Kurashiki is a picturesque historic town in western Japan that’s perfect for travelers wanting an off-the-beaten-path experience. 

Read More

Ceramics are one of our favorite entry points into Japanese culture. Artisans of Leisure arranges private Japan tours that introduce travelers to the best of Japanese craft traditions.

Read More

We recently returned from an incredible trip to Japan featuring off-the-beaten path destinations such as Naoshima (Benesse), Kurashiki, Miyajima and the luxury Guntu cruise on the Seto Inland Sea.

Read More

Artisans of Leisure arranges private family heritage and genealogical tours all over the world.

Read More

For anyone interested in sushi and Japanese food in general, touring markets in Japan is a must. We arrange early morning visits to the wholesale Toyosu Market in Tokyo to watch the tuna auction. We also arrange insider food tours of Tsukiji Outer Market. Artisans of Leisure customizes private Japan tours that provide an in-depth […]

Read More

Highlights from our recent private tour of Japan, including Tokyo and off-the-beaten-path locations in rural Tohoku.

Read More

Spring is a particularly magical time to visit Japan, one of our favorite destinations. Plum blossoms bring the first blush of spring to Japan in February, followed by the legendary sakura (cherry blossoms), which paint the country pink from the end of March through the beginning of April. Kyoto is wonderful in any season, but there’s […]

Read More

Enjoying a private dinner with geisha is one of Japan’s most exclusive and most unforgettable experiences. Icons of traditional Japanese culture, geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) are professional performers who wear extravagant kimono, makeup and hair decorations while entertaining their guests Geisha typically perform in private ochaya (tea houses) that are clustered in historic neighborhoods […]

Read More