Trip Overview

Our Modern Adventure to Japan is an unparalleled exploration of Japanese art and culture, craft and design, with Heath Ceramics. We start our journey in Tokyo, a co-mingling of the centuries-old and the futuristic, where we'll explore world-class museums and meet some of its most inspiring working artists and craftspeople, including a master ceramicist and an indigo dyer.

From Tokyo we’ll head by Bullet Train to Naoshima Island, Japan's famous art island, a place where each field and slope is just another canvas for some of the world’s greatest art. We'll visit museums and art projects that adorn the island, turning every new path, corner and horizon into something whimsical and unexpected. Then we're off to Osaka to slow it down, with zen meditation, a traditional tea ceremony and an ancient temple visit. To cap off our trip, we’ll spend our final day in Kyoto, where we’ll dive deep into ceramics and pottery—and understand just why Japan leads the world in thoughtful design.

This trip overview is designed to answer questions regarding our Modern Adventure Experience, including the itinerary, food and drink, packing list and more. Keep this document handy and refer to it whenever you need information regarding our trip.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: TOKYO

  • First day! Meet at 9am on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Park Hyatt Tokyo

  • Noh Experience

  • Visit Musee Tomo

  • Lunch at NOBU

  • Visit to Kiyosumi Garden

  • Welcome dinner at Ginmasa

  • Lodging: Park Hyatt Tokyo

DAY 2: TOKYO

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Drive to Kasama

  • Meet Aiko and enjoy visit Studio Tour

  • Lunch at ROAN Soba

  • Hamada Studio visit

  • Daisengama Pottery Studio

  • Dinner at your leisure

  • Lodging: Park Hyatt Tokyo

DAY 3: TOKYO

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • First part of day at your leisure

  • Sushi workshop

  • Lodging: Park Hyatt Tokyo


DAY 4: TOKYO > NAOSHIMA

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Transfer to Naoshima by car, bullet train and ferry

  • Visit Chichu Museum

  • Visit House project

  • Dinner at Benesse House

  • Lodging: Benesse House

DAY 5: TESHIMA & INUJIMA

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Private Ferry to Teshima

  • Visit Teshima Art Museum & Les Archives du Coeur

  • Lunch at Shima Kitchen

  • Visit Teshima Yokoo House

  • Return to Naoshima by ferry

  • Dinner at Benesse House

  • Lodging: Benesse House

DAY 6: NAOSHIMA > KYOTO

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Transfer to Kyoto

  • Private visit and meeting with ceramicist Jun Kawajiri

  • Dinner with traditional geisha

  • Lodging: Park Hyatt Kyoto

DAY 7: KYOTO

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Visit Sanjusangendo Temple

  • Zen meditation experience

  • Traditional tea ceremony

  • Lunch at Sodoh

  • Afternoon at leisure

  • Dinner at Isoizum

  • Lodging: Park Hyatt Kyoto

DAY 8: KYOTO > OSAKA > KYOTO

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Drive to Osaka

  • Meet with owners at Truck Furniture

  • Time for lunch at the Kuromon Ichiba Market

  • Dotonbori/Shinsekai

  • Tower Knives Osaka

  • Farewell dinner at Hyoto

  • Lodging: Park Hyatt Kyoto

DAY 9: KYOTO > DEPARTURES

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Transfer to airport

  • Flights to depart at 2pm or later

Our Accommodations

Park Hyatt Tokyo

3-7-1-2, Nishishinjuku, Tokyo 163-1055

Tel. +81 3-5322-1234
Park Hyatt Tokyo
tokyo.park@hyatt.com

An elegant oasis of space and calm, Park Hyatt Tokyo has 360-degree views of the city and Mount Fuji, and is the ideal launchpad for exploring everything Tokyo.

Benesse House

Kagawa District, Naoshima, 761-3110 Kagawa

Tel. +81 87-892-3223
Benesse House
info@benessehouse

Few experiences in life can prepare you for staying at Naoshima Island's Benesse House, a breezy, light-filled gallery space that just happens to moonlight as one of the world’s coziest, most luxurious hotels.

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho 360, 605-0826 Kyoto

Tel. +81 75-531-1234
Park Hyatt Kyoto
kyoto.park@hyatt.com

Decorated with minimal touches and tamo wood floors and windows for walls, and located in the hills literally steps away from Kyoto's iconic stone-paved slopes and narrow alleys.

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUSIONS

On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are luxury boutique accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Here’s what’s included:

  • 8 nights at unique 5-star luxury accommodations

  • Private transportation—just for us—for all day trips and excursions

  • Transit by Bullet Train and ferry

  • Private tours with local artisans, designers and masters of craft

  • Immersive guided activities, adventures and daily expeditions

  • Daily breakfasts, as well as many lunches and most dinners

  • Local beverages at every included meal

  • Departure transfers to Kansai Airport (KIX)

  • All entrance fees

  • Gratuity for local guide and tour leader

EXCLUSIONS

  • International roundtrip airfare to and from Japan

  • Travel insurance (see travel insurance section)

  • Transportation to the trip’s starting point

  • Hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs

  • Meals not included in itinerary

  • Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader