Japan Arts Trail

Explore the world-class museums and galleries of Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital city.

Welcome to Japan! The rest of today will be free for you to explore Tokyo and, as you will be staying in the Ueno district, we recommend a visit to one of the fantastic museums in Ueno Park. The National Museum is particularly noteworthy with its extensive collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Alternatively you could head to nearby Asakusa, the exuberant historical district surrounding Tokyo's oldest temple: Senso-ji. Just across the Sumida River from here you will also find Tokyo's newest landmark – the 634 m (2,080 ft) Skytree!

On your first full day in Tokyo you will be at your leisure to discover some of Tokyo's artistic offerings. Visit the Mori Gallery, located 240 metres (787 ft) above the city at Roppongi Hills, where the constantly-changing exhibitions showcase some of the boldest work from both Japanese and non-Japanese contemporary artists.

Take to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the vivid works on display will transport you through the dramatic changes of the twentieth century.

Of course, don't forget to visit the classic sites too! Hamarikyu Gardens, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and a trip to Ginza (with its fabulous photography museums) are all fantastic options for today.

On day three you will have another free day either to explore Tokyo, or to take a day trip out of the city. The two most popular options are Nikko, with its ornate religious architecture and atmospheric woodland setting, and Kamakura, a sleepy coastal town with one of the country's largest Buddha statues.

If the concrete jungle is getting to you then you might like to head west to sacred Mount Takao to enjoy the range of hiking trails and mountaintop temple complex, virtually untouched by foreign visitors.

Overnight: Villa Fontaine Ueno

Wander through the Chokoku no Mori outdoor sculpture park in the outstanding natural setting of the Fuji-Hakone National Park.

You will leave the capital behind today and head south by Shinkansen bullet train to the Fuji-Hakone National Park. Here you will be staying at a family-run, Japanese-style guesthouse with hot spring baths at your disposal and a delicious evening meal included.

Your Hakone Free Pass is valid on all kinds of transport in the region and will allow you to start exploring the area this afternoon. Perhaps visit one of the museums near your hotel or take the cable car up to Mount Komagatake for breathtaking views of the area.

After a relaxing night at your ryokan inn you will have another day to discover the National Park area. Explore Owakudani with its bubbling hot springs and cruise across Lake Ashi, marvelling at the spectacular views of Mount Fuji if the weather is clear!

There are a number of excellent art galleries to explore in Hakone but the best is the Chokoku no Mori sculpture museum – an open-air sculpture park featuring works by numerous famous artists along with a significant Picasso collection.

Dinner will be included at your ryokan again tonight, and we recommend making the most of the relaxing hot spring baths before your return to the city tomorrow!

Overnight: Fuji Hakone Guest House

Enjoy superb modern collections and the best of Shogun era Japanese art in Nagoya.

From Odawara you will make the 282 km (175 mi) journey to Nagoya on the Shinkansen in just 71 minutes.

Having caught your breath, we recommend exploring the Tokugawa Art Museum, which will introduce you to the finest arts of the Shogun era (1603–1861). After this, what better way to spend the evening than in the restaurants and bars of Nagoya's vibrant Sakae entertainment district.

On day seven of your itinerary you will have a free day to explore Nagoya, during which you must be sure to fit in a visit to the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Art. You might also fancy an interesting side trip to Toyota City, where the city's art museum houses works by Klimt and Edvard Munch and the Toyota car factory museum provides an interesting insight into Japan's motor industry.

Nagoya is the home of our Japan office so you can be sure that your Info-Pack will be full of fantastic suggestions for the day!

Overnight: The B Nagoya

Mix temples and shrines with artisan workshops, kimono shows and small-scale galleries as you discover the charms of Japan's cultural heart: Kyoto.

No Japanese arts trail would be complete without a stay in Kyoto: the cultural heart of Japan. When you're not admiring the city's mind-boggling array of temples and shrines, you will also have the chance to visit artisan workshops and small galleries and to sample Kyoto's own culinary art: kaiseki cuisine.

