Cultural Gems of Japan

Arrival
Welcome to Osaka! 

A private driver meets you at the arrivals hall and takes you to your hotel.

Upon arrival in the hotel, you check in and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant city on your own

Osaka Discovery Tour 

In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and to explore Osaka on a full day tour of the city. 

First you visit the Umeda Sky Building, a high rise building that consists of two towers connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.

Then you have a chance to see the Osaka Castle. The construction of the original castle, that was intended to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule, started in 1583. It was the largest castle at the time. Your guide will share with you the history of the castle, that was destroyed and rebuilt since then.

After some time for lunch, you proceed to the Shinsaibashi shopping area, the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and a symbol of the city that has its own history of nearly 400 years. Among the numerous shops you can find here local specialties and great cafes and restaurants.

After having some free time at the Shinsaibashi, you return to your hotel. 

Himeji and Himeji Castle Exploration

Dive deep into the annals of Japanese history with a knowledgeable guide at Himeji, just an hour's train journey from Osaka. Himeji boasts the iconic landmark that epitomizes the essence of Japanese culture: the illustrious Himeji Castle, Japan's premiere UNESCO World Heritage site. Enkyoji, a revered traditional temple, holds the status of a cultural asset nationally recognized.
Wander through its serene precincts, including the municipal hall, the expansive auditorium, and the solemn dining hall, each a testament to spiritual reverence and architectural grandeur. This sacred site has also captured Hollywood's imagination, serving as a picturesque filming location. Then, step into the world of the samurai at Himeji Castle.
Experience the rich tapestry of Japan's feudal era, with captivating tales of warriors and echoes of battles past. The castle's awe-inspiring architecture, both from within and its majestic exterior view, demands admiration.

Departure
Today in the morning, you check out from the hotel and continue your trip to Naoshima. 

Arrival
Welcome to Naoshima!

A private driver meets you at the arrivals hall and takes you to your hotel.

Upon arrival in the hotel, you check in and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant island on your own

Naoshima Art Island Discovery

Experience the artistic heart of Naoshima on this guided tour of Japan’s celebrated art island. Begin with the Art House Project, where traditional homes in Honmura Village are transformed into immersive installations by contemporary artists. Continue to the Naoshima New Museum of Art, showcasing thought-provoking modern works in a striking architectural space.

At the Lee Ufan Museum, explore minimalist sculptures and paintings in harmony with nature, designed by architect Tadao Ando. Then, descend into the Chichu Art Museum, an underground masterpiece housing works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria—lit entirely by natural light.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour offers a unique journey through cutting-edge art, serene landscapes, and the island’s cultural heritage.

Please note, the tour is not available on Monday.

Inujima and Teshima Islands Discovery

Start the day with a ferry ride to the tranquil island of Inujima, where you'll explore the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, an innovative blend of contemporary art and industrial history set in a former copper refinery. Continue with a visit to the Inujima Art House Project, where traditional village houses have been transformed into immersive art installations by renowned artists and architects.

Next, travel by ferry to the picturesque island of Teshima, where a private car awaits to take you on a scenic ride through the island's lush landscapes. First, visit the Teshima Art Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, offering a serene and thought-provoking experience. Then, discover the Teshima Yokoo House, a vibrant space filled with bold artwork and mirrored interiors that invite deep reflection.

If time and conditions allow, the tour may also include a visit to Les Archives du Coeur, an evocative sound installation by Christian Boltanski, preserving heartbeats from around the world in an intimate and emotional experience.

The day concludes with a ferry ride back to Naoshima, having experienced a perfect blend of art, culture, and natural beauty.

Please note, the tour is not available on Monday.

Departure 

Today in the morning, you check out from the hotel and continue your trip to Kyoto. 

Arrival in Kyoto
Upon arrival in Kyoto, a private driver meets you at the train station and takes you to the hotel.

The rest of the day you have at leisure. 

Best of Kyoto Tour & Tea Ceremony 

In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and start your full day exploration of Kyoto.

You start with the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Imperial Family's residence from 794 until 1868, during the times when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Here you have a chance to explore the palace buildings (from the outside) and the gardens, which was just recently opened to the public.

Head to Arashiyama, the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto that is filled with temples and shrines. The highlight of the district is the famed Bamboo Forest, one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto. Standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove is like being in another world, it has a sense of otherness that is very much unlike that of any other forest. This is an experience that is not to be missed!

Your tour continues with visiting Kinkakuji, one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most remarkable Buddhist temples, and a gorgeous golden must-see attraction! So welcome to one of the most luxurious temples in Japan, also known worldwide, reflecting its fame in traditional arts and modern media. Here you will find peace, tranquillity, and spiritual renewal.

Conclude your day with a Japanese tea ceremony experience, that provides an engaging induction to the traditional tea ceremony. This activity dates back hundreds of years and is the most idealistic pastime of ancient Japan. In this ceremony you will have an opportunity to wear traditional kimono robes, taste the green matcha tea and eat unique Japanese sweets specifically made to match the tea's flavour.

After the ceremony you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.  

Fushimi Inari Shrine & Sanjusangendo Temple Discovery
Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of red torii gates, which stand astride a network of trails. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. You can take a hike on these trails and learn how the thousands of the torrid gates appeared here. 

Then you proceed to the Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1001 human sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Once inside, you see a large wooden statue composition of the Kannon, equipped with numerous heads and arms, the goddess of mercy can better witness the suffering of humans and better help them fight the suffering.

After the tour you return to your hotel in Kyoto and have the evening at leisure. 

Departure 

This is the final day of your amazing exploration of Japan. After breakfast and check-out your private driver transfers you to the Kansai airport in time for your flight back home.

We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!