Japan: A Journey Through Craft & Culture

1

Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo

Upon arrival at either Narita or Haneda Airport, your private driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals lobby and will assist you with your transfer to your hotel in Tokyo.

After arrival to the hotel, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Take some time to relax and recover from your journey, and get ready to begin your sightseeing adventures the following day.

2

Edo Kiriko & Yanaka Cultural Experience

Tokyo

Begin your Tokyo journey with a private Edo Kiriko experience at a specialist artisan studio. Learn about the centuries-old tradition of Japanese cut glass and create your own piece under the guidance of an experienced craftsman.

After the experience, continue to Yanaka, one of the city's most atmospheric historic neighborhoods. Explore Yanaka Ginza and the surrounding traditional streets before enjoying a private tea ceremony at Yuka-An, offering an intimate introduction to the refined rituals of Japanese tea culture.

Continue to Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo's oldest and most distinctive Shinto shrines, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Transportation: Private Vehicle

3

Adachi Market & Old Town Shibamata: Half-Day Tour

Tokyo

Begin the morning at Adachi Market, experiencing the authentic atmosphere of one of Tokyo's local food markets and discovering fresh local produce.

Continue to historic Shibamata, known for its traditional old-Tokyo atmosphere. Visit Shibamata Taishakuten and stroll along Taishakuten Sando, lined with traditional shops and local specialties.

Continue to Yamamoto-tei, an elegant traditional residence with beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, before returning to your hotel around midday.

Transportation: Private Vehicle

4

Tokyo to Takayama - A Traditional Ryokan Stay

Takayama

This morning, travel from Tokyo to Takayama by Shinkansen and Limited Express. A dedicated support staff member will assist you at Tokyo Station, making your departure smooth and stress-free. 

Upon arrival in Takayama, transfer by private vehicle to your traditional ryokan. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax in your private semi-open-air bath, enjoy the tranquil ryokan atmosphere and savour a refined Kaiseki dinner featuring Hida Wagyu beef.

Transportation: Private Vehicle

5

Takayama Craftsmanship & Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go

Begin the day with a brief walk through Takayama's beautifully preserved old town, taking in its traditional wooden streets and historic atmosphere.

Continue with a private Takayama Craftsmanship Experience at the workshop of Master Yasuaki Hachino, a nationally recognized Miya-Daiku craftsman. Discover the intricate art of traditional Japanese carpentry, rarely seen by visitors, and create your own handmade chopsticks using traditional tools under the master's guidance.

After the experience, travel by private vehicle to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses and spectacular mountain setting. Explore the historic village before continuing to Kanazawa.

Transportation: Private Vehicle

6

Kanazawa Heritage & the Art of Kintsugi

Kanazawa

Begin the day with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated landscape gardens, followed by Kanazawa Castle.

Continue to Omicho Market, Kanazawa's historic food market, where you can enjoy lunch and experience the region's rich culinary culture.

In the afternoon, take part in a private Kintsugi experience. Discover the traditional Japanese art of repairing ceramics with lacquer and gold, and learn about the philosophy and craftsmanship behind this distinctive technique.

Finish the day in the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District, known for its beautifully preserved wooden teahouses, traditional architecture and local craftsmanship.

Transportation: Private Vehicle

7

Samurai Heritage & Kutani-Yaki Ceramic Arts

Kanazawa

Explore the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, once home to Kanazawa’s samurai families. Visit the beautifully preserved Nomura Samurai House and discover the refined lifestyle, architecture and traditions of the former samurai class.

After lunch, enjoy a private Kutani-Yaki Ceramic Arts experience at Kutani Kosen Kiln, a historic kiln with a tradition spanning more than 150 years. Discover this distinctive Ishikawa craft, renowned for its vibrant overglaze painting and the traditional “Gosai” technique, which combines five rich colors to create intricate and expressive designs. Gain a closer insight into the craftsmanship and artistic traditions that have shaped Kutani-Yaki through generations.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Transportation: Private Vehicle

8

Shinkansen to Kyoto & Kyo-Yuzen Workshop

Kyoto

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kanazawa and meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to Kanazawa Station.

Travel to Kyoto in the comfort of the Shinkansen Green Car. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, meet your private guide and driver and continue to a private kimono craftsmanship experience.

Visit the atelier of a master kimono craftsman who has created kimonos for members of the Japanese Imperial Family. Learn about the artistry behind traditional kimono making and discover the differences between hand-painted and printed designs directly from the master.

During the experience, try your hand at traditional painting techniques and create your own design under the craftsman’s guidance, gaining a rare insight into the precision and artistry behind this centuries-old tradition.

After the experience, continue by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.

9

Japanese Knife Making & Zen

Kyoto

Begin the day with a hands-on Japanese knife-making experience, where you will discover the craftsmanship and precision behind traditional Japanese blades and create a piece of your own under the guidance of experienced artisans. 

Later, continue to Myoshin-ji Taizo-in for a special private visit outside regular hours. Enjoy the peaceful temple atmosphere and take part in a Zazen meditation experience, followed by matcha. 

This day offers an intimate introduction to two different aspects of Japanese tradition - meticulous craftsmanship and the quiet spirituality of Zen.  

10

Tea Culture in Uji

Uji

Leave Kyoto for a private day trip to Uji, one of Japan’s most celebrated destinations for green tea. 

Spend the day discovering the tranquil atmosphere and tea culture of this historic town. In the afternoon, visit Nakamura Tokichi for a special tea experience, where you will learn more about Japanese tea traditions and try grinding green tea yourself before enjoying an authentic tea ceremony. 

After the experience, return to your hotel in Kyoto by private vehicle.  

11

Shinkansen to Kurashiki & Private Highlights Tour

Kurashiki

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel west in the comfort of the Shinkansen Green Car to Okayama.

Upon arrival at Okayama Station, meet your private guide and private driver and begin a private highlights tour of Kurashiki. Discover the historic atmosphere of the city with your guide before continuing to your traditional ryokan for check-in.

After the tour, your private vehicle will drop you off at Ryokan Kurashiki, an intimate traditional ryokan located in the heart of Kurashiki’s historic Bikan Quarter.

In the evening, enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner prepared with carefully selected local ingredients. The following morning, start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast served at the ryokan.

12

Kojima Denim & Craftsmanship

Kurashiki

Travel by private vehicle to Kojima, renowned as the birthplace of Japanese denim and one of Japan’s most celebrated centers of premium jeans production.

Discover the area’s distinctive denim culture and learn about the craftsmanship, techniques and attention to detail that have earned Kojima denim an international reputation.

Take part in a hands-on denim workshop, where you will have the opportunity to create and customize your own denim piece while gaining a closer insight into the craftsmanship behind this iconic Japanese industry.

After the experience, return by private vehicle to your ryokan in Kurashiki.

13

Shinkansen to Osaka & Japanese Woodcraft

Osaka

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel by private vehicle to Okayama Station. From there, board the Shinkansen Green Car for the journey to Osaka. 

Upon arrival, meet your private driver and continue into the city. 

In the afternoon, discover another side of Japanese craftsmanship through a hands-on woodworking experience. Using Japanese cedar, create your own traditional “breathing” bento box and chopsticks while learning about the natural materials and techniques behind these beautifully crafted everyday objects. 

After the experience, continue to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Japan at leisure.  

14

Departure from Osaka

Osaka

Enjoy your final morning in Osaka before checking out from your hotel. 

At the scheduled time, your private English-speaking driver will meet you at the hotel for a comfortable transfer to Kansai International Airport. 

We hope you leave Japan with wonderful memories of its craftsmanship, traditions, landscapes and culture.