Art, Gardens and Temples: A Luxury Cultural Tour of Japan
Few countries can match Japan in terms of the variety of its culture. Although steeped in ancient traditions such as geisha and samurai, zen-inducing gardens and ornate temples, modern Japanese society is in a state of constant flux and renewal. Explore all sides of this fascinating country with an in-depth luxury cultural tour.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy private tours of Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Hakone
- Attend a traditional tea ceremony or calligraphy class
- Visit the ancient Higashiyama Geisha District
- Tour beautiful temples and shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Explore Naoshima, the ‘Art Island'
- Stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Days 1–4
Three nights in the city in Tokyo
Begin in cosmopolitan Tokyo, a city with an infectious energy like no other. Visit internationally acclaimed museums and art galleries, tour the capital’s most fashionable districts, explore ancient shrines and the Imperial Gardens and take part in traditional activities such as a tea ceremony or a calligraphy class.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Sightseeing
Culture
History
Enjoy privately guided excursions to Asakusa, Omotesando, Harajuku and Aoyama districts
Explore the small streets of the ancient Asakusa District, one of Tokyo’s oldest and best-preserved districts, with a brief stop at Sensoji Temple, with its huge lantern. Your driver can also take you to Tokyo’s fashionable neighbourhoods of Omotesando, Harajuku and Aoyama, with lunch in the Shibuya area.
A calligraphy workshop or tea ceremony, with a walk in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
After lunch, take part in your choice of either a calligraphy workshop or a traditional tea ceremony. More than just an art form, calligraphy (“shodo” in Japanese) is thought to cultivate your inner self – particular emphasis is placed on the combination of the strokes, the movement of the brush and the shades of the ink. Tea ceremonies encompass not only the making of tea, but also tea-room architecture, the appreciation of tea utensils and bowls and Zen Buddhism. After this peaceful experience, enjoy a walk in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a verdant oasis covering 115 hectares.
Visit the National Art Center, Tokyo, the Tokyo National Museum and Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Visit the National Art Center, Tokyo, (NACT) interesting both for its architectural design and its rotating exhibits, and the Tokyo National Museum (TNM), the oldest and largest museum in Japan holding over 110,000 pieces of art including Japanese National Treasures. Your driver can also take you to the Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art to see ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), paintings and beautiful old books.
Days 4–5
Explore Kanazawa and relax overnight in a traditional ryokan
Take the bullet train to Kanazawa, where you will be met by your private English speaking guide at the station. Explore the city’s incredibly well-preserved old centre; Omicho Market, which local people regard as the ‘Kitchen of all Kanazawa’; the magnificent Kenrokuen Garden; and the ancient Samurai district of Nagamachi, before a visit to Nomurake, a former Samurai House.
You will stay overnight at a fine ryokan in the countryside around the towns of Yamashiro and Yamanaka, soaking in a hot spring bath and enjoying a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Where you could stay
Top highlights
Culture
Art
Explore Higashiyama Geisha District
Visit the ancient Higashiyama Geisha District. Built in 1820, it is reminiscent of feudal times with wooden lattice fronts on the old geisha houses. Visit the teahouse at Kaikaro to learn more about the history and traditions surrounding geishas.
Kanazawa Museum of Contemporary Art
Visit the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, an architecturally striking building and one of the most successfully-run museums in Japan. The museum focuses on integrating the design of its space with the program and features many up-coming Japanese artists, as well as permanent installations by renowned international artists, such as Leandro Ehrlich and Anish Kapoor.
Stay near Yamanaka and Yamashiro at a traditional Japanese ryokan
You’ll be transferred in a private vehicle to your ryokan (traditional inn) in Yamanaka and Yamashiro. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in your ryokan’s onsen, soaking up the benefits of the mineral-rich waters. You’ll be served a traditional kaiseki dinner consisting of between 12 and 15 dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully presented on beautiful plates.
Days 6–9
Three nights in the City of Ten Thousand Shrines
The imperial jewel of Kyoto is next, known as the City of Ten Thousand Shrines. Here, you get a feel for the ancient past with tours of the numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites before being brought back to the present at the National Museum of Modern Art. Spend your time admiring the impressive imperial beauty of the city, evident in the abundance of pre-war grand palaces, traditional ‘machiya’ townhouses and ornate shrines.
