For viewers still dreaming of White Lotus-style bliss, Japan’s Okinawa prefecture offers a refreshingly off-the-radar destination with far more than just cinematic appeal. A designated Blue Zone—one of only five regions in the world where people statistically live the longest—Okinawa brings wellness and wonder together in a way few other island destinations can match.
And at the heart of it all is Halekulani Okinawa, the crown jewel of the island’s hospitality scene. As the only Double Five-Star hotel in the region, Halekulani Okinawa caters to the kind of discerning traveler who prefers seclusion over spectacle. Helicopter transfers are just the beginning—guests can indulge in the island’s only official Blue Zones Retreat, a wellness immersion rooted in the principles of longevity practiced by locals for generations. Add nighttime firefly kayaking to the itinerary, and the result is a serene, slow-luxury rhythm far removed from the tourist trail.
For those craving the ultimate private escape, the resort’s villas with natural hot springs and oceanfront pools offer uninterrupted views of the coast and a full suite of five-star comforts. It’s the kind of stay that mirrors the intrigue and intimacy of your favorite drama, only with better room service and no unexpected plot twists.
For fans of Hulu’s critically acclaimed Shogun, there’s no better place to step into the world of feudal elegance than the historic city of Kyoto. The spotlight shines brightest on Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the actual residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding shogun of the Edo period. More than just a filming location, this architectural marvel serves as a living monument to Japan’s complex history—and an enchanting neighbor to HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO.
Blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary refinement, the hotel elevates the experience of staying in Kyoto. Guests can book the Nijo Suite, where panoramic views of the castle walls offer an ever-changing canvas of morning mist and evening illumination. For those looking to dive deeper into history, the hotel arranges private tours of Nijo Castle, including access to areas typically closed to the public.
But the journey into Japan’s cultural heritage doesn’t end there. The property’s onsen, fed by a natural hot spring, provides a tranquil reset, while curated tea ceremonies and immersive courtyard garden experiences keep the spirit of Kyoto alive with quiet grace.
While “set-jetting”—the growing trend of traveling to destinations featured in popular TV series—has become a global phenomenon, few countries match Japan’s ability to deliver authentic, immersive luxury rooted in place and culture. In Okinawa, wellness is not a trend but a way of life. In Kyoto, tradition and modernity meet beneath the shadow of centuries-old castles.
Whether drawn by the siren call of a fictional paradise or the legacy of a historical epic, travelers will find that in Japan, the story doesn’t end when the credits roll—it only begins.