Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo

Today, you will arrive into Tokyo’s Narita International Airport where, after clearing immigration and customs entry formalities, you will be welcomed by an English-speaking assistant in the Arrivals Hall.  

You will then be transferred to the city (approximately 90 minutes) and your hotel which is ideally located within walking distance of the Imperial Palace and the Ginza.

Day 2 – Tokyo

This morning, following breakfast, meet your guide and commence a full-day tour of Tokyo that will focus on different aspects of Japan’s vibrant capital including its varied and distinctive art traditions.

You begin with the ultimate in Virtual Reality and art with a visit to TeamLab Borderless, a stunning experience imagined by a group of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects who have created a living dreamscape of art and imagination.

Then enjoy a visit to the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, once the largest seafood market in the world. The outer market is a thrill to explore with its lanes and alleys lined with a dizzying array of goods, from dried foods and seasonings to fresh produce and all manner of kitchen utensils. 

Your morning ends with a visit to the magnificent Imperial Palace Plaza, part of the palace complex which serves both as the residence and administration for the imperial family. 

The highlight of today’s touring is the Yayoi Kusama Museum dedicated to the whimsical innovative art of the avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. Run by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation the museum opened in 2017 to great international acclaim.

After a full-day sightseeing, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Day 3 – Tokyo

This morning you will meet your guide and enjoy a final day of sightseeing in Tokyo.

Among the highlights of today’s touring is a visit to the Mori Art Museum & Observatory – the museum occupies the 52^nd and 56^th floors of the Mori Building and features a varied collection of contemporary art works from around the world.

You will also enjoy exploring the Harajuko/Omotesando areas renowned as the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo.

After a full-day sightseeing, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Day 4 – Tokyo – Kanazawa

This morning meet your assistant and transfer to Tokyo Station where you board your Shinkansen train to Kanazawa which is located along the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Often said to be, “Japan’s best kept travel secret” Kanazawa is also known as “Little Kyoto” with its wealth of classical cultural traditions.  You will enjoy the balance of the day visiting many of these sites including the 21^st Century Museum of Contemporary Art which is a dynamic complex featuring innovative art installations by the world’s leading contemporary artists.

Another highlight is the magnificent Kenrokuen Garden (the Garden of Six Sublimities), named one of the three greatest classical gardens in Japan.  The garden was designed to be the perfect garden as it has: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundance in water and views.

Later this afternoon you will transfer to your hotel to check-in. 

Day 5 – Kanazawa – Kaga Onsen

This morning, following breakfast, you continue your exploration of Kanazawa starting with a visit to the Gold Leaf Museum & Workshop – Kanazawa accounts for 99 percent of all gold leaf produced in Japan.  

You then continue on and visit Higashichaya a beautifully restored section of the original commercial quarter of Kanazawa.  Dating to the early 19^th century the main street is filled with stately shophouses exuding a timeless air of tranquility.

This afternoon you will enjoy a guided walk through the Nagamachi Samurai District – in the late 19^th century the Meiji emperor (1868 – 1912) disbanded the samurai with many retiring to Kanazawa.   The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals.

Finally, you end the day with a visit to the Kutani Pottery Kiln, which offers an exclusive look into the making of these delicate ceramic wares, from their formation on the potter’s lathe to final hand-painted flourishes.

Following your sightseeing, you will continue on to Kaga Onsen and check-in to your ryokan.

Day 6 – Kaga Onsen 

This morning meet your guide and set off for a visit to some of the following handicraft workshops:

– Wood turner’s studio and private gallery
– Kutani porcelain master’s studio and private gallery
– Wooden furniture artist’s studio
– Washi, Japanese paper making studio
– Maki-e lacquerware studio
– Tatami mat maker’s workshop

After a full-day sightseeing, you will be transferred back to your ryokan.

Day 7 – Kaga Onsen – Kyoto

This morning meet your assistant and transfer to Kaga Onsen Station where you board your JR Limited Express to Kyoto, capital of imperial Japan from 794 – 1868.

On arrival into Kyoto you set off on a busy orientation of this beautiful city that begins with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine – the most famous of several thousands of shrines dedicated to the goddess, Inari (who is the deity rice and abundance). 

Following your visit to the shrine you then visit the Fushimi Sake District which is a charming, traditional sake brewing district along the willow-lined Horikawa River in southern Kyoto where you will view the traditional brewing process and sample some of the fine sakes produced here.

Day 8 – Kyoto

This morning, after breakfast, you set off for a full day of discovery in Kyoto.

You first visit the iconic Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji) which has become synonymous with Kyoto. Originally a villa of the Saionji family it was converted into Golden Pavilion (Rokuonji) in the 16^th century.

Your tour continues with a visit to the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where you can either ride bicycles or take a guided walk through the lush bamboo grove.

Following your walk (or bicycle ride) through the bamboo groves visit the ethereal Tenryuji Temple – first erected in 1339, and now one of Kyoto’s most beloved UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Another highlight in the Arayashima area is the Togetsukyo Bridge (also known as “Moon Crossing Bridge”) which was built during the Heinan period (794 – 1185) and which is held up as the finest example of bridge building in Kyoto.

Before returning to your hotel you will have the options to try your hand at one of two great Kyoto cultural traditions:  origami (paper folding) or calligraphy.

After a full-day sightseeing, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Day 9 – Kyoto – Naoshima

After enjoying a morning at leisure you meet your guide and transfer to Kyoto Station where you board your bullet train to Okayama.  On arrival you are then transferred overland to Uno Port (90 minutes) and then board the public ferry to Naoshima Island, the island devoted to art.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel to check-in.

Day 10 – Naoshima

This morning, after breakfast, you set off for a full day of discovery in Naoshima an island that has become synonymous with all things art and design related. 

Your day will include visits to the Benesse House Museum which features art and design pieces from leading Japanese and international artists.

Other visits on Naoshima include the Lee Ufan Museum, the Art House Project and the fine Chichu Museum which features an eclectic mix of works from Monet to James Turrell.

After a full-day sightseeing, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Day 11 – Naoshima – Teshima – Naoshima

This morning you will meet your guide and take a boat to Teshima also part of the Naoshima experience – here you continue your art-focused itinerary visiting the the Teshima Yokoo House, a collaboration between artist Tadanori Yokoo and architect Yuko Nagayama.  You will also spend time at the striking Teshima Art Museum which overlooks the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea.

After sightseeing, you will take the ferry from Teshima back to Naoshima.

Day 12 – Naoshima – Osaka

This morning meet your guide and return to Okayama (via ferry to Uno Port and then overland) where you board your Shinkansen train to Osaka.

Upon arrival into Osaka Station you will enjoy an afternoon orientation of Japan’s second city that includes the lively Dotonbori area. Included will be a walk along Dotonbori Street which is a popular foodie district, home to  ‘Kuidaore’ where rows of eateries feature the best of Osaka’s snack food wonders.  These include crab, puffer fish, and  ‘Takoyaki (octopus balls)’.

You will also visit the majestic Osaka considered one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Rising five stories on the outside and eight stories inside, the castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century.

After a full-day sightseeing, you will be transferred to the hotel to check-in.

Day 13 – Depart Osaka

Please note that today your assistant will transfer you to Kansai International Airport (Osaka) where you will board your departure flight.