Japan Architecture & Art Tour with Classic Hotel Stay

The classic hotels, pioneers of the Japanese hotel industry from the pre-war to post-war periods, exude an antique ambiance that stands the test of time. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of three iconic classic Japanese hotels, and experience lodgings beloved by historical figures. During your travels, you will have the opportunity to visit buildings from various eras, ranging from the late 12th century in Kamakura, the Edo period to modern times in Tokyo, to cutting-edge designs for the future in Awaji.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your hotel in Tokyo by train or Airport Limousine Bus, we will provide full instructions in advance.

Note: If you would like the meet and greet or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.

The Tokyo Station Hotel

Vintage elegance in the hip heart of Tokyo. The Tokyo Station Hotel has rich history since 1915. Its iconic red-brick grandeur of the building is proudly designated as an “Important Culture Property of Japan”. Since complete renovation in 2012, hotel provides 150 keys of classic European décor with modern comfort.

🍴Breakfast

🅗 The Tokyo Station Hotel or similar class

Day 2 | Nikko

FREE DAY

Experience treasured UNESCO heritage sites! The allure of Nikko's breathtaking natural beauty. You can visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls! And indulge in an unforgettable stay at Nikko's historic Kanaya Hotel, Japan's oldest classic resort hotel.
*We can arrange Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with Guide and Vehicle (8hours)

Nikko Kanaya Hotel

Established in 1873, the Nikko Kanaya Hotel stands as Japan's oldest resort hotel and has welcomed numerous distinguished guests throughout its history, such as Helen Keller, Einstein, Lindbergh, and Shigeru Yoshida. This esteemed hotel is also registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, offering you a unique and unforgettable stay where the fusion of Japanese and Western cultures creates an exceptional experience.

🍴Breakfast/Dinner

🅗 Nikko Kanaya Hotel or similar class

Day 3 | Tokyo

Free Day

■ Take a train from Nikko to Tokyo (2.5hours)

■ Asakusa,  Sensoji (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple)
  You can also ride a rickshaw to see around Asakusa!

■ Ryogoku Kokugikan (also known as Ryogoku Sumo Hall), Sumō Museum inside of the hall

■ Dinner on your own (Ex. Chanko Nabe for dinner)

🍴Breakfast

🅗  The Tokyo Station Hotel or similar class

Day 4 | Tokyo

FREE DAY + Hotel Dinner

■ Kyu Furukawa Tei 

"Kyu-Furukawa Garden is a Tokyo metropolitan park that encompasses a Western-style mansion, a Western-style rose garden, and a Japanese-style garden, all of which were built in the early 20th century. Designed by British architect Josiah Conder and were completed by 1917 who was hired by the Meiji Japanese government as a professor of architecture at the Imperial College of Engineering and became the architect for Japan's Public Works.

■ Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is a park where you can experience the history and culture of Japan. The museum showcases and reproduces buildings and gardens from the Edo period to the early Showa period. You can explore reconstructed streets of the Edo period, traditional residences, merchant houses, temples, and tea houses, providing a glimpse into the daily life and architectural styles of historical Japan. You will also have the opportunity to participate in tea ceremonies held in traditional tea houses or engage in workshops where you can learn traditional crafts and techniques. 

■ The National Art Center, Tokyo
The National Art Center, Tokyo", a remarkable architectural marvel designed by Kisho Kurokawa, stands as a glass-enclosed building undulating like a wave. This futuristic masterpiece is known as Kurokawa's final museum design, completed during his lifetime, and holds a prominent place among his acclaimed works. Kurokawa's innovative vision shines not only in the building's captivating exterior but also in the meticulously crafted interior design. Visitors have the privilege of free entry to the building, while certain exhibitions may require tickets for access.

🍴Breakfast / Dinner

🅗  The Tokyo Station Hotel or similar class

Day 5 | Yokohama

■ Take a train from Tokyo to Shin-Yokohama (30 mis) 

■ Ramen making class at Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (Reservation required)

■ Take train to Yokohama, and Check-in to the hotel

Hotel New Grand

Hotel New Grand has been named to these Historic Hotels Worldwide Top 25 Lists

Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, established in 1927, is an internationally renowned hotel that has hosted guests from around the globe. Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed numerous distinguished figures and celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, the Duke of Gloucester, and many others. Notably, following the end of World War II, General Douglas MacArthur, the Allied Commander-in-Chief, stayed in room 315 of this hotel upon his arrival on August 30, 1945.

■ Hikawamaru & Akarenga warehouse

A historic cargo-passenger ship that symbolizes its era when it commenced service on the trans-Pacific route to Seattle in 1930. Notably, it even hosted the renowned comedian Chaplin. During World War II, the ship was repurposed as a Navy hospital vessel. It was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2016.

Akarenga in Yokohama refers to the historic Red Brick Warehouse complex. Originally built as customs buildings, these warehouses have been transformed into a cultural and commercial facility. They now house stylish shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. It is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, blending history with a vibrant atmosphere.

■ New Grand Hotel Tour & Special Dinner

Embark on a special tour guided by the "New Grand Meister." The Meister will present the captivating history, rich traditions, and enchanting charm of Hotel New Grand! The New Grand Meister refers to the staff members who have acquired extensive knowledge about the hotel's illustrious history, its intriguing anecdotes, the architectural allure of the main building (a historical site certified by Yokohama City and recognized as a modern industrial heritage site), as well as the menu that originates from the hotel's culinary heritage. These staff members receive certification after successfully passing both written and practical tests.

Hotel New Grand has dedicated significant efforts to offering "French-style cuisine with state-of-the-art facilities," contributing significantly to Japanese food culture. Many Western dishes that originated at Hotel New Grand in Yokohama have since spread throughout Japan.

