architecture tour japan

Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin, symbol of Naoshima, the artistic island in Japan Inland Sea

©Jordy Meow

Umeda Sky Building in Osaka : one of the biggest skyscraper in Japan. You can go to the top terrace

©Paul Cuoco/Unsplash

Drive on the Akashi Kaikyo bridge, the Tallest and Longest Suspension Bridge in the World

©Sean Pavone/123RF

Ritsurin koen, Takamatsu Japanese Garden is a magnificent natural setting in the heart of the city

©FranckinJapan/Pixabay

Naoshima, the artistic island to visit in Japan Inland sea

©Mathias Rhode/123RF

Himeji Castle, UNESCO world heritage, easy access from Kyoto

©Natthapon Ngamnithiporn/123RF

Old streets in Gion, traditional Kyoto district, during sakura season : a must-see when visiting Kyoto

Japan traditional dinner in your ryokan

©Payless images/123RF

• Travel insurance
• Japan Experience

Japan art and architecture tour

• Duration : 14 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Osaka, Awaji, Takamatsu, Kurashiki, Kyoto
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This trip to Japan offers many architectural discoveries , many of them by Tadao Ando .

After discovering Japan's two tourist cities - Tokyo and Kyoto - continue your tour by car to the islands of Shikoku and the Inland Sea.

Visit the artists' island of Naoshima , the Awaji Yumebutai hotel or the Church of Light in Osaka .

2 week itinerary 

• Departure city/airport : Tokyo  (Narita :  NRT  or Haneda :  HND )
• Tokyo (4 nights)
• Osaka (1 night)
• Awaji (1 night)
• Takamatsu (3 nights)
• Kurashiki (1 night)
• Kyoto (3 nights)
• End Return airport : Osaka   (Kansai international airport : KIX )

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 13 nights / 14 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example : 

• Departure from Europe : January 1st
• Arrival Tokyo  (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking ) : January 2nd
• Return flight from Kansai international airport : January 15th

Why this trip to Japan ?

• A tour designed for fans of architecture with an itinerary and activity adapted to the theme!!
• Welcomed at the airport  by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
• Enjoy a private guided day in Tokyo with a specialist in architecture!
• Take the Shinkansen to Osaka, to discover the city of Ando Tadao
• With your car, you can discover the architectural wonders of the islands of Awaji and Shikoku
• Enjoy the architecture and museum collections on show on Naoshima Island
• A traditional ryokan welcomes you in Kurashiki, city of art and history
• The trip ends in Kyoto, where a guided tour of the traditional district of Gion awaits you
• Enjoy unlimited  internet access  thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
• If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
• Benefit from the expertise of  Japan Experience , European leading travel agency in Japan.

Your trip in detail

Day 1 : wake up in tokyo 東京.

Arrival in Japan

©Vasin Leenanuruksa / 123RF

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda). Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Welcomed out of customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and Pocket WiFi. Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival and stops can be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

Check-in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).

Day 2 : First steps in the capital

Shinjuku and New national stadium

©tobusora/123RF

What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?

We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts: - Harajuku: the avant-garde district - Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine - Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan - Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées - Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

For lovers of Japanese art, head for the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest in Japan.

Day 3 : The big loop

Hamarikyu gardens : One of Tokyo must see

©tupungato/123RF

For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop". Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture , then go to visit: - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market - Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River - Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city - Tokyo Sky Tree  reaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset

Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa..

In terms of architecture, you may come across buildings by Kengo Kuma, Takamitsu Azuma's Tower House or his daughter Rie's Hoshinoya Palace (details in your travel diary).

Day 4 : Architectural exploration

Ginza, Tokyo's chic and sleek district

©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO

From the cellars of the past to the heights of the future, a guided tour on architecture through the vastness of Tokyo. Your English-speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9am, to start the tour, which lasts until 5pm. From Shiodome, the heart of international business, to Ginza, Tokyo's 5th Avenue , and finally Omotesando, the most elegant, embrace the city with all our senses, from the underground to the clouds. You will never again see the city as you did before.

Last night in Tokyo.

Day 5 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

Depart for Osaka by train (2,5 hour direct journey until Shin-Osaka, included in your package).

Check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 15:00).

In Osaka: - The medieval castle of Osaka, with its park full of plum and cherry trees - The city centre and its Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park in the middle of the buildings - Utsubo Park, an oasis of freshness in the business district - Rendezvous in Umeda, temple of Japanese style shopping - End up at the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!)

And for architecture lovers, the Church of Light in Ibaraki, designed by Tado Ando.

As an option, you can book a river cruise between the different parts of the day.

Day 6 : A condensed version of Japan

For the next 3 days, you can only explore the islands of Awaji and Shikoku by car , as the rail network is not developed enough to reach the various points of interest on the island. Don't be put off by the idea of driving a car in Japan! If in your country you are used to driving on the right, after a few minutes of apprehension about driving on the other side you will be impressed by the ease of driving on Japan's roads. Indeed, the Japanese/English bilingualism of most of the signs and GPS, very good road conditions, automatic cars, low traffic jams and the courtesy of Japanese people behind the wheel will make this visit of an unusual Japan pleasant! Remember that petrol in Japan is slightly cheaper than in the UK and many other countries. Highway tolls are however more expensive.

Pick up your rental car in the morning near your hotel in Osaka and drive to Awaji Island via the world's longest suspension bridge! (1 hour journey, mostly highway). In your travel diary you will find details for visiting the route: - Kobe, famous for its futuristic harbour, its Chinese district and its district of beautiful colonial merchant houses - The "paper church" designed by Shigeru Ban - Long sandy beach on the inland sea - Huge flower park popular with the Japanese - Amphitheatre restaurant facing the sea - Monumental Buddha statue overlooking the coast - A  masterpiece on the water designed by Tadao Ando Eventually, you will arrive at Awaji Yumebutai, a seaside complex designed by Tadao Ando. Available parking and overnight stay in the 4* hotel on site.

Day 7 : Artistic landing in Shikoku

The town of Takamatsu, by the inland sea facing Naoshima Island, is worth a visit

©kozo33/123RF

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Takamatsu with your rental car (1 hour 45, mainly highway). There are several stops along the way, including: - The oldest shrine in Japan - Naruto's whirlpools, an amazing phenomenon under the bridge leading to Shikoku Island - A museum with a life-size reproduction of the Sistine Chapel - The starting temple of the pilgrimage of the 88 temples of Shikoku - Two museums of two world famous Japanese sculptors - And finally, the incredible museum of teeth Unfortunately you won't be able to do everything, so you'll have to make your choice! Arrive in the late afternoon in the pleasant town of Takamatsu, on the Sea of Japan.

Settle into your 3* hotel with parking.

Day 8 : Garden and bonsai

Takamatsu concentrates nearly 80% of Japanese bonsai production

©Fabio Formaggio/123RF

Garden lover or not, the large Japanese garden in Takamatsu is a must-see. The Ritsurin koen, covering more than 16 hectares, is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.

You can use your car as it is located a little outside the city centre. Don't hesitate to visit the museums at the entrance of Takamatsu, which you couldn't do the day before. The car must be returned before 5pm the same day. You can of course return it earlier, or even the day before when you arrive in Takamatsu.

There are some great sights on Takamatsu and its region, such as the bonsai village south of the city. There are also many unusual restaurants and bar/café addresses.

Night in your hotel in Takamatsu.

Day 9 : The Art Island

We recommend that you spend the day visiting Naoshima Island on foot. The ferry terminal is a 20 minute walk from the centre, and it only takes 50 minutes to reach the island. (Purchase on site, about 8€/pers round trip). Details in your travel diary. On the island, we advise you to rent a bicycle (optional on this trip).

Naoshima Island is world-famous for its modern art museums, the architecture of some of its buildings, and the scattered outdoor sculptures throughout its territory. These numerous museums and buildings were designed by the architect Ando Tadao. You will be impressed, among other things, by Monet's water lilies, displayed in a simple room where you enter without shoes!

N.B.: access to one of the museums of Naoshima, the Chichu Art Museum, is subject to reservation.

Return to Takamatsu at the end of the day by the same route as in the morning.

Day 10 : THE romantic city of Japan

The town of Kurashiki is lined with canals and picturesque streets: a romantic city worth a visit!

©Vicky Ng/Unsplash

Head to  Kurashiki by train (1h10, 1 change, included in your offer). You will reach the island of Honshu via the longest bridge in the world comprising a road and a railway.

Check-in at your  ryokan   3* Tsurugata Ryokan or same category hotel3* in Kurashiki.

Kurashiki, an old commercial metropolis lined with canals, will seduce you: - Bikan, a district with typical architecture - The Ohara Museum, keeper of paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir... - The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to regional history

At night at the ryokan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.

Day 11 : The White Heron Castle

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

The aim of the day is to reach Kyoto (train and Shinkansen, 2 hours, 1 change, included in your package). Halfway there, we advise you to stop at Himeji, to visit the largest feudal castle in Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive in Kyoto , don't hesitate to admire the central station, a true glass and steel temple designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara in 1997.

In Kyoto, check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS Hotel or same category hotel 3*. 

Day 12 : The former capital

We advise you to start your visit to Kyoto slowly by visiting the city centre and the Gion district: - The Nijo castle, former shogun's residence - Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market - Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple - The historical streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka - Kodai-ji, the maple and bamboo temple of Kyoto

Finish off seeing the sunset in Gion. Meet your guide at 19:00 to start your late stroll around Gion, Kyoto's historic district. More details on the exact time and location in your travel diary.

This walk will be an opportunity to dive into most of the Japanese architectural styles, from the machiya of the Heian period to the kura of the Meiji era. A great discovery!

At the end of this 1 hour 30 walk, your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to eat out! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion.

Day 13 : Gold and Silver Treasures

Visit Ryoan-ji, Kyoto, the most famous rock and zen garden in Japan

©Philippe Voisin

We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto: - Ryoan-ji Zen Garden - The Kinkaku-ji ( Golden Pavilion ) - Ginkaku-ji ( Silver Pavilion ) - The bewitching path of philosophy - The Nanzen-ji temple

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

For this last day, if you want a final touch of contemporary architecture, head for the Miho Museum, the work of Ieoh Ming Pei, designer of the Louvre pyramid in Paris. Details of the trip in your travel diary.

Day 14 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

Sayonara - bye bye Japan !

©Maksims Grigorjevs/123RF

Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Kansai or elsewhere... We will be able to advise you!

Included in your self-guided tour

Accommodation

- 4 nights in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

- 1 night in a 3* hotel  in Osaka

- 1 night in a  4* hotel in Awaji

- 3 nights in a 3* hotel  in Takamatsu

- 1  night in a 3* ryokan  in Kurashiki, traditional half-board

- 3 nights in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport

The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

-  Airport transfers

- Prepaid public  transport card

-  Japan Rail Pass  for 7 days

- Licence translation for 1 person (see details below)

- 7-day rental car , English GPS and basic insurance

Experiences and meals

-  Airport welcome

-  Traditional dinner and breakfast  in the ryokan at Kurashiki

-  All breakfasts  except in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

- Private guided architectural tour in Tokyo

-  Guided night  tour of Gion (1h30)

Additional services

- Unlimited  Wi-Fi  access with pocket Wi-Fi

- Complete e- travel diary  sent 20 days before your departure

- The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. It is valid for telephone calls and Whatsapp.

