Our Japan Ceramics Tour is a once in a lifetime holiday for ceramics and crafts enthusiasts. Join us on our journey to discover the whole culture of Japanese ceramics, their production, use and display, and even the communities that have supported amazing these amazing traditions for hundreds of years. This tour is not just about ceramics though – it is a fantastic way to get to grips with Japanese culture in general and is a fantastic experience even for non-ceramicists, with guided tours in Kyoto, Kurashiki and Tokyo all led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides.
Download the Brochure: Japan Ceramics Tour 2018 – Brochure
Download the Reservation Form: Reservation Form 2018
To enquire about availability, or find out more, call one of our specialists now on 020 7766 5267.
Download the Brochure: Japan Ceramics Tour 2018 – Brochure
Download the Reservation Form: Reservation Form 2018
To enquire about availability, or find out more, call one of our specialists now on 020 7766 5267.
31 August- 1 September: UK to Japan
Fly from London Heathrow to Fukuoka Airport, Japan (via a short layover in Seoul, South Korea). You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in central Fukuoka where you will stay tonight on a bed & breakfast basis.
2 September: Arita
Check out of your hotel this morning and travel to Arita in Saga prefecture – famous for Arita-ware. First we visit Kyushu Ceramic Museum, where you can view Karatsu-yaki, Imari-yaki and Nabeshima-yaki as well as around 1,000 pieces of Arita-yaki from the famous private collection of the Shibata family. In Arita, some 150 shops selling ceramics line the streets, and collectors can shop ‘til they drop! We then move on to Gen’-emon kiln, home to one of Japan’s most famous ceramic artists. Explore nearby Kami-Arita and visit Arita Ceramics Museum where you can see a display of local ceramics. For 2 nights we will stay in central Saga. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight.
3 September: Imari
Today we head to the pottery village of Okawachiyama in Imari, which has a long history of producing ceramics its own unique style in the kilns built in the mountains. Aside from browsing the numerous shops, we explore this beautiful village and visit the Imari Nabeshima-ware Exhibition Hall. From atop of the observatory at Nabeshima-han Yo Park, you can view the lovely scenery of the village below.
4 September: Kurashiki, Okayama to Kyoto
After checking out of our hotel in the morning, we head north on the Bullet train to the lovely town of Kurashiki, where rows of original Edo era canalside houses and quiet streets form a townscape with a traditional old-world atmosphere. We’ll visit the Ohara Museum, the first Western art museum in Japan. We then travel eastward on the Bullet Train to Kyoto – the cultural heartland of Japan – and check in our hotel in Kyoto for 4 nights.
5 September: Sightseeing in Kyoto
After breakfast, embark on a full day tour of Kyoto by private coach. The trip begins with the beautiful temple and gardens of Kinkaku-ji and the Golden Pavilion, before proceeding to the Zen rock gardens at Daitoku-ji Temple. Following lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Centre, we will visit Kiyomizu temple where you can experience a tea ceremony. Kiyomizu is historically the city’s leading pottery-making neighborhood, and even today the narrow cobblestoned ways are lined with shops selling delicate Kiyomizu ware.
6 September: Kyoto
You’ll start today with a visit to Nishiki-koji Street Market, a local food market. Then visit the Raku Museum, which exhibits 450 years of tradition in pottery. Move on to Sanjusangen-do Temple, which features a magnificent display of carved & gilded wooden statuary. From here we walk the short distance to the shrine-like house of the great folk art revivalist potter Kawai Kanjiro. If the time allows, we’ll go on to the Fujihira Ceramic studio where you can see the process of making Kiyomizu pottery demonstrated by Japanese potters.
7 September: Kyoto at leisure
Enjoy a free day in Kyoto today.
8 September: Tokoname
We’ll board the Bullet train to Nagoya in the early morning and then head to Tokoname. We will walk the pottery footpath through the town’s old ceramics quarter, discovering Tokoname’s incredible ceramics heritage and living traditions. Later in the evening, we check in to our hotel in Nagoya for one night.
9 September: Nagoya-Tokyo
This morning we take the Bullet Train to Japan’s capital, Tokyo. Upon arrival, we will make our way to the district of Harajuku. As it’s a Sunday we should be able to see some traditional Japanese-style weddings at beautiful Meiji Shrine, and you will also have time to explore the lively nearby area. Check into your 4* hotel in Tokyo for 2 nights.
10 September: Tokyo at leisure
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Join us for a Farewell Dinner tonight.
11 September: Depart Japan
We say goodbye to Japan and board a private coach to Narita International Airport (Tokyo) from where you’ll depart. Alternatively, why not stay on and visit the lovely resort of Hakone located in the foothills of Mt Fuji? (see extension itinerary below)
Download the Brochure: Japan Ceramics Tour 2018 – Brochure
Download the Reservation Form: Reservation Form 2018
To enquire about availability, or find out more, call one of our specialists now on 020 7766 5267.
Not Included in Price:
Price: £3,515.00 per person on a twin/double room shared basis
Land Only Price: £2,645.00 per person on a twin/double room shared basis (excluding flights, for non-UK passengers)
Single room Supplement: £410.00
If you wish to extend your trip pre-tour in Fukuoka, you can do so for an additional £65 person per night for a Twin room or £85 per person per night for a Single room. If you wish to extend your trip post-tour In Tokyo, you can do so for an additional £130 person per night for a Twin room or £160 per person per night for a Single room.
Download the Brochure: Japan Ceramics Tour 2018 – Brochure
Download the Reservation Form: Reservation Form 2018
To enquire about availability, or find out more, call one of our specialists now on 020 7766 5267.
Travel can be a great experience, but it can also be fraught with problems, so when going anywhere it is essential you are properly covered with good travel insurance. You should be protected against cancellation, curtailment and loss or damage to your belongings as well as medical emergencies and have peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
Japan Journeys in association with Holiday Extras, is now able to offer excellent low cost cover to their customers.
Please click on the image below for a quote.
Add an extra 3 nights to your stay and discover another side to this fascinating and beautiful country with a visit to lovely Hakone in the Mt. Fuji region.
11 September: Tokyo to Hakone (Mt Fuji/Hakone Tour)
Check out of your Tokyo hotel from where you will be transferred by coach to Hakone, a quiet mountain resort nestling in the foothills of Mt Fuji. Explore the landscape of Hakone by private coach and drive up to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji, ride in a cable car for a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding mountains and volcanic valleys of Owakudani, and enjoy a cruise across Lake Ashi. Lunch is included. Transfer by taxi to your hotel. Check into your comfortable 4* hotel in Hakone for 2 nights on a bed, breakfast & dinner basis. Your hotel has its own lovely, private indoor and outdoor hot springs baths.
12 September: Hakone
You are free to spend a further day exploring Hakone’s many sights at leisure.
13 September: Hakone-Tokyo
Check out your hotel in Hakone and return to Tokyo by train. Enjoy your last day in Tokyo at leisure. Check in to your Tokyo hotel for your last night in Japan.
14 September: Tokyo-UK
Transfer to Narita International Airport for your flight home.
NOT INCLUDED IN EXTENSION PRICE:
EXTENSION PRICE: £790.00 per person on a sharing basis
EXTENSION SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £125.00