Japan Destinations

Naoshima Art & Kanazawa Heritage

Experience Japan's contemporary art islands and beautifully preserved historic districts on a journey that seamlessly blends modern creativity with ancient heritage.

7Days / ～6PAX
Naoshima Art & Kanazawa Heritage 1
Naoshima Art & Kanazawa Heritage 2
Naoshima Art & Kanazawa Heritage 3

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#art #museum #world heritage #kanazawa #shinkansen

Ideal for art enthusiasts and culture seekers desiring a seamless blend of modern creativity and beautifully preserved heritage.

  • Explore the world-renowned contemporary art islands of Naoshima and Teshima.

  • Travel comfortably via Shinkansen to Kanazawa, a city rich in Edo-period culture.

  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go and historic Takayama.

From $3,950

Please contact directly for application and pricing inquiries.

Tour Overview

This seven-day expedition takes you from Tokyo to the artistic havens of Naoshima and Teshima, where you will stay at the relaxing MY LODGE Naoshima. After immersing yourself in exclusive museum visits and island tranquility, the journey continues via Shinkansen to Kanazawa. There, you will explore vibrant markets and classic gardens before venturing into the traditional alpine villages of Shirakawa-go and Takayama.

TOPIC 1

Contemporary Art Immersion on Naoshima and Teshima Islands

Step away from the bustling metropolis and immerse yourself in the Seto Inland Sea's world-renowned art islands. Naoshima and Teshima have been transformed into living canvases where contemporary art, cutting-edge architecture, and untouched natural landscapes seamlessly converge. Discover masterpieces housed in subterranean museums designed by Tadao Ando, and experience the meditative emptiness of the Teshima Art Museum. The integration of art into the very fabric of the islands encourages a slow, contemplative journey, allowing visitors to engage with profound creative expressions while feeling the gentle island breeze and listening to the calm ocean waves.

TOPIC 2

Kanazawa's Tapestry of History and Modernity

Kanazawa stands as a testament to Japan's ability to preserve its rich feudal heritage while embracing forward-thinking creativity. Once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, the city boasts the impeccably manicured Kenrokuen Garden and the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District, where the echoes of Edo-period geisha culture still resonate through wooden machiya houses. Contrasting this deep historical reverence is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a beacon of modern innovation. This juxtaposition of old and new creates a dynamic cultural tapestry, offering travelers a multifaceted exploration of Japanese artistic evolution across centuries.

TOPIC 3

The Rustic Charm of Shirakawa-go and Takayama

Journey deep into the rugged beauty of the Japanese Alps to uncover the resilient traditions of rural Japan. The UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go is famous for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, whose steep thatched roofs were ingeniously designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall. Nearby, the historic city of Takayama invites you to step back in time. Stroll through the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji district, characterized by its dark wooden merchant homes, traditional sake breweries, and artisan boutiques. This alpine excursion provides a profound appreciation for Japan's historical craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of its mountain communities.

Tour map

Tour Itineraries and Details

Day 1

Journey to the Inland Sea and the Art Island of Naoshima

Day 1

Shinkansen Journey to Okayama

Meet your expert guide at the ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo and transfer to Tokyo Station. Board the Shinkansen Nozomi, Japan's iconic bullet train, for a comfortable and highly efficient ride to Okayama Station. This journey offers a seamless transition from the bustling eastern capital to the tranquil western region, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes passing by your window.

Ferry to Naoshima Island

After arriving in Okayama and enjoying lunch at your leisure, transfer to Uno Port, the primary maritime gateway to the Seto Inland Sea. From there, board a ferry to Naoshima, enjoying the serene ocean views. Upon arrival, check in at MY LODGE Naoshima, an inviting retreat featuring warm wooden interiors and ocean vistas. Take the evening to rest and prepare for the immersive artistic explorations that await you on the island.

Accommodation MY LODGE Naoshima

Day 2

Naoshima's Architectural and Artistic Wonders

Day 2

Art House Project

Taking advantage of your stay on the island, begin your morning with the Art House Project. This ongoing initiative creatively transforms empty residential houses in the Honmura district into living art installations. Wandering through the village, you will witness how contemporary creativity is beautifully woven into the fabric of the local community and traditional Japanese architecture.

Benesse House Museum & Sugimoto Gallery

Explore the Benesse House Museum, a remarkable facility designed by Tadao Ando that seamlessly integrates a museum with its natural surroundings. Continue to the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time's Corridors, where the artist's profound photographic works and deliberate architectural designs prompt deep reflection on the passage of time, nature, and human perception.

