Awash with ancient rituals and artistry while remaining at the forefront of innovation, Japan is a land of contradictions and creative mastery. Explore its many facets on a curated journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa and the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima.
12 days
Mar-May, Jul-Nov
$27,495
This journey offers a profound exploration of Japan, offering curated access to some of the country’s best and most exclusive art spaces, as well as hands-on lessons in centuries-old art forms by experienced practitioners. From Tokyo’s vibrant modern museums and Kyoto’s traditional teahouses to the heritage crafts of Kanazawa and the contemporary art scene of Naoshima and Teshima islands, this expertly curated itinerary spans the cultural landscape of central Japan. Along the way, enjoy stunning scenery including the Seto Inland Sea, exhilarating bullet train journeys, refined gastronomy and characterful accommodation that places you right in the heart of the action.
Uncover the eclectic and unexpected attractions that have earned Tokyo the reputation of Asia's capital of cool
Visit renowned art galleries across central Japan, from the capital’s cutting-edge MOMAT to Kanazawa’s UFO-shaped contemporary art museum
Try your hand at pottery throwing and uncover the heritage art of silk dying in Kanazawa, a living museum of Edo-era architecture, home to art galleries and handicrafts
Curated experiences in Kyoto unlock the essence of old Japan, including origami and kimono lessons at a traditional machiya townhouse
Immerse yourself in modern art amid some of Japan’s most serene landscapes on the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima
Stay overnight at a unique museum-hotel designed by architect Tadao Ando, where art, design and nature converge in a remarkable environment
Designed by us, tailored to you
This Tailormade Journey is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure, ready to be customized by you. Choose the hotels you want to stay in, enhance your journey with extra experiences, and tell us where else you want to go.
Customize your itinerary further by viewing and adding to your wishlist.
Tokyo, Japan
An intoxicating blend of Imperial-era grandeur and genre-bending youth culture
Your A&K Experiences: Exploring the galleries of Roppongi with your local guide offers a special insight into the cutting-edge art scene of Tokyo. Visit Perrotin, the Japanese branch of French art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin’s renowned gallery, and ShugoArts, founded by Shugo Satani, son of legendary collector and gallerist Kazuhiko Satani, for a deeper understanding of Japan's place in today’s art world. Spend further days exploring Tokyo’s great art museums and monuments, and learning the art of sake brewing with high-end tastings.
Your Hotel:
Kanazawa, Japan
Follow in the footsteps of the noble samurai
Your A&K Experiences: Learn the intricate process of crafting ceramic at a Kutani pottery workshop, where nearly 400 years of tradition come to life, creating a personalized memento; tour fascinating silk dyeing studios employing centuries-old techniques; and visit Nomura-ke, an exquisitely restored samurai residence. Elsewhere in the city, Omicho Ichiba, a vast covered market dating back to 1721, and the time-warp teahouses of Higashi Chaya-gai, the thriving geisha district, await guided exploration.
Your Hotel:
Kyoto, Japan
Tradition thrives in Kyoto, a city of pagodas, geiko and Michelin-starred restaurants
Your A&K Experiences: Explore Kyoto's rich cultural heritage via traditional vestments, donning an intricately layered kimono under guidance within an authentic machiya townhouse. Afterwards, delve into the art of origami, learning to transform simple squares of paper into elegant sculptures – a craft that has flourished in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1867).
Your Hotel:
Naoshima, Japan
A hub for contemporary art in the Seto Inland Sea
Your A&K Experiences: Your time in Naoshima revolves around tours of great contemporary art institutions, including Chichu Art Museum and Lee Ufan Museum. Stay at the uniquely captivating Benesse House, a museum and hotel designed by Tadao Ando, where art, architecture and nature converge in a remarkable environment. On Teshima Island, a boat ride away, tour Teshima Yokoo House, a renovated harbor-facing home turned art space; Teshima Art Museum, a droplet-shaped marvel in a restored rice terrace; and “Les Archives du Cœur”, where Christian Boltanski has been recording heartbeats since 2008. Add your own to this global collection.
Your Hotel:
Enhance Your Journey with Add-On Experiences
Catch all the amazing add-on experiences available for your entire trip. Whether you missed something earlier or want to see everything in one place, here’s your opportunity to make sure you don`t miss out on any incredible experiences.
Tokyo, Japan
The neon-lit nightlife of Shinjuku
Sky-high Shinjuku is the Tokyo of your imagination: a frenetic whirl of bright lights and bustling street life. With your guide’s insider knowledge, you will discover the neighborhood’s best spots after dark, from hip cocktail hangouts to the eclectic dive bars of the Golden Gai.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s pop culture treasures
From Studio Ghibli to Hello Kitty, Japan’s cast of quirky, cutesy characters is known the world over, and like a pop-up picture-book, they all come to life in Tokyo. Uncover the secrets of their success on a personalized walking tour, led by your expert guide.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto's sake heritage
Explore Fushimi, renowned for its world-class sake, with a sake master. Visit Kyoto's oldest breweries, enjoy tastings, and learn about the 2,000-year-old craft at Gekkeikan Okura, Fushimi's historic brewery and museum.
Kyoto, Japan
Private Kyoto dinner hosted by a geiko
Experience an intimate evening in Kyoto, dining privately with a geiko hostess. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine as you witness the art of dance, music and conversation, gaining rare insights into a tradition dating back to the elite tea houses of the mid-17th century.
Your Stay Options
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Tokyo, Japan
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Kanazawa, Japan
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Kyoto, Japan
Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Kyoto, Japan
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Naoshima, Japan
Benesse House
Explore More
Many of our travelers also love visiting these remarkable spots, consider adding these popular nearby attractions to your itinerary.
Hiroshima, Japan
Takayama, Japan
More
Japan adventures
Tailormade Journeys
Japan: A Journey of Discovery
11 days
Priced from $25,995
Tailormade Journeys
Japan’s Cultural Heartland
8 days
Priced from $24,495
Tailormade Journeys
Off the Beaten Track in Japan
12 days
Priced from $31,495
See Where A&K Can Take You
no results found
