HOME > japan > ITINERARY

Japanese Art and Culture Tour

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.

FROM $25,500 PER PERSON
View more details >

ENQUIRE

DURATION

13 days | 12 nights

DESTINATIONS

Japan

INTERESTS

Art,
UNESCO

HIGHLIGHTS

Walking tours of Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto, seeing shrines, temples and historic landmarks
A side-trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital, replete with stunning architecture
A visit to the sacred island of Miyajima with forests full of shrines and sika deer
Traveling first-class on the Shinkansen - the bullet train - Japan’s most efficient mode of transport

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This luxury 13-day tour explores Japanese art, history and culture in its most iconic cities. Beginning in Tokyo, you’ll visit unforgettable sites such as the Meiji Shrine and the colorful shopping streets of Harajuku, before traveling via bullet train to Hiroshima and Kyoto. Ancient townships, majestic temples, art galleries and royal gardens are all part of this fantastic journey through Japanese culture and heritage. Each night, enjoy the luxury of staying in a traditional ryokan guesthouse, dining on world-renowned kaiseki cuisine.

Highlights

Walking tours of Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto, seeing shrines, temples and historic landmarks
A side-trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital, replete with stunning architecture
A visit to the sacred island of Miyajima with forests full of shrines and sika deer
Traveling first-class on the Shinkansen - the bullet train - Japan’s most efficient mode of transport

13 DAYS

FROM

$25,500

PER PERSON

View more details >

Start your journey today!

ENQUIRE

Duration

13 days | 12 nights

DESTINATIONS

Japan

INTERESTS

Art

UNESCO

DAY-TO-DAY

DAY

Tokyo

DAY 1: Tokyo

You’ll begin your luxury 13-day tour in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital. Upon arriving at the airport you’ll be met by your driver who will take you to your five-star hotel in Tokyo city center. We recommend The Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental, both of which offer world-class dining and luxurious amenities. You have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure, free to explore your surrounds or book a pampering spa treatment in your hotel.

DAY

Tokyo

DAY 2: Tokyo

Today you’ll explore Tokyo with a full-day guided tour. Tokyo is a huge city with a lot of ground to cover, so it’s up to you and your private guide as to which parts you choose to see. Some of its most famous attractions include the Tsukiji Fish Markets, the serene Meiji Shrine, and the luxury shopping of Omotesando and Harajuku. In the evening, try some ramen in Shinjuku or take part in an iconic Japanese pastime - karaoke.

DAY

Tokyo

DAY 3: Tokyo

See some of Japan’s most spectacular countryside with a private day-trip to Kamakura or Hakone. Both locations are famed for their natural beauty - Hakone is a popular location for viewing Mount Fuji, and the seaside city of Kamakura offers lush forests and temples. After enjoying some of the world’s most unique landscapes, return to your luxury hotel in Tokyo for the night.

DAY

Kurashiki

DAY 4: Kurashiki

Take the Shinkansen to the historic town of Kurashiki today. This scenic old town in Okayama Prefecture is an unusual location for Western art, including a gallery with works by Matisse, Gauguin, Renoir and Monet, amongst others. The old merchant quarter - Bikan - is also a beautiful place to explore with its 17th-century architecture, canals and European-style town hall. Tonight, you’ll check into a ryokan - a traditional guesthouse - to enjoy old-fashioned Japanese hospitality and a gourmet kaiseki dinner. Kaiseki meals are famous for their immaculate presentation and the freshness of ingredients, garnering praise - and Michelin stars - for restaurants throughout Japan.

DAY

Kurashiki

DAY 5: Kurashiki

Today you’ll explore Kurashiki in more depth, on a half-day guided walking tour of the city. The immense Great Seto Bridge is one of the city’s must-see attractions, as is the Ohara Spinning Mill - a holdover from the Meiji period. You might also like to visit Kurashiki City Hall, designed by award-winning modernist architect Kenzo Tange. In the evening, you’ll return to your ryokan for another night, enjoying another fantastic kaiseki meal.

DAY

Miyajima

DAY 6: Miyajima

Start your day with a trip to Koraku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Completed in 1700, this meticulously-tended garden houses Okayama Castle and features extensive grassy zones and a 2,100-feet-long stream. Next, you’ll hop aboard the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then on to Miyajima - Shrine Island. A ten-minute ferry ride from the train station, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of the three iconic views of Japan - a torii (gate) rising out of the water against the backdrop of Mount Misen. Check into a local ryokan tonight and enjoy a kaiseki meal for dinner.

