Off the usual tourist route the southern city of Fukuoka is a historically important and culturally vibrant city. Its close proximity to mainland China has meant that is has acted as a crucial entry point for influences that have shaped Japan. For this reason it was referred to as the ‘Western Capital’. We can appreciate the significance of this cultural mixing pot here by visiting important Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines and cutting edge art museums housing significant art collections. This experience will be complemented by an overnight sojourn in a traditional inn at a nearby mountain hot springs resort also housing a celebrated modern museum of contemporary Japanese art. Taking the bullet train back to Kyoto along the Seto Inland Sea coast we will punctuate our trip with stops at seldom visited art museums including the Simose Art Museum that has been labelled the “World’s Most Beautiful Museum”. After arriving in Kyoto we will visit the recently renovated art deco inspired Kyocera Museum of Art and Osaka’s Nakanoshima Art Museum, both exemplars of Japan’s ability to innovate with creative new art museums housing significant art collections.

Land content only. Included in Tour Price: 9 nights accommodation + breakfast; entrance fees; public transport in Japan; luggage transfer where required; 5 meals (as indicated on the Itinerary); talks.
Not included in Tour Price: Comprehensive travel insurance; Daily lunch and dinner not indicated in the itinerary; All beverages; Airport transfers

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate single travelers due to hotel booking requirements.