Japan Garden & Art Tour: Cherry Blossoms

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14 days 13 nights

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Single Supplement: USD $1860.00

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Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji and is only a five minute bus ride away from Himeji Station. Himeji Castle the most popular and visited castle in Japan, it is also listed both as one of Japan’s national treasure castles and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle is also one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it was never destroyed in its history and has been standing since it was originally completed in the year 1609. The surrounding area is also one of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom destinations during the spring.

Located right next to the famous Himeji Castle is the beautiful Kokoen Garden. This garden was constructed and completed in the year 1992 where noble residences once stood in the past. The landscape features various trees, flowers, bamboos, ponds, and waterfalls. Visitors can explore and enjoy the tea at the tea house or at the restaurant located on the garden grounds.

The Adachi Museum of Art is another one of Matsue’s most popular museums and destination. This museum is best known for its award winning garden and art exhibits. Guests are able to enjoy one of the best gardens in Japan and view over more than one thousand pieces of art. One of the most popular exhibits is the museum’s ceramics exhibit.

Located in the city of Matsue is one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it has never been destroyed in its history since completion. Inside the castle there are various original artifacts and items that date back from the 1600s. The top of the castle offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area for guests that wish to reach the top.

One of the most enjoyable activities for guests visiting the Matsue Castle area is taking one of the Horikawa boat tours. There are many boat tours available for guests that would take them around Matsue Castle and the surrounding canals. There are several stops along most of the boat tours and there are often recordings in other languages which teach about the local history of the area.

The city of Matsue hosts many tourist attractions, and one of the most popular attractions is the former samurai district of Matsue. Many of the buildings and homes in this district once belonged to samurai families and have been preserved. Now many of the buildings and homes in this area is open for the public to explore. One of the most popular buildings in this district is the Matsue Buke Yashiki, which is the former residence of a high ranking samurai family. This former residence is a great example of how a high ranking samurai family once lived and features many weapons and other artifacts.

One of the most vibrant and fashionable Japanese gardens around, Yushien Garden, on Daikonshima Island near in Shimane Prefecture, is a landscape manicured to perfection. The garden, is renowned for cultivating over a hundred and fifty different types of peony. Although the garden carries a splendid elegance throughout the year, the best time to go to Yushien is, arguably, in late April, when hundreds of peonies are set afloat in the garden pond creating a fantastic sea of brilliant pink peony blossoms.

Kurashiki’s canal area is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved canals that date back as far to the Edo Period. The canals were once used to transport rice into the storehouses where they would be shipped to cities such as Osaka and Tokyo (was known as Edo during those times). Now this historic area is the most popular destination for tourist visiting Kurashiki. Many of the historic storehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums for guests to enjoy.

Located in Kurashiki’s historic canal area is the Ohara Museum of Art was Japan’s first museum of Western Art. This museum was the first museum built for western art in all of Japan and holds many displays of western art. There are many masterpieces of art on display from famous artist, such as Picasso, Pollock, Modigliani, and many more. There are three buildings that visitors can visit, the main gallery, annex, and the Kojima Museum. Each building features different displays of western art, Japanese art, sculptures, and other forms of art.

Bonsai is an ancient form of tree cultivation which uses special techniques in pruning and training to produce minature trees in small planters. The final result is an artful representation of a full-grown tree. Private nurseries and farms across Japan have specialized in this form of cultivation, displaying numerous species of trees, trimmed and shaped to a broad variety of interesting and though provoking shapes. And at one of these farms, you'll be able to observe the expert cultivation of these decorative trees up close.

Ritsurin Koen Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden located in the city of Takamastu. Many consider this garden to belong on the list of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. This spacious and beautiful park features many ponds, hills, trees, bridges, and pavilions. There are a number of walking routes throughout the park and provides views that would leave any guest satisfied.

Kikugetsu-tei, or "Moon-scooping Pavilion" was placed in the garden by one of the Takamatsu lords who ruled the area in the mid-1600s, and it has been serving tea to the park's visitors ever since. This ancient teahouse is constructed of plain wood darkened with age, and is sparsely adorned. But it maintains an air of elegant charm with nothing more than the refreshing sight of verdant surroundings, the playful splash of koi fish in the nearby pond, and the taste of freshly whisked matcha tea served in an exquisite, though plain-patterned, ceramic teacup. While on the veranda overlooking Ritsurin Park, sitting in the same spot once occupied by noble samurai, visitors to Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse truly feel transported back to feudal Japan.