Not included in the price of your trip

- Flights Europe <> Japan

- Optional insurance policies

- Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)

- Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)

- Fuel for the car

- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

More about your trip

Your tour :

• The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
• Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen circuit. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
• This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
• Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, and other electronic documents 
• Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
• At least one person participating in the trip must have a valid driving licence in their country
• Note : In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

• Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
• Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. 
• Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed.
• Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note that if you request more than two people in a single room, the single room supplement will be applied to all accommodation except for the ryokans (3 and 4*). In fact, as this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
• 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
• In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close. 
• Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category. The hotel in Awaji (Nikko Awaji Yumebutai) is also given as a information only. If unfortunately it turns out to be full on your travel dates, we will book a lower quality hotel in Awaji, but higher in Osaka.
• In the ryokan in Kurashiki, the rooms have a private sink and toilet. The single-sex collective Japanese baths ("onsen") then act as shared bathrooms, with showers and thermal baths. They are freely accessible, at the times in force on the site. These baths are often not accessible to people with clearly visible tattoo (s). The latter are invited to contact us to evaluate the possibilities of accommodation with private baths or shared baths that can be reserved. The 4* ryokan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryokans are private

Your transport :

• Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
• The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and depart from Kansai airport (KIX, not Itami ITM). On departure, you will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 6:30 p.m. at the most to make the most of the airport services of your circuit (reception and transfer to Tokyo). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
• If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer
• Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to pick up the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer". This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other clients leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and stops can be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes.The same applies to the return trip from Osaka to KIX airport.
• Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); and a 7-day Japan Rail Pass. These cards should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ Transport Prepayment Card, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your pre-paid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations). 
• Travel by metro and bus in the cities (payable by pre-paid transport card, included in your package)
• Transfers from the train station to the hotels (by foot, bus, metro or taxi)
• Travel on private train lines (other than JR)
• Travel on Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (shinkansen)
• Trips made outside the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass
• Japan Rail Pass: It is not necessary to possess a Japan Rail Pass which covers your entire stay. This is only cost-effective if it is used for long journeys between the different stages of your stay (especially in shinkansen) which are very expensive. In large cities like Tokyo, only about ⅓ of public transport is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and getting around is relatively cheap (Tokyo metro tickets: £1.71 / 2.42$; Kyoto daily bus card: £4.28 / 5.97$). Thus, providing you with a Japan Rail Pass for more than 7 days (14 or 21) would not be cost-effective and, on the contrary, would significantly increase the cost of your trip.
• If a person taking part in the tour is a Japanese national and a resident of Japan, or a foreigner with tax residence in Japan (including a student), then that person is not eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. Please contact us to get the price of the tour without a Japan Rail Pass. They will have to buy the train tickets for the tour directly in Japan. The Kansai Thru Pass is also subject to the same nationality/residency requirements. This is not the case for the Hakone Free pass. If this person is a Japanese citizen but not a resident of Japan, then he/she can benefit from the Japan Rail Pass under certain conditions (see  https://www.japan-experience.com/frequently-asked-questions .
• Licence translation for car rental: The translation of the driving licence into Japanese is included in your tour: we take care of all the necessary steps once you have sent us a valid driving licence. Once in Japan, the translation of the driving licence along with the original license allows you to drive legally and easily. This translation is only necessary for driving licences from the following countries France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco and Taiwan. For licences issued from other countries, you must obtain an international licence.
• We have one car for every 1 to 5 travellers. If you would like an extra car, please contact us.

Your activities :

• Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Kyoto (this is possible, but optional).
• The guided tour of Gion takes place in groups of 12 people maximum, from 6pm to 7:30/8:00pm. In English. More details on the meeting place in your travel journal. Dinner is not planned but your guide will be able to give you their best spots.
• Tokyo Architecture Tour: Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9am, and the day will last until 5pm. Your meals, transport and visits are at your own expense. The guide's meals are included in your tour. More details in your travel diary.

Your meals :

• Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your ryokan. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryokan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryokan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.
• Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.

Your additional services:

• A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
• It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
• A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
• A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :  Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect : Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa? Do I need vaccinations?

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html . If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html ) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf 

Is it safe to travel in Japan? What about solo travellers and children?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index. Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

How long should a trip to Japan last?

For a first trip to Japan, a period of 2 weeks is optimal, with at least 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto and its region. Don't forget to take some time at the beginning of the trip to get used to the time difference.

Guided or self-guided tour... what type of tour should you go for?

Whether you want to discover new things or discover yourself, stay in a fully organised tour or take a leisurely one: at Japan Experience, you will find a tour to suit your needs! Discover our 3 tour formulas now: guided, self-guided or personalised tour: Guided tours: Travelling with a specialist Would you like to travel with a small group of 8 to 12 people, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide? Classic destinations or off the beaten path, Japan Experience offers many guided tours, for all kinds of budget. Offering several departure dates throughout the year, these tours start at €2,890 per person. Self-guided tours: Independent travel These tours, with pre-planned itineraries, include accommodation, flights, transport, 24-hour assistance and optional guided activities. From €540 per person, plan your days as you wish, following the recommendations in your travel diary. Tailor-made tours: Travel according to your desires Design the trip you've always dreamed of! Our specialist advisors are available by email, telephone or directly in one of our agencies to answer all your questions and help you design your own customised tour.

What are the essentials for a first trip to Japan?

The must-see places for a first trip to Japan are:

• Tokyo, the megalopolis with a thousand sides to it
• Kyoto, the capital of sophistication and Nara, with its temples and deer
• Hiroshima, between memory and modern times, and its sacred island Miyajima
• Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain
• The Japanese Alps: Takayama, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go
• Kanazawa, both modern and traditional, on the Sea of Japan

And many other unforgettable places to discover in our tours.

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Modern Art & Architecture Japan Tour

For Travelers into Art & Architecture

Tour Highlights

brief explanation of what this Tour offers goes here.

Tour highlights

• teamLab Borderless
• Yayoi Kusama Museum
• Traditions in Kyoto

What's Included

• Airport Pick-up and Orientation
• Destination Transfers
• Accommodations
• Meals, Guides and Activities as detailed
• Assistance from our Japan Office

Our Commitment

• Trips of Experience
• Personal Service
• Commitment to Excellence
• Responsible Travel

If you like modern art, architecture and you’re planning a trip to Japan then this tour is for you!

Our Modern Art & Architecture Japan Tour is a journey through the master pieces of Ando Tadao , Jun Aoki, Yayoi Kusama just to name a few. Your tour is completely customizable so please do not hesitate to ask for changes like if you wish to visit a specific site or special event. Since this is a custom tour don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to visit a specific site or arrange a special event. Accommodations are selected based on your taste for art, for example on Naoshima Island you will stay at Benesse House Hotel, in Osaka the W Osaka and similar accommodations in other destinations. The tour will start in Tokyo , then move to Kyoto with a day trip to Nara . Your next destination will be Naoshima Island before Awaji Island and it’s fantastic Yumebutai installation. Finally you will arrive in Osaka where Ando Tadao grew up and where you will find plenty of his work. This is a tailor-made tour so feel free to ask any request to our Japan Travel Expert. At Rediscover Tours we will make sure you get the best modern art and Japanese architecture experience!

This tour can be fully customized. The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour. Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers: Classical : from US$5,710 Superior : from US$8,220 Luxury : price upon request

Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Your airport pick up will meet you at Narita or Haneda Airport and will take you to your hotel in Tokyo by public transportation. They will validate your JR Rail Passes, make seat reservations, answer any of your questions and hand you your pocket WIFI device to use during your trip. In the evening you will be free to have dinner as you like though your airport pick up will make a few recommendations. Your accommodations will be carefully selected based on your budget and taste.

Your private local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will show you Tokyo. They will take you to sights that interest you and will also make suggestions. We can work on the sightseeing itinerary before you go to Tokyo to better tailor your sightseeing. Possible sights include:

teamLab Borderless Museum This is one of the most unique museums in the world and words cannot describe it. It is truly one of those things that you have to experience live to appreciate.

Yayoi Kusama Museum The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a contemporary art museum in Tokyo, Japan dedicated to the work of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The Museum is located in the Shinjuku Ward, in the western suburbs of Japan. The five-floor building was designed by the Japanese architecture firm Kume Sekkei

The Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum founded by the real estate developer Minoru Mori in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in the Roppongi Hills complex both of which he built in Tokyo, Japan.

Your guide will make suggestions for things to do in the evening and the following day.

One of the best ways to experience a culture is just to wander around and allow things to happen. Spend some time in Omotesendo, Tokyo’s elegant area of art, architecture and high fashion. Gaze around this district which contains some of the most famous architecture in the city. Your guide from day 2 will give you some suggestions about where to go, what to do and what are the last exhibitions or events available. They may even suggest a few places to eat for lunch. For dinner we can arrange for you to have dinner at one of Tokyo’s many wonderful restaurants and you may want to try one of their many Michelin starred one.

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is where the traditional Japanese ‘high arts’ flourished like tea ceremony, calligraphy, poetry, philosophy and religion. Numerous temples and shrines are located throughout the city and walking along canals, next to traditional wooden houses and through the small streets really gives you an idea of the ancient imperial culture. Kyoto also famous for its crafts: textile, kimono and pottery.

Your private local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will show you Kyoto. Your guide will take you to Japan’s most beautiful and historic temples and shrines, and you will walk down ancient streets where Japanese nobles strolled. There is too much to see and do but you want want to focus on Higashiyama to see Kiyomizudera, Gion to see geisha walking to their next appointment or head north to Kinkakuji. Your guide will work with you so you see the sights you are most interested in visiting. We can work on the sightseeing itinerary before you go to Kyoto to better tailor your sightseeing.

Nara is located in the central west of Honshu, the Japanese main island. Formerly known as Heijo-kyo, this city occupies an important position in the history of Japan as the first capital from 710 until 784. During this period, a large number of shrines and temples were erected under the protection of the imperial family and aristocrats. However, when the monks in the surrounding hills started gaining too much influence and eventually tried to seize power, it was decided to move the capital to Heian-kyo, nowadays known as Kyoto. Many of the temples built at the height of Heijo-kyo, like the Todai-ji and Horyuji temples, are currently registered as World Heritage Sites. Both Japanese and foreign tourists visit the city to see these temples, to walk among the free-roaming deer of Nara park or to visit some of the beautiful scenic mountains surrounding the city. The train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station will take about 45 minutes.

Naoshima Island

Today you will leave Kyoto by Shinkansen Bullet train and head to Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea by train and ferry. This island has been inhabited for as long as people have lived in Japan but jumped to fame when Tadao Ando and others transformed it into an island dedicated to art and modern architecture.

Top attractions include:

• Chichu Museum – A unique modern art museum.
• Art House Project – Art scattered around a small port town.
• Benesse House – Combination of art museum and hotel.
• Lee Ufan Museum – Museum devoted to the Korean artist Lee Ufan.
• I Love Yu – A public bathhouse that is also an artwork.
• Ando Museum – A traditional residence with an unusual interior.

Today you will take some rest in Naoshima. One of the best ways to enjoy the island is to rent a bicycle. There are a number of different bike rental shops. Please note that most art exhibitions are closed on Mondays. One of the best ways to get around the island is to rent an electric bike. Please let us know if you would like us to make a reservation for you.

Awaji Island

Today you will transfer from Naoshima to Awaji Island where you will explore the Yumebutai Installation of Ando Tadao. This large complex includes several buildings, gardens, modern tea houses,… We featured the Yumebutai in our video about Ando Tadao .

Your private local guide will welcome you in Osaka and show you around this city rich in architectural wonders. Osaka is changing at a very fast pace and here highways literally pass through buildings. You will discover the city where Ando Tadao grew up and if you are interested, we will design a tour around his most prominent work including the first house he ever created. Osaka is primarily known for its people, food and sense of humor. Your guide will not work from a predetermined itinerary and will show you sights that are interesting to you. They are also very flexible and can make on the fly changes to fit your style, mood, weather and crowds. Possible sightseeing spots include in Osaka include Dotonbori, Doguyasuji, Shinsaibashi, Tsutenkaku and many others. Since Osaka is known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” we invite you to try tasty food like including udon noodles, kushikatsu, takoyaki and okonomiyaki and your guide will know the best shops. Due to the flexible nature of your sightseeing we do not include transportation, entry fees or meals while you are with your guide. If you have a specific sight you want to visit with your guide please let me know.

At your leisure you will explore Osaka and discover the dynamic city of Osaka. Possible sights in Osaka include: *Osaka Castle: though it has been rebuilt with concrete it still provides a great view over Osaka. If you would like to visit a traditional castle, Himeji is a must. Let us know if you are interested as it can be included on your way to Naoshima. *Dotonbori: best enjoyed in the evening when all the neons are lit. *Doguyasuji: a narrow merchant street where restaurants owners buy all their tools (knifes, dishes,…) *Shinsaibashi: the fashion district where you will find Louis Vuitton’s flagship Osaka store covered in curving glass sails, designed by Jun Aoki. *Tsutenkaku: “deep Osaka”

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight.

