Japan Pottery & Art Tour with Tokyo Extension

Karatsu-ware (or "Karatsu-yaki") is the name for the style of porcelain native to Karatsu, Japan. Karatsu-ware has been produced since the 16th century. The craftsmanship is similar to Bizen-ware in its unassuming style and tones, created with a lack of ornate or intricate designs, favoring simple glaze painted artistry and light accents. The clay used in Karatsu-ware is a high-iron clay, resulting in ruddy, earthen tones. The pottery style's acceptance of imperfection and change over time well expresses the Japanese "wabi-sabi" aesthetic, and is highly sought after for use in Japanese tea ceremonies. It even found its way into a Japanese traditional proverb expressing which tea sets are most valued for tea ceremony: "First Raku, Second Hagi, Third Karatsu". Various styles of Karatsu include "Brush-painted Karatsu" which involve hand-painted images of birds, plants, and mythological creatures, and "Korean Karatsu", which was brought over to the region from Korea.

Kyozan-gama is a pottery studio in Karatsu city. An internationally-renowned producer of Karatsu-ware since the 16th century, the Kyozan-gama atelier produces a wide variety of ceramic pieces, including utensils, plates, teacups, and much more. They also create specific Japanese items used in traditional tea ceremony. Many of their wares are beautifully made for everyday use, with elegant, if simple, patterns. The pottery at Kyozan-gama is still made using a traditional chambered climbing kiln. And unlike some other pottery studios where the firing, glazing, and decoration of pottery may be delegated to different artists, Kyozan-gama's artists take pride in having their hands in the complete process from start to finish. Although, it is a local saying that "it takes 80% to create Karatsu-ware, but it isn't complete until the last 20% is spent using it." They sell their works at the studio and take orders for souvenirs or gifts that are handmade by the Kyozan-gama ceramics artists.

Karatsu-ware is a beautiful style of Japanese pottery has been crafted since the 14th century, known for its humble, unassuming style in line with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi. It is favored by practitioners of Japanese tea ceremony for this reason, as expressed in the old proverb "First Raku (ware), Second Hagi, Third Karatsu". And around Karatsu station, traditional kilns have been converted into galleries that preserve their craftsmanship. The Nakano Toshi Kiln was one of the first kilns opened for the Karatsu Domain and made pottery for the area including a statue in front of the station. Aya Kiln Gallery celebrates the work of Karatsu's first female kiln owner. The Nakazoto Toraemon Tobo is a gallery that preserves 13 generations of Nakazoto- crafted pottery. The Ocha-gai Kiln Ruins were built in the 1700s and have various tea-ware preserved in good condition within an old climbing kiln. The Osugi Saraya kiln is a gallery containing teaware that had been delicately painted in gentle colors. There are many other ceramic galleries around Karatsu station that display the simple beauty of the region's pottery.

Arita-ware is a term for Japanese porcelain from the Arita region of Kyushu Island. Because the region was once called Hizen, the pottery is also called "Hizen-ware". This type of porcelain was especially identified with export porcelain, which was often known for its smooth white surface with a blue underglaze. The original Arita-ware focused on the simple white and blue patterns, but later versions of the craft incorporated red, gold, and black. After it was exported, Arita-ware porcelain was often called Imari-ware, for the port city of Imari where the ceramics were shipped for trade in Western markets. Some of the first kinds of Arita-ware were called "Nabeshima-ware" after the lords of the region who first gathered potters to the area to begin production of porcelain. Travelers looking to study this traditional art start with the town of Arita, where outdoor decor, galleries, and shops celebrate the local style.

The Kyushu Ceramic Museum was opened in 1980 with the purpose of collecting and preserving the history and traditions of pottery from the Kyushu region. The museum is supported by Saga prefecture, aiming to celebrate the local ceramics and pottery culture of the area. Kyushu has such a rich history related to ceramics, with such time-honored styles as Karatsu-ware, Arita- ware, and Imari-ware, which are still crafted and sold by master artisans in the region today. The museum features extensive collections of ceramic works, which includes the Kanbara Collection of Imari-ware ceramics once exported to Europe, and the Shibata Collection of Arita-ware pottery that was crafted during the Edo period. Their exhibits aim to make Kyushu ceramics accessible to visitors, and many contain the work of modern ceramists as well as the more traditional works.

