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Experience Our Japan

Our customized, private insider tours of Japan feature our favorite places and experiences in the country.

Must stay...

At a traditional inn (ryokan) to experience Japanese hospitality, cuisine and aesthetics. Our favorites include the Hiiragiya and Tawaraya ryokans in Kyoto and the Gora Kadan in Hakone.

Don't miss...

The food halls in department stores such as Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya and Isetan. Our excellent guides can lead you on delicious tasting tours.

For garden lovers...

Enjoy private access to some of Japan's most exclusive imperial gardens (including Katsura Rikyu), Zen temple gardens, and other private gardens in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and many other locations throughout Japan.

Iconic image...

The enormous vermilion torii, Shinto gate, which appears to float atop the Seto Inland Sea at Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine (near Hiroshima).

The seasons...

A highlight of eating in Japan—whether at a gourmet restaurant or a bento box while on the train—is seeing how the cuisine incorporates seasonal ingredients.

Favorite contemporary art destination...

Naoshima Island, with its hotels designed by Tadao Ando, its art installations throughout the island, and the beautiful scenery.

Consider...

A private Zen meditation at a temple or an exclusive, private kaiseki dinner with entertainment by authentic geisha.

Favorite vegetarian cuisine...

We love temple cuisine in Kyoto. Our travelers in Kyoto experience a Zen vegetarian meal at a temple overlooking a beautiful garden.

When in Japan...

Experience the decadence of an outdoor onsen (natural hot spring) bath.

Best time to visit...

Japan is a great year-round destination. Favorite times include autumn for fall foliage, late winter for plum blossoms, spring for cherry blossoms, and July for summer festivals.

Japan with kids...

Castles, anime lessons, pop-culture districts, gadget shops, theme parks, baseball games and more.

Cultural immersion...

Consider having us arrange a behind-the-scenes tour of a sumo stable, private martial arts lessons, flower arranging lessons, and exclusive tea ceremonies.

The art of cuisine...

We can arrange all kinds of culinary experiences in this foodie paradise, from reservations at Sukiyabashi Jiro, to private cooking classes, to tours of the Tsukiji Fish Market and street food tours.

Best of Tokyo's pop culture...

Teen fashion and pop culture are born in Tokyo’s Shibuya and Harajuku neighborhoods. Fans of anime should not miss Hayao Miyazaki’s Ghibli Museum, and we can arrange tickets in advance.

Favorite shopping...

Japanese ceramics, refined lacquerware serving pieces, cute and kitsch pop-culture items, textiles, antiques, tea accessories, and fashion.

 

Experience Our Japan.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to start planning a private, customized Japan tour.

 

Japan in Photos

  • Touring Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets in Tokyo
  • Magical Spring in Kyoto
  • Autumn in Japan
  • Behind-the-Scenes Culinary and Crafts Touring in Japan
  • Exclusive Japan photos
  • Japan slideshow from clients

View more photos...

Japan on Our Blog

  • Magical Kyoto in Spring
  • Sansou Murata: An Atmospheric Ryokan in Kyushu, Japan
  • An Interview with Ashley Isaacs Ganz on Japan
  • Ceramics in Japan: Robert Yellin's Yakimono Gallery in Kyoto
  • Don’t Miss: Kou-an Glass Teahouse in Kyoto
  • Amanemu: Luxury Hot Springs Resort on the Scenic Coast of Rural Japan
  • Iconic Image: Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin" at Benesse Art Site Naoshima
  • Exclusive Access: Dinner with Geisha in Japan
  • Must Stay: Aman Tokyo
  • Exquisite Japanese lacquerware
  • Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
  • The Floating Torii at Miyajima
  • Favorite Breakfasts Around the World
  • Must Experience: Autumn in Japan
  • Experiencing the tea ceremony
  • Visiting a Kyoto machiya
  • Favorite breakfasts around the world
  • Must Buy: Traditional paper in Tokyo
  • Private architecture tours of Tokyo
  • Seafood on the Ise Peninsula
  • Isamu Noguchi’s Studio & Ritsurin Garden
  • Don’t Miss: Kou-an Glass Teahouse in Kyoto

Visit our blog...

In the Press

  • Departures
  • Conde Nast Traveler
  • The New York Times
  • Wall Street Journal
  • CNN
  • Travel + Leisure
  • Town & Country

Read our press...

Testimonials

My clients said it was the absolute best trip they have ever taken; it was flawless and fabulous. You delighted my clients in ways not previously attainable by other tour operators...
~ C.S., Seattle, WA

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