Lavasseur-SALOIS Family
JAPAN TOUR
June 24-July 10, 2023
Tokyo, Matsutomo, Kyoto, Koyasan, Tokyo
Escorted Private Group Tour
A Private Family-Focused Tour Through Japan
Enjoy spectacular scenery and intimate windows into Japan while learning about the arts and culture on your personal journey to the heart of Japan. Travel back in time, from the contemporary capital of Tokyo, through the arts areas of Ishikawa prefecture, to the traditional and spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto. This private tour will take you deep into the spirit that underlies the arts of Japan.
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, Kanazawa was ruled by the Maeda family for three centuries after the first lord Toshiie Maeda entered Kanazawa Castle in 1583. Since the Kaga Clan invited many artists and craftsmen to this area, it achieved a high level of craftsmanship that continues to flourish to this day. Today it is a bustling small city. We'll visit artists and museums in the area before heading to Kaga Onsen. We end in Kyoto, with lush summer foliage, at our five-star hotel. Kyoto, with its wide-range of arts, crafts, traditions, gardens and history will fill the remainder of our trip with its delights. We’ll learn firsthand the importance the Japanese put on the concept of mastery and meet some of the masters, or sensei, who carry forward Japan’s rich artistic heritage. We will visit artists ranging from Nihonga to gold-leaf, textile, kumihimo and more.
Tour Leaders
Matt Schultz
Tour Leader
Miyuki Aihara
Tour Leader
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), calligraphy, textiles and more.
φ Visit selected galleries and museums in exciting Tokyo
φ Spend time in exquisitely maintained gardens
φ Stay in a beautiful, deluxe ryokan and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal.
φ Ride on Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train
φ Sample a variety of local, seasonal cuisine
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Saturday, June 24
Depart Home
Depart for Japan on your individually arranged flights.
Day 2
Sunday, June 25
Arrive Tokyo
Travel by private hire transfer to your downtown hotel, the five-star Palace Tokyo, located in Tokyo’s Hibiya district with stunning views of the Imperial Palace grounds. Alternative hotels shown below.
Accommodations: Palace Tokyo
Meals included: None
Day 3
Monday, June 26
Tokyo
We’ll start our time in Tokyo at Meiji Shrine to learn about Shinto and experience kagura, a blessing ceremony of ancient, sacred music and dance. A short walk through Harajuku, a center of Japan’s renowned youth fashion and culture, is followed by a walking tour on nearby Omotesando Boulevard to see contemporary architecture and trendy street life. We will lunch today at a restaurant specializing in tofu and unique Japanese creations. After lunch, we will arrange a private presentation at Nuno Gallery, known for innovative textiles and clothing by renowned designer Reiko Sudo. This visit will be followed by a trip across town to visit the new teamlab Planet experience. This evening we will arrange a casual dinner at a traditional Japanese izakaya.
Accommodations: Palace Tokyo
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Jingu is one of the Shinto shrines in Japan, with the vast land of the forest (70 ha.), located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo.
Once you step into this precinct, you will forget that you are in the hustle bustle city, and will find Japanese traditional scene amidst greenery nature. It was established in 1920, to commemorate the virtue of Emperor Meiji and Emprerss Shoken who took the initiative to make a foundation of modernized Japan.
teamlab PLANETS
teamLab Planets is a museum where you walk through water, and a garden where you become one with the flowers. There are four massive exhibition spaces and two gardens. By immersing the entire body with other people in these massive body immersive artworks, the boundary between the body and the artwork dissolves, the boundaries between the self, others, and the world become continuous, and we explore a new relationship without boundaries between ourselves and the world. Enter barefoot, immerse your body with others in the artwork spaces, and become one with the world.
Day 4
Tuesday, June 27
Tokyo
Today, we will set out to enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the Ginza neighborhood featuring the current architecture and including a visit to one of Tokyo’s famed department stores for the opening ceremony. After a lunch of Japanese fusion cuisine, we will travel to the Nihonbashi district for an introduction to bamboo basketry at a small private gallery. Afterwards we will arrange a sword class. Enjoy a private lesson at a traditional kendo dojo that includes a brief explanation of Bushi-do, the philosophy of samurai and its spirit, an experience of iaido (a form of swordsmanship), how to treat a sword, and swordplay. We’ll end the evening with a group dinner in one of Tokyo’s fine restaurants, which are continually re-interpreting traditional cuisine, and a curated sake-tasting.
Accommodations: Palace Tokyo
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depato and depachika
Where would you be most likely to go in search of exquisite handcrafted objects or clothing? If you live in North America or Europe, your first answer probably isn’t “the nearest department store.” The idea of Bloomingdale’s or Neiman Marcus selling handwoven baskets or lathe-turned wooden plates and bowls is about as implausible as it is thrilling. But in Japan, grand urban department stores (depāto) function almost like retail-supported craft museums. Venerable stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, and Mitsukoshi carry all the sorts of designer clothing, jewelry, accessories, and high-end cosmetics that you’d expect of a posh emporium. And in their basement-level food halls, depachika, you’ll find edible treasures like perfectly spherical watermelons and cantaloupes.
The Ginza
Glitz, glamour, world-class retailers and architecture – the Ginza is the Tokyo the world sees with bright lights, crowds of shoppers and all-night bars and restaurants. You'll find luxury shopping brands combined with amazing architecture in this concentration of Japan’s wealth. Every street is lined with international brand stores, a wide range of restaurants and multi-storied buildings with hidden piano bars and intimate restaurants.
Day 5
Wednesday, June 28
Tokyo
This morning, start with a tour of the outer markets of world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Then board a boat for the Sumida River cruise to Asakusa, the historic “shitamachi” (Japanese for Downtown) district that still retains much of the flavor of old Tokyo, although it’s been rebuilt many times over the centuries (including post-WWII). The centerpiece of this neighborhood is Sensoji Temple, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy. Leaving this area, take the subway to Akihabara, the famous electronics and manga district, for a walking tour of the vast offerings on display.
Accommodations: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sumida River Cruise
The water bus (suijo bus in Japanese), which is operated by Tokyo Cruise, provides a unique view of the city from the Sumida River from Hinode Pier to Asakusa.
Akihabara
Known as the world’s largest and most complete electronics district, Akihabara features Japan’s latest gadgets as well as a lively anime and manga sub-culture. It's where you will find the latest in electronics, including many offerings that come out well before they appear in the US.
Day 6
Thursday, June 29
Nagano
Travel via train from Tokyo to Nagano, about 1 hour by rail to the west of Tokyo. The highlight of central Nagano is Zenko-ji, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Enjoy the local soba noodles in a quaint restaurant along the avenue leading up to the temple. Afterwards, go on to Matsumoto. You will be staying at your first ryokan, where you will experience a Japanese style room, Japanese onsen baths, a special multi-course kaiseki dinner and sleep on futons spread out on your tatami-matted floor.
Accommodations: Myojinkan Ryokan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zenk0-ji Temple
You can see the famous Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano’s claim to fame and one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century. Currently, Zenkō-ji is one of the few remaining pilgrimage sites in Japan. While there, you can touch the “key to paradise” in Okaidan-meguri, an under 5-minute walk through the pitch-black tunnel under the altar, in order to gain enlightenment. The key represents the Key to the Western Paradise of the Amida Buddha.
Soba Noodles
Soba is a thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat. The noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or hot in a noodle soup. Nagano is one of the areas famous for their noodles and you can see them being made in numerous shop windows.
Day 7
Friday, June 30
Matsumoto
Start your touring at
Matsumoto Castle, circa 1595, one of four remaining from Japan’s feudal period in its original condition. After a local lunch at a converted
kura
(warehouse), wander around the Nakamachi, a pretty neighborhood of historic homes, many of which have been converted to cafes and galleries for crafts and antiques. Visit a working wasabi farm to round out the day or go hiking in the nearby state park.
Accommodations: Myojinkan Ryokan
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Matsumoto Castle
teamLab Planets is a museum where you walk through water, and a garden where you become one with the flowers. There are four massive exhibition spaces and two gardens. By immersing the entire body with other people in these massive body immersive artworks, the boundary between the body and the artwork dissolves, the boundaries between the self, others, and the world become continuous, and we explore a new relationship without boundaries between ourselves and the world. Enter barefoot, immerse your body with others in the artwork spaces, and become one with the world.