Please Note: The Hotel Tour is exclusively available to in-house guests, and reservations are required. Please note that this tour is a special activity offered for certain room types, and participation is subject to availability. Therefore, there is a possibility that you may not be able to participate in the hotel tour.

🍴Breakfast/Dinner

🅗 Hotel New Grand or similar class

Day 6 | Kamakura

Free Day

Enjoy your day at Kamakura!
*We can arrrange Private Full Day Kamakura Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Vehicle (6 hours)

VIsit Hase-dera Temple & Kannon museum, Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in, Kencho-ji Temple, Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Enoshima Island.

■ Dinner on your own at Yokohama Chinatown

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Hotel New Grand or similar class

Day 7 | Mt. Fuji

■ Drive to the Kawaguchiko area (Departing at 7:00)

■ Visit Tenjoyama Park and the Mt.Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

■ Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center 

Visit an elegant building shaped as an inverted cone which was designed by famous Japanese architect Shigeru Ban.It suggests the shape Mount Fuji in an impressive cypress wood lattice inverted cone. The structure is reflected in the pond at its foot, replicating the same perfect conic shape as the volcano.The cypress wood used for this building was quite naturally harvested in Mount Fuji’s neighboring forests.

■ Mishima Skywalk 

The Mishima Skywalk is a breathtaking scenic location that offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji from a massive suspension bridge. Stretching 400 meters in length, it holds the distinction of being Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridge.

■ Drop off at Mishima station or Shin Fuji station, then take a bullet train to Shin-Osaka station (2.5 hours)

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar class

Day 8 | Awaji Island

Free Day

■ Take a train and highway bus to visit Awaji Island (2.5 hours)

*We can arrange Island Sightseeing Taxi Plan from Awaji area (5 hours)

■ Eshima

Eshima Island emerges at the northern tip of Awaji Island and holds significance as one of the legendary locations among the Onokorojima Islands, as mentioned in the Kuniumi Story.

■ Gossa Kaito Ruins

The Gossa Kaito Ruins is an archaeological treasure that unveils the secrets of an ancient village that existed around 1,500 years ago. It offers a fascinating window into the daily lives and rich culture of the people during that period. The site's remains comprise circular earthen walls and the foundations of pit dwellings, which served as both homes and defensive structures for the inhabitants. Excavated artifacts, including pottery and stone tools, shed light on the customs and practices of the community that once thrived there.

■ Sennenichi Sake Brewery

Sennenichi Sake Brewery has been producing local sake for over 140 years. Despite being severely damaged by the Great Earthquake, the brewery persevered and continued its legacy. They offer a delightful selection of sake, crafted using locally grown sake rice from Awaji Island. We highly recommend trying their delicious sake. They also have non-alcoholic sweet rice beverdge.

■ Check in to the Hotel and explore Awaji Yumebutai 

Awaji Yumebutai is a stunning architectural and horticultural complex located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture Japan, whici designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The complex provides breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and incorporates elements of Japanese design. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the gardens and immerse themselves in the world of Tadao Ando. Awaji Yumebutai is not only visually impressive but also environmentally significant, as it was constructed on a former quarry site and has restored the natural landscape.

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Grand Nikko Awaji or similar class

Day 9 | Awaji Island

*We can arrange Island Sightseeing Taxi Plan (5 hours)

■ Keinomatsubara

Keinomatsubara is renowned for its picturesque landscapes mentioned in the Manyoshu, an ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. It boasts approximately 50,000 Awaji black pine trees and a pristine white sandy beach stretching over 2.5 km, creating a mesmerizing combination of verdant pine trees and pristine white sand in the Seto Inland Sea. The location is also recognized as one of Japan's 100 best spots to witness breathtaking sunsets.Additionally, within Keinomatsubara, there is the "Proposal Rode," where couples can exchange vows of love beneath the finest examples of Japan's smoked roof tiles.

■ Uzushio Cruise: Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat

Enjoy Uzushio Cruise, which is Awaji's popular attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural phenomenon known as the Naruto Whirlpools. 

■ Awaji Puppet Theater (Awaji Ningyoza)

The Awaji Puppet Theater, also known as Awaji Ningyoza, is a traditional puppetry form originating from Awaji Island in Japan. Ningyo Joruri, the puppet performance, has a history of about 500 years and has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It showcases folk tales, historical events, and legends through captivating performances accompanied by traditional music and elaborate stage sets. The performances often rely on visual storytelling, expressive puppet movements, and the overall spectacle of the art form. The intricate puppetry, colorful costumes, and accompanying music create a captivating atmosphere that transcends language barriers. It's a unique cultural experience that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of language proficiency.

■ Take a train and highway bus to back to Shin-Osaka (2.5 hours)

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar class

Day 10 | Tour Ends

After breakfast, Checkout by 12 pm. Airport transfer at request.

🍴Breakfast

NOTE : If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book transfers and hotel accommodations.

Info

• All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. Single Supplement will apply

• International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure.

• We can arrange international flights if needed, please ask for details.

• The peak of the autumn foliage period depends on the place and year’s climate.

Deposit

• We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure.

Additional Information

Price

• Price may change depends on the exchange rate and availability.

Additional Information

Transport

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure are upon request. （Please ask for the price）

Accommodations

The Tokyo Station Hotel (Tokyo) - Classic Hotel

Nikko Kanaya Hotel (Nikko) - Classic Hotel

Hotel New Grand (Yokohama) - Classic Hotel

Grand Nikko Awaji (Awaji)

Courtyard by Marriott Shin Osaka Station (Osaka)

・If you wish to stay extra nights before or after the tour, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.