Japan art and architecture tour

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

Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi. 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 take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

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 avant-garde district ; 
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial sanctuary ;
- Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the capital ; 
- Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ; 
- Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

For art aficionados, head to the Tokyo National Museum, Japan's oldest and largest. Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of artistic wonders spanning centuries. From delicate Buddhist sculptures to vibrant Shinto paintings, explore the evolution of Japanese art under one roof. 

For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop". Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit:

- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district ;
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market ;
- Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ;
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
- Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

In terms of architecture, you may come across buildings designed by Kengo Kuma, Takamitsu Azuma's Tower House or even Rie's Hoshinoya Palace (details in your travel diary).

Embark on a captivating architectural odyssey through the heart of Tokyo! 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.

This comprehensive tour offers a unique perspective on Tokyo! By the end, you'll see Tokyo's cityscape with fresh eyes, appreciating the architectural tapestry woven throughout its history.

Last night in Tokyo.

In the morning, head to Osaka by shinkansen (direct, included in your package).

Check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days? 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 ;
- Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

For architecture lovers, the Church of the Light located in the city of Ibaraki (Osaka prefecture) and designed by Tadao Andô is a must-see!

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 (the drive takes about 1 hour, mostly on highways)!

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 yesterday.

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. 

Please note that the car must be returned before 5pm. You can of course return it earlier, or even the day before when you arrive in Takamatsu.

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

Breakfast at the hotel.

We recommend you to spend the day visiting Naoshima Island. The ferry terminal is a 20 minute walk from the centre and it only takes 50 minutes to reach the island (about 8€/pers round trip). Details in your travel diary. Bikes are a great way to explore the island (optional rental on this trip).

Naoshima Island is world-famous for its modern art museums, the architecture of some of its buildings, and the scattered outdoor sculptures throughout its territory. These numerous museums and buildings were designed by the architect Andô Tadao. You will be impressed, among other things, by Monet's Water Lilies, displayed in a simple room where you enter without shoes!

Please note that a reservation is required in order to access the Chichu Art Museum. 

Ditch the manicured landscapes today! We're trading serenity for a touch of wild on a charming, small island. This hidden gem boasts fascinating museums with stunning architecture and unmissable collections. 

Return to Takamatsu at the end of the day by the same route as in the morning, in the middle of the 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.

Then, head to Kurashiki by train (1 transfer, included in your package). Prepare to cross a marvel of engineering – the world's longest bridge for both cars and trains – as you arrive on Honshû Island.

Check-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 (1 change, included in your package). Halfway there, consider adding a stop in Himeji to marvel at its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle. Once arrived, check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).

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.

Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset. Meet your guide at 7pm to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district. More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

This 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).

At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion. 

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. See details in your travel diary.

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

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!