Izumiyama Ceramic Stone Field, also called the Izumiyama Quarry, was where clay was first mined to make the first Arita-ware porcelain back during the early Edo period. The clay for porcelain had to be of a high quality, and so the discovery of kaolin clay at Izumiyama was important to begin producing finer-quality ceramics. Ceramics artisans were gathered to the area (including a good number of Korean potters) by the Nabeshima family, who were lords of the region. Their goal was to make porcelain for the Imperial court, shoguns, and noble samurai families. Izumiyama Quarry contains a shrine that has a monument dedicated to Yi Sam- pyeong, who they recognize as the Korean potter who first fired the clay of the quarry into fine porcelain. Today, little digging goes on the area, and it serves mainly as a tourist attraction.

Take a Pottery Walking Tour through the Uchiyama District, where the pottery craftspeople produced the local style of porcelain that came to be known as "Arita-ware". The tour includes a walk through the Tonbai Wall Alleys, where the potters of the town lived. The alley is characterized by high walls which were built to hide their pottery techniques from their rivals, which were made including pieces of discarded pottery. See Fukagawa Seiji, which produces pottery according to the traditions of first- generation Japanese potter Chuji Fukagawa, with displays that show their history and traditions. Discover Koransha, which has been producing pottery since 1689, focused on making ceramics suited for overseas export, and taking pride in having the same artist do every stage of the production process, from firing to decoration. We then visit Imaemon-gama and Ceramics Art Museum, which preserves the "colored Nabeshima" style of ceramics, and features ceramics made by different generations of the Imaemon family.

Mikawachi-ware is a kind of porcelain crafted in Sasebo, in Nagasaki prefecture. It is thought that Mikawachi-ware comes from Korean potters that were brought to Sasebo during the Imjin War, and these potters produced a sleek white porcelain with delicate pictures painted in blue. MIkawachi-ware is not mass-produced, but hand-crafted with grate care a single piece at a time. The porcelain became used throughout the country and abroad, even as far as Europe. The modern city of Sasebo still preserves this traditional craft with kilns and shops that sell works by contemporary Mikawachi-ware ceramists. There is also the Mikawachi-ware Museum of Art, which works to promote this traditional art by exhibiting masterpieces of Mikawachi-ware produced around 400 years ago.

Hasami-ware is one of the most popular types of porcelain in Japan, popularizing ceramics from the Nagasaki region - especially when it comes to everyday dishware. The history of Hasami-ware dates all the way back to the late Sengoku period, and in the pottery town of Hasami, at least seventeen major kilns still practice this time-honored art today. The original Hasami-ware were what potters call "slipware", and while porcelain was a luxury for most Japanese people of the Edo period, a moderately successful household would find Hasami-ware to be reasonably priced - especially the little serving dishes called "kurawanaka bowls". Many modern Hasami-ware products are what Western minds imagine when they think of Japanese ceramics - a simple, smooth white base and delicately painted indigo designs - but some makers have included red, green, gold, and other bright colors to add more variety. And although Hasami-ware can be delicate and refined like many other types of Japanese porcelain, they also are said to have originated the reinforced porcelain that schools across the country use for school lunches.

The shinkansen (or Japan’s bullet train) is a high speed train that travel between most of the major cities in Japan. Travelers can reserve seats on either ordinary or green car seats for an added cost. The shinkansen can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to always be on time, comfortable and safe.

The Adachi Museum of Art is another one of Matsue’s most popular museums and destination. This museum is best known for its award winning garden and art exhibits. Guests are able to enjoy one of the best gardens in Japan and view over more than one thousand pieces of art. One of the most popular exhibits is the museum’s ceramics exhibit.

Kurashiki’s canal area is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved canals that date back as far to the Edo Period. The canals were once used to transport rice into the storehouses where they would be shipped to cities such as Osaka and Tokyo (was known as Edo during those times). Now this historic area is the most popular destination for tourist visiting Kurashiki. Many of the historic storehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums for guests to enjoy.

Located in Kurashiki’s historic canal area is the Ohara Museum of Art was Japan’s first museum of Western Art. This museum was the first museum built for western art in all of Japan and holds many displays of western art. There are many masterpieces of art on display from famous artist, such as Picasso, Pollock, Modigliani, and many more. There are three buildings that visitors can visit, the main gallery, annex, and the Kojima Museum. Each building features different displays of western art, Japanese art, sculptures, and other forms of art.