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Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You

Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you

Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour

Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements

Japan Experts

Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese

They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss

Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy

Finest Guides

Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour

We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience

Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds

With Confidence

Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you

Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000

You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away

Project Description

Japanese architecture, tours through the japanese architecture, combining future with tradition.

Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world and this is reflected in the avant-garde architecture of its dense populations. Japan has embraced contemporary architecture in all its unlimited possibilities and that has made it an extremely interesting country to witness new ideas and solutions for the cities of tomorrow. Its capital Tokyo is one of the densest cities in the world and in it you can see all the creative potential of modern architecture . If you want to take a look at the more or less intact past of traditional Japanese architecture visit the beautiful Kyoto , former capital of the country that escaped the great destruction of the war.

So you can enjoy all its shades, request an architectural tour of Tokyo or Kyoto with one of our profesional architect guides, who will prepare a customized itinerary. All our guides are professional architects, who will be happy to prepare your tailor made itinerary . From Artchitectours we can organize your private tour, ​​ study trip or incentive trip as well.

Tours in Kyoto

Tours in Tokyo

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Japan This! Tours

Experience Japan Like a Local

Tokyo Architecture & Design Tour

My walking Tokyo architecture tour focuses on modern design and architecture, but I’m happy to include traditional and classical forms as well.

Architecture and Design

Tokyo, once a city of wood homes and palaces, is now a city obsessed with jaw-dropping architecture and design. From fashionable shopping districts to quirky alleys and side streets, there’s something to admire on every corner!

TOKYO ARCHITECTURE TOUR

Tokyo is home to a myriad of striking architecture, but navigating the city to see all the coolest stuff if probably impossible if you’re not a local. Well, luckily I am a local and I’ve been here for almost 20 years.

Explore Japan’s capital with a Tokyo Architecture Tour that focuses on eye candy for lovers of modern art & design! Tweet

This tour never runs the same way twice. We’ll explore Tokyo’s eclectic modern cityscape, focusing on Pritzker Prize winning architects and gorgeous interior spaces. I try to run the gamut from fashionable flagships stores to quirky buildings that have become beloved icons of the capital. The pacing is way more important that cramming in three days of buildings into a few hours, so we’ll can enjoy looking around the interiors and (if experience is any metric) probably getting distracted by all kinds of eye candy along the way.

• Destinations
• Ginza Japan’s most exclusive shopping district since the 1870’s The pre-eminent kabuki theater in the country, De Beers Building, Mikimoto Pearls, Maison Hermes, Tokyu Plaza, the iconic Yurakucho Crossing, Okuno Building, Louis Vuitton, too much to mention!
• Omotesando , Aoyama , and Harajuku Japan’s second most exclusive shopping district since the 1980’s Sunny Hills “Pineapple Building,” Prada Tokyo, Miu Miu Aoyama, Aoyama Hills, Hugo Boss, Tod’s, and more! There are some famous private residences too!
• Roppongi Japan’s premiere high end arts and fashion district Roppongi Midtown, 21_21 Design Sight, Roppongi Hills, etc.

Popular Add-ons

• Take a break from modern architecture and check out Tokyo’s pre-eminent woodblock print museum.
• Shop for woodblock prints in Ginza
• A full-on fancy schmancy dinner in whichever fashionable area we conclude the tour in.
• Add on a standard Dinner & Drinks experience.

If you’re interested in buying art, please let me know in advance . As this can be complicated, depending on your budget and the sort of art you hope to acquire. Also, if you’re here for the last weekend of May, the Roppongi Art Night event is taking place.

Starts at ¥55,000 (covers up to 5 people!)

You Might Also Like These Tours

• If you like learning, don’t miss my Crash Course in Japanese History tour.
• Are you more interested in traditional Japanese architecture ?
• I have more exciting Day Tours !
• Wanna take a two or three day Excursion ?
• Just need dinner, drinks, or karaoke? Try a night Out on the Town !
• Want to learn more about the Ginza neighborhood ?

Choose Your Own Adventure

Custom Tours

Tōkyō is home to hundreds of world class museums and thousands of galleries, studios, and art spaces/events. I’ll design an epic day for you if you tell me what you love.

Wanna mix a Tokyo architecture tour with shopping, a museum, or a maid café? All my tours are customized in one way or another. If you need a private tour or someone to make things smoother, or if you’re gathering contents and shooting video and need a fixer, I’m sure I can help out and get you sorted.

• Interpreter
• Historical consultant
• A shoulder to cry on

Contact Me!

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ROBERT DAY TRAVEL

Over 30  years of Japanese Tourism experience

Specialised and personally curated Art, Architecture and Design tours of Japan by Robert Day

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2024 ART, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN TOUR now has minimum numbers are will proceed SO DON'T MISS OUT.

BOOK NOW  for the . This incredible tour will spend 5 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto and 2 nights in Kanazawa. Immerse yourself in Japanese Culture, Art, Architecture and Design. See international art exhibitions, buildings by famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier and Kengo Kuma and outstanding contemporary design. Find out more...

ART, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN TOUR 15 - 25 MAY  2024

Japan "artistic heritage & culture" tour 29 may - 10 june 2024  .

SPECIAL DISCOUNT AVAILABLE!

ENQUIRE NOW  This wonderful tour visit Nagasaki, the place of first contact with westerners during the 1600s, Arita (the Birthplace of Japanese Porcelain) as well as the ancient pottery town of Imbe. It will also visit the ART ISLANDS of Naoshima, Teshima & Inujima to deep dive into the wonderful Artistic Heritage of Japan to learn more about Japanese Culture.  Contact us  for pricing and more information.

BOOK NOW  for the September 2024 JAPAN "DESIGN & CULTURE" TOUR. Good design is a hallmark of Japanese culture and this amazing tour offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary and traditional design. Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Matsumoto and Kanazawa, it will also visit the Edo period villages of Narai Kiso-Fukushima on the Nakasendo Trail famous for the production of traditional goods.  Contact us  for more information.

JAPAN "DESIGN & CULTURE" TOUR 2 - 14  SEPTEMBER 2024  

Autumn leaves tour ceramics, art, architecture & design 25 november - 7 december 20 24  .

PLACES ARE AVAILABLE   for the 2024 Japan "Autumn Leaves" Tour.  This  incredible tour will visit Nagasaki, Arita (the birthplace of Japanese porcelain), Kurashiki, Imbe, Kyoto and Tokyo and offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese Ceramics, Art, Architecture, Design and Japanese Culture during the wonderful Autumn Leaves season in Japan. Find out more...

ONE PLACE AVAILABLE!

T here is ONE place available for the "early" Japan "Autumn Leaves" Tour (3 - 14 November 2024) visiting Nagasaki, Arita, Kurashiki, Imbe, Kyoto and Tokyo is now sold out so book your place on the next Japan "Autumn Leaves" Tour. Find out more.

ONE PLACE AVAILABLE! AUTUMN LEAVES TOUR Ceramics, Art, Architecture & Design 3 - 14 NOVEMBER

• Self-Guided Travel If you can’t join one of our Group Tours for any reason, then why not let us custom design a package for you to do your own self-guided tour that eliminates the worry and let’s you enjoy your time travelling Japan. Utilise our expertise to put together the perfect tour package regardless of where you want to visit in Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyushu, it doesn’t matter where you want to go, we have the knowledge and we can be your perfect “guide” to ensure you have a wonderful travel experience in Japan. PleaseCONTACT US for more information.
• Special Interest If you can’t join one of our Group Tours for any reason, then why not let us custom design a package for you to do your own self-guided tour that eliminates the worry and let’s you enjoy your time travelling Japan. Utilise our expertise to put together the perfect tour package regardless of where you want to visit in Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyushu, it doesn’t matter where you want to go, we have the knowledge and we can be your perfect “guide” to ensure you have a wonderful travel experience in Japan. Please CONTACT US for more information.
• Trekking and Nature Japan offers many opportunities for walking or hiking adventures, ranging from comfortable walking paths to challenging mountainous hiking trails. Not just the well known and famous trails, but lesser known ones as well. Robert Day Travel offers Fully Guided and Self-Guided Walking and Hiking Tours throughout Japan. Contact us more for information about these tours including: - The Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail - The Nakasendo Samurai Trail - Mt Fuji Climbing and Hiking Trails - Other Walking and Hiking Tours in Japan. Please CONTACT US for more information.
• Ski Packages Japan is one of the best places in the world to ski with an abundance of fresh, dry powder snow at ski resorts throughout Japan. No matter where you want to ski in Japan, we can put together a package for you to include airfares, transfers, accommodation, lift passes and ski gear hire. You have a choice of the well known resorts of NISEKO, HAKUBA, NOZAWA ONSEN or MYOKO or one of the lesser known resorts such as APPI KOGEN, YUZAWA or ZAO. Please CONTACT US for more information.

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2025 Architecture Tour of Shikoku Japan

Top tour highlights.

Heritage preservation

Visit regional towns taking the lead in heritage preservation and sustainability

Naoshima Art Island

Soak up the island vibe as you stay two nights on this fascinating art hub

Shimanami Kaido

Marvel spectacular views of the bridges linking the islands of the Seto Inland Sea

Ritsurin Garden

Study the exemplary design of a traditional, grand scale, Japanese garden

Unique accommodation

Stay at some truly unique accommodation including a thatched roof cottage in the beautiful Ochiai Village

Original castles and temples

Learn about the distinctively Buddhist and Shinto architecture with visits to some of Shikoku’s most sacred temples and shrines

Tour Overview

The 2025 Architecture Tour of Shikoku Japan has been specifically designed to showcase Japanese architecture – both traditional and contemporary – on the enchanting island of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands.

Shikoku’s relative isolation has meant that old traditions and ways of life are still visible today, making it the perfect place to discover a more traditional Japan. You will learn how culture and climate have influenced the built environment as well as seeing the works of Japan’s modern-day architects such as Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando and Kenzo Tange. You will tour through areas of great natural beauty – misty mountains and river valleys, charming historical towns, and the islands of the spectacular Seto Inland Sea.

This special 15-day tour of Shikoku is offered to only 6 people due to the limited availability of the unique experiences and accommodation selected, as well as the accessibility of the remote locations.

*Please note we are unable to accept solo travelers on this tour due to rooming constraints.

Welcome to Japan! On arrival at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport , you will be met by a Journey to the East guide and escorted to your airport hotel. Those landing at Tokyo’s Narita Airport will also be met on arrival and escorted to your hotel at Haneda by airport bus.

Today is an arrival day and no group program is scheduled. Your hotel is located at Haneda International Airport given the early start of the tour on Day 2. However if you have time, you might like to consider a short trip into central Tokyo before the start of your 2025 Architecture Tour Shikoku Japan. 

*Many of our guests arrive a day or so early to settle in before the tour starts. Please contact us if you’d like us to arrange additional night’s accommodation in the same room as the tour or in central Tokyo.

You meet your guide at the hotel lobby and leave Haneda this morning to fly to Shikoku island , the smallest of Japan’s four main islands and the fascinating base for your island adventure. On arrival at a regional centre Takamatsu , you’ll travel by private vehicle to the old shrine town of Kotohira . Here you stop for a traditional lunch of Sanuki udon noodles, the region’s most famous dish.

You will see other pilgrims, and walk with them on the well-worn path up 785 stone steps to Konpira-san , Shikoku’s beloved shrine dedicated to the god of seafarers. Here you will:

• Learn about traditional Shinto shrine architecture and the etiquette of visiting a shrine,
• See the magnificent painted door screens by famous artist Maruyama Okyo in the shrine’s Reception Hall, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property , and
• Admire impressive views all the way to the Seto Inland Sea!

Back in your private vehicle, you head to the magical Iya Valley , deep in the heart of the Shikoku mountains. Here you enjoy a truly unique experience for two nights in a beautifully renovated traditional thatched roof cottage in the remote village of Ochiai. Step into your cottage and the stresses of the last few days of international travel will evaporate. You’ll be instantly calmed by the stunning views and hovering mist, the warmth of the traditional interiors and welcoming irori hearth, as well as the quality of the modern amenities. Enjoy a catered dinner cooked by locals using freshly harvested ingredients from the village before a long and comfortable sleep.

