A Deep Dive into Japan’s Most Luxe Honeymoon: Is Sakura Eternal’s 14-Day Odyssey Worth It?
Imagine tying the knot, popping the champagne, and then jetting off to a honeymoon that’s less “all-inclusive resort” and more “epic love saga.” Enter Sakura Eternal Honeymoons, a Japan-based outfit promising wealthy newlyweds from Asia, Europe, the USA, and South America a 14-day whirlwind through Japan’s most jaw-dropping regions. Their Signature Multi-Region Itinerary is a $43,750+ flex of luxury—think Tokyo penthouses, private onsen villas, and Okinawa yachts. But is it really worth the price tag, or are you better off with a Maldives villa for half the cost? As your travel-obsessed third-party guide, I’m breaking it all down—day by day, yen by yen—to help you decide if this is your dream trip or a splurge too far.
Day 1-3: Tokyo – Neon Nights and Sky-High Romance
The journey starts in Tokyo, Japan’s buzzing capital. Sakura Eternal hooks you up with a Rolls-Royce Phantom ride from the airport (fancy!) to the Aman Tokyo, where a penthouse suite with Mount Fuji views costs about $4,500 for three nights. It’s undeniably luxe—think minimalist chic and baths with skyline vistas—but it’s a steep jump from, say, a 5-star like the Park Hyatt for half that.
Day 2’s highlight is a private sushi-making class with a Michelin-starred chef ($800). It’s intimate and hands-on, though you could snag a similar vibe at a high-end cooking school for less if you’re not fussy about the star power. That night, a helicopter tour over Tokyo’s neon jungle ($1,200) is pure bucket-list material—pricey, but the Instagram shots might justify it.
Day 3’s flexible: splash $500 on a private Harajuku shopping spree or just wander Shibuya for free. Dinner at Narisawa ($600) is a two-Michelin-star splurge—stunning, but Tokyo’s got cheaper gems if you’re not chasing stars. Subtotal: ~$7,600. It’s a dazzling start, though budget travelers might balk.
Day 4-5: Hakone – Hot Springs and Fuji Views
Next stop: Hakone, a 90-minute shinkansen ride ($300, first-class) from Tokyo. You’re dropped at a luxury onsen villa with private hot springs and Mount Fuji peeking through the mist—two nights run $2,000. It’s serene and exclusive, though a standard ryokan could save you hundreds.
Day 4 features a couples’ bathing ritual with sake and petals ($250) and a bespoke tea ceremony in a historic teahouse ($400). Both scream romance, but the tea ceremony’s price feels steep when public ones cost under $50. Day 5’s private Lake Ashi cruise ($500) is a stunner—champagne included—but a shared boat’s a fraction of that. Dinner’s a villa kaiseki feast ($700), lavish and tasty, though local eateries offer similar flavors cheaper. Subtotal: ~$4,150. Hakone’s a highlight if you love privacy; otherwise, it’s a luxury flex.
Day 6-8: Kyoto – Tradition with a Pricey Twist
Kyoto’s up next via a chauffeured transfer ($400), landing you in a restored machiya townhouse with a butler and koi pond—three nights for $3,600. It’s a cultural gem, though boutique hotels here start at $500/night. Day 6’s private geisha dinner ($1,500) is the star—rare and mesmerizing—but it’s a big spend when group performances are under $100. A night walk in Gion with a guide ($300) adds charm; DIY strolls are free.
Day 7’s kimono photoshoot in Arashiyama ($600) is gorgeous, though local rentals are cheaper if you skip the pro snaps. VIP access to Kinkaku-ji ($200) beats the crowds—worth it if you hate lines. Dinner at Kitcho ($800) is art on a plate, but Kyoto’s got kaiseki for less. Day 8’s open—try a tea-picking session in Uji ($400) or visit Fushimi Inari for free. Subtotal: ~$7,800. Kyoto’s magic shines, but the costs stack up fast.
Day 9-11: Hokkaido – Wild Vibes, Big Bills
A chartered helicopter to Hokkaido ($2,500) sets the tone—extravagant, though flights are $200-$300. You’ll crash in a Niseko chalet with a hot tub ($3,000 for three nights)—cozy and elite, but slope-side lodges can be cheaper. Day 9’s snowmobile tour ($700) is a rush (or a lavender picnic in summer, $500)—fun, but not unique to Japan.
