Discover modern art galleries and historic temples on this exclusive journey through the heart of Japan.
Cutting-edge designs intertwine with ancient cultural heritage in Naoshima and Kyoto, from contemporary masterworks to traditional teahouses and ancient Zen temples. In Naoshima, take private tours of world-renowned museums, including the Ando Museum, Teshima Art Museum, and the Benesse House museum, where international artists integrate natural surroundings into the architectural foundation.
Visit UNESCO-listed Castles
Visit the Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its elegant façade and defensive design. In Kanazawa, marvel at samurai-era architecture and explore reconstructed battlegrounds with a private tour of the Kanazawa Castle, then clear your mind with a meditative experience at the innovative D.T. Suzuki Museum. Wander through atmospheric bamboo groves, and meander into traditional shops in Kyoto.
Highlights
- Private access to Naoshima’s world-renowned art sites: Explore Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the Benesse House Museum, where architecture and nature frame powerful contemporary works.
- Guided visit to the Teshima Art Museum: Experience one of Japan’s most poetic spaces, where water, light, and architecture merge in a meditative installation unlike any other.
- Behind-the-scenes architecture tours with expert guides: From Ando’s serene Sayamaike Museum to the futuristic Osaka Culturarium, gain special insight into Japan’s most distinctive contemporary buildings.
- Private tour of Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tour Japan’s most iconic feudal fortress, celebrated for its pristine white walls and ingenious defensive design.
- Curated encounters with Kyoto’s historic and living traditions: Stroll through the atmospheric lanes of Gion and enjoy a private dinner and performance with a maiko (apprentice geisha).
- Contemporary art immersion at the 21st Century Museum in Kanazawa: Discover cutting-edge works in a visionary space designed to foster open dialogue between art and viewer.
- Visit to Katsura Imperial Villa, a masterpiece of Japanese architecture: Explore this refined villa and its gardens, admired worldwide for their spatial harmony and aesthetic restraint.
- Architectural pilgrimage to the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto: Witness iconic Western artworks displayed in an innovative open-air water garden by Tadao Ando.
- Art Collaboration Kyoto Art Fair: Engage with Japan’s vibrant contemporary art scene during a curated international fair that bridges traditional Kyoto craftsmanship with global artistic innovation.
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