Japan, India, Java
and the islands.
A tower above Tokyo's palace gardens, a riverside ryokan in Kyoto, a lakeside palace in Udaipur, a retreat facing Borobudur, Singapore's colonial landmark and a barefoot island in the Maldives. This guide explains seasons and monsoons, trains and transfers, temple and bath etiquette, and how to combine destinations.
- Countries
- Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Maldives
- Currencies
- Yen · Indian rupee · Indonesian rupiah · Singapore dollar · Maldivian rufiyaa (US dollars at resorts)
- Languages
- Japanese, Hindi, Indonesian, English widely in Singapore and resorts
- Time zones
- UTC+5 (Maldives) to UTC+9 (Japan); no daylight saving
- Power
- Japan 100V (A/B) · India C/D/M · Indonesia C/F · Singapore and Maldives G
- Best months
- Japan: spring and autumn · India: November to February · Java: June to August · Maldives: December to April
- Between hotels
- Shinkansen in Japan; regional flights elsewhere; seaplane in the Maldives
- Entry
- Rules vary widely; India requires an e-Visa for many nationalities
Many kinds of stillness
Asia's great hotels share a talent for calm amid intensity. Aman turns the top of a Tokyo office tower into a sanctuary of camphor wood and stone; Hoshinoya asks you to leave Kyoto by boat; the Oberoi Udaivilas sits on a lake opposite a royal palace; Amanjiwo faces Borobudur across rice fields; Raffles keeps colonial verandas in the heart of Singapore; and Soneva Fushi takes your shoes away on arrival.
Food and culture are the thread: kaiseki in Kyoto, Rajasthani thalis in Udaipur, Javanese spices, Singapore's hawker centres and reef fish grilled on the beach.
Plan around the weather. Japan peaks in spring and autumn, India and the Maldives in the northern winter, and Java in its dry season from June to August.
Who this region suits: food lovers, garden and design enthusiasts, temple explorers, honeymooners and families looking for a gentle island stay.
When to go
Japan
- Spring: cherry blossom usually peaks in late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto. It is beautiful and very busy; book early.
- Rainy season: roughly June to mid-July, with grey skies and humidity, but lush moss gardens in Kyoto.
- High summer: July and August are hot and humid. Typhoons are most likely from August to September.
- Autumn: maple leaves peak in Kyoto in mid to late November. Clear skies and mild temperatures make it a favourite season.
- Winter: cold, dry and clear, with the best views of Mount Fuji from Tokyo and fewer visitors in Kyoto.
Maldives
The northeast monsoon, from about December to April, brings dry, sunny weather and calm, clear water. This is high season. The southwest monsoon, from about May to November, brings more rain and wind, but also lower rates and the manta ray and whale shark gatherings at Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll.
Getting around
In Japan, trains are fast, punctual and easy. Load a transit IC card such as Suica on your phone for city metros and buses. The shinkansen links Tokyo and Kyoto in about two hours and fifteen minutes. Since the 2023 price rise, the national Japan Rail Pass mainly pays off for long itineraries; individual tickets are often cheaper for a Tokyo and Kyoto trip.
Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) lets you send suitcases from hotel to hotel for a small fee and travel light on the train. It usually takes a day, so pack an overnight bag.
In the Maldives, resorts arrange the transfer from Malé. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so travellers landing after dark may need a night near the airport.
| Journey | Best way | Typical time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda to Aman Tokyo | Taxi or hotel car | ≈ 30m | The tower connects to Otemachi station |
| Tokyo to Kyoto | Shinkansen (Nozomi) | ≈ 2h 15m | Sit on the right heading west for Fuji views on clear days |
| Kyoto Station to Arashiyama | JR Sagano line or taxi | ≈ 15–20m | Then the hotel boat from the dock |
| Kyoto to Kansai Airport | Haruka express | ≈ 75m | For flights onward |
| Japan to Malé | Flight via a hub | ≈ 12–16h | Common routes via Colombo, Singapore or the Gulf |
| Malé to Soneva Fushi | Seaplane | ≈ 30m | Daylight only |
A twelve-night route
- 1
Tokyo · 4 nights at Aman Tokyo
Arrive Haneda · about 30 min to OtemachiThe Imperial Palace gardens, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Asakusa and an evening at a sushi counter.
