Japan | Contemporary Art & Architecture

14 Days | Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Naoshima, Miho Museum

Dive into Japan’s serene fusion of old and new — minimalist museums, island art installations, architectural masterpieces, and gardens shaped like poetry.

Starting at $13,500 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single supplement: $2,800
Rates may vary by season and room choice

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Tour Overview

Japan offers a delicate tension between tradition and futurism — where Zen gardens meet concrete cathedrals, and ancient shrines coexist with world-renowned contemporary museums. This 14-day journey is an exploration of space, silence, light, and form through the lens of architecture and art.

From Tokyo’s urban precision to the ethereal art islands of Naoshima, this tour takes you inside Tadao Ando’s iconic spaces, contemporary design studios, and historic temples nestled within Kyoto’s misty hills. You’ll meet artists, architects, and curators who embody Japan’s refined aesthetic and philosophy of harmony.

Included in the Tour

14 days of curated travel with expert bilingual guides

13 nights in boutique and design-focused accommodations

All ground transport, internal flights, train and ferry tickets

Entry and private tours of museums, architecture sites, and cultural landmarks

Daily breakfast, 8 lunches, 6 elegant dinners

Meetings with artists, curators, and design professionals

Traditional tea ceremony and hands-on calligraphy or ikebana session

All taxes, service charges, and porterage

Not Included

International airfare to/from Japan

Travel insurance (recommended)

Meals not listed, personal expenses, optional activities

Tour Dates

May 8–21, 2025

October 2–15, 2025

Custom private departures available year-round

Itinerary

Day 1–3: Tokyo – Urban Geometry & Hidden Tranquility
Arrive in Tokyo, where ancient shrines sit beside glass towers. Visit the 21_21 Design Sight (Tadao Ando), the Nezu Museum, and wander through Omotesando’s architectural boulevard. Enjoy a welcome dinner with a local architect.

Day 4–5: Kanazawa – Craft & Contemporary
Travel by bullet train to Kanazawa, known for its contemporary art scene and traditional crafts. Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, visit Kenroku-en Garden, and meet a local lacquerware master in their studio.

Day 6–7: Kyoto – Spiritual Forms & Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics
In Kyoto, walk through the sublime simplicity of Ryoan-ji’s Zen garden, and visit Kengo Kuma’s architecture at the Kyoto National Museum. Enjoy a tea ceremony and hands-on shodo (Japanese calligraphy) session in a 300-year-old townhouse.

Day 8: Miho Museum – Mountain Minimalism
Day trip to the Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, nestled into the hills like a secret temple. Admire its glass-roofed galleries and stroll the surrounding forest paths.

Day 9–11: Naoshima & Art Islands – Ando’s Masterpieces
Travel south to Naoshima, Japan’s famous “art island.” Stay at the stunning Benesse House, designed by Tadao Ando. Explore the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and open-air installations scattered across sea and sand. Optional ferry to Teshima and Inujima for more intimate art experiences.

Day 12–13: Return to Tokyo – Future Landscapes
Return to Tokyo via Shinkansen. Visit teamLab Borderless for a sensory digital experience, or explore Kiyosumi Garden and enjoy a farewell kaiseki dinner at a modern ryotei.

Day 14: Departure
Private transfer to the airport or optional extension to Hakone or Mount Koya for a meditative ending.

Booking & Inquiries

Please contact us to book or inquire further about availability for this tour. We offer personalized consultation to ensure your experience with Couelle LLC is seamless and perfectly tailored to your preferences.

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