Japan art and architecture tour

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

Welcome after passing through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi. Included, but unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details). 

The 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 may be made before your hotel. 

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

What to do in Tokyo on your first day ? 

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts: 

• Harajuku, the trendy youth district
• Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street in the Japanese capital
• Omotesando, often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
• Shibuya and its impressive crossing One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

More details on the exact day and meeting place will be in your travel diary.

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest exploring: 

- Ginza, Tokyo's chic shopping district

- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market 

- Hama-rikyu, the peaceful Japanese garden between Tokyo's tall buildings 

- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river 

- Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital 

- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset

For your last day in Tokyo embark on a captivating architectural odyssey through the heart of the city! By the end, you'll see Tokyo's cityscape with fresh eyes, appreciating the architectural tapestry woven throughout its history. 

This guided tour, led by an English-speaking expert, begins at 9 am and whisks you away on a journey of discovery until 5 pm. 

• Prepare to be awestruck by Tokyo's remarkable architectural evolution. Your journey starts in Shiodome, the bustling hub of international business, where modern skyscrapers pierce the sky. 
• From there, you'll delve into the heart of Ginza, Tokyo's famed "Fifth Avenue", where iconic luxury brands reside in architecturally stunning buildings. 
• Finally, the tour culminates in the elegant district of Omotesando, where cutting-edge contemporary structures redefine the Tokyo skyline.

In the morning, head to Osaka by shinkansen 

We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts : 

• Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees
• The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings
• Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district
• Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping
• The must see Church of the Light located in the city of Ibaraki and designed by Tadao Andô for achitecture lovers
• Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai. One of our many experienced English-speaking assistant can slo guide you throughout your visit!

In the morning, pick up your rental car near your Osaka hotel and set off on a scenic adventure to Awaji Island. Buckle up for a thrilling journey across the world's longest suspension bridge, an experience in itself! 

Your travel diary serves as your personal roadmap, highlighting architectural gems and must-see sights along the way: 

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Kobe, known for its futuristic harbor and bustling Chinatown - Marvel at the unique "Paper Church" designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban
• Relax on a stunning long sandy beach overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of a sprawling flower park, a Japanese favorite - Enjoy a meal with a view at an amphitheatre restaurant overlooking the sea
• Pay your respects at a colossal Buddha statue standing guard over the coast
• Long sandy beach on the inland sea. 

Finally, arrive at your destination : Awaji Yumebutai, a stunning seaside complex designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Andô. Park your car and unwind in your comfortable room at the on-site 4* hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

A scenic drive takes you to Takamatsu (1h45, mainly on highways), a charming town on the Seto Inland Sea. 

There are several stops along the way, including: 

• Visit Ise Grand Shrine, Japan's oldest
• Witness the awe-inspiring Naruto Whirlpools
• See a life-size Sistine Chapel replica
• Explore Ryôzen-ji, the 88 Temples pilgrimage starting point ;
• Delve into sculptor museums
• Visit the unique teeth museum. 

Choose wisely, you won't be able to do everything! By late afternoon, unwind at your comfy 3* hotel with parking in Takamatsu.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Garden lover or not, prepare to be mesmerised by the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful garden in Japan, a sprawling 16-hectare masterpiece of Japanese landscaping.  

You can use your car as it is located outside the city centre. This gives you the perfect opportunity to visit those fascinating museums you spotted on the outskirts of Takamatsu the day before.

 Later, delve into Takamatsu's unique offerings. Discover the art of bonsai in the charming village south of the city, tantalise your taste buds at one of the many exciting restaurants or unwind with a beverage at a lively bar or café.  

Finally, rest comfortably at your Takamatsu hotel, ready for your next adventure.

We recommend spending the day exploring Naoshima Island. Bicycles are available as an option and are a great way to get around and enjoy the island’s unique atmosphere. 

Naoshima is world-famous for its contemporary art museums, striking Tadao Ando architecture, and outdoor sculptures scattered across the landscape. One of the highlights is seeing Monet’s Water Lilies in a serene, minimalist room where visitors enter barefoot. 

Expect something different today: a small, characterful island with a wilder feel, captivating museums, bold architecture, and remarkable collections. 

At the end of the day, return to Takamatsu via the same route, passing through the peaceful Japanese countryside. 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Kurashiki. Prepare to cross a marvel of engineering, the world's longest bridge for both cars and trains as you arrive on Honshû Island before checking in at your ryôkan. 

Kurashiki, an old commercial metropolis lined with canals will certainly seduce you : 

• Bikan, a district with typical architecture
• The Ohara Museum, keeper of paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others
• The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to regional history 

In the evening, savor a delectable traditional Japanese dinner before unwinding in your tranquil tatami room.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan 

In the morning, reach Kyoto. Halfway there, consider adding a stop in Himeji to marvel at its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle. 

Upon you arrival in Kyoto, don't hesitate to admire the central station, a true glass and steel temple designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara in 1997.  

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation: 

• Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple
• The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka
• Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

We advise you to start your visit to Kyoto slowly by visiting the city centre and the Gion district:

• Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market
• Nijô Castle, former residence of the shogun
• Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain. 

A captivating walk promises a fascinating journey through Japanese architectural history. Witness the evolution firsthand, from the charming "machiya" townhouses of the Heian period (794-1185) to the distinctive "kura" warehouses built during the Meiji era (1868-1912).

For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary: 

• The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
• The enchanting Philosopher's Path
• Nanzen-ji temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm). 

Craving a final dose of modern architectural marvel? Head to the awe-inspiring Miho Museum, designed by the legendary architect Ieoh Ming Pei, the same mastermind behind the iconic Louvre Pyramid in Paris.

Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied). 

Return flight to your home country but don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we would be glad to help you!