A collection of abandoned structures renovated into special venues dedicated towards contemporary art in Naoshima Island, Japan

The Ando Museum is a work of modern architectural beauty designed by and dedicated towards Tadao Ando, also known as one of the most famous modern architects of Japan. Located by the Honmura Port as one of the featured buildings of the Art House Projects on Naoshima Island, visitors are greeted by the perfect fusion of traditional and modern traits featured at this museum. The Ando Museum infuses new life in the century year old traditional wooden house of Honmura by adding the signature use of concrete to the overall design. The contrasts between the elements of past and the present with traditional aspects of wood intertwined by the harmony of concrete fused together to form the atmosphere created by Tadao Ando, attracting thousands of visitors to travel to Naoshima Island every year. Travelers can learn the history of art on Naoshima through varies photographs and models, along with Ando’s architectural work which consists of most venues on the island. The gift shop in the museum has gained popularity for selling items related to Ando including post cards with the Chichu Art Museum and personally autographed by Tadao Ando himself, a perfect souvenir for friends of all ages.

The Chichu Art Museum is one of the most popular museums located on Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. The museum itself is a combination of art and architecture, even though most of the building is underground, it uses natural light to brighten up the artwork. Only a few people are allowed in at a time for the museum because appreciating the artwork in the museum is best viewed with as few people around as possible. There is a small café and waiting area, and it is also advised for guests to arrive early because the crowds will get rather large.

The Benesse House is the most popular destination for guests visiting Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. This building is both a modern art museum and a resort hotel. The main attraction is building is the modern art museum, where different works of art are displayed from both Japan and all over the world. Visitors staying at the hotel have twenty-four hour access to the museum and there is also restaurants, cafes, shops, and a spa. Visitor do not have to stay at the hotel to have access to all the amazing facilities at the Benesse House.

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum is a museum that teaches the history of Japanese sword production in the little town of Osafune. The town was a major producer of samurai swords during the Edo period. You can learn the history of Japanese sword manufacture, see a variety of beautiful Japanese swords on display, and even experience the thrilling sight of sword artisans forging a Japanese sword up close. Japanese swords are produced by a very intense process where "tamahagane" - a steel made from iron sand, which is then heated in a furnace to 1300 degrees Celsius (just over 2300 degrees Fahrenheit) and repeatedly hammered into shape. At times of the year, the museum hosts special exhibitions for fans of sword artistry that include elements like animation and video games. Visitors can even order a custom-made sword that will be traditionally forged by these Japanese sword masters.

The Imbe Bizen Pottery Village is a town in the Bizen area that is home to the traditional pottery-making artform called "Bizen-ware". Bizen-ware is an artform going back over 1000 years, with some of the workshops and guilds in the village being kept in the same family for many generations. There are even ruins of ancient kilns from as far back as the 16th century. The clay is locally sourced and has a high iron content, leading to its distinctive earthen colors. There are examples of Bizen-ware pottery decorating the entire village, and there are even special shrines where the potters go to pray. The village hosts the Bizen Pottery Festival in October, where many locally- made ceramics are sold at discount, and there are even workshops where visitors can try making Bizen-ware for themselves. The village also has the Bizen Pottery Traditional and Contemporary Art Museum, which celebrates Bizen-ware past and present.

There are many restaurants located within Kobe that serve Japanese or international cuisine, but there are many places that offer Kobe beef. Kobe is known around the world for its famous Kobe beef, which is beautifully marbled, delicious, and very expensive beef. The most popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is in a restaurant where the chef grills the meat in front of the guests. Eating Kobe beef is a popular activity for tourist visiting Kobe and can provide a delicious and unforgettable experience.

Hasshu is a word referencing Japan's ancient past, and Hasshu-an is a relaxing retreat that immerses visitors in traditional Japanese culture. Based in Osaka, Hasshu-an shares with visitors an inside look at the national heritages of green tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, and zen meditation, as demonstrated by professional, friendly instructors. The head of the establishment is a Buddhist monk and master of both tea ceremony and flower arranging, eagerly sharing with travelers his love for these time-honored customs. The whole atmosphere of this charming hermitage is tranquility itself, steeped with the simple elegance and reflective wabi-sabi of traditional Japan.

Green tea has a rich history in Japan and has been the most popular non-alcoholic beverage for years. A green tea ceremony is the ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea that has been practiced for hundreds of years. The ceremony is full of many rituals and has a strong Zen Buddhism influence. The tea is prepared by the host for the guests and is usually green tea made from powdered tea leaves.

