Sample Itinerary 2

Ravaged by fires, earthquakes, war and the scramble for modernity, Tokyo is a city that has been rebuilt again and again. In among the faceless offices and apartment blocks are architectural gems by Japanese geniuses including Kenzo Tange, Kisho Kurokawa, Kengo Kuma and Toyo Ito, as well as up-and-coming talent such as SANAA and Nendo.

Galleries include major stops such as the National Art Center Tokyo, 21_21 Design Site, Suntory Museum, Mori Art Museum and Tokyo National Museum; non-mainstream destinations such as the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art; and private collections and small-scale galleries with an eye to buying.

Accommodation: Peninsula Tokyo

With two major museums and several smaller installations, the island of Naoshima (off the coast of Shikoku) is a pilgrimage in itself. Works at the various sites include those of Money, Warhol, Richard Long, Bruce Nauman and Walter de Maria. Accommodation is in a hotel inside one of the museums, designed by Tadao Ando.

Accommodation: Benesse House (Naoshima)

You'll begin with a chauffeur-driven day trip around Bespoke’s Kyoto favorites, with a focus on traditional temple and garden design. Sites will include Imperial villas, the Moss Temple, and private homes not always open to the public.

Designed by I.M. Pei, the Miho Museum’s location is breathtaking. Approached through its own tunnel followed by a suspension bridge, the museum is partially submerged under a mountaintop. Inside is a permanent collection of artifacts from around the world, as well as rotating exhibitions of Japanese art.

Accommodation: Sanso Yoshida Ryokan (traditional inn)

At the mid-point of the journey, a day to relax and take in the volcanic hot spring waters around Kanazawa and its surrounding ryokan (traditional inns). The area is also known for its seafood, and we will take a trip to a world-famous restaurant by the sea to the north of the town.

Kanazawa city contains both glimpses of the past in its old streets and famous gardens, and some true modern gems, such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.

Accommodation: Kayotei Ryokan

This house designed by James Turrell is intended as a mediation spot that maximizes the impact of natural light and shadows, to create an almost spiritual experience. We will reserve and occupy the house for the night, enjoying the changing lightscape inside and out as the sun sets.

The final days back in Tokyo are a chance to revisit galleries of interest, or do last-minute souvenir shopping.