Breakfasts at these cottages are self-service by you making your own toast and coffee or tea from the ingredients delivered to your cottage.

Today is a day of full immersion into local rural life. It begins with a tour of Ochiai with a local guide  who will give an insight into village life and how the Chiiori Trust project, initiated by writer Alex Kerr many years ago, has saved and breathed new life into the village’s thatched roof houses. Visitors from across Japan and the world now visit for the rare opportunity to stay in one of these houses , which have almost disappeared from Japan’s rural landscape.

For lunch you are introduced to soba (buckwheat) and participate in a soba noodle making experience where you learn how to make (and properly slurp!) these delicious noodles. After lunch you head deeper into the valley by private vehicle to visit spectacular Niju-Kazura Bridge , a unique pair of twisted vine bridges constructed hundreds of years ago across a deep river gorge. Then it’s on to the “scarecrow village ” of Nagoro where an enterprising local has playfully recreated her fellow residents in surreal lifelike form.

Breakfast and dinner are served in your cottage.

If you like to rise before dawn you will be rewarded by unkai, a natural phenomenon found in mountainous regions and known as “sea of clouds” (if we are lucky!).

Today you spend the day exploring central Shikoku as you travel along scenic mountain roads from Iya into neighbouring Kochi . Along the way you will;

• Drive through Hinoji Iya Valley Observation Point,
• Visit Oboke Gorge and see unique ' Peeing Boy' statue , and
• Experience by candle-light the richly decorated folding screens depicting local folklore at Ekin Museum.

For the next two nights you stay in Kochi City – the prefecture’s vibrant capital on the Pacific Ocean coast. You will stay at a popular onsen ryokan and enjoy a kaiseki dinner tonight.

Kochi is home to one of Japan’s last surviving original castles and this morning you visit this authentic example of feudal architecture. Kochi Castle functioned as both a military fortress and residence for the daimyo lords who once ruled the region. Its design is therefore quite unique, as most lords lived in palace buildings separated from their castle.

After a morning steeped in Japan’s military past, you:

• Tour Kochi’s iconic Thursday Market, popular amongst office workers in the central city to purchase everything from their lunch and snacks, fresh food and produce, to craft and kitchen knives (Kochi's specialty craft),
• Visit revered Chikurin-ji, one of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage , to learn about Buddhist temple architecture and engage in a Zen meditation session in a beautiful autumn coloured garden,
• Stroll through one of Japan’s best Botanical Gardens, Makino and find out more about sustainable architecture.

Tonight, you have a free evening to relax or perhaps seek out a tasty izakaya in Kochi’s central town area. Why not head to the city’s ever-popular Hirome Ichiba , a marketplace full of food stalls and restaurants open all hours, a great place to sample the freshest of seafoods and other local specialties!

You leave the coast this morning to explore Kochi’s scenic interior region. One of the rivers in this part of Kochi is ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful, famous for its vivid cobalt-blue colour. You walk along Nakatsu Gorge to experience the river’s crystalline waters. On the way, you tour some unique “chinkabashi” submersible bridges which have been ingeniously designed to cope with heavy seasonal rains.

The abundance of pristine water in this region has also fostered a strong washi paper-making culture and you enjoy an authentic hands-on experience in a lovely rural setting.

After an active day, you will arrive at a hotel with great views of Shikoku Karst, a geological formation caused by the erosion of limestone hillsides. On a clear night, you will see the gorgeous display of stars from your room.

Next stop is Yusuhara – a small mountain town which has become famous for its innovative public buildings , constructed as part of a regional revitalization project. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma (who designed Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics Stadium), the buildings feature wooden exteriors using repurposed cedar and have a strong eco-friendly focus. You are given a guided tour of the town’s most notable buildings.

Then, you leave the mountains behind and head for the charming historical towns of Ehime Prefecture. Your main destination today is the castle town of Uwajima . On the way, you’ll also make a brief stop at Kihoku Town Hall . Originally built in 1958, this building has received acclaim in recent years for the integrity of its 1950s-style architecture .

Depending on time and interest, on arrival in Uwajima you will:

• Explore Uwajima Castle, a delightful compact fortress perched on a hill looking out to sea,
• Experience Uwajima’s pearl-farming culture , one of Japan’s oldest, and
• Savour Uwajima’s famous signature dish – tai meshi (sea bream sashimi on rice)

Tonight’s accommodation ranks as another key highlight of your tour. Kiya Ryokan is a century-old ryokan inn which has been painstakingly restored to combine stylish modern amenities within a traditional aesthetic. It has been selected as a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property and you will meet with the manager for a personal tour of the property and insights into the renovation process.

This morning you travel by private vehicle to delightful Uchiko , a former merchant town which flourished during the Edo period (17 th -19 th centuries). Wealth from the Japanese wax trade led to a building boom and its elegant streetscape is now a preservation district – Uchiko was one of Japan’s first towns to receive this designation. You will:

• Visit the Kamihaga Residence and attached wax museum to get the sense of a typical merchant house, and
• Tour the charming Uchiko Kabuki Theatre (one of the last remaining in Japan) with its ingenious revolving stage and hidden trapdoors.

The picturesque castle town of Ozu is our next destination. Ozu Castle dates back to the 1300s and was authentically restored by its townsfolk in recent times. The town pride which mobilised its citizens led them to subsequently save their delipidated samurai residences and merchant houses. These have now been transformed into premium accommodation, craft shops, cafes and restaurants in an impressive community-wide project. You have the rare opportunity tonight to stay in one of these houses at Nipponia, the boutique hotel group collaborating with the community to renovate around 25 of the town’s heritage properties.

This afternoon, led by a local specialist guide, you tour Garyu Sanso , a beautiful riverside villa with a garden at its autumn peak and teahouses built 120 years ago using the best carpentry and craft skills at the time.

Enjoy a delicious Japanese-style breakfast at Nipponia, and perhaps step out to enjoy the town’s relaxed vibe and a quick expresso before departing mid-morning by a private minivan.

Your next stop is Matsuyama , Ehime’s attractive provincial capital and a former castle town steeped in feudal culture. Not well known outside Japan, Matsuyama boasts some notable modern architecture such as Ehime Prefectural Government building, Bansuiso Villa , both designed by architect Shichiro Kigo, and Ando Tadao’s Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum  nestled into the hillside beneath Matsuyama Castle.

The city’s superlative hilltop Matsuyama Castle dates back to 1602 and is one of the 12 remaining original castles left in Japan. Immaculately preserved, the expansive castle compound has an impressive tower, steeply angled stone walls and informative displays.

Matsuyama is also home to venerable Dogo Onsen , believed to be the site of Japan’s oldest onsen (natural mineral hot springs) with a history spanning some 3,000 years! Later in the afternoon, you will stroll the charmingly retro arcades at Dogo Onsen with your guide, stop for a refreshing Dogo beer or freshly squeezed mikan (mandarin orange, specialty of Ehime) juice.

Your accommodation tonight is an exquisite traditional ryokan inn, located near Dogo Onsen’s historic main building. You can soak in the onsen baths within your hotel or don your yukata robe and head to the public onsen. Bliss!

Leaving Shikoku’s mainland behind, you island-hop across the Seto Inland Sea to explore the relaxed pace of island life in this special part of Japan. Your first stop is Kirosan Observatory for sweeping views of the sparkling Inland Sea with its stunning bridges and islands as far as the eye can see. The observatory was designed by Kengo Kuma and a notable sight in itself.

Passing by traditional fishing villages and citrus groves, you arrive at tonight's destination, a contemporary boutique-style accommodation located right on the waterfront of Omishima Island.

You then hop on a bike for a guided cycling tour to beautiful Oyamazumi Shrine , one of the oldest shrines in western Japan. You’ll find a 2,600 year-old camphor tree in its sacred grounds and one of Japan’s best collections of samurai armory, harking back to the time when powerful warlords and pirates controlled sea passage and trade.

In the afternoon, you head to Ito Toyo Museum for Architecture on the island just in time for a beautiful sunset.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner on the terrace of your accommodation, with a splendid background of views over the bridges and Inland Sea.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on the island before heading back to the Shikoku mainland where you make a brief stop at Imabari , the first town after crossing impressive Kurushima Kaikyo suspension bridge, one of the world’s longest . Here you briefly tour some noteworthy civic buildings designed by world-famous architect Kenzo Tange , winner of the 1987 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Then it’s on to Takamatsu  by train, catching glimpses of the Seto Inland Sea on the way. At the top of the list for anybody who visit Takamatsu is superb Ritsurin Garden , one of Japan’s absolute best, especially in autumn. A classic landscape garden from Edo times, enjoy the varied scenery provided by ponds, bridges and teahouses, superbly set against the backdrop of Mt Shiun. You take a leisurely guided tour as well as lunch in the park’s beautiful autumnal setting.

For inspiration of a different kind, you head to George Nakashima Memorial Gallery to see how the world-renown furniture designer reshaped natural timbers into stunning pieces, such as his classic cantilever chair. Don’t miss the display of his famous “chigiri” butterfly joinery.

End the day with Takamatsu’s most popular soul food – succulent roasted chicken thighs!

Start the day with a visit to Takamatsu’s main civic structure – the Kagawa Prefectural Government Office , which was also designed by Kenzo Tange. ­­Symbolic of Japan’s modernism and democracy in the post-war period, this was the only Japanese building listed as one of the top 25 modern buildings of significance by the New York Times in 2021.

You then tour Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum which houses the works and studio of Isamu Noguchi, the influential mid-20 th century sculptor, artist and landscape designer. Among other notable works, Noguchi designed the garden at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.

The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore. You may like to stroll through pleasant Tamamo Park where the seawater moat walls of Takamatsu’s former castle can still be seen, or wander the city’s retro shopping arcades or do a wasanbon confectionery class.

The art islands of the Seto Inland Sea have led to a revitalisation of the region’s islands over the last decade. Now populated with galleries, outdoor installations, hotels and restaurants, the islands attract a steady stream of art lovers throughout the year.

This morning you hop on a ferry to tour the picturesque island of Teshima  to see the Teshima Art Museum . Designed as a monumental concrete shell, it is shaped as a large tear-drop hugging the side of one of the island’s forested hills. You also visit Les Archives du Coeur for a fascinating experience of a different kind – this unique museum has changed the heartbeat of thousands across the globe.

Then you will further transfer to your final destination Naoshima this afternoon to see some of Japan’s best contemporary art displayed across the island’s natural setting. Before settling into your accommodation you will visit some of the works of Art House Project as well as Tadao Ando Museum.

After an inspiring day spent outdoors on the islands, check into your Naoshima accommodation, a beautifully designed Japanese contemporary-style ryokan . The ryokan features contemporary works of emerging artists, and each suite has its own private open-air bath .

This morning you are off to Benesse Art Site including Valley Gallery , Chichu Art Museum,   Benesse House Museum and the Lee Ufan Museum . Don't forget to walk around the area between excellent outdoor installations including Yayoi Kusama’s trademark pumpkin sculpture , all superbly blending into the island environment.

This afternoon, it is time for eagerly awaited free time to explore the island's narrow paths at your own pace.

Tonight you will gather together one last time and enjoy a sumptuous inhouse kaiseki course meal to mark your final night in style!

This morning, you check out of your hotel after breakfast and your  2025 Architecture Tour of Shikoku Japan concludes.

You can take a domestic flight from Takamatsu or return by train to the international airports in Tokyo or Osaka. (You need to book an evening flight if you are departing on this day.) If you’d like to linger in Japan a little longer, we would be delighted to plan your personal post-tour extension to show you a different part of Japan. Please see our Model Extension Itineraries on Private Tour page for inspiration.

Note: The cost of a transfer to your departure airport is not included in our Small Group Tours as we found many guests choose to stay in Japan a bit longer. However, we would be happy to arrange your transfer to your next destination or your departing airport. Please see our FAQ for more details.

