo-period garden. A visit to Ozouchi village offered insight into how these remote places are trying to revitalize themselves. And a walk through the countryside of Asuka, a daytrip from Kyoto, offered access to the area’s historical legacy.  

“The goal was to keep all three generations having fun, learning and engaging each day with local culture,” says Orsolya. “It was the perfect trip for this family since they played an active part in designing it with me.”