• Home
  • About us
  • Destinations
    • Bhutan travel
    • Burma Travel
    • China Travel
    • Canada Travel
    • Iceland Travel
    • India travel
    • Indochina travel
    • Indonesia travel
    • Japan Self Guided Tours
    • Nepal travel
    • Russia travel
    • South America travel
    • Tibet travel
    • USA travel
  • Walking holidays
    • Shin Etsu Trail Japan
    • Bhutan explorer and Bumthang Owl Trek
    • Great Ocean Walk
    • Annapurna circuit
    • Camino de Santiago or St James Way
    • Cape to Cape track
    • Mont Blanc circuit walking through Italy, France, Switzerland
    • Aussie Explorers
  • Blogs
    • Travel Blogs
      • Time to Cruise
      • Grouse Grind
      • Golden rules of watching wildlife
      • Best Hotel Rooftop Bars
      • What to know before you visit North Korea
      • Best Towns in Central America
      • Top places to visit in Botswana
      • Top free things to do whilst travelling
    • Hiking Blogs
      • Bushwalk goes bad
      • Grouse Grind
      • South Coast Track Tasmania
      • Great Wall of China most spectacular wild hikes
      • Snow Shoe Kosciuszko
      • Larapinta Trail
      • Trekking India: Top 5 destinations
      • Wollangambe crater
      • Narrow Neck to Tarros Ladder
      • Kanangra Walls to Crafts Walls
      • Wild Dog Mountains walk
      • Jagungal Wilderness area Round Mountain Trail
      • Great Ocean Walk blog
  • Cycling Holidays
    • Cycle Burma 14 days
    • Cycle Argentina Chile
    • Cycle Bangkok to Phuket
    • Cycle China 15 days
    • Cycle Cuba 8 days
    • Cycle India 15 days
    • Cycle Pakistan Kyrgzstan China
    • Cycling Germany to Austria
    • Cycling France
    • Cycling in Turkey
    • Cycling Turkeys Back Roads
    • Cycling France Burgundy
    • Cycling In France Loire Valley
    • Cycling Italy
    • Cycling Dolomites to Lake Garda
    • Cycling Spain Ronda to Seville
    • Cycling Croatia
    • Cycle Cuba 8 days
    • Cycling Spain Catalonia
    • Cycling Turkeys Back Roads
    • Cycling Albania
    • Cycling Spain Catalonia
  • Contact
Slide background

Bonnie Scotland visit the highlands and rugged coast of Scotland

Slide background

Explore somewhere closer to home New Zealand

Slide background
Meet the locals on a China tour
Slide background

Safari Africa its time for an exciting holiday

Slide background
Forrest along the Milford Track NZ, time for a walking holiday
Slide background

Khumbu glacier Nepal Everest base camp trek

Slide background

Meet curious baby monkies on an India tour

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Phone
    [Tel-61]

    Subject

    Your Message

    Book Now!
    • OVERVIEW
    • ITINERARY
    • DETAILS

      • Art and Culture Japan – 12 Days / 11 Nights

        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 at the architecturally impressive Kansai International Airport, situated on a custom built artificial island in Osaka bay. You will be welcomed by our airport representative who will assist you with transferring by shuttle bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
        Tonight you will be staying at St. Regis Osaka. One of Japan’s best hotels, be amazed by the modern and sleek design of this hotel in the center of Osaka.
        Overnight in St. Regis, Osaka.

         

        Day 2 – Osaka (B)

        This morning your local guide will come and pick you up for a full day of sightseeing. You will start with the National Museum of Art Osaka.
        Located on an island in the middle of Osaka city, this subterranean museum focuses mostly on post-war art and the museum itself could be considered a modern art piece.
        In the afternoon, you will make the 45min trip by train to Nara.
        For 74 years during the 8th century Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. You will visit the Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine.
        Option: Osaka has both Noh (Japanese traditional) and Bunraku (Japanese puppet) theaters. If there is a performance as the time of your visit, we can arrange tickets.
        Overnight in St. Regis, Osaka.

         

        Day 3 – Osaka to Hiroshima (B)

        Time to leave Osaka behind as you take your first ride on the world famous Shinkansen bullet train. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h (186mph), the Hikari (meaning light) model Shinkansen takes just 2 hours to reach Hiroshima.
        Perhaps more than any other city in the world, Hiroshima is famous for one moment in history. On 6 August 1945, it became the first target of an atomic bomb.
        However, Hiroshima has risen phoenix-like from the ashes, and rebuilt itself as one of Japan’s most laid back, vibrant cities full of wide boulevards and Art Museums, great food and friendly, welcoming people.