DAY

Miyajima

DAY 7: Miyajima

Explore the island today with a half-day walking tour of Miyajima. This sleepy, mountainous island is considered sacred and its forests are full of monkeys and sika deer, the latter of which carry particular spiritual significance. Discover the many shrines and temples that dot the landscape here and enjoy serene views of Hiroshima Bay. Return to your ryokan for the evening.

DAY

Kyoto

DAY 8: Kyoto

Today you’ll take a private city tour of Hiroshima. There are numerous sites worth visiting here, among them the Children’s Peace Monument, the Peace Memorial Museum and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima’s ground zero. After your tour, catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto, the old imperial capital of Japan.

DAY

Kyoto

DAY 9: Kyoto

As Japan’s old capital, there is much to see in Kyoto - the city is home to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll start with a full-day tour with your own private guide, visiting attractions such as Daitoku-ji Temple, Nishiki food market and the iconic Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine. Enjoy lunch at one of the city’s many historic temples before settling into your Kyoto hotel for another night.

DAY

Kyoto

DAY 10: Kyoto

Continue exploring Kyoto today, with another full-day tour with a private guide. You can shop for handicrafts, visit a historic noodle restaurant or delve into one of Japan’s traditional arts, such as ikebana - flower arranging, calligraphy or a tea ceremony. You can also wander along the Philosopher’s Walk, a scenic trail along the canal, lined with cherry blossom and maple trees. Return to your hotel in Kyoto tonight.

DAY

Kyoto

DAY 11: Kyoto

Today, you can take a day-tour to nearby Miho Museum, an hour’s drive out of town. Here you’ll enjoy a private guided tour with one of the museum’s curators, who will show you the Miho’s collection of Eastern and Western antiques. Alternatively, you can head to Nara, Japan’s first established capital, a city with UNESCO-designated historic architecture, beautiful parks and freely roaming sika deer.

DAY

Kyoto

DAY 12: Kyoto

Today you’ll be transferred to the train station to head back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen. In Tokyo, check into your luxury hotel for the final night of your journey. You have the evening free to catch up on souvenir shopping, enjoy a dinner of world-class sushi or just soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most compelling capitals.

DAY

DAY 13:

You’ll be chauffeur-driven to the airport today in time for your departure flight to your next onward destination.

SUGGESTED HOTELS FOR DAYS 1-3

PREFERRED HOTEL

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Located 38 floors above street level, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a world away from the hustle and bustle below. The rooms and suites here are some of the largest in Japan and each offers soaring views across the city through floor-to-ceiling windows, amplifying a sense of serenity and detachment. The bathrooms are divided from the rooms by a pane of glass covered by a wooden blind; with the flick of a switch, privacy is achieved or the room is washed in daylight. All accommodations have an in-room entertainment system with iPod docking station, high definition LCD televisions in the bedroom and bathroom, wired and wireless high speed Internet access (for a fee) and your choice of preferred pillow type from the property’s extensive pillow menu. The restaurants in the hotel are some of the most highly regarded in the world; Signature (contemporary French), Sense (Chinese) and the Tapas Molecular Bar have each been awarded Michelin stars. Other restaurant options include Ventaglio (Italian), Oriental Lounge (continental bakery), Gourmet Shop, K’shiki (breakfast is served here and Japanese and continental food is served throughout the day) and the Mandarin Bar. The excellent spa has four treatment rooms and five private spa suites, and encompasses a 1,500-square-foot fitness center with the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment.

PREFERRED HOTEL

The Peninsula Tokyo

Mere steps from the Imperial Palace sits Tokyo’s newest luxury hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo. Located in Marunouchi district just a short walk from the shopping paradise of Ginza, the hotel is perfectly located for business or pleasure. With a total of 314 elegantly decorated rooms and 47 suites, the Peninsula Tokyo’s accommodations are among the most spacious in all of Tokyo, and offer plenty of amenities including espresso machines, complimentary Internet access, multifunction fax machines, nail polish drying machines, and shoe shining service. The hotel’s culinary options include Cantonese cuisine at the Hei Fung Terrace, regional Japanese fare at Kyoto Tsuruya, and International food and beverages at Cirque Culinaire and Peter. For relaxation, enjoy the hotel’s state of the art health club with pool complex, undergo a “spa journey” at the Peninsula Spa by ESPA, or try a leisurely jog around the Imperial Palace. Other amenities include a business center and a boutique store that offers food, gifts and souvenir items.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Aman Tokyo

