Register your interest in our new 2026 Japan Arts and Culture Tour of Tokyo, Kyoto and the Inland Sea tour – click here

Welcome to our new 2026 Japan Arts and Culture Tour – click here

Welcome to our newly minted 2026 tour where we discover some old favourites as well as a couple of new locations. Starting in Tokyo for our orientation, we head to Kyoto to discover ceramics, weaving and Zen Gardens, as well as the famous Aoi Matsuri festival.

Head across the islands of the the Seto Inland Sea to Shikoku via Awaji Island. Spend time in Takamatsu and visit Naoshima including the New Naoshima Art Museum. Discover the joy of Teshima as well.

Drive from Takamatsu via Kurashiki to Hiroshima and the award winning Simose Art Museum.

Is there an itinerary to review?

An itinitial itinerary is here – click here

What are the main locations we will visit?

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

Tokyo (2 nights beginning and 2 nights at end)

Kyoto (3 nights)

The Seto Inland Sea including Awaji Island (1 night)

Takamatsu (3 nights) with Naoshima and Teshima

Hiroshima (2 nights)

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, gardens, 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.

I travel as tour guide.

When will a final itinerary be available?

The final itinerary will be confirmed approx 2-3 months prior to departure.

For a first-time and curious visitor to Japan I found the Art Travel 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 June 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 14 guests

When will you require deposits?

A $2500 deposit will hold your place once a final itinerary and cost is available in June 2025.
An additional $1000 deposit may be required in late 2025.
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.