Japan Art & Architecture Private Tour

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15 days 14 nights

fromUSD $10210.00

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Upon arrival, proceed through customs and meet your driver just outside the exit gate, they will be holding an “All Japan Tours” sign for easy visibility. Proceed to your hotel by private car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure.

Hotel Century Southern Tower or similar class

Meet your guide in the morning and traverse through Tokyo’s pristine public transportation system. Begin with the Mori Art Museum – displaying modern art from new artists around the world. Though modern art can sometimes be complex, the Mori museum aims to have exhibitions which are accessible to the everyday viewing public. Then, visit 21_21 Design Sight – an immersive experience in art and architecture where you can not only view the exhibits inside but appreciate the beauty of the building itself, which was designed by Tadao Ando. Next, we will visit the Suntory Museum of Art with displays mainly focused on artwork in Japan including paintings, ceramics, glassware, and many traditional objects used in everyday life. Make your way to the National Art Center with over 14,000 square meters dedicated to both local and international exhibitions – standing as a unique, modern architectural work of art itself.

Breakfast

Hotel Century Southern Tower or similar class

Our first stop today will be to enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Then visit Omotesando Avenue, a sloping tree-lined boulevard in Tokyo's fashionable Aoyama district that goes through parts of both Shibuya and Minato wards. Omotesando is often described as the famous Harajuku district’s mature older sister. Meanwhile, Aoyama is somewhere between Omotesando and Shibuya: still mature but also forward thinking and exclusive. Nearby, visit the Watari-Um Museum of Contemporary Art where you can see pieces ranges across many mediums from sculpture to graffiti to photography. Architecture lovers as well will not want to miss the building itself – designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. Your last stop of the day will be the Nezu Museum. Here, you can not only appreciate the art and architecture, but also the lovely garden featuring stone statues, a waterfall, and tea house. The main collection of the museum was acquired by Mr. Kaichiro Nezu, president of the Tobu Railway, and moved to its current location by his son in 1940.
If you choose, you can also add the following optional experiences. Please note, optional experiences may require an additional day. While in Omotesando, you may choose to visit the Dior boutique where you can not only enjoy high-end shopping but also appreciate the unique architecture of the building. You may also choose to visit the Gyre Shopping Complex – a shopping complex featuring high-end brands such as Chanel, as well as smaller shops. “Gyre” refers to the architecture of the building and means ‘swirling vortex’. At the Louis Vuitton Omotesando store, you can once again enjoy unique architecture and high-end goods. The Luna Di Miele Omotesando Building is a bit different that your other optional tours for the day is it was designed with extreme minimalism in mind. Your final optional stop in Omotesando will be the Omotesando Hills shopping complex near the Mori building. In Aoyama, you will be able to visit the Prada store and The Jewels of Aoyama – two very difference buildings designed to compliment one another in their architectural schemes.

Breakfast

Hotel Century Southern Tower or similar class

Today, you will travel to Hakone with your guide where, if the weather is in your favor, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Mt Fuji. From Shinjuku Station, you will take the Romancecar Limited Express to Hakone. Once in Hakone, your first stop will be to board a Lake Ashi Cruise, where you can enjoy and appreciate Hakone’s natural scenery. We will take a 20-minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Along the ropeway, weather permitting, there will be great views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. While in Owakudani, visitors will have the chance to experience hot springs and sulfurous fumes along the trails of an active volcanic zone. Next, we will visit the Hakone Open Air Museum which successfully attempts to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its grounds in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains. After your tour ends, you will be able to relax in the onsen hot springs and enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner at your Ryokan hotel.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel or similar class

Note: We will courier your big baggage from Tokyo to your hotel in Naoshima. Please pack your essentials for 1 nights in a small bag to carry with you to Hakone.

Make your way to Odawara station in the morning via shuttle bus. You will then board the bullet train to Okayama – the ticket is covered by your 14-day JR pass, which is included. Upon arrival at Okayama station, you will be met at the train exit by your guide and transfer to Naoshima. Once on the island, you will be staying at the Benesse House – a museum and hotel which provides a unique experience to its guests. The goal of the Benesse house it to allow its guests to have closer interactions with the works of art.

Breakfast

Benesse House or similar class

Today, you will explore the island of Naoshima with your guide via public transportation. Your first stop will be the Art House Project, where artists renovate old houses, turning the house and the space inside into a new "work of art." Nearby, you may visit the Ando Museum – dedicated to and designed by the famous Japanese architect for whom it is named: Tadao Ando. The museum resides inside an old, traditional Japanese building. However, once inside you will see that Mr. Ando has indeed left his mark. You will also see many displays on his activities throughout the island and throughout Japan. Your last stop of the day will be the very non-traditional bath house “I Love Yu”, a play on words with “Yu” being the Japanese word for hot water. Here, you will see many more art installations during your bathing experience.