Kaiseki Meal
Kaiseki, a formal Japanese fixed menu, is one of the most popular cuisines in Kyoto and is served at ryokans throughout Japan. It originated in the late 1500’s as part of the Way of Tea. In the present day, kaiseki is a type of art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food. To this end, only fresh seasonal ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor. Local ingredients are often included as well. Finished dishes are carefully presented on plates that are chosen to enhance both the appearance and the seasonal theme of the meal. Dishes are beautifully arranged and garnished, often with flowers, as well as edible garnishes designed to resemble various kinds of fruit or flowers.
Day 8
Saturday, July 1
Kyoto
Travel via private coach this morning to several towns along the
Nakasendo Road. Start with Narai Juku, one of the checkpoints on the historic trunk road once used by samurai and their entourages. Next travel on to the immaculately preserved hamlet of
Tsumago, where highlights include the guest houses for samurai and their retainers. End your Nakasendo touring in
Magome
to explore this small town located on a steep hill with a local market at the base. Alternatively, weather depending, you can skip Narai and hike from Tsumago to Magome. Travel on by rail to Kyoto via regular train and Shinkansen (bullet) train.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Kyoton
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Old Post Towns
Kenroku-en,one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.means a garden combining the six attributes of a perfect garden. As a strolling-style landscape garden,it incorporates fancy designs in every corner,achieving peerless scenery in each season.
Day 9
Sunday, July 1
Kyoto
Start your touring at Daitokuji Zen monastery, for a private experience of the Way of Tea with the abbot of Zuiho-in sub-temple. After a Zen-style vegetarian lunch travel to eastern Kyoto to visit a friend’s gallery for a broader introduction to Japanese ceramics. Afterwards, the more active can hike from the Philosopher’s Walk up the mountain to Daimonji for a stunning panoramic view of Kyoto. You could also have a more leisurely stroll along the Philosopher’s path or a visit to nearby Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion). Group dinner tonight for a uniquely Kyoto meal.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Daitoku-ji Monastery
This is one of Japan’s most significant sites, aesthetically, historically and culturally. The massive monastery complex consists of a central core of buildings and 22 semi-autonomous sub-temples. The central core is of a Sino-Japanesestyle, incorporating Chinese Buddhist architecture that was imported into Japan over hundreds of years between the 7th and 13th centuries and was modified and refined through history by the Japanese. In contrast, the sub-temples are shoin-style, a 16th century native Japanese form with a strong Zen influence and a major inspiration to contemporary western minimalist architecture. Sub-temples we recommend are Koto-in for its entrance and beautiful green garden and Zuiho-in, home to a nearly 500-year-old main hall with a delicate cypress bark shingle roof that overlooks a world-renowned 20th century rock, sand and shrub garden designed by Shigemori Mirei. It is one of the most professionally photographed gardens in Japan, yet it is almost never crowded
Yakimono Gallery
Visit Robert Yellin, one of Japan's foremost ceramics experts, in his Yakimono Gallery, which offers a wide selection of ceramics from the potters of Japan, both antique pieces and those by contemporary artists. You can see one-of-a-kind ceramics, and learn about the styles and traditions of Japanese pottery, from longtime Japan resident, pottery journalist, and ceramic specialist Robert Yellin. Robert has lived in Japan since 1984 and writes and lectures on the topic of Japanese ceramics as well as assists as a subject-matter expert on specialty tours.
Day 10
Sunday, July 2
Kyoto
Today we will travel to western Kyoto, to the Arashiyama area, and have an in-depth exploration of Tenryu-ji, one of the oldest gardens in Kyoto, dating from the early 14th century. The garden was the design work of Muso Kokushi, a renowned priest, diplomat, meditation teacher and garden designer of the 1300’s. After a quick visit to the Sagano strolling area of quaint thatched-roof homes and shops we’ll walk through one of Kyoto’s famous bamboo forests or the more adventurous can climb to the Iwatayama Monkey Park. After a light lunch in the area, we’ll travel to the Nishijin textile district to meet a 5th generation master of gold leaf. In his beautifully preserved, traditional Kyoto-style merchant house, he will introduce you to his intricate process. For dinner this evening, we might suggest one of the many restaurants located in the lovely old sukiya-style houses in the Ponto Cho Geisha District. In addition to Ponto-cho, the old Gion district is home to another one of the four communities of Geisha in Kyoto. This beautifully preserved area is a fine place to stroll on your own and see Kyoto the way it looked up to 150 years ago.