Ikebana is one of Japan’s oldest crafts, which is the art of flower arrangement. The history of Ikebana (also known as Kado in Japanese) is rich and has different techniques and styles just like any other form of art. There are classes and lessons available for visitors to attend that teaches the art of Ikebana. Guests can learn about the different techniques, styles, and history of Ikebana while taking these lessons.

Zen meditation is unique and is central in Zen Buddhism. This form of meditation calms both the body, mind, and to also gain enlightenment by seeking insight into the nature of existence. There are lessons and classes available for visitors where a Zen priest guides guests to practice Zen meditation and teaches the significance of Zen as part of the Japanese culture.

Located north of Nara Park is one of Japan’s most historic and famous temple called the Todai-Ji Temple. This temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple’s main hall named Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world. It is home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha siting at fifteen meters tall.

Isuien Garden is a charming Japanese-style walking garden near Todaiji-Temple in Nara. Originally two separate parks, the land was merged to make room for the Neiraku Ceramics Museum. With a meaning of "park relying on water", Isuien's most prominent feature is a large reflective pond fed by the local river. Using a technique of "borrowed landscape", other elements, such as the trees of other nearby gardens and the gate of Todaiji temple, blend into or frame the garden elements, creating an attractive visual continuity.

Perhaps the most popular shopping arcade in Nara, Higashimuki Shopping Street is a long shopping center lane in the middle of Nara. This shopping street sells everything from local arts and crafts, to traditional clothes and items, to high-quality green tea and rice crackers, to Nara-specific souvenirs. Many of the shops are well- established family-run buisnesses that have been there for years, and the arcade roof makes going there a pleasure even on a rainy day.

Kofukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple marked by a distinctive five-tiered pagoda - the second tallest in Japan, rising over 50 meters high. Also on the temple grounds is the National Treasure Museum, housing famous Buddhist statues distinctly cherished as Cultural Properties. The two distinctive octagonal pagodas lend an original interest, and the surrounding trees and gardens add a splash of seasonal color throughout the year. Constructed by the influential Fujiwara family during the Heian period, Kofukuji was once part of powerful and exclusive set of Buddhist sites known as the Seven Great Temples of Nara.

The heritage area of Naramachi is the city of Nara's vintage commercial district, where streets are lined with Edo-era merchants' residences and preserved warehouses. Many of these old buildings are now converted into antique stores, cafes, restaurants, and museums that maintain the ancient history of old Nara. Among these is Nigiwai-no-Ie, a classic merchants' townhouse over 100 years old. The house interior is decorated according to a traditional Japanese idea that the year had 24 seasons. The classical architecture is perfectly preserved, drawing countless visitors to admire the old-fashioned charm of feudal Nara.

In the northern part of central Kyoto is Nijo Castle, where it was once the former Kyoto residence of the shogun. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area was once home to the shogun when he would visit Kyoto. This place serves as the best examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era because most of the buildings here survived since they were originally built.

Take a walking tour through the Ponto-cho and Gion Geisha Districts in Kyoto. The Ponto-cho district is a charming dining area near the Kamogawa River. It is actually a portmanteau word of the Portuguese "ponte" (bridge) and Japanese "cho" (neighborhood, block) It is an alley stuffed with restaurants of various cuisines, including classical Kyoto cuisine. The district truly comes alive at night with brightly lit wooden buildings. While walking through the Ponto-cho area, enjoy the shop-fronts hung with lanterns and the refreshing atmosphere next to the river. The Gion Geisha District is a traditional entertainment district full of various restaurants, shops, and ochaya (teahouses). Walking through, visitors will undoubtedly notice the tightly packed nature of these "machiya" wooden townhouses, hearkening back to a time with property taxes were calculated based on street frontage. In this atmospheric locale, geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices) entertain guests with classical Japanese arts and dance.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the former residence of the Emperor until the capital city was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868. Located in the Imperial Park complex behind a broad earthen wall with a slanted roof, the Palace itself is surrounded by gravel paths, some excellent gardens, and groves of tall trees. Many of the buildings had been destroyed by fire over the years, but each time the Palace was scrupulously rebuilt. In the same Park enclosure is Sento Palace, a former imperial retirement home.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

