Register your interest in our new 2026 Japan Arts and Cultutre Tour of Matsue and the Inland Sea tour – click here

Welcome to our newly minted 2026 tour where we discover another side of Japan. Starting in Tokyo for our orientation, we head to Matsue and the famous Adachi Museum of Art (and gardens). From there we coach to Hiroshima and the surrounding area and begin our Seto Inland Sea journey. 
Visit the Simose Museum of Art and Miyajima Island. 
Head across the Islands of the the Inland Sea to the Shikoku and stop at the Toyo Ito Museum along the way. Admire the views as we weave our way across the sea and stop at viewing points and finish in Imabari. 

Spend four nights on Shikoku Island to visit a range of locations and experiences around Takamatsu. Enjoy a day on Naoshima Island, and then head off the northern end of Shikoku via locations by Tadao Ando and then on to Kyoto before finishing back in Tokyo and home.

Is there an itinerary to review?

An initial itinerary will be due in early 2025

What are the main locations we will visit?

We plan to spend 14 nights in Japan, and cover the following areas:
Tokyo 

Matsue 

Hiroshima

The Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu and Naoshima 

Kyoto

What will we see?

Starting and finishing in Tokyo, we will have experienced a wide range of culture and landscapes. You will find a focus on contemporary art and craft, architecture 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 exploring Japan in a small group and looking forward to a wide range of art and cultural experiences, and heading a little of the standard route. First timers may feel they may want to stay on a day or two to make the most of Tokyo.

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, though mostly by coach, ferry and often 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 guie and manager

When will a final itinerary be available?

The final itinerary will be confirmed approx 3 months prior to departure.

For a first-time and curious visitor to Japan I found the ArtTravel tour to be an outstanding travel experience and a great way to maximise time in a foreign country .
The inclusions offered a wonderful experience of the contrast between the ancient and the contemporary existing hand in hand in such a populous country.

Standouts were the Naoshima Island, Benesse Art sites, the Odawarra Art Foundation and Enoura Observatory, the Robert Yellin Gallery visits, Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavillion, Theaster Gates (Mori Museum), the craft sites – it was all wonderful.

The pace was perfect for me personally, accommodation more than adequate though sometimes on the smaller side however we were in Japan!! and is part of the charm. I loved the entire experience. 10/10 from me.

Wendy, May 2024 

 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, and vice versa. Twin rooms are very common in Japan, Double rooms can not always be guaranteed.

What cost should I expect?

As at January 2025 with current prices is $13999.00 – $14999 per person twin share, excluding international airfares.

A single supplement is previously been around $2500.00 – $3000.00

How many people will you take?

A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 guests

When will you require deposits?

A $1000 deposit will hold your place until a final itinerary and cost is available in early approx March 2025, or sooner.
Once the full itinerary is confirmed an additional $1000 deposit will be required.
Full payment is usually 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?

No, this tour will visit Naoshima Island, but we will not stay. 

How do I register my interest?

Please click here to email your details including contact phone number.