*Hiking option here
Accommodations: Four Seasons Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Arashiyama
Walk through ancient stands of bamboo trees rustling in the breeze. During the summer season the bamboo forest, located behind Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, is a rich, verdant green. The Sagano strolling area is near Arashiyama and comprises many blocks of side-streets and residential housing areas near Tenryu-ji Temple. The Iwatayama Monkey Park, located across the river from Tenryu-ji, is located a 45-minute climb up the hill, allows you a chance to feed the free-moving monkeys (the visitors are behind the cages) and offers sweeping views of Kyoto. If you don’t want to battle the crowds at Kiyomizudera, this is a great alternative.
Geisha Districts
Two of the five geisha districts of Kyoto can be easily seen during a delightful evening stroll. This can be enjoyed on any night after dark, although weekends are the most lively evenings of the week.
Start with a visit to the Ponto-cho Geisha district, a delightful street that runs about ¼ mile between Sanjo and Shijo Streets, along the west side of the Kamo River. As you walk along the narrow, pedestrian-only street, you will see the beautifully designed facades of some of Kyoto’s most exclusive tearooms, restaurants and bars. In the Gion district you can see brightly dressed geisha and maiko moving from appointment to appointment, usually thronged by avid photographers.
Day 11
Monday, July 3
Kyoto
This morning the remaining party will travel to eastern Kyoto to visit an artisan whose intricately woven silk cords and tassels are commissioned by shrines, temples and Tiffany and Co. Our next stop is Renge-ji, a classic Taoist-inspired garden with special symbolism, including references to the crane and the turtle as well as the land of the Immortals. A Kyoto-style lunch will be served in a private room at Kyoto’s oldest inn and garden, located along the Takano River. The current proprietor is the 20th generation in his family to run the inn. Afterwards we will have an ikebana demonstration featuring a wide array of ceramics and baskets used to enhance the display of seasonal blooms. End the day with a visit to the studio of a calligraphy master and performance artist to see her wield her gigantic brush to create a masterpiece-in-the-moment. Tonight we will enjoy a shabu-shabu dinner of luxurious Wagyu beef and crisp vegetables dipped into bubbling broth tableside and served with traditional condiments and dipping sauces.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12
Tuesday, July 4
Kyoto
This morning, the early risers may decide to join our tour guide for an optional temple visit to attend a full Buddhist service, including a fire ceremony, performed by 40 chanting monks. After breakfast, you may want to include a visit to Sanjusangendo Hall, a 900-year old structure that holds an extraordinary collection of statuary in one of Japan’s longest wooden buildings. The 1001 wooden statues of the Kannon, well-known from Sugimoto’s “Hall of Thirty-Three Bays”, sit row upon row for the length of the building with their phalanx of 28 National Treasure guardian entities in front. It is located directly next to the hotel and can be visited in the morning before mid-afternoon departures. For those with a little more time this morning, you can visit the 10,000 bright vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari, a short taxi ride from your hotel.
*Hiking option here
Accommodations: Four Seasons Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 2
Monday, June 19
Kobe Day Trip
The morning begins with an udon noodle-making class and lunch, followed by free time in Osaka (sightseeing suggestions including Osaka Castle and its museum, the food stalls of Kuromon Market and more). This afternoon we will travel by regional train to the vibrant port city of Kobe to learn the history and production process of sake at a sake museum and brewery in the Nada neighborhood, known for centuries as one of Japan’s leading sake centers – we’ll also have a tasting. From here it’s a short ride to central Kobe, where we will walk from the neighborhood of Ijinkan, western-style houses built by some of Japan’s earliest foreign residents, to the landmark Ikuta Shrine before our dinner featuring Kobe beef. After dinner, return to Osaka by regional train.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Friday, June 23
Koyasan
Travel this morning to Mt. Koya for a stay at a Buddhist monastery. A 9th century Buddhist monastery complex set in the high hills of Wakayama, representing the Shingon esoteric sect. Shingon is a close cousin to Tibetan Buddhism, and is distinctly different from the other two main divisions of Buddhism in Japan: Pure Land and Zen. This mountain was the monastery of the great Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi (aka Kukai), who is credited with spreading esoteric Buddhism throughout Japan. Enjoy touring in the area and photographing the many temples, monasteries and cedar forests. Among other possibilities, if weather and energy permit, you can hike a 3-mile trail, called the Women’s Pilgrim Course, circling the perimeter of Koyasan. After arrival and lunch, tour the Garan area with your local guide, a practicing monk. Garan is one of the sacred temple complexes in the area; visit Kongobu-ji temple, which is the head temple of the particular sub-sect of Buddhism represented in the area. You will also participate in (or simply observe if that is your preference) Jukai, a special ceremony to receive the 10 Buddhist commandments. This formal ceremony is administered to Buddhist lay people. Anyone may receive jukai and participating does not make people Buddhists, unless that is their intention.