Since its opening at the end of 2014, Aman Tokyo has been one of the most talked-about luxury hotels in the city. The most striking thing about it is its location; spread across the top six floors of a 40-storey tower in the Otemachi business district, the panoramic views are simply incredible. What’s more, all of the 84 rooms and suites take full advantage of the lofty position with floor-to-ceiling windows letting light in during the daytime, while also framing the breathtaking lit-up cityscape at night. Aman Tokyo has also received praise for its impressive interiors, which have been inspired by minimalistic design, including the use of camphor wood, washi paper and stone surfaces throughout the rooms as well as traditional Japanese facilities such as large ‘furo’ baths. Situated on the 33rd floor, both guests and non-guests can enjoy the fine Mediterranean food at the hotel’s signature restaurant, not forgetting more of those incredible views across Tokyo stretching as far as the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji in the distance. Elsewhere, there is a spa, enclosed garden area, swimming pool, wine cellar, cigar lounge and a whole host of other facilities to keep guests entertained.

Ryokan Kurashiki

This authentic ryokan is located in the heart of Kurashiki’s historical area, allowing for a true window into Japanese culture. The ryokan has been decorated to cater to traditional Japanese sensitivities, with tatami mat floors and clean, crisp lines, as well as elegant Japanese artwork adorning the walls. A charming Japanese garden greets guests as they enter the hotel. The entire abode has only six rooms, making it feel cozy and private. There is one restaurant, which serves up dishes in traditional kaiseki style, which may also be enjoyed in the hotel’s various private dining rooms. The hotel also has available banquet facilities for meetings and other such events. The airport is 45 minutes away, and the hotel is a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki station.

Hotel Nikko Kurashiki

The highest standard Western-style hotel in Kurashiki, Hotel Nikko warmly welcomes guests via its marble lobby, its simple and comfortable rooms, and its modern decor, a contrast to its location in Kurashiki’s old town. Guests may choose from 71 rooms, the best of which are found on the J floor (which we highly recommend). Free WiFi and air-conditioning come standard with every room. Meals are served at the hotel’s three restaurants: Ravenna Cafe, Hachikengura, and Kurashiki, while Heisabar bar serves up frothy Japanese beers and tempting cocktails. Three different styles of meeting and banquet rooms are available for events, with the capacity to hold up to 120 people in one room. The airport is a 45-minute drive, while it’s possible to walk to the nearest JR Station in just over 10 minutes.

SUGGESTED HOTELS FOR DAYS 6-7

Iwaso

Boasting a fascinating history, Iwaso has been welcoming VIPs from every corner of the world since it first opened its doors 150 years ago. The hotel is ideally-located, near UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, while being surrounded by the eye-catching colors of nature, which change throughout the seasons. Guests may choose from three different room types, all of which exude elements of traditional Japanese design, blended with modern touches. The on-site restaurant, Momiji, serves up Japanese cuisine using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. A tea-lounge is also available for guests who’d like to experience some of Japan’s tea culture. Meeting and event facilities are provided for those organizing a gathering. The hotel is also home to three common indoor hot springs which draw water from the mild and gentle Wakamiya hot spring.

Iroha Kurayado

This Miyajima hotel is perfect for guests who are keen to experience the city’s sightseeing and shopping offerings, while also enjoying the picturesque view, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea upon which the hotel sits. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring high-speed internet and a deep-soaking tub. The hotel’s Yoimosezu restaurant and cafe provides lovely views, and on a clear day, it’s possible to capture a clear sighting of O-Torii Gate, of Itsukushima Shrine, in the near distance. Yoimosezu serves up contemporary Japanese cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests who’d like to pick up some souvenirs for their friends and family back home can check out the hotel’s gift shop, which holds a variety of pottery, ceramic, paper items, and more, on its shelves. Without a doubt, the hotel’s rooftop bath is its most favorited feature, with soothing white ion water and unobstructed views of Miyajima’s stunning landscape.

