12-Day Japan Art & Craft Journey: Kyoto, Kanazawa & Naoshima

Arrive in Kyoto and transfer privately to your hotel. The rest of the day is left open to rest or enjoy a gentle walk nearby, easing into the city’s quieter rhythm.

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Today’s highlights:

• Private airport or rail station transfer

• First impressions of Kyoto

• Relaxed evening at leisure

Begin with a private guided visit to Kyoto’s most important temples and gardens, exploring refined architecture and landscaped spaces that define the city’s aesthetic legacy.

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Today’s highlights:

• Private guided temple visits

• Early access to tranquil gardens

• Architectural and cultural insight

Explore Kyoto through its living craft traditions, visiting artisan workshops and historic districts where craftsmanship continues to shape daily life.

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Today’s highlights:

• Curated craft and artisan visits

• Walk through preserved neighbourhoods

• Refined local lunch experience

Travel by train to Kanazawa, a city renowned for its preserved samurai districts and artistic heritage. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening.

Today’s highlights:

• Scenic rail journey

• Arrival in Kanazawa

• Evening at leisure

Discover Kanazawa’s cultural core with a private guide, including one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens and historic samurai quarters.

Today’s highlights:

• Guided visit to Kenrokuen Garden

• Samurai district exploration

• Traditional architecture and history

Focus on Kanazawa’s craft culture, from gold-leaf artistry to traditional markets that showcase regional food and design.

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Today’s highlights:

• Traditional craft experiences

• Local market visit

• Insight into regional craftsmanship

Travel south toward the Seto Inland Sea, continuing by ferry to Naoshima, Japan’s iconic contemporary art island.

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Today’s highlights:

• Coastal travel experience

• Arrival on Naoshima

• First views of art and landscape

Spend the day exploring Naoshima’s world-class museums, where contemporary art and architecture are integrated seamlessly into the natural landscape.

Today’s highlights:

• Museum visits with private guide

• Art-focused island exploration

• Coastal scenery

Enjoy a slower day on Naoshima, with time to revisit favourite sites or explore the island independently by foot or bicycle.

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Today’s highlights:

• Unhurried island exploration

• Art installations at leisure

• Quiet coastal moments

Return to Kyoto, transitioning back to the city after time by the sea. The evening is free for a final refined dinner.

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Today’s highlights:

• Return journey to Kyoto

• Final city evening

• Flexible dining options

Use your final full day to revisit favourite areas, enjoy a private tea experience, or explore a neighbourhood at your own pace.

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Today’s highlights:

• Personalised final experiences

• Cultural closure to the journey

• Unhurried exploration

Private transfer to the airport or onward rail connection.