Art and Ceramics of Japan
26 October – 09 November 2024
With ArtTravel and Peter & Julie Collis
“This will be the seventh time I have toured Japan. Our last trip with Glen and ArtTravel was by far the best all round experience I have had. The next one is looking as good or better. It is a balance between seeing selected ceramics and potters, contemporary art, gardens, eating wonderful food and absorbing Japanese culture in a fun and relaxed way. This tour will cater to those with all levels of interest in Japan and Japanese ceramics. Touring Japan always provides unexpected contrasts and encounters. I look forward to sharing Japan with you in 2024.”
Peter Collis
“The 2019 Art Travel Japan Art trip was truly memorable! Peter and I had so much fun with such a wonderful group. Everyday brought new wonders to enjoy, from being welcomed into the home of the ‘Raku Master’ with a traditional tea ceremony to the architectural wonders of Naoshima, the ‘art island’. We covered contemporary and traditional pottery and art, wandered magical gardens and ate amazing food. Can’t wait to go again!’
Julie Collis
Join ArtTravel on a repeat of our 2019 ceramics oriented tour with Peter and Julie Collis.
This tour will have ceramics at its core, but encompass all things Japan including temples and shrines, pop culture, art, alleyways, architecture, landscapes and gardens, food, people and places.
What are the main locations we would visit?
We plan to spend 12 days in Japan, and cover the following areas:
Tokyo – at the beginning and the end of the tour, visiting local neighbourhoods, getting lost in alleyways, discovering amazing architecture, gardens and galleries.
Kanazawa – including the Museum of the 21st Century
Kyoto – The Robert Yellin Gallery, Kawai Kanjio’s House, a selection of galleries, temples and shrines,
The Seto Inland Sea and Naoshima – discover the Inland Sea by boat
Other locations I am considering would be Saitama, Hakone & Odawarra, Takamatsu, Kurashiki, Shigaraki
What will we see?
Starting and finishing in Tokyo, we will have experienced a wide range of culture and landscapes. You will find contemporary art and craft, ceramics, shrines and temples. We will visit museums and galleries large and small, old and new.
Who will enjoy this tour?
This tour will be enjoyed by anyone interested in ceramics in general but in the contect of exploring Japan in a small group and looking forward to a wide range of cultural experiences.
How will we travel?
We may travel around Tokyo by subway and we will take local trains.
We may take a domestic flight, a Bullet train, and a coach and sometimes a taxi.
Will we have a guide?
It is likely we will have a local guide for some or all of our time depending on mode of transport. If on a chartered coach a local guide will be required.
I travel as tour manager and part guide as required.
We will travel with noted New Zealand ceramciists Peter and Julie Collis.
When will a final itinerary be available?
An initial itinerary based on our 2019 tour is available here, though some things will remain the same and some will be different.
What type of accommodation do we stay in?
Generally we stay in 4 star western style hotels, often nearby a train station for convenience. Note we forgo quality for size sometimes.
What cost should I expect?
From past experience I would expect this to cost somewhere between $10000 and $12000 per person twin share coach and guide hire, not including flights.
A single supplement has previously been around $2500
How many people will you take?
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16 guests
When will you require deposits?
A $500 deposit will hold your place until a final itinerary and cost is available in late early 2024.
Once the full itinerary is confirmed a $1500 deposit will be required.
Full payment is usually 2-3 months prior.
What level of fitness do I need?
Japan is a destination often required to be explored on foot, and a moderate degree of fitness is required. Climbing stairs is often required at subway stations, and in some instances traversing an escalator with your suitcase may be required.
Will we stay at Benesse House on Naoshima?
This tour will not stay at Benesse House but will visit the islands by private boat from Takamatsu.