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 Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Park Hyatt Tokyo
Noh Experience
Lunch at NOBU
Visit to Kiyosumi Garden
Welcome dinner at Ginmasa
Lodging: Park Hyatt Tokyo
DAY 2: TOKYO
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Mashiko
Meet Aiko and enjoy visit Studio Tour
Lunch at Mashiko
Hamada Studio visit
Shabu Shabu dinner
Lodging: Park Hyatt Tokyo
DAY 3: TOKYO
Breakfast at hotel
First part of day created by Heath Ceramics
Dinner on own
Lodging: Park Hyatt Tokyo
DAY 4: TOKYO > NAOSHIMA
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Naoshima by car, bullet train and ferry
Visit Chichu Museum
Dinner at hotel
Lodging: JR Clement Hotel
DAY 5: TESHIMA
Breakfast at hotel
Private Ferry to Teshima
Visit Teshima Art Museum
Ferry and lunch in Inujima
Return to Naoshima by ferry
Afternoon at leisure on E-bikes
Dinner at Benesse House
Lodging: Benesse House
DAY 6: NAOSHIMA > KYOTO
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Kyoto
Lunch on own
Visit Sanjusangendo Temple
Traditional geisha dinner
Lodging: Park Hyatt Kyoto
DAY 7: KYOTO
Breakfast at hotel
Zen meditation experience
Traditional tea ceremony
Lunch at The Sodoh
Afternoon at leisure
Sake tasting and dinner
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
Farewell & sushi making dinner
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.
JR Clement Hotel
1 Hamanocho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0011, Japan
Tel. +81 87-811-1111
JR Clement Hotel
Look north for scintillating views of the Seto Sea or south to downtown Takamatsu, a port city famous for its teahouses and architecture. Or slumber in luxury in ultra-modern rooms—all imbued with a Japanese simplicity and inviting decor.
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