From sake cups to scissors, tatami to tea pots – good design is everywhere in Japan.
During the postwar design boom, Japanese designers became renowned for their technical skill, application of materials, and simple design aesthetics as they created iconic household objects for everyday use.
Traditional Japanese architecture strives to be in harmony with nature, incorporating minimalistic design and using lightweight, natural materials (like wood, bamboo, straw, and paper), and having porous boundaries between inside and outside. In earthquake-prone ancient Japan, wood was the chosen material as it was also easier to rebuild.
Japanese design is more than just an aesthetic – it's a philosophy. The tour takes you on an enlightening and aesthetically pleasing journey through the history of Japanese design and architecture, through to the modern day where traditional design practices are combined with modern and western aesthetics.
Travel through Japan and learn about the country's distinctive history of design and architecture.
Hear from design expert, Colin Bisset, on the history of Japanese design and architecture throughout the tour.
Ascend by ropeway to the hills above Kobe to visit the Chapel of the Wind, designed by Tadao Ando.
Visit the impressive Hundertwasser Incinerator in Osaka.
Visit Yodoko Guest House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Spend three nights in Japan's capital of high culture, Kyoto. Take the bullet train to Kyoto. Stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk and visit the nearby temple, Ginkaku-ji, and its gardens. Visit Fushima Inari and walk a section of the famous Tofuku-ji Walk through the vermillion gates (pictured). Continue to Arashima and visit the soaring bamboo forest. Take tea at the Actors’ Garden. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple complex,Daitoku-ji temple and explore the many different temples in different styles, as well as the beautiful gardens.
Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.
If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.
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