Located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, the Tenryu- Ji Temple is Arashiyama’s most popular temple. The temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original buildings of Tenryu-Ji Temple was lost many times throughout its history, except for Tenryu-Ji’s garden. The Tenryu-Ji Temple Zen Garden that visitors see today is the original garden and landscape.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

The Ryoan-Ji Rock Garden is located only one mile down the road from the famous Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) in northern Kyoto. It is the location of Japan’s most famous rock garden and attracts hundreds of visitors every day throughout the year. The surrounding area features a beautiful pond with a nice walking trail that circles the area.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

Deitokuji Temple started out as a small monastery built in the 14th century. It slowly rose in stature over the feudal years of Japan as a prominent temple of Zen Buddhism, gaining administrative perview over twenty-two sub- temples in the area. Among these temples are Daisen-in - famed for its elaborate rock garden, Soken-in - mortuary temple of renowned Japan unifier Oda Nobunaga. The temple is also thought of as the spiritual birthplace of Japanese Tea Ceremony, containing a tea house used by the legendary tea master Sen-no-Rikyu.

Kyoto is known for its Gion district which is famous for its geisha (geiko in Kyoto dialect) and apprentice geisha called maiko. There are many locations within Kyoto and the Gion district where visitors can have a maiko experience. Enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner in the company of a Maiko.

Ginkakuji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple that was built to be a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimasa.

The Philosopher’s Path is a stone walkway in the northern part of Higashiyama District that follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry blossoms.

Formerly the villa of Japanese military leader and politician Yamagata Aritomo, this Meiji-era strolling garden was arranged on land near Nanzen-ji temple. Murinan is a registered cultural property of Kyoto for the beauty of its garden elements and a unique villa following a Western design. Additionally, one can enjoy how the garden "borrows" the nearby mountain scenery in a Japanese landscaping technique with makes the mountain appear to be included as a part of the garden.

While in the city of Kyoto, tour the Namikawa Yasuyuki Sippo Memorial Museum, including the museum's Private Garden. Namikawa Yasuyuki was a famous master artist of cloisonne - which is the art of adorning metal objects with enamel, or melted, colored glass. Namikawa Yasuyuki, along with other artists of the time, began a golden age of Japanese enamel art, with his work winning prizes at national exhibitions and world's fairs. Famed for a naturalistic kind of decoration featuring smooth, transparent black glaze, his works are often known for intricately detailed designs featuring nature motifs, involving such elements as plants and birds. The museum itself is housed in Namikawa's old house and workshop. Outside the museum is a private garden maintained in a traditional style, with bushes and trees bordering a small pond. This intimate garden is decorated with stone lanterns and offers a spot of tranquil reflection while you view Yasuyuki's cloisonne artworks.

The Heian-Jingu Shrine is located in eastern Kyoto, only thirty minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station. This shrine has a short history compared to other shrines in Kyoto since it was only built and completed in the year 1895. The main area is large with a spacious wide open court. For a fee, visitors can stroll the gardens behind the main building.

This beautiful garden circles behind the main building of the Heian-Jingu Shrine. Visitors can find the entrance on the northwestern side of the spacious courtyard and exit on the northeastern side. This beautiful garden features a variety of plants and ponds. Guests can see the koi fish or even turtles that swim in ponds and lucky guests can even see a crane which is said to bring good luck. During cherry blossom season, many people come here to view the beautiful weeping cherry trees in bloom.

Japan is a very unique cultural experience because much of Japan’s history is still preserved, protected, and celebrated. One of the best ways to experience a visit to Japan would be to explore it while wearing a kimono. The kimono is one of Japan’s most oldest and traditional pieces of clothing. There are many places available in Japan to rent a kimono to wear and explore this beautiful country.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

The Kawaguchiko Muse Museum is a museum located on the edge of Lake Kawaguchi near the iconic Mount Fuji, and is considered a branch of the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art. Named after the Greek goddesses of the Arts, the Muse museum features a rotating series of exhibits displaying the cute and expressive dolls designed by renowned Japanese dollmaker Yuki Atae. These dolls are made of simple cotton cloth, yet have delicate and life-like features. The museum also has a outdoor garden that adds to the atmosphere of whimsical fantasy, which includes lavender blooms, roses, and other flowers in all colors.

