The Future of Luxury Is in Japan: Luxurique Heads to ILTM Cannes 2026
As the global luxury travel industry evolves, the definition of luxury is moving beyond exceptional accommodation, prestigious destinations and exclusive services. Today's discerning travellers are increasingly seeking something more meaningful: experiences that restore balance, encourage reconnection and offer a deeper understanding of the places they visit.
Wellness is becoming an increasingly important part of this conversation.
Japan offers a particularly distinctive perspective. Rooted in centuries of cultural traditions, seasonal rituals, natural landscapes and an enduring appreciation for balance, Japanese wellness extends far beyond conventional spa experiences. It is an approach to living that brings together nature, mindfulness, hospitality, gastronomy and the art of slowing down.
From secluded hot spring retreats and forest bathing to private temple stays, traditional healing practices and exceptional ryokan hospitality, Japan offers extraordinary opportunities to create journeys centred on personal renewal and meaningful discovery.
This November, Luxurique will head to ILTM Cannes 2026, taking place from November 30 to December 3 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France. Representing Luxurique will be Shoko Hida and Mizuki Asakura, who will meet international luxury travel advisors, tour operators, travel designers and industry partners to explore new opportunities for bespoke travel in Japan.
Our objective is to introduce a different perspective on Japanese luxury: one where exclusivity is not defined solely by access or prestige, but by the depth, authenticity and thoughtfulness of each experience.
Japan: A Different Philosophy of Wellness and Rejuvenation
Wellness in Japan is deeply connected to the country's relationship with nature, its cultural heritage and the changing seasons.
Rather than approaching wellness as a standalone activity, Japan offers opportunities to integrate moments of restoration throughout an entire journey.
1. The Art of Onsen and Traditional Japanese Bathing
Hot spring bathing is one of Japan's most recognised wellness traditions. From secluded mountain ryokan to luxurious private onsen overlooking forests, oceans and volcanic landscapes, these experiences offer an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the surrounding environment.
Destinations such as Hakone, Kaga, Beppu and Hokkaido provide distinctive settings for private hot spring retreats, combining natural surroundings, traditional hospitality and exceptional accommodation.
2. Forest Immersion and Reconnection with Nature
Japan's forests offer a different dimension of restorative travel. Shinrin-yoku, commonly known as forest bathing, encourages a more mindful relationship with the natural environment through unhurried walks and sensory awareness.
From the ancient forests of Yakushima to the mountain landscapes of Nagano and the woodland retreats of Karuizawa, Japan offers remarkable settings for private nature experiences, guided forest immersion and secluded stays.
3. Zen, Spirituality and Temple Experiences
Japan's spiritual heritage provides another dimension to wellness travel.
Private temple experiences, Zen meditation, traditional Buddhist practices and temple stays offer opportunities to discover a different rhythm of life.
In Kyoto, Koyasan and other historic destinations, guests can experience the architecture, rituals and atmosphere of Buddhist temples while gaining a deeper appreciation of Japanese cultural traditions.
4. Seasonal Gastronomy and the Art of Nourishment
Japanese cuisine is closely connected to seasonality, regional ingredients and the appreciation of natural flavours.
From traditional shojin ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine to carefully prepared kaiseki meals, gastronomy can become an integral part of a wellness-oriented journey.
Private culinary experiences, encounters with local producers and seasonal dining programmes allow guests to discover the relationship between Japanese food culture, nature and everyday traditions.
5. Traditional Rituals and Contemporary Wellness
Japan also offers opportunities to combine traditional practices with contemporary approaches to wellbeing.
Private tea ceremonies, traditional craftsmanship, mindfulness experiences, therapeutic bathing and personalised wellness programmes can be incorporated into carefully designed journeys.
The objective is not simply to offer a schedule of activities, but to create an atmosphere in which guests can disconnect from their everyday routines and experience Japan at a different pace.
Japan by Sea: Luxury Cruises and Exclusive Coastal Experiences
Japan's extraordinary coastline, island destinations and maritime heritage offer remarkable opportunities for luxury cruise travel.
From private yacht charters and intimate expedition cruises to international luxury cruise itineraries, discovering Japan by sea provides a different perspective on the destination.
Ports of call can become gateways to carefully curated experiences, allowing guests to explore beyond the usual sightseeing routes through private cultural encounters, exceptional gastronomy, historic towns and lesser-known coastal regions.
For travellers seeking a more personalised experience, Luxurique can develop bespoke shore excursions, private transfers, exclusive local experiences and pre- and post-cruise extensions.
Whether discovering the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, exploring the historic ports of Kyushu or combining a cruise with a private journey through Japan, each experience can be designed around the expectations and interests of the traveller.
Beyond Five-Star Hotels: Discovering the Other Side of Japan
Luxury in Japan extends far beyond prestigious hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and internationally recognised destinations.
Some of the country's most remarkable experiences can be found far from its major cities, in rural communities, remote villages and regions where traditions have been preserved across generations.
