Japanese Arts, Architecture & Design
April 15-29, 2026
Tokyo, Matsumoto, Benesse Art Site, Kyoto
Escorted Group Tour
Esprit's Premier Arts Tour to Japan
Our newest tour is designed to give you a deep introduction into contemporary Japanese arts, architecture and design while remaining true to Esprit's roots of cultural immersion. Join us in April, 2026 as we journey through Japan with a focus on how traditional Japanese arts are continually being reinterpreted for today's Japanese market.
Tokyo is vibrant, dynamic, exciting and cosmopolitan. We will visit museums and galleries, explore career-defining architecture, sample fine cuisine and learn how the historical has been integrated into the modern life of Japan. Next, we visit the original castle in Matsumoto and explore the kura district before heading to our hotel, a mixture of old and new. Matsumoto Jujo is the collective term the designers used to refer to the project to rejuvenate Koyanagi, a storied, long-standing inn that was founded in 1686. We'll see the results of their efforts to revitalize and invigorate this small onsen town outside Matsumoto. From here we travel to the famed Benesse Art Site on Naoshima Island where we will stay at a Muji designed inn and explore all three art islands. We end the tour with several days in Kyoto, Japan's traditional and cultural capital. Our hotel in downtown Kyoto is cutting edge with a unique design sensibility. Kyoto, with its wide-range of arts, crafts, traditions, gardens and history will fill the remainder of our trip with new delights.
Tour Leaders
Andy Bender
Tour Manager
The moon and sun are travelers through eternity.
Even the years wander on.
Whether drifting through life on a boat or climbing toward old age leading a horse, each day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.
Matsuo Basho (1644-1694)
Tour Highlights
φ Learn about the aesthetic of Japanese arts and fine crafts, from traditional to contemporary
φ Share thought-provoking introductions to Buddhism and Shintoism, through private meetings with priests and monks in their temples or shrines
φ Enter the studios of revered artists and craftsmen, the sensei who carry forward Japan’s rich artistic heritage. Meet masters of cha no ya (tea ceremony), kumihimo, textiles and more.
φ Visit selected galleries and museums in exciting Tokyo
φ Tour one of Japan’s authentic castles
φ Spend time in exquisitely maintained gardens
φ Visit all three islands of the famed Benesse Art site.
φ Ride on Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train
φ Sample a variety of local, seasonal cuisine
Japanese Arts, Architecture & Design Tour
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Home
Depart for Japan on your individually arranged flight.
Day 2
Arrive Tokyo Japan
Day 3
Tokyo
Touring in Tokyo
Accommodations: TBD
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4
Tokyo
Touring in Tokyo.
Accommodations: TBD
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Tokyo
Touring in Tokyo,
Accommodations: TBD
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
Matsumoto
Travel to Matsumoto for a two night stay.
Accommodations:
Matsumoto Jujo
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Matsumoto
Touring Matsumoto.
Accommodations: Matsumoto Jujo
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Kyoto
Travel from Naoshima to Kyoto with touring in the afternoon on arrival.
Accommodations: Ace Hotel Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast,
Day 11
Kyoto
Touring in Kyoto.
Accommodations: Ace Hotel Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 12
Kyoto
Touring in Kyoto
Accommodations: Ace Hotel Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 13
Kyoto
Morning touring. The rest of the day is free for lunch and to explore Kyoto on your own. Some suggestions include touring with Esprit’s custom shopping map in hand, visiting such iconic sights as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), the 10,000 bright vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari or traveling by train to nearby Nara. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner in one of Kyoto’s many fine restaurants.
Accommodations: Ace Hotel Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Day 14
Depart for home
You’ll have the morning free to take in the sights, shop or simply stroll Kyoto’s varied neighborhoods one last time. Transfer by reserved vehicle, per individual flight times, for your pre-arranged return flight from Osaka Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
Price: TBD
Tour Price Includes:
- Accommodations for twelve nights in 4 and 5* hotels: Hyatt Centric Ginza, Matsumoto Joju, My Place Noashima, Ace Hotel Kyoto, based on sharing a room.
- Daily breakfast and additional meals as indicated (seven lunches and six dinners)
- Round-trip airport transfers by private hire car
- All internal trains and buses for the tour, including riding on Japan’s famous Shinkansen “Bullet train” in Green Car (first class).
- Baggage shipping for one bag per person from Tokyo to Kyoto
- Informative commentary by an Esprit tour leader who is fluent in Japanese, using our unique radio headset system.
- Admissions and local transportation
Single supplement information is available upon request.
Singles are limited.
Twin beds are the norm in Japan for a double room; a limited number of king rooms are allocated on a first come basis.
Group size is limited to 14.
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price may be adjusted up until the time of final payment for currency fluctuation.
*A stay at a Japanese ryokan involves sleeping on the tatami matted floors on futon beds. We have chosen this ryokan as there are a limited number of rooms available for upgrade that have western-style twin beds. If you would like to have one of these rooms please inquire about availability and the surcharge. Rooms are also available with private onsen baths for an additional fee.
Note: The itinerary will be finalized approximately 30 days prior to departure. Artist visits are subject to availability and the schedules of our Japanese colleagues. A final itinerary will be sent to you about two weeks prior to departure. The itinerary and visits are subject to change at any time.
