Classic & Modern Art in Japan (12D-11N) €16.900

Classic & Modern Art in Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Yamashiro & Kyoto
12 Days / 11 Nights – starting from JPY 1,665,000 for two (double occupancy)

This itinerary, specifically designed for art aficionados, will take you through the vast array of traditional, modern, Japanese and international art collections in Japan’s foremost destinations.

Discover the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Tokyo, home to a variety of world-class museums.

After visiting Hakone’s expansive Open-air Contemporary Art Museum with Mount Fuji as the backdrop, relax in a private hot spring bath at one of Japan’s best Ryokans.

In Kyoto, escorted visits of UNESCO World Heritage Sites will let you feel the ambience of ancient Japan and its finest cultural heritage. Finally, uncover a hidden gem in the peaceful Island of Naoshima, fully dedicated to contemporary and modern art and home to an upcoming international Art Festival in 2013.

All visits (except where stated) are privately escorted by a licensed bilingual guide and a chartered vehicle.

This itinerary is fully customizable and we will be delighted to offer exclusive experiences and encounters, depending on your centers of interest. Please contact us for a personalized offer.

Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Tokyo at leisure - Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 2: Full Day visit & experience in Tokyo
Day 3: Full Day visit in Tokyo
Day 4: Day at leisure in Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo to Hakone, Full day visit – Gora-Kadan Ryokan
Day 6: Hakone to Naoshima, Afternoon at leisure – Benesse House
Day 7: Day at leisure in Naoshima
Day 8: Naoshima to Kyoto, at leisure – Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 9: Full day visit in Kyoto
Day 10: Full day visit in Kyoto
Day 11: Daytrip to Nara
Day 12: Departure from Kansai International Airport:

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 – Tokyo: Arrival transfer and day at leisure

Private transfer in luxury vehicle, rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 2 – Tokyo: Full Day visit

Stroll the Nakamisedori street and visit the Sensoji Temple in the ancient district of Asakusa before a private demonstration hands-on experience of either Tea Ceremony or Calligraphy.

Witness the richness of ancient Japan art at Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest and largest museum. Enjoy peaceful time in Ueno park before coming back to your hotel.

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 3 - Tokyo: Full Day visit

Discover both the architectural marvel of the building and the always interesting temporary exhibitions at the newly opened and very impressive National Arts Centre.

After Lunch, enjoy a peaceful walk in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and continue your visit to the nearby Idemitsu Museum which collection includes: ancient Japanese paintings, old works of calligraphy and ceramics from Japan and China.

Finally finish your day’s visit in Ginza district, home to some of the country’s most prestigious companies and department stores with high-end food courts, where Tokyoites buy their delicacies.

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 4 - Tokyo: day at leisure

Today is a day at leisure, to further explore Tokyo on your own. However, upon advance request, we will be delighted to organize for you, an escorted visit of Tokyo’s Art Galleries with an art curator, a daytrip to the World Heritage Sites of Nikko or more private cultural and culinary experiences. Please let us know.

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 5 - Tokyo to Hakone: Full day visit

Depart for Hakone, near Mt.Fuji. Enjoy a stunning ropeway ride and walk in the volcanic Owakudani Valley. Take in the views of sulfurous fumes and hot springs.

Enjoy a lake cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt.Fuji in the background (weather permitting), followed by world-class Hakone Contemporary Open Air Museum in picturesque mountain settings.

Check-in and relax in a private hot-spring bath. Taste a gourmet Japanese Kaiseki dinner, served in the comfort of your room at Gora Kadan, one of Japan’s most luxurious Ryokan.

Overnight at Gora Kadan (Tatami Room with private hot-spring bath)

Day 6 - Hakone to Naoshima: Day at leisure

Transfer by chartered vehicle and board a “bullet-train” in first-class to Okayama, via Nagoya. A private chartered vehicle will take you to the Benesse House after a short ferry ride (total travelling time: 4 hours).

Check in and start exploring art installations and museums on your own.

Overnight at Benesse House

Day 7 - Naoshima: Day at leisure

Full day at leisure to visit Naoshima’s numerous Museums and art installations dotting this peaceful island.

Overnight at Benesse House

Day 8: Naoshima to Kyoto – Afternoon at leisure

Transfer by chartered vehicle to Okayama and board a “bullet-train” in first-class to Kyoto, where your English-speaking driver will take you to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure and explore the nearby Kyoto National Museum.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 9 – Kyoto: Full-day visit

Start at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple offering magnificent views of Kyoto and take a relaxing stroll through the old neighbourhood of “Sannenzaka” before reaching the Kodaiji Temple and Yasakajinja shrine.

After Lunch, explore the quiet Teramachi district and its traditional craft shops, before diving in the busy Nishiki market, full of unique sights, smells and flavors.

Optional exclusive experience: enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a private encounter with Geisha, a performer finely schooled in the arts of songs, dance and social games.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 10 – Kyoto: Full-day visit

Start at the Kinkaku-ji temple, covered in Gold leaves and the serene Ryoan-ji temple, famed for its rock garden inviting to meditation.

After Lunch, transfer to Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo shogunate. Terminate your visit in the “Geisha district” of Gion, famed for the preservation of its traditional architecture and traditional entertainment

Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 11: Nara – Full day visit

Start your visit from Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deers, before visiting the Kasuga Shrine with its numerous bronze and stone lanterns. Move on to the gigantic Todaiji temple, the largest wooden buildings in the world and home to the giant statue of Buddha Virocana.

Finish your Nara tour in Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara, featuring several traditional warehouses and residential buildings. Drive back to Kyoto and reach your hotel by 17.00 pm

Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 12: Departure transfer to Kansai International Airport:

Transfer in a chartered vehicle with English speaking driver to Kansai International Airport and check-in. Board your international flight and enjoy your onward journey.

We strive to make a difference in the quality of your travel experience.

Please contact us for a personalized itinerary and quotation.