Day 10’s kaiseki dinner at the chalet ($800) is divine—uni, crab, the works—though Hokkaido’s seafood joints are more affordable. Day 11 offers a ski lesson ($600) or summer hot air balloon ride ($1,000)—both thrilling, but pricey when DIY skiing or hikes cost less. Subtotal: ~$7,600 (winter) or $7,900 (summer). Hokkaido’s wild beauty is a draw, but the add-ons feel indulgent.
Day 12-14: Okinawa – Tropical Finale
The finale’s a private jet to Okinawa ($4,000)—over-the-top when flights are $150—and an overwater villa in Ishigaki ($3,900 for three nights). It’s Maldives-level luxe, though beach resorts here start lower. Day 12’s couples’ scuba dive ($600) is a blast—manta rays included—while a sunset massage ($400) screams pampering.
Day 13’s yacht cruise ($1,200) is postcard-perfect, and a beach BBQ ($500) seals the deal—both fabulous, though boat rentals and dining can be cheaper. Day 14’s optional Shinto vow renewal ($2,000) is romantic but skippable; the return jet’s another $4,000. Subtotal: ~$14,600 (with renewal) or $12,600 (without). Okinawa’s paradise, but the jet-set vibe inflates the cost.
The Price Tag: What You’re Really Paying For
Here’s the breakdown, plus a $2,000 concierge fee for Sakura Eternal’s white-glove service:
- Tokyo: $7,600
- Hakone: $4,150
- Kyoto: $7,800
- Hokkaido: $7,600 (winter) or $7,900 (summer)
- Okinawa: $14,600 (with renewal) or $12,600 (without)
Total:
- $43,750 (winter, no renewal)
- $44,050 (summer, no renewal)
- $46,050 (winter, with renewal)
- $46,350 (summer, with renewal)
Add $2,000-$5,000 per person for business-class flights, and you’re at $50,000-$55,000. It’s a hefty sum—more than some spend on a wedding itself.
The Verdict: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
Pros: This is luxury dialed to 11—private everything, rare experiences (geisha dinners, helicopter hops), and a concierge who’s basically your honeymoon genie. Japan’s diversity shines, from Tokyo’s buzz to Okinawa’s beaches.
Cons: The price is eye-watering. You could do a luxe Japan trip for $20,000-$25,000 with less flash (think commercial flights, shared tours). Some activities feel padded—do you need a $1,500 geisha dinner?
Alternatives: Kuoni’s Japan packages start at $10,000, focusing on Tokyo and Kyoto. Maldives resorts offer all-inclusive bliss for $15,000-$20,000. DIY Japan with a travel agent could hit $30,000 with upgrades.
It’s perfect if you’re rich, love Japan, and want a brag-worthy story. If you’re budget-conscious or beach-obsessed, look elsewhere.
FAQ: Your Questions, Our Straight Talk
Q: Is this the most expensive honeymoon out there?
A: Not quite—African safaris or private island buyouts can top $100,000. But at $50,000+, it’s up there. You’re paying for exclusivity and Japan’s uniqueness.
Q: What if I don’t want all 14 days?
A: Sakura Eternal claims flexibility—trim it to 10 days, skip Hokkaido, whatever. Costs drop, but so does the “epic” factor. Ask them directly for a custom quote.
Q: Are there cheaper ways to see Japan?
A: Yup. Public shinkansen, 4-star hotels, and group tours slash costs to $5,000-$10,000. You’ll miss the VIP treatment, though.
Q: Best season for this itinerary?
A: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (fall colors) win for beauty. Winter’s great for snow-lovers, summer for beach fans. All work—just pick your flavor.
Q: What’s the catch with the concierge?
A: No catch—they’re legit, handling logistics and surprises. The $2,000 fee’s steep, but for high-maintenance couples, it’s a lifesaver.
Q: Can I get this vibe elsewhere?
A: Sort of. Italy’s got culture and romance for less. The Maldives or Seychelles nail the beach luxe. Japan’s the only one blending all this, though.
Q: How’s the food for picky eaters?
A: They say they’ll tweak it—vegan, gluten-free, etc. Japan’s food scene is flexible if you plan ahead, so it’s doable.
Q: Worth it for non-Japan fans?
A: Eh, maybe not. If you’re not into culture or sushi, a tropical escape might feel less “foreign” for the same cash.
Final Thoughts: Your Move, Newlyweds
Sakura Eternal Honeymoons isn’t messing around—this 14-day Japan odyssey is a love letter to luxury and adventure. It’s not cheap, and it’s not for everyone, but if you’ve got the cash and a soft spot for Japan, it’s a contender. Weigh your priorities: epic story or budget-friendly bliss? Either way, your honeymoon’s about you—so choose what sets your heart racing.
