Winter Edition
Journey Through Japan
Naoshima Island, Japan by Norman and Blake
Last month, we booked a Japanese adventure for a wonderful couple and their equally wonderful 10-year-old. This trio was in pursuit of powder—the kind you ski—and we made sure they found it, along with much more. Here are some highlights from their itinerary—they’re simply too good not to share:
Tokyo
Stay: Two nights at Aman Tokyo. Stunning! Truly one of our favorite hotels—impeccable service and design. Pro tip: Head to the 33rd floor and take a dip in the pool while enjoying a 180-degree view of Tokyo.
Eat: Tokyo Ramen Street in Tokyo Station. It’s a bit hard to find, but that’s the point. Those who accept the challenge heed the reward. Remember to slurp!
Do: teamLab Borderless. This interactive digital art museum is super cool for kids and adults. There are a few hidden light rooms that are truly spectacular (similar to Yayoi Kusama infinity rooms). Art + technology + awesome = yes!
Do: Toy Sapiens Toy Store is the ultimate for collectors and superfans of Star Wars and comic books.
Do: Sneaker shopping! in Harajuku (ground zero for sneaker shopping). This is where sneaker boutiques deal in limited-edition releases and awesome ‘drops.’ Some faves: Undefeated, A+S luxury architecture and sneakers, BILLY'S ENT HARAJUKU, and Kicks Lab, with a gallery-like display of rare and vintage shoes.
Niseko
Stay: 4 nights at Park Hyatt Hanazono. Ski slopes and luxury amenities—need we say more.
Eat: MAME Niseko for dinner. Major highlight!
Pro-tip: Snag your "First Tracks" lift tickets to be the first to leave tracks on the epic powder.
Do: Onsen every single day.
Do: Hanazono Zipflight is Asia's longest zipline—2,591 meters, to be exact. Thrilling. Flying at speeds of up to 110 km/h through a white forest with more than four meters of snow on the ground. Ah-mazing! Pro-Tip: This is only open in the shoulder season, so check before you go!
Kyoto
Stay: Three nights at Sowaka. A truly lovely Ryokan experience. From the design to the food, this spectacular Japanese inn lies in the heart of the Gion district.
Eat: Sushi Gion Matsudaya is Michelin-Star Sushi. An intimate and unforgettable dining experience. With only six counter seats, this is a reservation-only spot you’re going to want to secure as soon as you book your spot.
Do: Temples + Shrines in Kyoto. Our favs are Fushimi Inari, Tenryuji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Kyoto is meant for wandering, even getting lost.
Takeaway: Far-flung luxury is our jam. Call us to book unforgettable travel around the world. And want to host your wedding in Japan? We’ve done that too! Check out our most recent work in Japan in this gallery.
Welcome, Amy!
Amy Soper is the newest member of the AE team. She’s our Luxury Travel + Experience Advisor, a Bay Area resident, and get this, she was Alison’s assistant over twenty years ago!
Last year, we had the privilege of planning Amy’s dreamy elopement in Costa Rica (featured here) and an epic celebration to follow in San Francisco. During the planning process, Amy reconnected with her love for luxury adventure and unforgettable events.
Amy has an insatiable love for travel—a pre-req for any AE team member. She grew up soaking up the magical Maui sun in summer and hitting the serious slopes of Utah in the winter—no doubt sparking her passion for luxury travel and adventure.
“Travel isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about immersing in different cultures, deepening connections, and gaining fresh perspectives on the world and yourself.”
Amy takes great pride in creating tailored experiences for each client’s unique style, so every journey is personalized and unforgettable.
We’re so glad you’re back, Amy!
White Barn Inn
We’re fresh back from a site visit at the incredible White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. We rarely plan winter weddings in cold climates, so we’re psyched to lean into this cozy upcoming wedding: think dog sledding by day and a Swiss Fondue Soirée by night, with hot toddies in between.
Winter Faves
Rooster Coffee Delivery: Upon arrival, the team asks when and how you prefer your morning coffee—and just like that, it’s delivered with a basket of morning buns directly to your room.
White Barn Inn Restaurant: The peekytoe crab starter and caviar cannoli bite are a MUST TRY.
Farm-to-Cocktail Class: Learn the art of the cocktail hour from Hugo, the F&B director. Cheers!
Maine Oyster Tasting: An immersive tasting from Maine’s finest oyster farms. We learned how to select, shuck and slurp.
Dog Sledding. The thrill of gliding through the snow covered trails by a pack of pups was exhilarating! Bonus: you’re fully wrapped in Barbour’s curated winter gear. Pro-Tip: Post sled, go back to White Barn for a Smokeshow Cocktail alongside a sausage roll.
Maple Syrup Making. Tour the Maple Moon Farm to experience the sap collection process while sipping a hot cup of maple tea and then take home a bottle of homemade syrup.
Takeaway: We’re warming up to winter weddings.
The AE Five
We’re feeling the cozy vibes still, even if it’s already March. Here are some of our cozy faves…
Alison has a newfound heated vest she wears on the daily in Northern California, and its always wavering weather. And, she can’t wait to bust it out on her upcoming trip to Austria. During which, she’ll be rocking this set on all her travel days.
Lauren loves this body lotion with tallow. It’s super moisturizing and packed with skin-loving vitamins! Also, she never leaves for a trip without her noice-canceling headphones.
Brooke lives at home in these bootie slippers, doesn’t travel without her cashmere wrap, and loves a red light mask.
Amy is obsessed with this onesie when chasing powder, which keeps her chic and warm on the slopes. And she goes nowhere without this body moisturizer she’s used for 20+ years.
Danielle swears by these masks to regain hydration after long flights and loves this oversized coat.
As always, thank you for reading!
Peace, Love + Parties from the AE Team
Brooke, Alison, and Danielle (with Alison’s daughter Vivi) at our book launch in San Francisco.