Breakfast

Benesse House or similar class

Considered to be one of the world’s best museums for contemporary art, Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando and nestled deep underground on the island of Naoshima, is both an intimate environment and a world-class institution. We explore Chichu’s collections and investigate what makes this Japanese museum so special. Lee Ufan Museum features works by the Korean contemporary artist Lee Ufan, who was born in Korea but has been working and teaching in Japan. On display are large installations made of stone, concrete, and huge slabs of iron, as well as a number of paintings from earlier in his career. The Benesse House Museum was designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando and displays works from many different artists, both from Japan and abroad. About 20 of these works reside on the lawns and beaches that surround the museum, including the famous pumpkin. Your guide will then take you back to the mainland. Your tour for the day will officially end at Okayama station. From there, make your way to Kyoto station via bullet train – included in your 14-day JR pass.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Today, you will enjoy a fully guided tour of the deeply historic city of Kyoto with your guide. You will first visit the Kyoto National Museum – one of the oldest and most distinguished in all of Japan. The museum’s permanent collection ranges widely from archeological relics, calligraphy, sculptures, paintings, and even costumes. Then visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This was the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, during which the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Tour Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery. We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, where its streets are lined with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. If you choose, you can also add the following optional experiences. Please note, optional experiences may require an additional day. One such experience is to try on the traditional garment of Kimono. Many visitors to Kyoto will wear a Kimono for the day to complete the traditional atmosphere that the city is known for. You can also experience a Green Tea Ceremony, Zen meditation in a temple with local monks, or a Kaiseki dinner with a Geisha performance.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Continue to explore Kyoto, traveling to Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan. Visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, so known because it is covered with 18 carat gold leaf. This three- story structure was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. At the Garden of Fine Arts, you will be able to see many famous works from around the world displayed on a weather-proof material. The museum itself was designed by Tadao Ando and is mostly below ground so as not to disturb the nearby Botanical Garden’s view on the Higashiyama mountains. You will then visit the Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the time before Kyoto was established as Japan’s capital in 794. The shrine is surrounded by the Tadasu forest, inside which you can find trees dating back 600 years.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Enjoy a half day guided tour to visit Miho Museum, which exhibits stunning architecture that accentuates the surrounding natural scenery while exhibiting a variety of items from ancient civilizations. It was designed by the renowned architect, I. M. Pei, and is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and the founder of the museum. Moreover, the museum has been listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die". Upon your return to Kyoto, you will be free for leisure. Or, if you prefer, you may choose to add a visit to a Traditional Wooden Townhouse to learn about Kimono, Green Tea Ceremony, Origami, Calligraphy, and the art of Ikebana.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Today, we will travel to Nara and visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple. Outside the temple, interact with the wild deer of Nara Deer Park. There are special deer crackers available at every corner of the area. Then visit Kofuku-ji Temple, a family temple to the Fujiwara clan during the ancient period of Japan. This is also the site of the 2nd tallest five story pagoda in Japan. Your last stop on Nara will be Nara Machi – literally Nara Town. Here, you will find many Edo-era shops that have been converted into museums, restaurants, or even preserved as they were. You will visit one of the Machiya’s in the area: Nigiwai- No-Ie. This merchant’s store also served as their home and is around 100 years old. You may also want to add a Bamboo Chasen (tea whisk) making experience to this day to further your understanding of traditional Japanese culture and crafts.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Today, you will make your way to Kyoto station on your own and take the JR express train to Kanazawa. The ticket is covered by your 14-day JR pass which is included. Upon arrival in Kanazawa, make your way to the hotel on foot. Then, visit one of Japan’s most popular museums: the 21st Century Museum. It showcases contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world. The museum was designed without a front or back in order to encourage viewers to approach the art from multiple angles. After your museum visit, you will be free for leisure. Or, you may choose to add a Gold Leaf Craft Workshop, visit the Kutani Pottery Kilns, experience wearing a silk Kaga Yuzen Kimono and/or meet a local artisan.

Breakfast

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

Note: We will courier your big baggage from Kyoto to your hotel in Tokyo. Please pack your essentials for 2 night in a small bag to carry with you to Kanazawa.

Today, you will be fully guided in Kanazawa as you visit the following places via public transit. Your first stop will be Kenrokuen Garden, regarded as one of the top three gardens of Japan. Stroll along the garden and enjoy the view of trees, stones, bridges and teahouses. You will then visit the old Kanazawa Castle, which is currently in the process of being rebuilt. Like many of the castles and historic buildings in Japan, the original castle burned down several times throughout the years, most recently in 1881. Since then, only 2 towering storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate remain. Though it is but a shell of its former self, the castle is still a grand sight to behold. At Myoryuji Temple, you will see how it got the nickname “Ninja Temple”. While the temple is not associated with the Ninja, it was built as a disguised military outpost and so has many hidden defenses, secret rooms, traps, and a labyrinth of corridors and staircases. Step back through time in the Nagamachi Samurai District where many old samurai residences remain at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle. One such house, the Nomura family residence, has been fully restored and filled with artifacts of the time period to reflect the samurai class.

Breakfast

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

Make your way to Kanazawa station on your own and board the bullet train to Tokyo. The ticket is covered by your 14-day JR pass which is included. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel on your own. You will be free for leisure in the afternoon.

Breakfast

Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar class

After breakfast, you will be free for leisure.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast