Luxurique Welcomes 2026 with Growth and Excellence

As Luxurique steps into 2026, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose, exciting new projects, and an expanded team ready to strengthen every part of our operations. This year marks not only the continuation of our journey in luxury travel but also a deepening of our role as advisors and partners within Japans upscale tourism economy. For over a decade, Luxurique has carefully shaped the luxury travel experience in Japan, and our work has always been guided by omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of hospitality rooted in anticipation, discretion, and respect. Every journey we design, every itinerary we create, is crafted to feel seamless, natural, and deeply personal, allowing guests to experience Japan not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing culture.

Looking ahead, 2026 brings immense opportunities. With new staff joining our team, we are better equipped than ever to respond to the evolving needs of travelers while strengthening our relationships with regional communities, cultural practitioners, and local suppliers. Our commitment to excellence and cultural preservation remains unwavering, and every project this year will reflect that philosophy.

2025 A Year of Records Change and Growth

Looking back on 2025, it was a truly remarkable year for Japans tourism. The country welcomed more than 42 million international visitors, a number that underscores Japans global appeal and growing recognition as a luxury destination. September alone saw more than 3.26 million arrivals, marking nearly a 14 percent increase from the previous year and setting new records for that month. These figures reflect not only overall growth but also a significant shift in how travelers are experiencing the country.

Travel patterns are changing. Guests no longer come simply to visit famous landmarks. Repeat travelers in particular are venturing beyond traditional urban centers such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, exploring regional areas with unique cultural identities. They seek deeper engagement with local communities, heritage, and traditions, choosing destinations that offer slower, more thoughtful immersion rather than the pace of sightseeing alone. This evolution in traveler behavior has influenced every aspect of Luxuriques planning and operations, requiring more personalized itineraries, flexible scheduling, and closer collaboration with regional experts and cultural practitioners.

Shifting Traveler Preferences and Regional Discoveries

The trends of 2025 revealed a clear preference for experiences rooted in authenticity, culture, and privacy. Regions like Kanazawa and Kaga are emerging as primary destinations, not merely optional stops. Travelers are drawn to these areas for their carefully preserved samurai districts, traditional crafts, local food culture, and renowned hot springs. They offer the kind of slower, more reflective cultural immersion that is increasingly sought by repeat visitors.

Island and coastal retreats are also gaining popularity, offering visitors a sense of quiet, space, and connection to nature that cannot be found in urban centers. Wellness travel continues to grow, combining Japans celebrated onsen culture with structured programs for rest, recovery, and holistic wellbeing. This shift highlights that modern luxury travelers are seeking not just sightseeing, but an experience that engages body, mind, and spirit.

The demand for curated cultural experiences continues to grow. Guests request private tea ceremonies tailored to their interests, artisan workshops that offer hands-on learning, and regional culinary journeys grounded in local tradition rather than generic tours. Longer stays in lesser-known regions, travel outside busy seasons, and carefully planned itineraries are increasingly expected. As travelers seek deeper connection, they rely on local expertise and partners who can manage complex logistics while maintaining the highest standards of service.

Omotenashi at the Heart of Every Journey

At Luxurique, omotenashi is not a concept it is the very essence of how we work. It is not about material luxury or ostentation. It is about anticipating the needs of every guest, respecting social codes, and crafting experiences that feel natural, seamless, and personal. Omotenashi is about creating moments that surprise and delight, moments that feel thoughtful rather than staged.

We work closely with regional communities, cultural practitioners, and local suppliers to design itineraries that respect customs while providing unforgettable experiences for our guests. This approach ensures that tourism growth supports, rather than disrupts, local ecosystems and communities. Guests not only enjoy Japan they understand it. They leave with a sense of connection, knowledge, and appreciation for the culture, traditions, and rhythms of the regions they visit. For Luxurique, this is true luxury travel a journey that enriches both guest and community.

Celebrating 2025 and Our Team

As the year drew to a close, Luxurique celebrated 2025 with our first Christmas party in the new office. It was a moment filled with warmth, reflection, and gratitude. We celebrated not only our successes but also the dedication, passion, and creativity of our team whose efforts make every journey possible. We also thanked our partners, collaborators, and everyone who worked with us over the year without your support, innovation, and trust Luxurique could not have achieved what it did in 2025.

The evening reminded us that behind every itinerary, every carefully curated experience, are people who care deeply about Japan, its culture, and its travelers. It was a joyful pause before stepping into 2026, a year that promises growth, challenge, and the continuation of our mission to share the very best of Japan with the world.

Looking Ahead 2026 and Beyond

The challenges for Luxurique in 2026 are significant, but so are the opportunities. With a larger, stronger team, new projects, and renewed energy, we are ready to continue leading luxury travel in Japan while deepening the authenticity, personalization, and cultural richness of every experience we offer. Guided by omotenashi, we remain committed to designing journeys that are not just beautiful or comfortable, but meaningful, sustainable, and enriching for both guests and the communities they visit.

As we begin this new year, Luxurique moves forward with clarity, purpose, and heart. We are excited to share Japan in ways that celebrate its culture, nurture its regions, and create lasting memories for our travelers. 2026 is a year of connection, discovery, and thoughtful exploration and we cannot wait to embark on it together with our guests, our partners, and our dedicated team.