        Your local guide will meet you at the station and after passing by the hotel to drop your luggage, you will head by street car to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima. The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the Atomic Bomb on 6th August 1945. After the bombing the Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack.

        Stroll through the park and find out the meaning behind the many memorials, monuments and statues in the park.

        At the Children’s Peace Monument you will learn to fold an Origami crane to place at the statue of Sadoko, a young girl that died as a result of radiation poisoning. She was told if she could fold 1000 paper cranes she would get well. Unfortunately she was not able to reach 1000, however people come from all over the world to place cranes at her monument in tribute to Sadoko.

        Head into the Peace Memorial Museum for a private talk with an Atomic Bomb survivor. They will describe his or her own A-bomb experience and give facts about the A-bombing, as well as answer any questions you may have.

        Finally, you will have the chance to walk through the museum itself at your own pace.

        Your accommodation in Hiroshima is the Sheraton Hiroshima. The Sheraton is Hiroshima’s best hotel, featuring modern rooms with a trendy design.

        Overnight at Sheraton Hiroshima

         

        Day 4 – Hiroshima – Miyajima Excursion (B)

        Today is a self-guided day.
        Today take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, the famous wooded island located in the Inland Sea near Hiroshima. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan – The Floating Torii Gate.
        Designated as one of Japan’s ‘3 Most Beautiful Views’, the shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier like structure. Mere ‘commoners’ were not allowed to set foot on this holy place.
        Take time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, sample local goodies like maple leaf shaped cakes, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt. Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
        Overnight at Sheraton Hiroshima

         

        Day 5 – Hiroshima – Naoshima (B)

        Today is a self-guided day.Back on the Shinkansen this morning as you make your way to the Naoshima, Japan’s Art Island. Formerly a struggling fishing village lying in the Inland Sea, the island’s fortunes was transformed with the establishment of the Benesse Art Site, showcasing the best up-and-coming Japanese artists alongside international talent.
        On Naoshima you will be staying at the Benesse House. Every room in this superb hotel has its own individual design and art work, with 49 guest rooms across 4 buildings: Museum, Annex, Park and Beach, all designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando.

        Spend this afternoon taking in the Benesse House Museum and surrounds, displaying work by Hockney, Pollock and Warhol.

        Overnight at Benesse House.

         

        Day 6 – Naoshima – Kurashiki (B,D)

        Today is a self-guided day.You have a full day to explore all the island has to offer. The hotel has a free shuttle bus that circles around the island between all the main sights. Head to the sleepy fishing village of Honmura, whose old, wooden Japanese houses have been turned into art installations.
        The Chichu Art Museum is also designed by Tadao Ando and is a piece of art in itself. Works by Claude Monet, Walter de Maria and James Turrell are all featured. There are pieces of art scattered throughout the island, turning it into a giant open air museum.
        In the afternoon, take the ferry back to the mainland and a short train ride will bring you to Kurashiki.

        This quaint canal town served as an important rice distribution center in the Edo Period (1603-1867). In fact, the name “Kurashiki” can be roughly translated as “town of storehouses”, which refers to the storehouses in which the rice was kept.

        These white-walled former storehouses have been beautifully preserved and many have been converted into museums, boutiques and cafes.

        Tonight you will stay in a 250 year old Japanese ryokan. With 11 unique rooms featuring tatami flooring, sliding shoji rice paper doors and comfy futons, this is the quintessential Japanese accommodation experience

        A sumptuous Japanese kaiseki multi course meal will be served to you tonight.

        Overnight at Tsurugata Ryokan, Kurashiki

         

        Day 7 – Kurashiki (B,D)

        Today is a self-guided day.Start your day with a visit to the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first Museum of Western Art. The main building features works by Picasso, El Greco, Gauguin, Modigliani, Rodin, Klee, Pollock and Kandinsky among others, whilst the Annex building features a number of works by Japanese artists.
        There are numerous other museums and sites of interst in Kurashiki, including an Archaelogical Museum, Museum of Folkcraft, the City Art Museum, and Museum of Natural History. Or, you can just spend your day wandering through the narrow streets and along the canals, browsing craft shops and sipping ocha in cafes.
        You can also choose to make a half day trip to Okayama (15min), to visit Koraku-en. Ranked one of Japan’s ‘Top Three Gardens’, this Japanese style garden with waterfalls, tiny shrines, teahouses, miniature maple forests and a lotus pond is delightful to stroll through.
        Dinner will again be served at your ryokan tonight.

        Overnight at Tsurugata Ryokan, Kurashiki.

