This tour is a dream-come-true for ceramics enthusiasts who want a real education in Japanese ceramics while enjoying a deeply personal experience of Japan’s culture, arts, history, cuisine and aesthetic influences. Traveling Japan’s famed ceramic centers, kiln towns and artist’s studios is a not-to-be-missed experience.

• Visit ceramic artists in their homes and studios
• Learn not only about Japanese ceramics, but also the history, culture and arts that have shaped the exquisite Japanese aesthetic
• Experience the three quintessential kiln towns of historic Bizen, picturesque Hagi and seaside Karatsu.
• Try a variety of regional, seasonal cuisine.

Steve Beimel, Esprit’s founder and Japanese ceramics expert will lead this tour.

October 2 Friday
Depart USA by individually arranged flights.

October 3 Saturday Arrive Osaka Kansai Airport.

Transfer and stay in a conveniently located hotel in downtown Osaka.
Meals: none

 

October 4 Sunday Osaka to Kurashiki

We begin our ceramics journey with a visit to Osaka's Museum of Oriental Ceramics, to see their permanent collection of Chinese, Korean and Japanese masterworks and the current show. After arrival in historic Kurashiki, proceed to the Ohara Museum to see their world-class collection of Four Mingei Masters: Shoji Hamada, Kawai Kanjiro, Bernard Leach and Tomimoto Kenkichi. Slide lecture presenting a broad stroke of Japanese ceramic styles, with an emphasis on Bizen, Hagi and Karatsu, the three kiln towns that we will be visiting over the next week. Group dinner.

Accommodations: Hotel 330 Grande
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

 October 5 Monday Kurashiki-Bizen

An early departure takes us to the town of Imbe, to visit three distinctly different Bizen ceramic artists in their studios. There will also be free time for individual exploration of local galleries, both in Bizen and in Kurashiki upon our return.

Accommodations: Hotel 330 Grande
Meals: Breakfast

 October 6 Tuesday Hagi

Travel to Hagi by train and van. Over the next two days, we will visit the homes and studios of four ceramic artists.

Accommodations: Hagi Royal Intelligent Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

 October 7 Wednesday Hagi

Artist visits in the morning. In the afternoon, time for individual exploration of this lovely town.

Accommodations: Hagi Royal Intelligent Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

October 8 Thursday Karatsu

Travel to Karatsu by van and train. Over the next 2 days, we'll view both classic and contemporary Karatsu ceramic works.

Accommodations: Yoyokaku Ryokan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

October 9 Friday Karatsu

Visits to artists and galleries.

Accommodations: Yoyokaku Ryokan
Meals: Breakfast

October 10 Saturday Kyoto

Travel by train to Kyoto. Free afternoon, farewell dinner

Accommodations: Hearton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

 October 11 Sunday Depart Japan

Transfer to Kansai Airport by reserved van shuttle, and depart by individually arranged flights.

Meals: Breakfast

You may wish to extend your tour in Japan. We will provide reservations at the group hotel in Kyoto and sightseeing itineraries of Kyoto and Tokyo at no extra charge. For those wishing additional services from us, including hotel reservations, local guides, custom itineraries and transportation arrangements, please discuss possibilities and fees with our custom travel department.

Estimated Price:

$4,750 based on a group of 10

Tour Price Includes:

8 nights accommodations* based on Twin occupancy as described or similar.

Daily breakfast and additional meals as indicated, including a mix of lunches and dinners.

A full program of informative commentary by an Esprit tour leader fluent in Japanese.

Airport transfers and train tickets in ordinary class.
Daily touring, including admissions and local transport.

A single supplement will apply.

*Please enquire if you are interested in staying in a ryokan in Kurashiki and Hagi. There is a surcharge for ryokan stays and they are subject to availability.

The itinerary will be finalized approximately 30 days prior to departure and is subject to change at any time. Price may be adjusted for currency fluctuation at final payment.

For registration information and Terms and Conditions, call 800-377-7481, or email info@esprittravel.com.

Note:

Actual visits and events will be finalized approximately 30 days prior to departure to allow for the inclusion of special exhibitions, visits and events, and are dependent on the schedules of our Japanese colleagues. A final itinerary will be sent to you about two weeks prior to tour departure. The itinerary is subject to change at any time.