Dinner tonight is shorin, special temple vegetarian cuisine. After eating, your guide, a local monk will take you through the Oku-no-in cemetery in a private night tour. Oku-no-in is a 1.2-mile long, 1000-year old cemetery set within a forest of ancient trees. It is where the ashes of some of Japan’s most illustrious historical figures are interred.
*Hiking option here
Accommodations: Temple guest house in special quarters
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Saturday, June 24
Tokyo
This morning, the early risers may decide to join our tour guide to attend a full Buddhist service, including a fire ceremony, performed by chanting monks. Then board the Shinkansen (bullet train) for Tokyo. Upon arrival, if the group is of sufficient size, you will have a final group dinner in a private dining room overlooking the city lights of Tokyo.
*Note: your tour leader will accompany whichever group is larger.
Accommodations: Deluxe Western-style Tokyo Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
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.
Hotels
With an incomparable perspective on the city and a singular, moat-side setting just opposite the Imperial Palace gardens, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Palace Hotel Tokyo is a haven of hospitality – serene and refined, and imbued with understated luxury throughout.
Paying homage to a legacy that dates back more than half a century, the multi-award-winning modern masterpiece is a sophisticated celebration of its country’s culture and a tribute to omotenashi – Japanese hospitality.
Situated just seconds from the Kanazawa station, Hyatt Centric Kanazawa is the perfect spot from which to explore the authentic art, shops, restaurants and culture of Kanazawa. Experience this well-preserved historical city; renowned for its geisha and samurai districts as well as wonderful cuisine.
This luxury ryokan is located in the small hot springs village of Yamanaka in Ishikawa prefecture. The village remains much the same as it has for many years, seemingly untouched by time. The inn is surrounded by majestic trees and lovingly nurtured gardens encircled by thickly forested hills.
Kayotei's ten suite rooms are arranged in the traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion. Guests wear no slippers in this ryokan; the walkways are tatami, as one would in the home of a relative or close friend. These are the rare and subtle differences that make time spent in Kayotei such a warm and welcoming experience.
A stroll through Kayotei is one of discovery, for original painted screens, fine works of pottery, and antique tansu adorn the hallways and spaces of this inn.
Sunlight peeks through the tall, slender stems of bamboo that lead you to our intimate hideaway in Kyoto’s temple district. At our heart is the 800-year-old Shakusui-en, a pond garden that firmly grounds our contemporary Hotel in tradition, artistry and natural beauty. Come morning, watch the sun illuminate the landscape outside your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows – cherry blossoms in spring, rich greenery in summer, vibrant red foliage in fall and snow-kissed mountain peaks in winter. Beguiling Kyoto keeps its secrets close. Let us show you where to find them.
Located in the quiet Honnaka-in valley and in front of Danjo-garan, you will find Souji-in, where only temples reminiscent of ancient Koyasan, created by Kobo Daishi, are congregated. Souji-in Temple was the 20th mountain owner from Kobo Daishi and created during the Heian period. The priests have protected and passed down the temple from generation to generation to this day.
Gora Kadan is located on the grounds of Kan’in-no-miya Villa, the former summer villa of a member of the Imperial Family in the town of Gora in Hakone. In this villa, which blends Japanese tradition along with modern design elements, we offer hot spring waters that flow freely from the source and an authentic kaiseki cuisine prepared with strictly selected seasonal ingredients. We hope you will enjoy a blissful moment in a traditional Japanese atmosphere at Gora Kadan.
A friendly face greets you upon arrival at Tokyo Station, leading you through the bustling crowds to our intimate boutique Hotel tucked away in the heart of Marunouchi's central business district at Pacific Century Place. Whether you’re here for work or just eager to explore the many wonders of our Japanese capital, let one of our 57 rooms be the quiet haven you need after a busy day.