Your travel designer can also arrange bespoke guided excursions to see the natural beauty of the Arashiyama district and its famous bamboo groves; to stroll in the gardens of the Ginkakuji Silver Pavilion temple; or to visit the Nanzenji Temple.
Where you could stay
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Culture and history immersion
Best of Kyoto
Museum
Temples
A full day guided tour of Kyoto
Start your visit at Sanjusangendo, which was founded in 1164 and is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess mercy, before visiting Kodaiji Temple. Next is Yasakajinja shrine which is one of Kyoto’s most famous (if time permits we’ll see a ceremony performed by the shrine’s maidens).
After lunch, we visit the National Museum of Modern Art, where the permanent collection displays selected works of nihonga (Japanese-style painting), yoga (Western-style painting), prints, sculpture and crafts. Then take a stroll in the relaxing district of Teramachi, and, if time allows, a visit to Nishiki Market.
An excursion from Kyoto to Miho Museum
You will be transferred in a private chartered vehicle to the Miho Museum (1.5 hour drive), well worth a visit, both for its architecture and its exhibitions. The museum was designed by I. M. Pei (who also designed the glass pyramid at the entrance to the Louvre), and more than 80% of its structure is underground to preserve the natural environment.
Discover Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Temples tour
Visit the Kinkaku-ji ‘Golden Pavilion’ temple, built in 1397 to serve as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Kinkaku-ji served as the inspiration for the Ginkaku-ji ‘Silver Pavilion’ which was built by the Shogun’s grandson. We then continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple which is celebrated for its rock garden, comprised of nothing but clay walls, raked sand and 15 rocks.
Days 9–12
Stay on Japan’s ‘Art Island’
Spend a couple of captivating days on Naoshima, Japan’s ‘Art Island’, living alongside modern art from world-famous architects and artists such as Tadao Ando, Lee Ufan and Yayoi Kusama. Visit the numerous, internationally acclaimed contemporary museums and stay in Museum/Hotel Benesse House, designed by Tadao Ando (Benesse House is the island’s original museum and features works by Andy Warhol, Richard Long and Bruce Nauman).
Naoshima is also a beautiful beach and mountain destination so make sure to leave some time to enjoy the island’s golden sands, warm water and enjoyable hikes.
Art in Japan
Naoshima Island
Teshima
A day at leisure on Naoshima Island
Today, enjoy a full day at leisure on Naoshima Island. Visit the island’s numerous museums and art installations which are mostly accessible on foot or with your hotel’s shuttle bus service. Museums and galleries include Ping Pong Gallery; Chichu Museum; Lee Ufan Museum; and the Art House Project.
Take a trip to Teshima
Take a trip to the nearby island of Teshima to visit Les Archives du Coeur; Teshima Art Museum; Particles in the AIR by Noe Aoki and Storm House. We recommend lunch at Shima Kitchen, where local women collaborate with chefs from Marunouchi Hotel.
Days 12–13
Overnight in the spa town of Hakone
There’s just time for a quick stop in the famous spa town of Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, to see the expansive open-air Museum and enjoy a final onsen stay. Your concierge can also arrange for you to visit one of Hakone’s other museums: the POLA Museum, the Hakone Museum of Arts or the Lalique Museum.
Make it mine
Indoor
Outdoor
Relaxation
Visit the unique Hakone Open Air Museum and Owakudani Valley
The Hakone Open Air Museum has sculptures in perfect harmony with views of the surrounding valley and mountains, but don’t miss the indoor galleries, including works from world famous artists including Rodin, Bourdelle and Miro and one of the largest collections of British sculptor Henry Moore.
Explore the Owakudani Valley
Take a cable car and ropeway ride to Owakudani Valley and its sulphurous fumes, hot springs and rivers. Board a boat for a lake cruise while enjoying the magnificent views of Mount Fuji in the background.
Relax at your ryokan
Soak up the benefits of Hakone’s mineral-rich waters, before enjoying a delicious traditional kaiseki dinner of between 12 and 15 dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully presented on beautiful plates.
Days 13–14
Final night in Tokyo
Enjoy your last evening exploring the incredible metropolis of Tokyo before your international flight home.
Where you could stay
Jacada delivered a fully customized Japan vacation for my wife and I that was outstanding in every respect. The itinerary was developed in close coordination with our specific interests and needs. On the ground support for guides, transfers and restaurant reservations was top notch. We can’t wait to begin planning our next trip with Jacada!
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