From the quiet landscapes of Tohoku and the historic villages of the Japanese Alps to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the countryside of Kyushu, Japan offers a wealth of destinations that remain largely unexplored by international luxury travellers.
These places reveal another dimension of the country: one shaped by local communities, traditional craftsmanship, regional identity and a profound connection to nature.
Guests can meet master artisans in their workshops, discover centuries-old techniques in pottery, lacquerware, textiles and woodworking, explore traditional sake breweries, or experience the daily rhythms of rural Japanese life through meaningful encounters with local communities.
For Luxurique, these experiences represent an essential part of what makes Japan exceptional.
True exclusivity does not always mean entering the most prestigious property or staying in the most expensive suite. It can mean gaining access to a private artisan workshop, spending time with a master craftsman, discovering a remote destination through trusted local relationships or experiencing a tradition that few international visitors have the opportunity to encounter.
We believe that some of Japan's greatest luxury experiences are found beyond the familiar, where authenticity, human connection and a genuine sense of discovery become the defining elements of a journey.
Beyond Conventional Wellness: The Value of Curated Experiences
At Luxurique, we believe that exceptional luxury travel begins with understanding the individual.
Every traveller has different expectations, interests and reasons for visiting Japan. For some, wellness means complete privacy and a secluded retreat. For others, it means discovering traditional Japanese culture, spending time in nature, exploring regional gastronomy or experiencing a different approach to everyday life.
This is why we approach every programme through a bespoke perspective.
Rather than relying on standard itineraries, we begin by understanding the traveller's preferences, priorities, expectations and desired experience. We then bring together carefully selected destinations, accommodation, cultural encounters, private access and local relationships to create a coherent and personalised journey.
Whether designing a multi-destination wellness retreat, a private cultural journey or a longer stay combining relaxation and discovery, every element is selected with a clear purpose.
What Makes Luxurique Different?
Japan offers extraordinary possibilities, but transforming them into exceptional travel experiences requires more than destination knowledge.
It requires trusted local relationships, cultural understanding, attention to detail and the ability to anticipate the expectations of international luxury travellers.
Since its establishment in 2014, Luxurique has developed an extensive network of hospitality partners, cultural institutions, local specialists and regional stakeholders throughout Japan.
Our approach is rooted in understanding first. We take the time to understand each traveller, agency and project before developing a bespoke concept that reflects their expectations.
Our expertise spans a broad range of luxury travel requirements, including:
Bespoke FIT Journeys: Personalised travel experiences designed around individual interests, preferences and expectations.
Wellness and Rejuvenation Retreats: Carefully curated programmes combining onsen, nature, traditional practices and exceptional hospitality.
Cultural Immersion: Private encounters with Japanese heritage, craftsmanship, spirituality and local communities.
Exclusive Access: Meaningful experiences developed through trusted local relationships and carefully selected partners.
Luxury Hospitality: Exceptional accommodation, private services and personalised arrangements throughout Japan.
Our focus is to create journeys that go beyond the expected, offering a deeper connection with Japan while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality and personalisation.
Why Meet Luxurique at ILTM Cannes 2026?
ILTM Cannes is one of the key international gatherings for the luxury travel industry, bringing together carefully selected travel advisors, luxury brands, destinations and travel professionals from around the world.
For Luxurique, attending ILTM is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with international travel specialists, exchange perspectives on the evolution of luxury travel and introduce new possibilities for discovering Japan.
Shoko Hida and Mizuki Asakura will be available to discuss:
Bespoke luxury journeys throughout Japan.
Wellness and rejuvenation retreats.
Private onsen and exclusive ryokan experiences.
Cultural immersion and meaningful local encounters.
Off-the-beaten-path destinations and lesser-known regions.
Personalised experiences for discerning travellers.
Long-term partnerships with international luxury travel advisors and agencies.
Whether you are already designing journeys to Japan or looking to introduce the destination to your clients for the first time, we would be delighted to exchange ideas and explore new possibilities together.
The Future of Luxury Is in Japan
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of travelling to Japan is not simply what visitors see, but what they experience along the way.
It can be found in the stillness of a mountain retreat, the warmth of an exceptional onsen, the atmosphere of a centuries-old temple, the changing colours of the seasons or the thoughtful hospitality found in the smallest details.
At Luxurique, we believe that the future of luxury travel lies in creating experiences that are increasingly personal, meaningful and connected to the destination.
Japan offers an extraordinary setting for this vision.
If you are attending ILTM Cannes 2026, we would welcome the opportunity to meet you, discuss your upcoming projects and explore how we can create something exceptional in Japan.
Meet Luxurique in Cannes, and discover Japan beyond the expected.
More About Luxurique :More About Luxurique :
● For Client Inquiries: hello@luxurique.com
● For Media, Press & PR Inquiries: media@luxurique.com
● For Suppliers, Artisans & Municipalities: hello@luxurique.com
● Phone: 03-6422-3770
Head Office – TRI-SEVEN Roppongi7F, 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
Kyoto Office8F–9F, 623 Shichikannon-cho, Rokkaku-sagaru, Karasuma-dori,Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8162, Japan
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