Explore Japan’s art islands, temples, museums, and pottery workshops on land and aboard Guntû

Travel with Asian art scholar Chris Noey from Osaka to Kyoto, featuring three nights aboard Guntû, a 17-cabin floating ryokan. Before the cruise, explore one of the world’s finest collections of East Asian ceramics on a guided visit to the Museum of Oriental Ceramics. Aboard Guntû, explore the celebrated art scene of Japan’s art islands, including Tadao Ando’s subterranean masterpiece, the Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima.  Step ashore in Okayama to take part in centuries-old traditions, including a pottery workshop and Japanese tea ceremony in Bizen. Continue to Nara for a monk-led visit to the UNESCO-listed Todai-ji temple complex.

Highlights

• Enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality and refinement aboard the elegant 17-cabin Guntû, a meticulously designed floating ryokan (inn). 
• Tour venerated temples and renowned museums, including Todai-ji with its Great Buddha in Nara, the Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki, and the Kyoto National Museum. 
• Experience Japan’s world-renowned contemporary art scene on the island of Naoshima, including an early visit to the Tadao Ando-designed Chichu Art Museum.
• Immerse yourself in Bizen pottery culture with a private visit to Bizen Gallery Kai with artist Taiga Mori, a hands-on pottery workshop, and a traditional tea ceremony at Saboe. 
• Savor a refined kaiseki dinner at Minokichi Honten Takeshigerou, an historic restaurant founded in 1716, accompanied by a graceful maiko performance.
• Explore Marugame Castle, one of the only “original” Japanese castles still intact, and stroll the expansive lawns of Korakuen, one of Japan’s three most celebrated landscape gardens.
• Visit the preserved 1937 machiya and workshop of Kawai Kanjiro, one of Japan’s most influential 20th-century potters.