Explore, experience and savor more
Luxury Art Holiday in Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Japan
There is so much to see that it can be hard to decide where to start.
When we considered the itinerary for our Sketch Book Tour of Japan it was obvious that many of you may like to experience more while you are here. So we have chosen a range of Top Picks of things to do and see to compliment our tour that we think will give you the opportunity to Explore, Experience and Savor more of what Japan has to offer.
Here is what we have come up with for you.
Luxury Art Holiday in Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Japan
There is so much to see that it can be hard to decide where to start.
When we considered the itinerary for our Sketch Book Tour of Japan it was obvious that many of you may like to experience more while you are here. So we have chosen a range of Top Picks of things to do and see to compliment our tour that we think will give you the opportunity to Explore, Experience and Savor more of what Japan has to offer.
Here is what we have come up with for you.
Stay in a traditional Machiya (townhouse). A truly Japanese experience
'Machiya' literally means townhouse. Where there are townhouses across Japan, Machiya are a uniquely Kyoto feature. With their traditional Japanese architecture of Shoji paper doors, Tatami floors, wooden baths and cedar beams, they really are very beautiful. For a Machiya to qualify as a 'Machiya', it must have been built before 1920 in this traditional Japanese period style. Machiya are unfortunately disappearing rapidly and many efforts have been made to preserve these beautiful and culturally priceless townhouses.
Rates start at $600 per night for 1 or 2 persons (Prepay when you book)
Rates vary and are subject to availability at the time you book.
'Machiya' literally means townhouse. Where there are townhouses across Japan, Machiya are a uniquely Kyoto feature. With their traditional Japanese architecture of Shoji paper doors, Tatami floors, wooden baths and cedar beams, they really are very beautiful. For a Machiya to qualify as a 'Machiya', it must have been built before 1920 in this traditional Japanese period style. Machiya are unfortunately disappearing rapidly and many efforts have been made to preserve these beautiful and culturally priceless townhouses.
Rates start at $600 per night for 1 or 2 persons (Prepay when you book)
Rates vary and are subject to availability at the time you book.
Sumi-E Japanese Calligraphy Class in Kyoto
In Kyoto, the traditions of old Japan live on and our very talented and innovative Sumi-e calligraphy teacher shows us how to create a traditional Sumi-e painting on traditional paper with local ground inks following the time honored traditions of the region and the art.
Sumi-e Calligraphy class
We are in Fushimi and make our way in the morning to Saori's studio and Art Shop. Upstairs is the studios and we are introduced to the traditional methods and practice before launching into a calligraphy piece of our own design or something that Saori may provide.
We stop for beautifully prepared and interesting lunch in the studio with Saori before moving on with our tour in and around Fushimi. Such a great day with a talented teacher in the traditional methods of Japanese Sumi-E Calligraphy.
Rates are $125 per person.
In Kyoto, the traditions of old Japan live on and our very talented and innovative Sumi-e calligraphy teacher shows us how to create a traditional Sumi-e painting on traditional paper with local ground inks following the time honored traditions of the region and the art.
Sumi-e Calligraphy class
We are in Fushimi and make our way in the morning to Saori's studio and Art Shop. Upstairs is the studios and we are introduced to the traditional methods and practice before launching into a calligraphy piece of our own design or something that Saori may provide.
We stop for beautifully prepared and interesting lunch in the studio with Saori before moving on with our tour in and around Fushimi. Such a great day with a talented teacher in the traditional methods of Japanese Sumi-E Calligraphy.
Rates are $125 per person.
Night Life Dining Adventure - Kyoto
A culinary night to experience a variety of restaurants and eateries around the fashionable part of town.
Variety is the key so we can start with a sake tasting to set the mood and move on to sample speciality dishes at some of our guide's favourite venues taking in the local delicacies and the night life. Arty and quirky venues have an appeal for us.
A night tour is a fantastic way to celebrate Kyoto's most elegant, eclectic and harmonious cuisines.
$275 per person - Kyoto - (Restaurant meal, sake tasting and guide included)
A culinary night to experience a variety of restaurants and eateries around the fashionable part of town.
Variety is the key so we can start with a sake tasting to set the mood and move on to sample speciality dishes at some of our guide's favourite venues taking in the local delicacies and the night life. Arty and quirky venues have an appeal for us.
A night tour is a fantastic way to celebrate Kyoto's most elegant, eclectic and harmonious cuisines.
$275 per person - Kyoto - (Restaurant meal, sake tasting and guide included)
Tea Fields & Village Painting Workshop - Kyoto Mountains Region
The ranges to the north of Kyoto are home to the famous tea plantations of this region. We have a private bus to take us deep into the country side to an area that is very picturesque and stop in a village to visit a local artist at his studio.
Here we spend some time sketching the village houses and hills beyond before we head off to the tea plantations.
Shigeru our local artist has lived here for many years and is very well know throughout the region. Shigeru takes us to his favourite painting spots for some pictures before we head off for a super Bento Box luncheon at the village gardens.
A quick stop at the local cafe for some shopping - tea pots tea and other hand craft produced in the village, then head back to Kyoto. An outstanding adventure day well worth the visit and something completely different.
Now included in our Holiday Tour - Date is shown on our itinerary.
The ranges to the north of Kyoto are home to the famous tea plantations of this region. We have a private bus to take us deep into the country side to an area that is very picturesque and stop in a village to visit a local artist at his studio.
Here we spend some time sketching the village houses and hills beyond before we head off to the tea plantations.
Shigeru our local artist has lived here for many years and is very well know throughout the region. Shigeru takes us to his favourite painting spots for some pictures before we head off for a super Bento Box luncheon at the village gardens.
A quick stop at the local cafe for some shopping - tea pots tea and other hand craft produced in the village, then head back to Kyoto. An outstanding adventure day well worth the visit and something completely different.
Now included in our Holiday Tour - Date is shown on our itinerary.
Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) Traditional dance and talk
A maiko (舞妓, IPA: /ˈmaɪkoʊ/ MY-koh, Japanese: [maiko]) is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto and Western Japan. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or other traditional Japanese instruments for visitors during banquets and parties, known as ozashiki. We explore how that makeup and costume is prepared and how they are dressed for performances in kimonos and other traditional garments
A maiko (舞妓, IPA: /ˈmaɪkoʊ/ MY-koh, Japanese: [maiko]) is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto and Western Japan. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or other traditional Japanese instruments for visitors during banquets and parties, known as ozashiki. We explore how that makeup and costume is prepared and how they are dressed for performances in kimonos and other traditional garments