The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is located on the north coast of Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji. This museum showcases the works of the late Kubota Itchiku, a famous Japanese kimono artist. This museum showcases several of Kubota Itchiku’s kimono art, which are based on themes of nature, the seasons, and the cosmos.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of Mount Fuji's Five Lakes, and is by far the most famous, attracting visitors to the hotels that dot its shoreline throughout the year. It is arguably the most picturesque, being displayed prominently below the iconic mountain on postcards for the region. The landscape around the long lake is dramatic and stunning in every season, especially during spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Despite the lake's proximity to Mount Fuji, the mountain is not always visible from the lake due to the cloud cover, with the early morning and late afternoon being the best time to get a good glimpse. A number of other attractions sit around the lake, including the Kubota Itchiku Museum, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum, FujiQ Highland amusement park, and a number of hot spring bath resorts.

Lake Ashinoko along with Mount Fuji in the background is the proud symbol of Hakone. One of the best views with the lake and Mount Fuji could be seen from one of the many sightseeing boats. There are a few boat cruises available, but the main two are ran by Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats. The best time to come is during the cherry blossom season and when the autumn colors are at its peak.

The Hakone Open Air Museum is located near Chokoku No Mori Station in Hakone. There are over than one thousand pieces of art featured at this museum that will keep visitors busy besides the breathtaking views. The museum features various sculptures with beautiful views of the surrounding area of Hakone. The museum also features indoor galleries of paintings, sculptures, ceramic art, and other artistic creations.

Rikugien Garden in Tokyo one of the city's most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. Inspired by traditional Japanese waka poetry and constructed for the Tokugawa shoguns, Rikugien offers walking paths that take visitors past stunning views of beautiful forests, open lawns, a small hill, and little streams winding down to a large pond filled with koi fish. The prominent hill of the park, known as Fujishiro-toge is an excellent viewpoint for taking in at a glance the natural splendor of the garden. The garden also offers a spot to enjoy a relaxing cup of matcha green tea at Fukiage Chaya, a traditional teahouse beside the pond. One of the most impressive times of year to visit the park is in the autumn season, when the Japanese maples are at peak color.

Near the Imperial Palace is an broad moat named Chidorigafuchi, that once separated Edo Castle from the city proper. During most of the year, this landmark is a tranquil park of stately beauty - an excellent place for a short break from the ceaseless frenzy of downtown Tokyo. Yet during the waning weeks of spring, Chidorigafuchi is elevated from functionally pretty park to terrestrial paradise, when hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom and fall along the shallow banks, turning the peaceful moat into a pink pastel fantasy.

The New Otani Hotel has been around since the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964, but the Japanese garden near it is far older, having been the former private garden of various samurai officials for the past 400 years. This tranquil little garden is characterized by narrow strolling walks bordered by dense hedges and other foliage, a broad variety of flowers, charming little scarlet bridges, and small ponds with bright koi swimming through their shallows.

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The Sumida suijo-bus (or "water bus"), while not as quick as the trains, is the best way to see Sumida River and Tokyo Bay up close, as well as scenic views of Tokyo. The leisurely boat travels between 12 locations on its voyage, including Asakusa, Hamarikyu Garden, Odaiba Seaside Park, and Tokyo Big Sight. It offers travelers a perfect opportunity to relax, breath in fresh sea air, and enjoy Tokyo from a different perspective.

Hama Rikyu Garden is a landscape garden just beside Tokyo Bay along the Sumida River. The garden includes flower gardens and trees that can be enjoyed year-round. In addition are numerous traditional buildings, including a teahouse, that hearken back to the days when this garden was part of a detached palace for the Imperial family. One of the most impressive features of Hama Rikyu are the garden saltwater ponds, which change level along with the tides. The peaceful atmosphere found in the garden is a refreshing break from the bustling cityscape visible just across the bay.

The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

Tour the bold and unique architectural designs of the upscale Ginza district during our Ginza Architecture Walking Tour. Ginza was once the site of a silver mint (Ginza means "silver mint"), but after much of the area was destroyed in 1872, Ginza was remodeled into a trendy upscale shopping district. Now the name Ginza is synonymous with ritzy Western shops, and many of the buildings have an art deco design. Many fashion shops have their corporate flagship store there, including the Louis Vuitton, which has their Louis Vuitton Matsuya Ginza Facade designed by Jun Aoki. Other prominent buildings in Ginza include the Ginza Six Shopping Mall, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, Maison Hermes Ginza by Renzo Piano, Armani Ginza Tower by Studio Fuksas, Ginza Place by Klein Dytham architecture, and the Mikimoto Ginza 2 by Toyo Ito. The tour is guided by an expert with a passion for the architecture of Ginza as well as the history and culture attached to them.