One of our favourite galleries is the National Museum of Modern Art, located right by the giant torii gate of Kyoto's Heian Shrine. Start discovering the city with your Info-Pack this afternoon.

On your second day in Kyoto you will have a full day to wander the city. Kyoto has a tremendous amount to offer, whether you wish to discover some of the smaller temples and shrines dotted around the city or stroll through the bustling Nishiki Shijo market.

The kimono fashion show in the Nishijin textile district is well worth a look, and if you wish to see some of the natural beauty of the Kyoto area then a trip on the Hozugawa river makes for a great afternoon. Be sure to head to the Gion district around dusk to spot the elusive geisha scurrying between appointments!

On day three of your stay here you can either continue exploring the city or take a day trip to one of the numerous destinations within easy reach of the bullet train.

Nearby Nara boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a resident population of sacred deer and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. If you would prefer the vibrancy of a modern city you might plump for Osaka or Kobe – both famed for their delicious food.

For a top-notch museum visit you need only look as far as the Miho Museum in Shiga Prefecture, which houses a private collection of Asian and Western antiques in a spectacular building. Full details of how to make all these day trips and more will be included in your Info-Pack.

Overnight: Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Eki-Mae

Discover Japan's “City of Water”, with its therapeutic hot springs, cruises on Lake Shinji, and the award-winning gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art.

Matsue is your next destination: a charming city famous for its impressive samurai castle, located four hours away from Kyoto on the Japan Sea Coast.

On the way you might like to stop off in Okayama to discover Korakuen, one of the most celebrated gardens in Japan. When you arrive in Matsue, make the most of this “City of Water” by cruising Lake Shinji and soaking in some therapeutic hot springs.

On day twelve of your itinerary we recommend making a visit to the Adachi Museum of Art, located just outside Matsue in Yasugi. This museum features approximately 1,300 masterpieces from modern Japanese painting circles, including the works of Yokoyama Taikan.

The museum's expansive Japanese-style gardens have been awarded the title of “Best Gardens in Japan” for four successive years by The Journal Of Japanese Gardening (USA).

Overnight: Terazuya Ryokan

Spend the night on Naoshima, known for its exceptional art museums and installations spread throughout the island.

The highlight of your Japan Arts Trail will undoubtedly be the island of Naoshima. Over the past ten years, Naoshima has acquired a worldwide reputation for its innovative approach to art.

After making your way here via the immense Seto-Ohashi Bridge and a ferry ride from Takamatsu Port, you will have the chance spend the afternoon exploring the Art House Projects – an initiative whereby local houses have been restored and turned into art galleries.

On your second day in Naoshima you will have a full day to explore everything the “Art Island” has to offer. Our favourite is the Chichu Museum, where Monet's Water Lilies will take your breath away and James Turrell's ethereal light works will immerse you in a surreal art experience.

Designed by famed architect Takao Ando, Benesse House is also a must-see, with works by Andy Warhol, Bruce Nauman and David Hockney – to name but a few. There is even a museum about Ando himself.

If you need a break from art head to the James Bond-themed 007 Museum, the cat café in Honmura village, or just relax in one of the island's hot springs.

Overnight: Cinnamon

Round off your trip with one last night in Tokyo, where you'll spend your final evening in the exciting entertainment district of Shinjuku.

Sadly you will be leaving Naoshima behind today. After taking the ferry to Takamatsu, the Shinkansen bullet train will whisk you back to Tokyo today for a final night in the metropolis. There will even be time to squeeze in an extra gallery or two if you want to before heading out into the bright lights of Shinjuku for dinner.

Alas, after your final night in Tokyo it is time to head home. From Ikebukuro, you will take the convenient Narita Express train to Tokyo's Narita Airport in time for your departure flight. Have a safe journey home.

Overnight: The B Ikebukuro