         

        Day 8 – Kurashiki – Kyoto (B)

        Just 90min by train to the east lays Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2000 Shrines and Temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sights.Your accommodation in Kyoto is Hyatt Regency. This luxurious and cozy hotel was designed by the hip Super Potato group, and has a very contemporary Japanese concept. Each room features bed headboards made of kimono fabric, and each room has its own unique design.
        This afternoon, we have arranged for a private visit to the home of a local Calligraphy Instructor.

        Our representative will meet you at your hotel and take you by taxi. Your Instructor will explain how Kanji (Chinese pictographs) came to Japan, and about the three kinds of characters (Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana) along with which one Japanese people choose to use on what occasions.

        You can try writing some characters with the advice/support of the Calligraphy Instructor, which you can take home as a souvenir.

        Overnight at Hyatt Regency, Kyoto

         

        Day 9 – Kyoto (B)

        This morning you will be met at your hotel by your knowledgeable local guide and taken to the Miho Museum.
        It was designed by the renowned architect, I. M. Pei, and one of the most interesting aspects of the museum is the design of its structures, and especially how they are integrated into their surroundings. This is highlighted in the approach to the museum’s entrance as it leads through a mixture of man-made and natural environments.
        The museum’s exhibits consist of works from ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Romans, and various Asian cultures.

        On return to Kyoto, visit Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple. From the 13m high veranda jutting out from the Main Hall you can enjoy amazing views of the whole of Kyoto, whilst pondering the fact that both the Main Hall and Veranda were built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners.

        Finish off the day with a stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, whose busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with quaint shops selling souvenirs including the renowned Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles.

        Overnight at Hyatt Regency, Kyoto

         

        Day 10 – Kyoto – Tokyo (B)

        Today is a self-guided day.One last Shinkansen ride to your final destination – Tokyo.Japan’s capital since 1868 and home to over 12 million residents; Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world. From the world’s biggest fish market to all night Karaoke sessions, the bright neon lights of Shinjuku to the serenity of Meiji Shrine, this city really does have it all.
        You are staying at the Park Hotel Tokyo, located in the exciting Shiodome development. A member of the Design Hotel Group, the hotel is built around a central atrium and features artwork by Monique Le Houelleur throughout the hotel.
        This afternoon is free for you to start exploring this vibrant city.
        Overnight at Park Hotel, Tokyo

         

        Day 11 – Tokyo (B)

        This morning you will be met by a local guide for a day of sightseeing in Tokyo utilizing the impressive Metro system.Today’s tour is themed around ‘Old and New’.
        The morning will be devoted to ‘Old’ – you will visit Ueno Park, situated in Tokyo’s shitamachi (old district) and home to some of Tokyo’s most prestigious museums and galleries.
        You can choose to visit Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum or the National Museum of Western Art.
        The afternoon is devoted to ‘New’ – with a visit to Roppongi, Tokyo’s self-proclaimed ‘Art District’ and home to some of Japan’s newest and most cutting edge galleries and museums. Your options here are the Mori Art Museum, located on the 53 Floor of the Mori Building, Tokyo National Art Centre or the Suntory Museum of Art.

        Overnight at Park Hotel, Tokyo

         

        Day 12 – Depart Tokyo (B)

        Your day is free until your included 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 RequestRates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

      Our Services Include:

      • 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
      • 14 Day Japan Rail Pass for ordinary class
      • PASMO Tokyo transport pass at a value of 1500 JPY
      • English speaking local guide in Osaka (Day 2), Hiroshima (Half Day 3), Kyoto (Day 9) and Tokyo (Day 11)
      • All entrance fees and local transport on Days 2, 3, 9 and 11.
      • Calligraphy Lesson
      • Information Pack

       

      Our Services do not Include:

      • International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
      • 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.

    Social Share

      Search

      Similar Posts

      • Bushwalk goes bad
      • Golden rules of watching wildlife
      • Best Hotel Rooftop Bars
      • Great Wall of China most spectacular wild hikes
      • Larapinta Trail

      Sign up to Newsletter

      About Us

      Discovery Travel is a fully licensed Travel Agent, a paid member of the Travel Compensation Fund meaning you are safe and secure booking through Discovery Travel.
      Proudly powered by Travel Partners.
      (+61) 0402 251036
      Level 12, 447 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
      info@discoverytravel.com.au

      Contact Us

      1. Name *
        * Please enter your name
      2. Email *
        * Please enter a valid email address
      3. Message *
        * Please enter message

      Packages

      Across the Roof of Japan - 12 Days / 11 Nights

      Antarctica peninsular cruise

      Antarctica in depth 13 days

      9 nights North Europe cruise

      CopyRight© 2012-2015 www.discoverytravel.com.au All Rights Reserved.