Travel

Monumental Journeys: Japan

Kyoto, Nara, Shikoku, and an optional extension to Tokyo

May 12, 2019 to May 20, 2019

Japan’s modernity and the central role it plays in today’s world have made the country and its rich cultural heritage increasingly accessible to world travelers seeking an introductory visit. World Monuments Fund’s 2019 tour, however, is designed for those visitors seeking a deeper level of engagement with the country, its built heritage, and its renowned cultural and artistic traditions.

WMF's almost 20 years of preservation work throughout Japan allows us to provide participants on this tour with exclusive access to architecture, gardens, and special spaces that are often closed to the general public. An early morning, pre-public visit to the Golden Pavilion, a visit to one of the largest private gardens remaining in Kyoto, and a hard-hat tour of the ongoing preservation of a World Heritage Site in Nara are just a few of the highlights. We will also visit celebrated modern sites on Shikoku, the smallest and least populated of Japan’s main islands with mountainous terrain and abundant citrus groves, including a private tour of Isamu Noguchi’s home and studio. 

The impressive sites on this itinerary range from medieval to modern and touch upon Japan’s imperial and equally-rich vernacular history. Their survival is a testament to their importance within Japan’s long history and the country’s diligent efforts to preserve heritage in the face of challenges including urbanism, environment, and natural disaster.

Main Trip: May 12-20, 2019
Optional Extension: May 20-22, 2019

Main trip cost:
$11,495 Per person double occupancy
$13,395 Per person single occupancy

Optional extension cost:
$2,695 Per person double occupancy
$3,290 Per person single occupancy

What's included:
• All hotel accommodations*
• Meals as indicated
• All special events, entrance fees, and private tours
• Services of English-speaking B&R Tour Leader
• Tips for drivers, hotels, restaurants and guides
• All transportation within the trip, including domestic
trains and flights
• Baggage transportation

What's not included:
• Travel to and from Japan
• Cancellation insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Transfers to/from the airport on arrival and departure (B&R will be happy to go over options and take care of reservations)

*Upgrades available. Contact for details.

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DAY 1: Arrive at your leisure today and explore the bustle of Osaka on your own. Tonight, we will formally begin the trip with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to welcome one another and talk about the week to come.
DAY 1: Arrive at your leisure today and explore the bustle of Osaka on your own. Tonight, we will formally begin the trip with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to welcome one another and talk about the week to come.

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DAY 2 : This morning we’ll transfer to the ancient city of Kyoto, which has been a hub of traditional culture for hundreds of years. Kyoto includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the most of any one city. On our first morning we will explore the rich urban fabric of Kyoto’s Machiya townhouses, several of which were saved with support from WMF. This afternoon, we’ll learn about the art of indigo dying in a well-established studio. In the evening, we’ll walk through the atmospheric streets of the Higashiyama neighborhood on our way to dinner.
DAY 2 : This morning we’ll transfer to the ancient city of Kyoto, which has been a hub of traditional culture for hundreds of years. Kyoto includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the most of any one city. On our first morning we will explore the rich urban fabric of Kyoto’s Machiya townhouses, several of which were saved with support from WMF. This afternoon, we’ll learn about the art of indigo dying in a well-established studio. In the evening, we’ll walk through the atmospheric streets of the Higashiyama neighborhood on our way to dinner.

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DAY 3: Today we will step further back in time as we transfer an hour to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, established in 710 CE. On our way, we will enjoy an exclusive visit to a private home in Kyoto built in 1928 by architect Koji Fujii for his own use. After lunch, we’ll visit Chuguji Convent, one of thirteen surviving imperial Buddhist convents, which WMF helped restore following the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Tonight, enjoy an evening on your own in Kyoto—did you know there are more Michelin-star restaurants in Japan than any other country?
DAY 3: Today we will step further back in time as we transfer an hour to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, established in 710 CE. On our way, we will enjoy an exclusive visit to a private home in Kyoto built in 1928 by architect Koji Fujii for his own use. After lunch, we’ll visit Chuguji Convent, one of thirteen surviving imperial Buddhist convents, which WMF helped restore following the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Tonight, enjoy an evening on your own in Kyoto—did you know there are more Michelin-star restaurants in Japan than any other country?

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DAY 4: This morning, we will accept a very exclusive and rare invitation to privately visit the Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion). Afterwards, we'll continue onto the richly decorated 18th-century Hokyoji Convent, which served as the Emperor’s private chapel in the Imperial Palace. After lunch, we’ll explore the Nomura Garden and at the end of the afternoon, we will have a special visit at the Reikan-ji Imperial Convent, another WMF project, where we will explore the restoration work of the site's paintings with a master. Tonight, we will be entertained in true Kyoto style as we are joined by Geiko and Maiko—the experience is truly a step back in time.
DAY 4: This morning, we will accept a very exclusive and rare invitation to privately visit the Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion). Afterwards, we'll continue onto the richly decorated 18th-century Hokyoji Convent, which served as the Emperor’s private chapel in the Imperial Palace. After lunch, we’ll explore the Nomura Garden and at the end of the afternoon, we will have a special visit at the Reikan-ji Imperial Convent, another WMF project, where we will explore the restoration work of the site's paintings with a master. Tonight, we will be entertained in true Kyoto style as we are joined by Geiko and Maiko—the experience is truly a step back in time.