SUGGESTED HOTELS FOR DAYS 8-12

PREFERRED HOTEL

HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Opened in December 2009, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a brand-new private retreat located on the banks of the Oigawa River in the city’s Arashiyama neighborhood. The property’s 25 rooms, all with river views, reflect the heritage and modernity of Kyoto itself, combining traditional ryokan dwelling with contemporary western comfort. The Arashiyama area is a designated scenery protection area, regarded equally for its cherry blossoms in the spring and brilliant foliage in the autumn. With its famous Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama evokes “old Kyoto” at its best, as no new buildings are permitted. The property itself was the private vacation home and library of Suminokura Ryoui, a wealthy Kyoto merchant, until its conversion to an inn about 100 years ago. HOSHINOYA’s Library Lounge and bar, whose shelves hold many books on Kyoto’s history, looks out on the contemplative water garden, while its traditional landscape garden incorporates a view of Arashiyama Mountain using the ancient technique of shakkei, or "borrowed scenery." HOSHINOYA Kyoto has a sister property in Karuizawa.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Kyoto’s newest luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency is centrally located in the city’s historic Higashiyama neighborhood, and blends Western luxury with Japanese decor, while displaying works by Hiroshi Sugimoto and other modern artists in its reception lobby. The Hyatt is located near some of the city’s iconic sights, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto’s “Notre Dame”), Sansujangendo, and the narrow streets of machiya (traditional townhouses) and ochaya (tea houses) within the historic geisha district of Gion. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, DVD and high-speed Internet access, while the property’s Riraku Spa offers a variety of treatments incorporating Shiatsu, acupuncture, moxibustion, aromatherapy, and reflexology. The Hyatt’s restaurants are Touzan, serving a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine; The Grill, specializing in meat and seafood dishes, prepared in an open kitchen with woodburning stoves; and Italian fare from Trattoria Sette, while Touzan Bar includes an extensive menu of boutique sakes.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Just steps away from the popular streets of Gion, Kawaramachi and Pontocho, the Ritz-Carlton hotel is the perfect gateway for seeing Kyoto’s famous sights. Respecting the ancient traditions and culture of Kyoto, the extravagant space is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional architecture. Famous for Zen Temples, palaces and gardens, Kyoto's atmosphere is incorporated in the Ritz-Carlton’s design. Built in the style of a traditional Meiji House and courtyard, a stay here is truly a cultural experience. A four-story waterfall is featured in the hotel entrance amidst patterned motifs. Luxury Ritz-Carlton touches include high-thread count linens, plush Japanese “IMABARI” robes and towels, Kyoto soap and seasonal bath salts, LED TVs and touch-panel environmental controls for automatic drape closure. Accommodation amenities include a concierge service, swimming pool, banquet room, babysitting service, sophisticated dining and drinking options, as well as an indulgent spa for any pampering needs.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Aman Kyoto

The highly anticipated Aman Kyoto brings an even higher level of luxury to the historic and cultural ancient capital. A blend of authentic, traditional ryokan hospitality and contemporary spaces, the Aman Kyoto offers travelers a respite in the heart of one of Japan's most visited cities. The secluded 80-acre property is situated in a hidden garden close to the Golden Pavilion at the foot of the Mountain of Hidari Daimonji, within easy reach of Kyoto's impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Scattered among the grounds is a series of standalone pavilions. The four guest pavilions house 24 guest rooms (choose between garden or stream views) and a pair of two-bedroom villas overlooking the forest canopy. Each room captures a contemporary, minimalistic style with nod to the quintessential ryokan feel; walls of windows bringing the outside in to spacious, light-filled interiors. Facilities include separate Arrival, Living and Spa pavilions. The signature restaurant, Taka-An, showcases Japanese haute cuisine in the form of the kaiseki banquet - a multi-course dining experience made using the season’s finest local produce. The Living Pavilion offers an inviting spaces with a central fireplace for guests to enjoy home-cooked Kyoto obanzai-style cuisine and afternoon tea. The Spa Pavilion’s onsen bathing facilities use water from a local spring and the range of treatments highlight local, natural ingredients such as green tea, black beans, sake and cold-pressed camellia oil.

FILTER TO SELECT YOUR ITINERARY

TRAVELOGUES

Remembrance at Hiroshima’s Nuclear Temple

Author : Ronan O'Connell

Hiroshima's 1,200-year-old Mitaki-dera temple is tranquil but it’s also, a pilgrimage site for the victims of the nuclear age.

Guntû: What to Expect Aboard Japan’s Floating Ryokan

Author : John McMahon

The guntû is a small blue crab considered a delicacy in the Seto Inland Sea area of Japan, but the tasty little crustacean is also a floating five-star ryokan, one of the most exclusive venues in East Asia.

Dozen Dream Destination: Teshima and Shodoshima for the Art

Author : Travelogues

From above you’d never guess that the tiny, forested islands of Teshima and Shodoshima host some of the finest permanent exhibitions in East Asia, but they do.

Dozen Dream Destination: Kyoto for the Aman

Author : Travelogues

Perhaps the best reason to visit Kyoto in 2020 is to be among the first to sojourn at the highly anticipated Aman Kyoto, slated to open in November 2019.

Dozen Dream Destination: Tokyo for the Summer Games

Author : Travelogues

In 2020 one of the world’s most densely populated cities will host the Summer Games and Remote Lands knows how to get you there in style.

Japan Celebrates Ainu Culture with Upopoy Museum in 2020

Author : John McMahon

The indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Ainu, are perhaps northern Japan's greatest cultural legacy, and this will be in full display in the run up to the Summer Games 2020.