- 2
Kyoto · 3 nights at Hoshinoya Kyoto
Shinkansen · about 2h 15m, then the river boatArashiyama at dawn, Tenryu-ji, Gion and a kaiseki dinner by the river. Forward your large bags ahead.
- 3
Maldives · 5 nights at Soneva Fushi
Kansai to Malé via a hub, then seaplaneReef snorkelling, a dive trip, the observatory and very slow days. Fly home from Malé.
Customs and etiquette
Japan
- Shoes: take them off where you see a raised step or slippers set out, including in ryokan rooms and many temples.
- Onsen and baths: wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath, and keep towels out of the water. Some baths restrict tattoos; ask in advance.
- Tipping: not practised, and money left on a table may be returned to you.
- Quiet: keep phones silent and conversations low on trains.
- Chopsticks: never leave them standing upright in rice or pass food chopstick to chopstick.
- Litter: public bins are rare; carry your rubbish back to the hotel.
Maldives
- Religion: the Maldives is a Muslim country. Resort islands are relaxed, but dress modestly when visiting local islands and Malé.
- Imports: alcohol and pork products may not be brought into the country. Alcohol is served at resorts.
- Reef care: don't touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
India, Indonesia and Singapore
- Temples: remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees at Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sites. Sarongs are often provided in Java.
- Right hand: in India and Indonesia, eat and pass things with your right hand.
- Singapore rules: no littering, no eating or drinking on the MRT, and chewing gum is restricted.
What to eat
Kaiseki
A seasonal tasting menu in many small courses; Kyoto is its home.
Yudofu
Simmered tofu in kelp broth, a speciality of Arashiyama's temple restaurants.
Omakase sushi
The chef's selection at the counter, served piece by piece.
Tempura
Seafood and vegetables in a light, crisp batter, best eaten straight from the fryer.
Wagashi
Seasonal sweets of bean paste and rice, made to accompany matcha.
Mas huni
Shredded tuna with coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with flatbread at breakfast.
Garudhiya
A clear tuna broth served with rice, lime and chilli.
Hedhikaa
Savoury short eats such as fish cakes and samosa-style pastries, served with tea.
Fihunu mas
Whole reef fish grilled with a chilli and spice paste.
Dal baati churma
Baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crumbled churma.
Gudeg
Young jackfruit stewed in palm sugar and coconut milk, Yogyakarta's signature dish.
Hainanese chicken rice
Poached chicken with rice cooked in stock, chilli and ginger sauces.
Places worth adding
Hakone
Hot springs, the Open-Air Museum and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi.
Nikko
Ornate shrines, including Toshogu, set in cedar forests and waterfalls.
Nara
Todai-ji's great bronze Buddha and a park full of tame deer.
Fushimi Inari
Thousands of vermilion torii gates up a forested hill. Go at sunrise.
Kanazawa
Kenroku-en garden, samurai and geisha districts and gold-leaf crafts.
Naoshima
An island of contemporary art museums in the Seto Inland Sea.
Hanifaru Bay
A marine protected area where mantas and whale sharks feed in the southwest monsoon.
Malé
The coral-stone Old Friday Mosque, the fish market and busy harbour streets.
Six Asian houses
Open any tab to read the full dossier: rooms, a three-day plan, dining, experiences, transfers, climate and local know-how.
The Asian hotels compared
Asia & Indian Ocean: frequently asked
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
Since the 2023 price increase, it pays off mainly for longer itineraries with several long-distance trips. For Tokyo, Kyoto and back, individual shinkansen tickets are usually cheaper.
Can I combine Japan and the Maldives in one trip?
Yes. There are usually no direct flights, but connections via Colombo, Singapore or Gulf hubs make it a single long travel day.
Should I avoid Japan's rainy season?
Not necessarily. June brings fewer visitors and beautiful moss gardens in Kyoto. Pack an umbrella and plan indoor alternatives.
I have tattoos. Can I use an onsen?
Policies vary. Many traditional baths restrict tattoos, while some hotels offer private baths. Ask before you book.
What if my flight lands in Malé after dark?
Seaplanes don't fly at night, so you may need a night at an airport-area hotel and a morning transfer. Your resort can arrange it.
Is the Maldives good for children?
Yes, at the right resort. Soneva Fushi has a large kids' club and villas with extra bedrooms. Shallow lagoons suit young swimmers.