Day 4 Osaka – Naoshima Art Island [B, D]

Travel to Naoshima, an Island of art in the Inland Sea, which has attracted worldwide attention for its many contemporary art museums. Naoshima was selected by sightseeing magazine Conde Naste as one of the “seven places in the world you should see next.” We visit the inspiring Chichu museum, both a museum and a work of art in its own right. We also take in Benesse House, the Art House Project and outdoor art exhibition. Check in at Benesse House Naoshima for 2 nights. Dinner at hotel.     

Accommodation: Benesse House Naoshima or similar for 2 nights

Day 5 Naoshima – Teshima – Naoshima [B, L, D]

Today we visit the Teshima Art Museum which stands on a hill on the nearby island of Teshima, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The museum, which resembles a water droplet at the moment of landing, is located in the corner of a rice terrace that was restored in collaboration with local residents. The building has been described as “architectural poetry” and “a wonderfully sublime architectural experience”. With sounds kept to a whisper, time seems to stand still as you stroll inside this 2400m² work of art.  We will also visit some other art installations on Teshima before returning to Naoshima. Dinner at hotel

Day 6 Naoshima – Kyoto [B, D]

After checking out from Benesse House we catch an Inland Sea Ferry to Uno port and then travel on to Kyoto by Bullet Train and check in to our hotel for 2 nights.  Tonight, we enjoy a savoury pancake (okonomiyaki) dinner at a local restaurant.

 Accommodation: Hotel Okura Kyoto or similar for 2 nights

Day 7 Kyoto [B, L]

Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was the main centre for the evolution of religious and secular architecture and of garden design for almost a thousand years. During our stay in Kyoto we will get to experience this first hand, beginning today with a morning sightseeing tour visiting two of its most famous UNESCO world heritage sites, the Golden Pavilion and Zuihou-in Zen temple & rock garden. Kinkakuji is a beautiful Zen temple whose top two stories are completely covered in gold leaf.  After a morning of healthy exercise exploring temples and gardens, we will enjoy a Teppanyaki lunch at Tokiwa. This afternoon we visit Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming dazzling tunnels as they wend their way up the mountainside. We transfer back to the hotel. Evening is at leisure.

Day 8 Kyoto [B]

Day at leisure.  Perhaps stroll along the Kamogawa river or explore the colourful downtown shopping arcades and famous department stores. Your tour escort will be happy to help organise your activities

Day 9 Kyoto – Mt.Fuji & Hakone [B, L, D]

This morning we check out from our hotel in Kyoto and travel by Bullet Train to Odawara to visit  Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park. It is difficult to really get a feel for the massive mountain from pictures alone. Today (weather permitting) you will see Mt. Fuji from far enough away to appreciate its amazing symmetry and close enough to experience the awe its presence has instilled in the Japanese people and begin to understand its place in their culture. On our way to view the mountain from another vantage point, we will take a cruise across Lake Ashi in the Hakone National Park and then board the gondola up the side of Mt. Komagatake. After some time at the upper gondola station, we return to the lakeside for casual lunch at a local restaurant. We will also visit the 70,000 m² Hakone Open-air Art Museum, with permanent exhibits from Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro and Moore. There is also a rotating indoor exhibition of 300 Picasso works. After enjoying the museum, we check in at a nearby Onsen resort, Hakone Kowakien Tenyu.  This evening we will enjoy a beautiful multi-course Japanese meal at the ryokan. Enjoy the onsen experience, by bathing in the enormous open-air onsen with infinite horizon view or relax in your own room’s private open-air bath.

Accommodation: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu or similar for 1 night

Day 10 Hakone – Tokyo [B]

This morning, before heading back to Tokyo we will visit the Okada Museum of Art which features an impressive collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean works of art ranging from ancient times through to the present age. Mid-afternoon, we check in at our luxury hotel for 2 nights at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar for 2 nights

Day 11 Tokyo [B, Farewell Drinks & Light Dinner]

This morning we will visit the Nezu museum, dedicated to a vast collection of over 7,400 works of Japanese and East Asian art. The museum integrates traditional art forms, modern Japanese architecture, and a Japanese landscape garden into one harmonious complex.  Relax this evening with farewell drinks and a light meal at the Imperial Lounge.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar for 1 night

Day 12 Tokyo [B]

Today is our last day in Japan, so you might wish to do some last-minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. 12:00 check out from the hotel. Tour concludes.

Note: Tokyo airport transfer is not included in the tour. Please check with JANESCO for your options.

~ Sayounara ~

.