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DAY 5: This morning will explore the Katsura detached Palace before leaving Kyoto by bullet train, heading south towards the Seto Inland Sea. The last leg of the journey will be by private bus and then by ferry to the incredible art island of Naoshima—an experience few groups get to have. Naoshima Island and nearby Teshima Island were developed into artistic and cultural centers by a Japanese philanthropist. Take the afternoon to explore numerous art museums and architectural wonders, from the ancient to the modern. Tonight, we will dine together in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant.
DAY 5: This morning will explore the Katsura detached Palace before leaving Kyoto by bullet train, heading south towards the Seto Inland Sea. The last leg of the journey will be by private bus and then by ferry to the incredible art island of Naoshima—an experience few groups get to have. Naoshima Island and nearby Teshima Island were developed into artistic and cultural centers by a Japanese philanthropist. Take the afternoon to explore numerous art museums and architectural wonders, from the ancient to the modern. Tonight, we will dine together in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant.

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DAY 6: Today you will have the freedom to explore Naoshima further. We will be there during the celebratory Setouchi Triennale, which brings artists and installations from all over Japan and the world. Tonight, we’ll reunite to enjoy dinner together in Benesse House’s French restaurant
DAY 6: Today you will have the freedom to explore Naoshima further. We will be there during the celebratory Setouchi Triennale, which brings artists and installations from all over Japan and the world. Tonight, we’ll reunite to enjoy dinner together in Benesse House’s French restaurant

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DAY 7: This morning we will take a short ferry to the city of Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. We’ll start our exploration at the Noguchi Garden Museum and then visit the Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium, a 2018 World Monuments Watch site. After lunch, we’ll stop in at the 17th-century Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful historic gardens. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our ryokan (Japanese inn) where we will be fitted for yukatas, a traditional garment, for the evening. Be sure to enjoy a good soak in the hot spring at some point during your stay—the waters are said to be healing. Dinner tonight will be a traditional kaiseki meal—be sure to follow the strict dress code of wearing your yukata to dinner!
DAY 7: This morning we will take a short ferry to the city of Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. We’ll start our exploration at the Noguchi Garden Museum and then visit the Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium, a 2018 World Monuments Watch site. After lunch, we’ll stop in at the 17th-century Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful historic gardens. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our ryokan (Japanese inn) where we will be fitted for yukatas, a traditional garment, for the evening. Be sure to enjoy a good soak in the hot spring at some point during your stay—the waters are said to be healing. Dinner tonight will be a traditional kaiseki meal—be sure to follow the strict dress code of wearing your yukata to dinner!

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DAY 8: Today we will take the special opportunity to explore Shikoku Island—a beautiful place off the beaten path. We’ll visit the prayer hall, or sanro-den, at the Shinto shrine to Sukunahikona, which was restored with support from WMF. We’ll also stop and visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Hizuchi Elementary school, which won the 2012 WMF / Knoll Modernism Prize. After lunch, we’ll stop in Uchiko, a beautiful town known for its handicrafts. At the end of the day, we will take a domestic flight from Matsuyama back to Tokyo where we will check in at the Palace Hotel for our final evening.
DAY 8: Today we will take the special opportunity to explore Shikoku Island—a beautiful place off the beaten path. We’ll visit the prayer hall, or sanro-den, at the Shinto shrine to Sukunahikona, which was restored with support from WMF. We’ll also stop and visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Hizuchi Elementary school, which won the 2012 WMF / Knoll Modernism Prize. After lunch, we’ll stop in Uchiko, a beautiful town known for its handicrafts. At the end of the day, we will take a domestic flight from Matsuyama back to Tokyo where we will check in at the Palace Hotel for our final evening.

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DAY 9: For those attending the main trip only, we’ll say goodbye after breakfast, and for those remaining for the Tokyo extension, we’ll begin our exploration of this vibrant, modern city. We’ll start at the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Not far from there is Omotesando, a broad, tree-lined avenue sometimes referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees. After lunch, enjoy exploring Tokyo on your own, or if you wish, a guide will be available to take you to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
DAY 9: For those attending the main trip only, we’ll say goodbye after breakfast, and for those remaining for the Tokyo extension, we’ll begin our exploration of this vibrant, modern city. We’ll start at the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Not far from there is Omotesando, a broad, tree-lined avenue sometimes referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees. After lunch, enjoy exploring Tokyo on your own, or if you wish, a guide will be available to take you to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

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DAY 10: This morning, we’ll walk the Imperial Palace East Gate Garden and then we’ll head over to Ueno Park. Here we can visit the Tokyo National Museum or the Corbusier’s Museum of Western Art. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon exploring on your own; we’ll regather for one last dinner together.
DAY 10: This morning, we’ll walk the Imperial Palace East Gate Garden and then we’ll head over to Ueno Park. Here we can visit the Tokyo National Museum or the Corbusier’s Museum of Western Art. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon exploring on your own; we’ll regather for one last dinner together.

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DAY 11: Enjoy your day at leisure until it is time to make your way to the airport for check-in.
DAY 11: Enjoy your day at leisure until it is time to make your way to the airport for check-in.