Dates & Prices

Per person twin share:, single supplement.

Each guest is personally looked after with one-on-one interactions with our hand-picked, expert tour guides. As part of your investment, this tour includes:

• First-class wisdom and higher standard of individual care and attention
• 14 nights’ accommodation (including traditional Japanese inns)
• All breakfasts
• 7 lunches (6 free choice lunches)
• 11 dinners (2 free choice dinners)
• Airport meet & greet on arrival
• All local transport (domestic flight from Haneda to Takamatsu, train and private minivans)
• Expert English speaking tour guides (locally licensed)
• Cultural activities and entry fees included in itinerary
• Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)

DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, this tour does not include the costs of international and domestic airfares, transfers on the last day, travel insurance, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, transport during free time, personal expenses (laundry, internet, telephone, coin lockers etc.) and Visa (if required).

Who this Japan tour is for...

This is a perfect tour for people who:

• Want to see and stay in Japan’s unique architecture including renovated farm houses and historical buildings
• Wish to travel in remote areas of Japan away from typical tourist destinations
• Enjoy Japan’s traditional culture like food, onsen and crafts in more authentic settings
• Are interested in leaning about Japan’s feudal history, religions, and rural lifestyle
• Love the nature such as valleys, mountains, sea and islands against gorgeous autumn colours
• Prefer a casual style small group tour with variety of accommodation, transport and meals

Great attention to detail and flexibility were the strongest points.

JttE sets the gold standard for customer service and care every single step of the way from enquiry to booking to the actual trip itself. Communications are prompt and clear. Transportation connections between buses, planes, ferries, and taxis are seamless. Every consideration is given to make the guest experience stressless and enjoyable. This was our 2nd trip with JttE. Thanks to the whole team for a great time !!!

Journey to the East is a niche tour operator which introduces you to amazing places, combining art and gardens, food, architecture in unusual places such as Hokkaido, Naoshima and Shikoku.

Philip Manidis

Sydney, australia.

Journey to the East puts their heart and soul into creating wonderful times for visitors to Japan. They know it well and share the best of it with you. They work hard to offer experiences that become treasured memories – of people, places, events … and food!

Frances Miller

Have a question about this tour get in touch with our staff directly., privacy overview.

• Japan Tours
• Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history Tours
• Art and architecture Tours

Japan Art and Architecture Tours 2024/2025

12 superb art and architecture trips in Japan. Planning to go on an art and architecture tour in Japan? Check out 12 great art and architecture trips in Japan supported by 9 reviews. All art and architecture trips are delivered by 4 tour operators in Japan. Prices range from 1,759 USD to 8,260 USD and our art and architecture trips last from 8 days and to 16 days.

• Japan Travel Guide
• Things to do in Japan
• Best Time to Visit Japan

12 Art and architecture tours with 9 Reviews

• Starts Tokyo, Japan
• Ends Osaka, Japan

Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='4498'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus, Ferry & Bullet Train
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,199
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 440
• Total Price from: US$ 1,759
• May 18 Only 3 seats left
• May 25 Only 6 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends Kyoto, Japan

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture City sightseeing , Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3102'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,345
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 535
• Total Price from: US$ 4,810
• May 09 Only 1 seat left
• May 22 Only 1 seat left

• Ends Tokyo, Japan

Discover Japan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='4493'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• May 10 Only 8 seats left
• May 19 Only 5 seats left

Cherry Blossom Festival - 13 days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Countryside and village visits , Museum and gallery visits & Cherry Blossom 'data-more-tripid='15883'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Train, Bullet Train, Private Vehicle & Coach
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Mar 24 Only 8 seats left
• Mar 28 Only 8 seats left

Premium Japan

• Activities Luxury & Cultural, religious and historic sites Luxury , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='35835'>+1 more
• Transport Boat, Bullet Train, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 8,260
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 826
• Total Price from: US$ 7,434
• May 07 Only 2 seats left
• May 09 Only 2 seats left

Best of Japan - 8 days

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='15872'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,435
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 244
• Total Price from: US$ 2,191
• Jul 06 10+ seats left
• Jul 20 Only 8 seats left

Back Roads of Japan

• Activities National parks & Wildlife National parks , Wildlife , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Safari 'data-more-tripid='16813'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,499
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 900
• Total Price from: US$ 3,599
• May 11 Only 2 seats left
• May 16 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Beijing, China

Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='4403'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Flight, Train, Ferry, Bus, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,349
• Total Price from: US$ 4,814
• May 31 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 14 Only 3 seats left

Japan Real Food Adventure

• Activities Food tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Food tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Countryside and village visits , Museum and gallery visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='3104'>+4 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,190
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 778
• Total Price from: US$ 4,412
• May 08 Only 8 seats left
• May 12 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Osaka, Japan

Southern Japan Experience

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Countryside and village visits , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='10847'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus, Bullet Train & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,570
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 836
• Total Price from: US$ 4,734
• May 10 Only 4 seats left
• May 17 Only 1 seat left

Tokyo to Takayama - 13 days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Museum and gallery visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='16112'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Ferry, Private Vehicle, Bus & Bullet Train

Highlights of Japan

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Rainforest and jungle visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Rainforest and jungle visits , Art and architecture & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37610'>+2 more
• Transport Coach, Bullet Train, Bus & Flight
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,775
• Special Deal (31%): - US$ 1,171
• Total Price from: US$ 2,604
• Jul 15 Only 2 seats left
• Sep 02 Only 1 seat left

Japan Art and architecture Reviews

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Japanese Architecture Tour: Japan Buildings Guide

Japan Architecture Tour, Tokyo Building Walks, Architectural Guide, Bespoke Architects Travel

Japanese Architecture Tour

Architecture Walking Guide in Japan, Far East Asia – Exclusive Architects Walks tailor made for Groups

post updated 1 Feb 2020

Japan Architecture Tour

Japan Architecture Tour: Exclusive Guided Walks

Our Japanese guided tours are all tailored to suit each booking, we do not allow for bookings to be joined. Our guided tours in Japan are all exclusive to each client.

We suggest two days in Tokyo, one day in Kyoto and another day in the area around the capital, such as Yokohama. However we can also provide bespoke tours that last only a morning or afternoon in the capital city seeing the major new buildings by Ando, Ito, SANAA, Kuma, Maki and Herzog & de Meuron.

Should you be planning an office trip, a conference, or university trip in the Far East please contact us and we would be happy to take your booking.

These architectural walks are available currently.

Please contact us for information on architecture walks in Tokyo or other Japanese cities – isabelle(at)e-architect.com.

As well as dynamic contemporay designs Japan is also home to three Frank Lloyd Wright buildings!

See buildings by world-famous architects such as Tadao Ando , Kengo Kuma & Associates , SANAA and Fumihiko Maki .

Your architectural tour can provide an excellent snapshot of the remarkable architecture of amazing Tokyo and historic Kyoto.

Japan is a country of great contrast with architecture that is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, east and west.

Tokyo is a dynamic metropolis where you will find some of the world’s most unique and fascinating architecture.

Kyoto is a city steeped in tradition with an abundance of ancient temples, shrines and gardens scattered throughout a bustling modern city.

All Tokyo Architecture photos © Robert Day

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Japanese Building Designs

Japanese Architecture

Japanese Architecture Designs

Chichu Art Museum , Naoshima, Kagawa Architect: Tadao Ando Chichu Art Museum

Japanese Architects

Japanese Building – full list of projects

Architecture Tours

e-architect manage architecture tours in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Copenhagen and Paris

Edinburgh Architecture Tours – external link

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A Japan Architecture Tour coincided with the 24th World Congress of Architecture in Tokyo: Japan Architecture Tours

Comments / photos for the Japanese Architecture Tour – Architects Walks page welcome

For a limited time, book your 2020, 2021 & 2022 group tour packages with no deposit required!!!

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Luxury Private Art & Architecture of Japan Tour

• Japan Private Journeys

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Luxury Japan Private Journeys       Tour Code: GTF4234595     62 reviews

The price is per person with minimum 2 people, based on twin or triple room occupancy

For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour

Prices are excluding international flights

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants. One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

This 15-day Luxury Private Art & Architecture of Japan Tour offers the best of Japan's architectural prowess and artistic inspiration for you to enjoy. Reaching across Japan from Tokyo over to Kyoto and down to Takamatsu, this itinerary includes many of Japan’s top museums, showcasing Japanese, Western, and Buddhist religious art, as well as intriguing structures – some historic, some built by Japan’s foremost architects. We fill out the rest with experiences that immerse you in trad... View More

This 15-day Luxury Private Art & Architecture of Japan Tour offers the best of Japan's architectural prowess and artistic inspiration for you to enjoy. Reaching across Japan from Tokyo over to Kyoto and down to Takamatsu, this itinerary includes many of Japan’s top museums, showcasing Japanese, Western, and Buddhist religious art, as well as intriguing structures – some historic, some built by Japan’s foremost architects. We fill out the rest with experiences that immerse you in traditional Japanese culture for a one- of-a-kind trip to Japan. Begin in Tokyo, enjoying the exhibits at the National Art Center, the Mori Art Museum, the Nezu Museum, and the Suntory Museum of Art, and the architecture of Omotesando and Aoyama, designed by Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando, Kenzo Tange, SANAA, and other celebrated modern architects. Then spend a day in Hakone, admiring the artistic creations at the Open-Air Museum and looking for a glimpse of Mount Fuji on the Hakone Ropeway. Take a first-class Bullet Train to Kanazawa to browse the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, before you step back in time, strolling past traditional teahouses in the Higashi Chaya District, or the old samurai mansions of Nagamachi. Then admire the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture by trying on a stylish kimono, before we travel to the ancient city of Kyoto, stopping along the way to look at the international collection of artifacts in the Miho Museum. Being the center of Japanese culture for over a thousand years, Kyoto is the best place to appreciate traditional Japanese art and architecture. Discover historic treasures such as the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and Nijo Castle, and appreciate the beauties inside the Kyoto National Museum and the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto. Then experience the time-honored culture of ancient Japan for yourself. Study Calligraphy, Origami, and Ikebana (flower-arranging) at a traditional townhouse, experience Zen Meditation and a green tea ceremony with the monks at Kodaiji Temple, and enjoy a Geisha Performance during a dinner of Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine. We go from there to Naoshima “Art Island”, stopping on the way to see magnificent Himeji Castle, the Ohara Museum of Art, and the Kurashiki Canals. Then explore the thought-provoking art museums and installations across Naoshima (many designed by Pritzker Prize- winner Tadao Ando, including the Lee Ufan Museum, the Chichu Art Museum, the Art House Project, and the Ando Museum. Stay overnight at the Benesse House – a combination art gallery / hotel. Then visit the Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art and the heavenly Ritsurin Koen Park before we wrap up the tour at Awaji Island, exploring the Miracle Planet Botanical Museum, the Honpukuji Water Temple, and the Yumebutai 100- stepped Garden. For more information on this luxury tour, feel free to browse our detailed itinerary.

Tour Information

Luxury japan private journeys.

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure.

What's included

• 13 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style accommodation
• Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport
• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private transfers between destinations in Japan
• First class Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto to Himeji
• First class train ride from Kanazawa to Maibara
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide
• Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kanazawa
• Breakfast everyday
• 1 special dinner with geisha performance
• 1 kaiseki dinner at the ryokan
• 4 dinners at the hotel

Admission fees and activities

• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Travel by private van between destinations, baggage handling free.

Arrival Departure Airports

For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged. We can also make reservations at Michelin star rated restaurants upon request.

Meet and Greet

Meet and greet and private airport transfers on arrival and departure included

Itinerary In Brief

• Day1   Arrive in Tokyo
• Day2   Tokyo
• Day3   Tokyo
• Day4   Hakone
• Day5   Kanazawa
• Day6   Kanazawa
• Day7   Shigaraki - Kyoto
• Day8   Kyoto
• Day9   Kyoto
• Day10   Himeji - Kurashiki
• Day11   Naoshima
• Day12   Naoshima
• Day13   Marugame - Takamatsu
• Day14   Awaji Island
• Day15   Tour ends

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Detailed itinerary, welcome to tokyo.

