Japan Garden & Art Tour

Book a special tour of Japan that immerses you in Japanese fine arts and culture through some of its most well-known elements: gardens, artworks and architecture, and pottery. Japanese gardens are legendary; centuries of landscape philosophy combined with a deep love and respect for nature come together to make meticulously cultivated garden scenes that are altogether lovely, subtle, and spiritual. Its architecture and artworks are constantly evolving from its traditional roots, and its exquisite pottery represents centuries of tradition handed down through generations of Japanese potters. Some tours have more art and architecture, others have more pottery, so browse both to see which one you like better!

Stroll in peaceful tranquility through a selection of Japan’s best gardens, including temple gardens in Kyoto and Nara, Kokoen Garden in Himeji Castle, Adachi Museum and Garden, Isuien Garden, Yushien Garden, as well as some private gardens off the beaten path. We have autumn leaves and cherry blossom varieties for guests who want to see these gardens during two especially pretty times of the year. Your guide is a certified garden guide with over 10 years of experience, who studied under the NHK Kyoto Garden program. The tour also includes a special meeting with a Japanese garden expert and former gardener.

The Art and Architecture in these itineraries include both contemporary and traditional artworks and buildings. View the modern art displays on Naoshima Art Island, and explore the features of modern (and post- modern) architecture design during architectural walking tours in Osaka and Tokyo. In contrast, stroll the old-fashioned Gion district in Kyoto to admire the old wooden buildings from the Edo period, and view the dyed silk kimono masterpiece Symphony of Light at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.

Japanese ceramics are among the most highly sought after in the world for truly elegant works of earthen art achieved through simple techniques and designs. The variety comes through traditions that grew up around “pottery towns”, and our tours offer the opportunity to compare the styles of pottery found at Toho Village, Sasebo, Hasami, Arita, Karatsu, Imbe, and Kyoto. Japanese ceramics often emphasize the philosophy of wabi- sabi, or “beauty in imperfection”, as you will discover during the Kintsugi experience, which uses lacquer and powdered gold to put broken pottery back together.

Browse the itineraries below for more of our Garden and Art Tours.