Lee Ufan Museum & Chichu Art Museum

Visit the Lee Ufan Museum, a tranquil collaborative work between the artist and Tadao Ando. Conclude your day at the magnificent Chichu Art Museum. Built entirely underground to preserve the island's natural beauty, the museum relies solely on natural light to illuminate carefully curated masterpieces by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria, creating a truly transformative experience.

Accommodation MY LODGE Naoshima
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 3

The Serenity of Teshima Island

Day 3

Teshima Art Museum

Take a morning ferry from Naoshima to Teshima Island, a place of profound natural beauty. Your primary destination is the remarkable Teshima Art Museum. Shaped like a drop of water resting on a hill, the concrete shell features two large oval openings that let in the wind, sounds, and shifting sunlight. This creates a continuously evolving, meditative environment unlike any other museum in the world.

Les Archives du Cœur

After experiencing the deep tranquility of the museum, visit Christian Boltanski's Les Archives du Cœur. This unique and poignant installation collects and permanently houses recordings of heartbeats from people all around the world. Listening to the rhythmic pulses in this isolated island setting offers a deeply moving exploration of human existence, memory, and the universal connection we all share. In the late afternoon, take the ferry back to Naoshima for your final evening on the island.

Accommodation MY LODGE Naoshima
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 4

From the Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan

Day 4

Shinkansen Journey to Kanazawa

Depart Naoshima via a morning ferry back to Uno Port, and transfer to Okayama Station. Board the Shinkansen heading toward Kyoto, and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension via Tsuruga Station. This comfortable rail journey offers a scenic transition from the mild climate of the Pacific side to the culturally rich, coastal environment of Kanazawa, situated beautifully along the Sea of Japan.

Arrival in Kanazawa

Arrive at Kanazawa Station in the late afternoon. Upon exiting, marvel at the station's iconic Tsuzumi-mon Gate, a striking wooden structure inspired by traditional Japanese hand drums. Transfer to SOKI KANAZAWA (or an equivalent sophisticated 4-star hotel) to check in and unwind. Spend your evening relaxing and preparing for your deep dive into the city's elegant Edo-period heritage and modern art the next morning.

Accommodation SOKI KANAZAWA or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 5

Kanazawa's Gardens, Art, and Geisha Districts

Day 5

Omicho Market & Kenrokuen Garden

Start the day at Omicho Market, Kanazawa's lively culinary hub, bustling with vendors selling fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. Proceed to Kenrokuen, celebrated as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Meticulously landscaped with ancient pine trees, tranquil ponds, and elegant stone bridges, the garden offers a vision of perfect harmony and flawless beauty in every season.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Following lunch, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, an innovative circular structure featuring interactive and striking installations. The museum's open, light-filled spaces create a fascinating dialogue between Kanazawa's historical identity and its vibrant modern creative spirit, inviting visitors to engage directly with the artworks and the surrounding environment.

Higashi Chaya District

Conclude your afternoon in the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa's largest and most beautifully preserved geisha area. Walk along picturesque cobblestone streets lined with elegant wooden machiya houses. Many of these historic structures now serve as artisanal boutiques, gold-leaf craft shops, and traditional teahouses, exuding the refined elegance of the Edo period.

Accommodation SOKI KANAZAWA or equivalent 4-star hotel
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 6

Alpine Traditions of Shirakawa-go and Takayama

Day 6

Shirakawa-go Village

Depart Kanazawa for a scenic day trip into the Japanese Alps, arriving first at the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go. This picturesque hamlet is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, featuring steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall. Walking through the village offers a profound glimpse into a resilient, ancient way of rural life.

Historic Takayama

Continue to Takayama, an alpine city celebrated for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets. Stroll through the Sanmachi Suji historic district, where dark wooden merchant houses, traditional sake breweries, and local craft shops line the narrow lanes. The nostalgic charm and exceptional craftsmanship of this mountain town provide a captivating contrast to the coastal city of Kanazawa.

Accommodation SOKI KANAZAWA or equivalent 4-star hotel
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 7

Return to the Metropolis

Day 7

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kanazawa Station. Board the Kagayaki Shinkansen for a smooth and swift journey back to Tokyo Station. Use this comfortable travel time to reflect on the diverse landscapes, profound art installations, and rich samurai heritage you have experienced over the past week traversing Japan's distinct regions.

Tour Conclusion in Tokyo

Arrive at Tokyo Station in the early afternoon. After enjoying a final lunch at your leisure, your guide will assist with your transfer to your onward hotel or the airport. This marks the conclusion of a remarkable seven-day expedition through Japan's artistic and historical heartlands, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the nation's culture and natural beauty.

Included Meals Breakfast
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Naoshima Art & Kanazawa Heritage

Experience Japan's contemporary art islands and beautifully preserved historic districts on a journey that seamlessly blends modern creativity with ancient heritage.

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