Osaka - Hiroshima - Naoshima - Kurashiki - Kyoto - Tokyo


Delve into the fascinating world of Japanese heritage with Exotissimo's Art & Culture Japan tour. Enjoy a detailed journey through various cities and towns in Japan witnessing some of the finest artwork from the past and the present. Accommodation is complemented by equally impressive hotels and resorts.

 

The tour wastes no time in presenting Japan's artistic desires. Arrive at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, an architectural masterpiece built on an artificial island. Grasp some of the city's artistic grandeur at the National Museum of Modern Art Osaka. Head to Nara and the town's national museum, noted for its impressive displays of Buddhist art.

 

Next destination is Hiroshima, infamous for its atomic bomb history and famous for its laid back ambiance filled with wide boulevards, cuisine and art museums. Visit some of the country's finest displays of work, ranging from contemporary pieces from well-known international artisans to traditional pieces. A visit to a manga (comic book) museum is also included.

 

The detailed Japan tour continues to Naoshima, the country's art island before experiencing a quaint canal town at Kurashiki. The town is known for its rice storehouses, many of which have been converted into museums, boutiques and cafes. 

 

Embrace the heritage and artistic flair at Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital. The city is home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and temples, 17 of which are UNESCO Heritage Sights. The city certainly is a mix of modern and tradition. Learn the history of Japanese language at the home of a local calligraphy instructor before setting on out to explore the city's wide world of temples and museums.

 

The Japan tour concludes in Tokyo, the world renowned vibrant capital. Time in the city is spent exploring the old and traditional works followed by the new and contemporary in some of the most vibrant museums and art districts. 

Day 1 - Arrive Osaka


Arrive in Osaka. You will be welcomed by our airport representative who will assist you with transferring by limousine bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

 

Overnight at the Imperial Hotel, Osaka.


Day 2 - Osaka (B)


Explore some of Osaka's art, starting with the National Museum of Modern Art. Then, take the 45 minute train ride to Nara, and explore the town's temples and nature at Nara Park. Head back to Osaka for a night at the hotel.

 

Overnight at the Imperial Hotel, Osaka.


Day 3 - Osaka to Hiroshima (B)


Leave Osaka for Hiroshima on board the world famous bullet train. Explore some of the city's world class work at The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Hiroshima Museum of Art. The Hiroshima City Manga Library  will also be visited.

 

Overnight at Hotel Flex Hiroshima.


Day 4 - Hiroshima (B)


More museums will be visited, this time touching the city's tragic atomic bomb past. The Memorial Park, the Children's Peace Museum and the Peace Memorial Museum are all moving yet inspiring displays.

 

Overnight at Hotel Flex Hiroshima.


Day 5 - Hiroshima - Naoshima (B)


Hop back in the bullet train for the ride to Naoshima, Japan's Art Island. Wander around the town's museums, exploring various pieces of art ranging from contemporary to traditional.

 

Overnight at Benesse House.


Day 6 - Naoshima - Kurashiki (B,D)


Explore Naoshima before taking the ferry back to the mainland for the short train ride to Kurashiki. Discover the town's icons; the white-walled rice storehouses, some of which have been converted into museums, boutiques and cafes.

 

Overnight Tsurugata Ryokan, Kurashiki.


Day 7 - Kurashiki (B,D)


Wander around town, exploring more of the town's museums, strolling past the narrow streets and canals and stopping for beverages at cafes along the way. A trip to Okayama (15 minutes) to visit to visit Koraku-en, one of Japan's top gardens is optional.

 

Overnight at Tsurugata Ryokan, Kurashiki.


Day 8 - Kurashiki - Kyoto (B)


Take the 90 minute train ride to Kyoto. Today, visit the home of a calligraphy instructor before retiring to the hotel room.

 

Overnight at Granvia Hotel, Kyoto.


Day 9 - Kyoto (B)


Start the day at the Miho Museum, consisting of works from ancient civilizations throughout the world. Visit Kiyomizu Temple before heading back to town for a stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district.

 

Overnight at Granvia Hotel, Kyoto


Day 10 - Kyoto - Tokyo (B)


Take the Shinkansen bullet train to the capital, Tokyo. Explore the city or relax at leisure.

 

Overnight at Park Hotel, Tokyo.


Day 11 - Tokyo (B)


Take the metro to various Tokyo destinations. Visit Ueno Park, situated in Tokyo's Shitamachi District and home to some prestigious art galleries and museums. Follow up with Roppongi, Tokyo's art district, home to some modern works.

 

Overnight at Park Hotel, Tokyo.


Day 12 - Depart Tokyo (B)


The day is at leisure until the transfer to the airport by train or shuttle bus. 


Tour Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Tour Operates: Year Round / On Demand
Tour Price: Available upon Request

Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.


 

Our Art and Cultural Package Includes: 

  • Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Airport Meet and Greet and return airport transfers
  • All transport between destinations
  • 14 Day Japan Rail Pass and PASMO Tokyo transport pass
  • English speaking local guide in Tokyo (1 day), Kyoto (1day) and Hiroshima (1/2 day)
  • All entrance fees and transport on Days 4 (morning only), 9 and 11.
  • Calligraphy Lesson
  • Information Pack


 

Our Art and Cultural Package does not Include: 

  • International and domestic flights 
  • Meals other than mentioned above.
  • Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc.).
  • Travel insurance (please see below).
  • Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.

 

 

Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Japan tour to your individual specifications.



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