Welcome to Tokyo! We will arrange your private transportation from the airport. Please look for the guide with the All Japan Tours sign.

Hotel Mandarin Oriental Tokyo or similar class

Tokyo (mori art museum / suntory museum of art / the national art center).

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. 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. Next, visit the National Art Center, a building with a stunning, futuristic design. Interestingly, this ‘empty’ museum is home to temporary exhibitions and has no permanent collections.

Tokyo (Meiji Shrine / Architecture tour with an architecture specialist guide in Omotesando and Aoyama / Nezu Museum)

Our first stop on this tour will be to enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. An Architecture Specialist guide is available to take you through the neighborhoods of Omotesando and Aoyama. 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. Finally, at the Nezu Museum, you can enjoy a collection of pre- modern Japanese and East Asian art that Nezu Kaichiro put together. After bombing in World War II destroyed some of the collection, Nezu Kaichiro’s son continued to add to it to ensure that his father’s collection remained impressive.

Hakone (Open Air Museum / Lake Ashi Cruise / Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani - Mt Fuji Viewing)

Travel to the land at the base of Mt. Fuji where points of interest include visiting the Hakone Open Air Museum which creates a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its grounds in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Then you can board a Lake Ashi Cruise where you can enjoy Hakone’s natural scenery, followed by 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 see hot springs and sulfurous fumes along the trails of an active volcanic zone.

First Class Bullet Train to Kanazawa, Kanazawa (21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art / Nagamachi Samurai District / Kaga Yuzen Kimono Wearing Experience)

After breakfast, transfer to Tokyo Station and board the bullet train to Kanazawa (Green car train tickets included). While there, take a visit to 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. Then 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. Then there is the Kaga Yuzen Kimono-Wearing Experience, that offers the chance to wear the traditional clothing of Japan. Kimono are still widely popular to wear for important and formal events.

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

Note: We will ship your large luggage to your hotel in Kanazawa (Included for up to one piece of baggage per person). Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you.

Kanazawa (Kenrokuen Garden / Kanazawa Castle / Ninja Temple / Higashi Chaya District)

When in Kanazawa, you can visit Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Stroll along the garden and enjoy the view of trees, stones, bridges and teahouses. 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. Then there's the Ninja Temple, built as a military outpost, filled with many defense capabilities and many escape routes. Additionally, there is the Higashi Chaya District, a designated entertainment district in Kanazawa, known for its elegant teahouses.

First Class Train to Maibara, Shigaraki (Miho Museum), Kyoto (Visit to a Traditional Wooden Townhouse to learn about Origami, Calligraphy and the art of Ikebana)

In the morning, transfer to Maibara by JR express train (Green car train tickets included). Once there, you can visit the 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, once one of the richest women in Japan and the founder of the museum. From there, travel to Kyoto to visit a Traditional Wooden Townhouse and take a fun and engaging lesson in Origami, Calligraphy, and Ikebana. Origami is the traditional art of paper-folding that has become almost as famous internationally as it is in Japan, and masters of this art can create an impressive array of designs. Calligraphy is a time-honored art that involves using a brush and black ink to draw meaningful Japanese kanji (characters) on thin, white washi paper. The rules and traditions that govern the angle, pressure, and movement of the brush, as well as the mindful determination of the artist, make Calligraphy an art as fascinating to watch as it is to perform. Finally, there is the art of Ikebana, or Flower-arranging, which is considered one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. Ikebana composes flowers and other plants in ways that are meant to convey beauty, meaning, and emotion, often connected to the changing seasons. But it’s not an art just for the ladies; flower-arranging is a time-honored discipline that has been practiced by such historical figures as shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and tea master Sen-no-Rikyu.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or similar class

Kyoto (kyoto national museum / kiyomizu temple / kodaiji temple - zen meditation & green tea ceremony / gion geisha district - kyoto kaiseki dinner with geisha performance).

First, we 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. We continue from there to Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water, a celebrated landmark famed for its iconic three- story pagoda and large wooden stage which offers dramatic views of the city, bordered by gorgeous cherry and maple trees. The trio of streams pouring from the base of the main hall are each believed to offer a different blessing – a long life, fortune in love, and success with studies. While in the area, stop in a Kimono rental shop to experience trying on a stylish kimono, an item for which the city of Kyoto is famous, to immerse yourself more completely in the local traditional atmosphere. Then, we will travel to Kodaiji Temple, which is a lavish temple built in the memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Here, we can experience the time-honored Green Tea Ceremony, a ritual of hospitality once afforded only to nobility. We can also learn Zen meditation, or “zazen”: a discipline practiced by Zen Buddhist monks to gain clarity of mind and insight into the nature of existence. 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. Here, we will enjoy traditional Kyoto Cuisine in the company of an elegant Geisha.

Breakfast / Dinner

Kyoto (nijo castle / golden pavilion / garden of fine arts kyoto / shimogamo shrine).

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. Next, we view one of Kyoto’s most coveted sights – the elegant Golden Pavilion. The temple’s shimmering golden walls can be seen reflected in the Mirror Pond below, but don’t miss the dainty phoenix ornament sitting on the roof! Next, you can visit the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto, built by the famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, it's unique design invites guests to contemplate famous works of art near the sounds of water. 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.

First Class Bullet Train to Himeji, Himeji (Himeji Castle), Kurashiki (Canal Area / Ohara Museum of Art)

In the morning, Transfer to Himeji by bullet train (Green car train tickets included). Today, we will visit Himeji Castle, one of the original surviving twelve castles of Japan. It is known as "White Egret Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its brilliant white exterior, which resembles a bird taking flight. Then travel to the Canal Area in Kurashiki. This location was very important along the distribution route of rice during the Edo period. Today it is a scenic area where visitors can walk along the canal and see the old storage units, along with buildings from the Edo period. We will also visit the Ohara Museum of Art, which is considered the first museum of Western art in Japan. It is a private museum consisting of three adjacent buildings next to the canal.

Kurashiki Ryokan or similar class

Naoshima (art house project / ando museum / i love yu).

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.

Benesse House or similar class

Naoshima (chichu art museum / lee ufan museum / benesse house).

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 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.

Marugame (Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art), Takamatsu (Ritsurin Koen)

Begin by going to the Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art in Marugame, where you can see a selection of works from the abstract artist Inokuma Genichiro. Next, visit Ritsurin Garden, a traditional Japanese garden regarded as one of the most famous historical gardens of Japan. The features of the garden include the rest houses, tea houses, bridges, historic trees, and ponds.

Yumesenkei Besso Amahara or similar class

Awaji island (miracle planet botanical museum and the 100 stepped garden at yumebutai / water temple).

After breakfast, you can visit the Miracle Planet Botanical Museum to enter a bright and verdant greenhouse filled with a wide variety of sweet-smelling flowers. Among the most impressive architectural gems of this area are Yumebutai's 100-stepped flower garden and the Honpukuji Water temple, which were both designed by Tadao Ando. From April to September, on Friday and Sunday, An additional option can be arranged to include a Firefly Night Tour, to watch millions of tiny glowbugs hovering like luminous blue fairies in the night sky.

After check-out, private transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport for your departure flight.

Other Japan Tours you may interested

Signature: Classic Japan Cherry Blossom Tour

Signature: Classic Japan Tour - Wisteria & Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Signature: Classic Japan - Takayama Autumn Festival Tour

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Home » Tours » Asia » Japan » Japan: Architecture and Design 2025

Japan: Architecture and Design 2025

Status: open, 3 feb – 14 feb 2025.

Stephen Crafti

An Honorary Member of the Australian Institute of Architects, Stephen is a leading architecture & design writer of over 40 books & many articles including for 'The Age', 'Sydney Morning Herald' & 'Wallpaper' magazine (London), Stephen has pioneered ASA’s new special design tours to London, Glasgow, Japan, Belgium, Finland & Auckland, as well as Australian programs to Hobart & Sydney.

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Accommodation.

• How to book
• Practical Info
• Tour Inclusions

Japan: Architecture and Design 2025 Tour Highlights

• Explore the very latest in Japanese contemporary art, architecture and design with writer  Stephen Crafti .
• Enjoy an exclusive Kintsugi Demonstration by Kunio Nakamura , and discover the concepts behind this unique Japanese transformation of broken objects.
• Visit Naoshima, Japan’s ‘art island’, renowned for its contemporary art museums and outdoor sculptures.
• Explore masterpieces by Japan’s great architect Tadao Ando, including his Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Museum, Honpukuji (Water Temple) on Awaji Island and the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island .
• Discover exquisite Japanese textiles at Hosoo in Kyoto and Nuno Works Warehouse in Tokyo.
• Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s beautiful Jiyu Gakuen Girls’ School and Le Corbusier’s National Museum of Western Art.
• Encounter a stunning early modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese residence at Kusuo Yasuda’s Former Residence (1919), and the restoration of traditional machiya houses for use as the most contemporary of guest houses and design stores.
• Tour Vermicular Village in Nagoya , home to cast iron cookware that focuses on precision, durability and excellence.
• Be uplifted by one of Tokyo’s finest gardens at the Nezu Museum and by the modern art exhibits of 21-21 Design Sight by Tadao Ando and Issey Mikyake.
• Dine on superb Japanese cuisine that reflects the importance of flavour, artistry and aesthetics in each dish.
• Visit Japan’s most dynamic cities during the beautiful crisp winter, avoiding the tourist crowds.

Overnight Kyoto (2 nights) • Kobe (2 nights) • Kurashiki (2 nights) • Tokyo (5 nights)

The following itinerary lists a range of museums, galleries, buildings and design projects which we plan to visit. Many are accessible to the public, but some require special permission, which may only be confirmed closer to the tour’s departure. The daily activities described in this itinerary may change or be rotated and/or modified in order to accommodate alterations in museum opening hours and privately hosted visits. The tour includes breakfast daily, lunches and evening meals as indicated in the itinerary where: B =breakfast, L =lunch and D =evening meal.

Kyoto - 2 nights

Day 1: monday 3 february, arrive kyoto.

• Tour commences at 1.00pm in the foyer of the hotel
• Welcome Meeting
• Issey Miyake store (Naoto Fukasawa)
• Gion District
• Welcome keiseki dinner

Meeting Point: The tour commences at 1.00pm in the foyer of the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo .

Kyoto was the capital of Japan from the late 8th century until 1868, when the court was moved to Tokyo. It is home to 17 World Heritage sites, 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, yet much of the city centre is modern. The city is renowned for its aesthetic that merges the highly respected traditions of the past with contemporary design.

Following a short welcome meeting we walk to the nearby Issey Miyake store, situated within a machiya house (a traditional wooden townhouse), with a restoration and interior design by Naoto Fukasawa. The space is a harmonious melding of the traditional and contemporary.

We then take a walking tour of the historic Gion District, before enjoying a Welcome Dinner of keiseki cuisine, a feast of many small artistically presented dishes. (Overnight Kyoto) D

Day 2: Tuesday 4 February, Kyoto, Kyoto

• Nishiki Market
• House of Hosoo Flagship Store
• Nanzen-ji Temple Complex
• Kawai Kanjiro’s House Memorial Museum

We begin the day with a walk through the traditional 17th-century Nishiki-koji covered market, which has for centuries been the focus of food shopping in the city. You may wish to try Japanese pickled vegetables or purchase teapots and tea-bowls from a traditional vendor.

Hosoo is a Kyoto-based textile company. Working with world-acclaimed designers, Hosoo uses silk, hand-made washi paper products, and other premium materials to create beautifully coloured contemporary woven fabrics and wallpaper.

Kyoto is notable for its extraordinary diversity of Japanese gardens, including many of the finest traditional temple gardens.  Nanzen-ji is one of the most famous Rinzai Zen temples in Japan. It was founded in 1291 by Emperor Kameyama, and was rebuilt several times after devastating fires. At the entrance to the complex one passes through the huge Imperial gate, built in 1628 by Todo Takatora, and into the complex with its series of sub-temples.

