Tradition & Technology: A Japan Cultural Journey

Touch down at Narita International Airport where you will be met and privately whisked to Tokyo, Japan's exciting capital, an hour's drive away. Futuristic yet rooted in tradition, ordered yet chaotic, Tokyo has something for everyone. Check in to your luxury hotel of choice and get rested up for the adventure ahead.

Amidst Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers, today you’ll explore the city’s ancient relics and get in touch with its roots. Begin the morning with a stroll around the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the residence of the royal family since 1869, separated from the city by a moat and stone walls. Then, visit the Yanaka neighborhood. This old neighborhood is one of the few in Tokyo that survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and Fire in 1923 and then escaped Allied bombing unscathed. It is one of the few sections of the city that retains its shitamachi atmosphere - a sort of old-town, nostalgic ambience. A short distance away is Tokyo's most colorful and oldest temple, Sensoji, which is the most widely visited spiritual site in the world. The pathway up to the temple, called Nakamise, is lined with shops selling traditional goods and snacks. Round out the day with a lesson in the traditional martial art of swordmanship which was developed over centuries of warfare and have been preserved up to today despite the advent of modern, sword-less warfare.

Today is all about modern Tokyo, from its skyscrapers to pop culture and high-tech advances. Arrive at buzzing Akihabara, Tokyo's electric town best known for its electronics and underground youth culture. Maid cafes, video game arcades, pachinko parlors, and shops selling manga, anime, and dolls can all be found here. Stimulate your senses even further at teamLab's digital art exhibition which showcases dynamic interactive installations of mirrors and colorful LEDS. Next is funky, trendy Harajuku, and Japan’s version of the Champs-Elysees, known as Omotesando. Stroll the lanes lined with international high-end shopping mingled with kawaii fashion boutiques, crepe shops, vintage stores, and animal cafes. Pop into the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation for a look at Japan’s cutting-edge advancements in space research, robotics, medicine, and more. Then visit one of Tokyo’s many modern art museums and galleries such as the Mori Museum, 21-21 Design Sight, or Yayoi Kusama Museum. For a fun look into contemporary sports, attend a baseball game which became a beloved high-octane event and national phenomenon after its arrival in Japan following WWII.

Take a day-trip to Yokohama, the birthplace of Japan’s modern culture. This sprawling city was the first to open its port to the outside world after a period of self-imposed isolation. It was here where Japan first absorbed such touchstones of Western culture as baseball, jazz, horse-drawn carriages, gas-lit streets and even beer. City people began wearing Western clothing exclusively and flocked into shops serving coffee and classical music. A drive along the wide sweeping avenue adjacent to the waterside Yamashita Park will take you past the elegant Hotel New Grand, an officially recognized historical property of the city of Yokohama and the post-war residence of General MacArthur; the Hikawa Maru, a meticulously preserved, 11,000-ton luxury liner with Art Deco interiors that cruised between Yokohama and Seattle from 1930 until World War II, when it became an Imperial Navy hospital ship; and afford you a view of Yokohama’s distinctive skyline.

Today is it onward to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, gold leaf production, and traditional handicrafts. Travel by bullet train at 160 miles an hour, a quick journey of only 2.5 hours long. Upon arrival, head straight to Omicho market where you sample your way and choose amongst over 180 shops and restaurants. This historic market has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo period, serving privileged towns at the base of the castle. After lunch, head to the popular 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and get lost amongst its maze of interconnecting rooms and galleries. Part of the museum’s concept is to connect Kanazawa’s distinctive cultural traditions, dating from feudal times, to the diversifying values of the 21st century. Check into your hotel and unwind for the evening.

Take in Kanazawa’s traditional culture and history today beginning with the charming, historic Higashi Chaya district. Of the city's three geisha districts, Higashi Chaya is the largest and arguably the most famous. The area was established in 1920 as an entertainment district for the nobility and many of its traditional wooden buildings have been beautifully preserved, now housing restaurants or souvenir craft shops. Stop into a gold leaf shop and learn about the ancient traditional art of gold leaf production and its use in adorning temples, shrines, pottery, and lacquerware. Also nearby is the samurai district, where some of the former samurai houses and their gardens are open for public viewing. Then, visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens” which opened to the public in 1871. A stroll around the garden will acquaint you with the Chinese landscape theory of six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden. Just next door is the Castle Park, a recreational park outlined by remains of the castle which burned down several times over the centuries.

The journey continues to Kyoto this morning by bullet train. Begin at Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the first shogun of the Edo period (1603-1867). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cyprus-wood castle is the starkest representation of the power the warlord held over the emperor during this period. Continue to Kiyomizudera, a Buddhist temple with over 1,200 years of history and also another World Heritage site. From here, you can meander the cobblestone side streets of the preserved Higashiyama neighborhood which remains evocative of “old Japan.” Eventually make your way down to Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district where you may sight the hostesses in colorful kimonos on their way to the tea shops. If you wish to learn more about geisha culture, splurge on a private dinner with these storied entertainers who are well-trained in the traditional Japanese performing arts such as dance, music, and singing.

Start today with a moment of zen at Japan's most famous rock garden at Ryoanji temple followed by taking in the stunning Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji. Then drop by a private gallery and home of a local pottery specialist to see the curated selection of ceramics from the potters of Japan, both antique pieces and those by contemporary artists. Learn the history of Japanese pottery and see the contrast between the old and modern styles. Finally, stop by a master artisan’s woodblock carving studio for a close-up look at the art of ukiyo-e. In the Japan of 200 years ago, the woodblock print brought art to the masses. A striking design would be copied thousands of times, and people could buy prints for the same price as a bowl of noodles.

Step further back in time with a day-trip to the ancient capital city of Nara, an hour’s drive away. Nara is home to some of Japan's oldest, largest, and historically significant temples including Todaiji, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Isuien. Aside from the temples, Nara is known for its friendly Sika deer found wandering the deer park being hand-fed crackers by visitors. Also visit Naramachi, the former merchant district which has preserved traditional residential buildings and warehouses. Of interest for kids is the Mechanical Toy Museum which houses a collection of classic, handmade toys that date back to the Edo and Showa periods. Then, make your way to the Miho Museum, designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei. The building alone is a work of art, while also housing Mihoko Koyama’s exclusive collection of Asian and Western antiques. Return to Kyoto for the night.

Depart from historical and spiritual Kyoto for modern and creative Naoshima Island. Train, car, and ferry will get you to this small art island in the Seto Inland Sea. Dotted with art museums, installations, and sculptures, Naoshima is the premier destination for contemporary art. Even the island's municipal buildings and schools were designed by a modern architect. While on Naoshima, you will be staying at Benesse House which is a resort and modern art museum. Hotel guests have the added privilege of after-hours access to its impressive museum. If it is Friday or Saturday, attend the James Turrell night program at the Chichu Art Museum, a special exhibition enjoyed at sunset.

Spend the day exploring the various art museums and spaces such as Chichu Museum, Art House Project, Ando museum, and Lee Ufan Museum. A site not to be missed is Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow pumpkin sculpture which became the symbol of Naoshima. It sits on the pier and has been there since 1994. The original was swept into the sea in 2021 and a replication was made and reinstalled in its place.

After a leisurely morning enjoying the art island, take the ferry back to Okayama where you can catch the bullet train one last time to your final destination, whether Tokyo or Osaka’s international airport for your departure flight.