Our day concludes with a visit to Kawai Kanjiro’s House Memorial Museum. The property was designed by the celebrated ceramic artist in 1937 as a residence and studio. His collection of art and furnishings, and many of his own art pieces of ceramic, sculpture and calligraphy are displayed throughout the house. (Overnight Kyoto) BL

Kobe - 2 nights

Day 3: wednesday 5 february, kyoto – osaka – kobe.

• Ryoan-ji (Dragon Peace Temple)
• Arts & Science Central store
• Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, Kyoto, including Underground Jewelry Box annex (Tadao Ando)
• Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Museum, Osaka (Tadao Ando)

Our first visit is to Ryoan-ji – the Dragon Peace Temple. No other garden in the world is so simple, elegant and refined. The garden comprises 15 rocks in a sea of raked gravel surrounded by a compacted mud wall coated in oil that is in itself a national treasure. The garden dates from 1500 as part of a temple of the Renzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The temple burned but was reconstructed in its original form. The garden constitutes the supreme example of a dry garden where gravel and rock symbolise plant and water elements. Indeed, apart from the moss on the rocks, no other plants grow in it. The meaning of the garden remains unknown. It might symbolise islands in a sea, mountains seen through clouds or tigers and cubs crossing a river, but this doesn’t matter since this is a garden to encourage contemplation, the enclosing wall separating the visitor from the world outside, and the verandah creating a horizontal boundary.

We then visit the Arts & Science store, a business owned by Sonya Park with shops in Kyoto and Tokyo. The store is filled with goods selected by Park who said “I’m opening a shop, and I’m stocking it only with things I love.” The business specialises in craftworks by local and international artisans, creating clothing, jewellery, food and daily items.

In the hills outside Kyoto is the Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art. The Oyamazaki Villa was built in the early years of the 20th century as a British-style mountain villa for businessman Shotaro Kaga. This historic building serves as the main building of the museum. Two annexes – the Underground Jewelry box and the Dream Box – were later designed by Tadao Ando when the villa was being saved from demolition by the Asahi Beer company. The collection of artworks include fine paintings by Claude Monet, including several Waterlilies , ceramics by Kanjiro Kawai and a sculpture by Henry Moore. Ando’s annexes serve to unite the spaces of the museum and are partly submerged and covered with greenery in order for them to maintain harmony with the surrounding mountainside.

We continue towards Osaka where we visit the Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Museum by Tadao Ando. Shiba Ryotaro was an important writer of the post-war period. The museum incorporates his home and Ando’s building which was inspired by the writer’s extensive library. The use of light plays an important part in the design, and reflects the way Shiba’s work cast light and hope into Japan’s dark post-war years. (Overnight Kobe) B

Day 4: Thursday 6 February, Kobe – Awaji – Ashiya – Kobe

• Honpukuji (The Water Temple), Awaji Island (Tadao Ando)
• Yumebutai Memorial Garden & Observation Terrace Research Centre, Awaji Island (Tadao Ando)
• Koshino Hiroko House (KH Gallery), Ashiya

This morning we drive a short distance to Awaji Island where we encounter two beautiful structures by Tadao Ando. First we visit the modern Buddhist Honpukuji (Water Temple), an oval pool filled with water lilies, and a concrete-walled staircase that leads you down to the vermilion coloured sanctuary beneath.

Nearby is the Yumebutai Memorial Garden and Observation terrace, built to commemorate the victims of the 1995 earthquake that struck the Kobe area. Located near the earthquake’s epicentre, the complex includes a conference centre, open-air theatre and the Hyakudan-en garden that descend the site’s slope in one hundred 5×5 meter terraces.

Returning to the mainland, we continue to Ashiya to visit the Koshina Hiroko House, now the KH Gallery – a house Tadao Ando built for fashion designer Hiroko Koshino. With his signature use of concrete and underground corridors, Ando created a structure that, while joined internally by a corridor, appears from the outside as two separate buildings. The use of light is carefully controlled to allow a constant play of shadow. (Overnight Kobe) B

Kurashiki - 2 nights

Day 5: friday 7 february, kobe – okayama – kurashiki.

• Shinkansen (bullet train) Kobe to Okayama
• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Ohara Museum, Kurashiki

This morning we transfer to Kobe station to take the shinkansen to Okayama and then on to Kurashiki where we will be based for 2 nights.

Kurashiki has a very well-preserved historic centre, with a network or willow-lined canals, stone bridges and kominka – traditional warehouse buildings that once served as rice distribution centre and are now converted into museums, galleries and cafes.

We will visit the Ohara Museum, Japan’s first Western Art Museum founded by Magosaburo Ohara, a local entrepreneur in 1930. This impressive collection includes works by El Greco, Monet, Cezanne, Rodin, Gauguin, Picasso and Pollock, as well as a fine collection of Japanese art. (Overnight Kurashiki) B

Note: Our luggage will be transported by courier service from Kobe to our hotel in Kurashiki.

Day 6: Saturday 8 February, Kurashiki – Naoshima – Kurashiki

• Ferry to Naoshima Island
• Chichu Art Museum
• Lee Ufan Museum
• Benesse House Museum and Lunch at Issen Restaurant
• Return to mainland by ferry

The island of Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea is home to a number of contemporary art museums and outdoor sculpture exhibitions. The Benesse Corporation installed much of the art on Naoshima and the neighbouring islands, and commissioned the design and construction of several museums by Tadao Ando. This commission included the Benesse House Museum, the Chichu Art Museum and the Lee Ufan Museum.

This morning we take a ferry from the mainland to Naoshima Island and spend a day visiting some of the remarkable art exhibitions, sculpture and architecture the island has to offer. We enjoy lunch at the Issen Restaurant at Benesse House Museum, where the focus of the cuisine is on the sustainability and exquisite presentation of each dish.

In the late afternoon, we return to the mainland by ferry.  (Overnight Kurashiki) BL

Tokyo - 5 nights

Day 7: sunday 9 february, kurashiki – okayama – nagoya – tokyo.

• Shinkansen (bullet train) Okayama to Nagoya
• Vermicular Village: Lunch, cooking demonstration and tour
• Shinkansen Nagoya to Tokyo

We depart Kurashiki early this morning and drive to Okayama to take the shinkansen to Nagoya. On our arrival we will transfer to Vermicular Village, home of a cast iron cookware company. The 80-year-old company’s focus is on quality craftsmanship and clever design that combines traditional and practical uses in the modern world. It has recently introduced the first cast iron induction cookware.

At Vermicular Village we will enjoy a tour of the store to learn about the history and design of the cookware, as well as a cooking demonstration and a delicious lunch.

At the conclusion of the visit we transfer to the station to take the shinkansen to Tokyo where we will stay for 5 nights. (Overnight Tokyo) BL

Note: Our luggage will be transported by courier service from Kurashiki to our hotel in Tokyo.

Day 8: Monday 10 February, Tokyo

• Morning visits to local design studios and ateliers with Joni Waka of the ART Foundation
• 21-21 Design Sight (Tadeo Ando and Issey Miyake)
• Nuno Works Warehouse

We spend the morning with Mr Joni Waka, the Director of Tokyo’s ART Foundation. He will accompany us on an architecture tour of Kyu Yamate Dori in Daikanyama, home to T-site Bookstore by Klein & Dytham Architecture and the Bauhaus inspired Hillside Terrace complex by Fumihiko Maki, the architect behind New York’s new WTC.

We next visit Tadeo Ando’s and fashion designer Issey Miyake’s amazing 21-21 Design Sight Museum (2007). Ando has said of it: “The idea was to create not only a museum that shows exhibits, but also a place for researching the potentiality of design as an element that enriches our daily life, a place that fosters the public’s interest in design by arousing in them different sights and perspectives on how we can view the world and the objects surrounding us”. This split-level concrete structure has a hand-sanded steel roof inspired by Issey Miyake’s A-POC ‘A Piece of Cloth’ concept as well as 14-metre long glass panels.

We finish the day with a visit to Nuno Works Warehouse, a textile company that combines traditional Japanese aesthetic with computer technology to create fabric that are beautiful, usable and modern. (Overnight Tokyo) B

Day 9: Tuesday 11 February, Tokyo

• Asakura Museum of Sculpture
• Kusuo Yasuda’s Former Residence
• Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

We first visit the small Asakura Sculpture Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Fumio Asakura. The museum is located in the historic neighbourhood of Taito. It was opened in 1967 and preserves the sculptor’s home and studio, including a beautiful garden.

We then walk to the nearby Kusuo Yasuda’s Former Residence (1919), a stunning early modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese house. This elegant wooden house looks out through large windows upon a lovely garden.

Our day concludes with a visit to another historic building, this time the Art Deco building that houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. Commissioned by Prince Asaka and completed in 1933, the building’s interiors were designed by Henri Rapin and features decorative glass work by René Lalique. The museum’s collection focuses on Art Deco decorative art and furniture from the 1920s and 1930s (Overnight Tokyo) B

Day 10: Wednesday 12 February, Tokyo

• Architecture tour of The National Museum of Western Art (Le Corbusier with Kunio Maekawa, Junzo Sakakura, Takamasa Yoshizaka; extension Kunio Maekawa)
• Nezu Museum
• Ayoyama district area: COMME des Garcons, Prado Aoyama (Herzog & de Meuron), Yamamoto Yohji Flagship Store; Shiro Sakai

This morning we transfer to Ueno Park to see Le Corbusier’s masterpiece, the National Museum of Western Art, Japan’s premier Western art museum. The museum is square in plan with the main body of its galleries raised on piles to first floor level; its layout is similar to Le Corbusier’s Sanskar Kendra museum in Ahmedabad, India, which was designed at the same time. A glazed pyramidal skylight intersected with reinforced concrete beams and a column lights Corbusier’s double-storey space. Visitors ascend to the paintings gallery via a promenade ramp that affords excellent views of Rodin’s sculptures.

After lunch we visit the Nezu Museum, showing traditional Japanese and Asian works of art once owned by Kaichiro Nezu, a railroad magnate and politician. Architect Kengo Kuma designed an arched roof that rises two floors and extends roughly half a block through the Minami Aoyama neighborhood. The vast space houses over 7000 objects, including works of calligraphy, paintings, sculptures, bronzes, and lacquerware. We also explore the building’s surroundings – one of Tokyo’s finest gardens with 5 acres of ponds, rolling paths, waterfalls and teahouses.

We finish the afternoon with a walking tour of Aoyama to see some of the architect-designed stores for which the area is renowned. These include the COMME des garcons store, the Prada Store by Herzog & de Meuron, Yamamoto Yohji’s stark and industrial flagship store and Shiro Sakai’s store. (Overnight Tokyo) B

Day 11: Thursday 13 February, Tokyo

• St Mary’s Cathedral
• Architecture tour of Jiyu Gakuen Girls’ School, Myonichikan (Frank Lloyd Wright)
• Kintsugi Demonstration by Kunio Nakamura
• Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant

This morning we visit St Mary’s Cathedral. The original 19th century structure was destroyed during World War II, and the building we see today was completed in 1964. Designed by architect Kenzo Tange, this fascinating soaring building features eight hyperbolic parabolas that open upwards to form a cross of light, which in turn continues vertically along the length of the four facades.

We then transfer to the Toshima district, where we shall take a guided tour of the beautiful Jiyu Gakuen Girls’ School, Myonichikan, designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  The Myonichikan consists of four buildings whose extended horizontal lines blend with the landscape, like Wright’s famous ‘Prairie House’ designs. Arato Endo designed one of the four buildings – the auditorium. Myonichikan was designated an Important Cultural Property in May 1997 for its historic and artistic values.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery and, rather than hiding the mended edges, enhancing them with gold or silver to create a new and enhanced beauty. This afternoon we enjoy a very special private demonstration of kintsugi by master craftsman Kunio Nakumura, who will show us the methods used to transform what may be broken into the ‘perfect imperfection’.

This evening we gather for a Farewell Dinner at one of Tokyo’s fine restaurants.  (Overnight Tokyo) BD

Day 12: Friday 14 February, Depart Tokyo

• Tour ends in Tokyo

Our tour ends in Tokyo after breakfast. You may wish to extend your stay in Japan or return home. You should find your own way to the airport or consult ASA for transfer assistance. B

All hotels are rated 4-star locally and are comfortable and conveniently situated. All rooms have en suite bathroom. Further information on hotels will be provided in the ‘Tour Hotel list’ given to tour members prior to their departure.

• Kyoto (2 nights): 4-star Mirusi Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo – located in central Kyoto, conveniently located near eateries and Karasuma-dori, Kyoto’s main shopping street. www.gardenhotels.co.jp/kyoto-shijo/eng/
• Kobe (2 nights): 4-star Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel – located on the harbour-front, its interiors are designed to evoke the passenger liners and yachts that call into this historic port town, while the building itself is intended to evoke waves rising from the ocean. www.kobe-orientalhotel.co.jp/english/
• Kurashiki (2 nights): 4-star Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel –   a comfortable modern hotel located a short walk from the historic Bikan district.  www.royal-art-hotel.co.jp
• Tokyo (5 nights): 4-star Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku – located in the Asakusa district, close to the subway station, shopping areas, restaurants, and museums and with easy access to Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda Airports. www.viewhotels.jp/asakusa-annex/

Note :  Hotels are subject to change. In this instance a hotel of similar standard will be provided.

Single Supplement

Payment of this supplement will ensure accommodation in a double room for single occupancy throughout the tour. The number of rooms available for single occupancy is extremely limited.  People wishing to take this supplement are therefore advised to book well in advance .

How to Book

ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION FORM

Please complete the ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION and send it to Australians Studying Abroad together with your non-refundable deposit of  AUD $1000.00 per person  payable to Australians Studying Abroad.

Practical Information

The number of flags is a guide to the degree of difficulty of ASA tours relative to each other (not to those of other tour companies). It is neither absolute nor literal. One flag is given to the least taxing tours, seven to the most. Flags are allocated, above all, according to the amount of walking and standing each tour involves.  Nevertheless, all ASA tours require that participants have a good degree of fitness enabling 2-3 hours walking or 1-1.5 hours standing still on any given site visit or excursion.  Many sites are accessed by climbing slopes or steps and have uneven terrain.

This 12-day cultural tour involves:

• Exploring Japanese cities on foot, with extensive walking (up to 5km per day) and standing during museum and other site visits
• Inter-city travel by Shinkansen (bullet train)
• Daily use of Kyoto’s and Tokyo’s public transport system
• The use of audio headsets which amplify the voice of your guide (despite noisy surroundings). This technology also allows you to move freely during site visits without missing any information.

It is important to remember that ASA programs are group tours, and slow walkers affect everyone in the group. As the group must move at the speed of the slowest member, the amount of time spent at a site may be reduced if group members cannot maintain a moderate walking pace. ASA tours should not present any problem for active people who can manage day-to-day walking and stair-climbing. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to manage on a program, please ask your ASA travel consultant whether this is a suitable tour for you.

Please note:  it is a condition of travel that all participants agree to accept ASA’s directions in relation to their suitability to participate in activities undertaken on the tour, and that ASA retains the sole discretion to direct a tour participant to refrain from a particular activity on part of the tour. For further information please refer to the ASA Reservation Application Form.

Overnight Bags & Luggage Transfer

This tour involves two journeys on Japan’s high-speed bullet trains. Larger suitcases are not permitted on these trains. A small overnight bag will be required rather than a large suitcase for the 2 night stay at Kurashiki. The group’s luggage will be transferred by specialist luggage service from the Kurashiki hotel directly to Tokyo where it will be ready for you on arrival.

Tour Price & Inclusions

Aud $10,780.00 land content only – early-bird special: book before 31 may 2024, aud $10,980.00 land content only, aud $1860.00 single supplement, tour price (land content only) includes:.

• Accommodation in twin-share rooms with private facilities in 4-star hotels.
• The tour includes breakfast daily, lunches and evening meals as indicated in the itinerary, where:  B =breakfast,  L =lunch and  D =dinner.
• Drinks at welcome and farewell meals. Other meals may not have drinks included.
• Porterage of one piece of luggage per person at the hotel.
• Lecture and site-visit program.
• Public transport in Kyoto and Tokyo as per the itinerary.
• Shinkansen (Bullet) inter-city train travel Kobe to Okayama (day 5) and Okayama to Nagoya to Tokyo (day 7).
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Use of audio headsets during site visits.
• Tips for the coach driver, local guides and restaurants for included meals.

Tour Price (Land Content Only) does not include:

• Airfare: Australia-Kyoto, Tokyo-Australia.
• Airport-hotel transfers.
• Personal spending money.
• Luggage in excess of 20kg (44lbs).
• Travel insurance.

A non-refundable deposit of  $1000.00 AUD per person  is required to reserve a place on this ASA tour.

Cancellation Fees

If you decide to cancel your booking the following charges apply:

• More than 75 days before departure: your initial deposit of $1000.00 is non-refundable.**
• 75-31 days prior 50% of total amount due
• 30-0 days prior 100% of total amount due

** $500.00 of this amount (ie 50% of your deposit) may be credited to another ASA tour departing within 12 months of the original tour you booked. We regret, in this case early-bird discounts will not apply.

We take the day on which you cancel as being that on which we receive written confirmation of cancellation.

Unused Portions of the Tour

We regret that refunds will not be given for any unused portions of the tour, such as meals, entry fees, accommodation, flights or transfers.

Will the Tour Price or Itinerary Change?

If the number of participants on a tour is significantly less than budgeted, or if there is a significant change in exchange rates ASA reserves the right to amend the advertised price. We shall, however, do all in our power to maintain the published price. If an ASA tour is forced to cancel you will get a full refund of all tour monies paid. Occasionally circumstances beyond the control of ASA make it necessary to change airline, hotel or to make amendments to daily itineraries. We will inform you of any changes in due course.

Travel Insurance

ASA requires all participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. A copy of your travel insurance certificate and the  reverse charge emergency contact phone number  must be received by ASA no later than 75 days prior to the commencement of the tour.

Final Payment

The balance of the tour price will be due  75 days prior  to the tour commencement date.

Limitation of Liability

ASA is not a carrier, event or tourist attraction host, accommodation or dining service provider. All bookings made and tickets or coupons issued by ASA for transport, event, accommodation, dining and the like are issued as an agent for various service providers and are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by each service provider. ASA is not responsible for their products or services. If a service provider does not deliver the product or service for which you have contracted, your remedy lies with the service provider, not ASA.

ASA will not be liable for any claim (eg. sickness, injury, death, damage or loss) arising from any change, delay, detention, breakdown, cancellation, failure, accident, act, omission or negligence of any such service provider however caused (contingencies). You must take out adequate travel insurance against such contingencies.

ASA’s liability in respect of any tour will be limited to the refund of amounts received from you less all non-refundable costs and charges and the costs of any substituted event or alternate services provided. The terms and conditions of the relevant service provider from time to time comprise the sole agreement between you and that service provider.

ASA reserves the sole discretion to canel any tour or to modify itineraries in any way it considers appropriate. Tour costs may be revised, subject to unexpected price increases or exchange rate fluctuations.

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Talking design with stephen crafti, physical endurance rating.

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Stephen Crafti is a leading Architecture & Design Writer. With more than 40 books to his name and writing for Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines, including the Sydney Morning Herald , The Age and The Australian Financial Review , Stephen is highly regarded in his field. Whether it’s writing about a contemporary home or a design luminary, he makes the subject both intriguing and highly accessible. He started writing on architecture and design in the early 1990s, after purchasing a modernist 1950s home. “I’ve always been drawn to design, whether it’s a building, an interior, a beautifully crafted chair or fashion. I’m fascinated with the stories behind each creation. I never stop looking. It’s a continual search for the best in design, whether in Australia or overseas”.

Stephen Crafti also produces and hosts ‘Talking Design’, a popular fortnightly RMIT podcast, which features interviews with experts and professionals from all areas of the design world. To listen, please visit:  www.rmit.edu.au/news/podcasts/talking-design

In 2021 he was awarded an Honorary Membership of the Australian Institute of Architects. “This award recognises your significant and substantial contribution to architecture through your work as one of Australia’s leading architecture and design writers, and as a perceptive and informed commentator bringing architecture to a wider Australian audience. Additionally, your carefully curated architectural tours offer the public a highly tangible experience of architecture”.

To discover more about Stephen’s activities, visit stephencrafti.com.au

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An ASA consultant will call you within 24 hours between 9.00am and 6.00pm Monday through Friday should read 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday through Friday EST, Australia

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Space Un celebrates contemporary African art, community and connection in Japan

Space Un, a new art venue by Edna Dumas, dedicated to contemporary African art, opens in Tokyo, Japan

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Space Un embodies the French-Cameroonian roots of its creator, collector Edna Dumas; her experience as a contemporary African art collector; and her insights from living long-term in Japan. The newly launched creative hub in the heart of Tokyo was co-founded by actor and artist Yuta Nakano and entrepreneur Lothar Eckstein, and it was designed by architect Go Hasegawa. 

Dumas explains: 'It's a space to bring people together. “Un” means one in French, but also explores themes of unity.' Inaugurated with work by Senegalese artist Aliou Diack, Space Un juxtaposes Senegalese artworks with Japanese material contexts, facilitating conversations on the intercontinental, cultural exchange between Africa and Asia.

Space Un: Tokyo art scene’s newcomer dedicated to contemporary African art 

Space Un is located in Tokyo's Aoyama, between the cultural and commercial hubs of Roppongi and Shibuya. Strategically positioned in this bustling area, Space Un aims to attract as many potential collectors, art enthusiasts and new audiences as possible. 

Dumas says: 'Contemporary African art is sadly under-represented in this part of the world.' Through Space Un’s wider programming, she aims to challenge preconceptions and stereotypes of contemporary African art in Japan and beyond.

The project's architect was keen for his design to address Space Un as a fundamental space for communication, beyond the stereotypical image of an art gallery. To that effect, the venue’s wide, street-side glass window is lined with an L-shaped bench that encourages visitors to stay, enjoy the café and continue to engage with the space. 

'We made the bench with Japanese cypress from Yoshino, a very precious, premium wood, often used for important shrines in Japan,' Hasegawa continues. He paired it with sourced tables from Cameroon, Togo and Nigeria: 'It's a meeting between the Japanese bench and the West African table.'

Inside, Hasegawa designed a bespoke frame structure for the ceiling, to conceal pre-existing steel beams. There were two more reasons behind this gesture. The first was to create a space for storing equipment for future shows, and the second was his intention to celebrate the shoji; the room partition devices used in traditional Japanese architecture , typically made of paper and lattice frames of cypress wood. 

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The gallery's design extends outside, to the landscaping of a small garden, which features indigenous African plants. Hasegawa flags that it already stops passersby in their tracks: 'Even for the people who do not enter, the garden acts as a second gallery for this space.'

'Art for me is this universal language,’ says Dumas. ‘You can be Japanese, or Senegalese, but when you are in front of art, sculpture, or performance, it speaks to you. This is what I want the audience to feel like when they come to that space. To say, ”I understand, I feel at home”,’ says Dumas. 

Launched alongside the physical gallery, the Space Un Residency Program invites contemporary African artists to visit Japan and produce work from Hasegawa’s Yoshino Cedar House , originally constructed in 2017 as part of Airbnb’s House Visions project. Artist Aliou Diack has already spent a month there producing work for the current exhibition at Space Un. Hasegawa explains that 'there is already a lot of communication between the African artists and Yoshino rural people - they made the frames for Diack’s artworks'.

Dumas says: 'I would love the Japanese audience to be taken by contemporary African art – to have the experience of seeing something other than what they have been accustomed to [...] I think the space will bring something new thematically and hopefully, they will embrace diversity and find something in common.'

spaceun.tokyo

Nana Ama Owusu-Ansah is a writer and photographer from London. She first wrote for Wallpaper* in 2021, in a series on the new vanguard of African designers practising in Africa and its diaspora. She is drawn to projects centring on decolonial approaches to art, architecture, as well as community and sustainability. Nana Ama read Economics and Spanish at University of St Andrews, and, as an avid linguist, is passionate about using accessible language to invite new audiences to engage in design discourse.  

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
• Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

• Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

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