Ritsurin Koen Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden located in the city of Takamastu. Many consider this garden to belong on the list of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. This spacious and beautiful park features many ponds, hills, trees, bridges, and pavilions. There are a number of walking routes throughout the park and provides views that would leave any guest satisfied.

Kikugetsu-tei, or "Moon-scooping Pavilion" was placed in the garden by one of the Takamatsu lords who ruled the area in the mid-1600s, and it has been serving tea to the park's visitors ever since. This ancient teahouse is constructed of plain wood darkened with age, and is sparsely adorned. But it maintains an air of elegant charm with nothing more than the refreshing sight of verdant surroundings, the playful splash of koi fish in the nearby pond, and the taste of freshly whisked matcha tea served in an exquisite, though plain-patterned, ceramic teacup. While on the veranda overlooking Ritsurin Park, sitting in the same spot once occupied by noble samurai, visitors to Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse truly feel transported back to feudal Japan.

A collection of abandoned structures renovated into special venues dedicated towards contemporary art in Naoshima Island, Japan

The Ando Museum is a work of modern architectural beauty designed by and dedicated towards Tadao Ando, also known as one of the most famous modern architects of Japan. Located by the Honmura Port as one of the featured buildings of the Art House Projects on Naoshima Island, visitors are greeted by the perfect fusion of traditional and modern traits featured at this museum. The Ando Museum infuses new life in the century year old traditional wooden house of Honmura by adding the signature use of concrete to the overall design. The contrasts between the elements of past and the present with traditional aspects of wood intertwined by the harmony of concrete fused together to form the atmosphere created by Tadao Ando, attracting thousands of visitors to travel to Naoshima Island every year. Travelers can learn the history of art on Naoshima through varies photographs and models, along with Ando’s architectural work which consists of most venues on the island. The gift shop in the museum has gained popularity for selling items related to Ando including post cards with the Chichu Art Museum and personally autographed by Tadao Ando himself, a perfect souvenir for friends of all ages.

The Chichu Art Museum is one of the most popular museums located on Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. The museum itself is a combination of art and architecture, even though most of the building is underground, it uses natural light to brighten up the artwork. Only a few people are allowed in at a time for the museum because appreciating the artwork in the museum is best viewed with as few people around as possible. There is a small café and waiting area, and it is also advised for guests to arrive early because the crowds will get rather large.

The Benesse House is the most popular destination for guests visiting Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. This building is both a modern art museum and a resort hotel. The main attraction is building is the modern art museum, where different works of art are displayed from both Japan and all over the world. Visitors staying at the hotel have twenty-four hour access to the museum and there is also restaurants, cafes, shops, and a spa. Visitor do not have to stay at the hotel to have access to all the amazing facilities at the Benesse House.

Bizen-ware traditionally comes from the Bizen region - specifically from the village of Imbe, located in what is now Okayama prefecture - but the roots of Bizen-ware can be seen in the Sue-ware produced during the 6th century Heian period. Known as one of Japan's "Six Ancient Kilns", the pottery produced in Bizen was known for its rustic, earthen tones, and was a popular set of dishware for use in Japanese tea ceremony. Bizen-ware pottery is usually fired in a type of kiln called a "wood-fired kiln", and the works that are created are often unpretentious and simple. The style is also notable in that it doesn't use glaze, giving it a rough, almost unfinished appearance, in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi", which emphasizes natural beauty and a state of transience. Bizen-ware was supposedly the type of tableware favored by samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and by famed tea master Sen no Rikyu, and many contemporary Bizen artisans have been designated by the government as Living National Treasures for their work.

The Imbe Bizen Pottery Village is a town in the Bizen area that is home to the traditional pottery-making artform called "Bizen-ware". Bizen-ware is an artform going back over 1000 years, with some of the workshops and guilds in the village being kept in the same family for many generations. There are even ruins of ancient kilns from as far back as the 16th century. The clay is locally sourced and has a high iron content, leading to its distinctive earthen colors. There are examples of Bizen-ware pottery decorating the entire village, and there are even special shrines where the potters go to pray. The village hosts the Bizen Pottery Festival in October, where many locally- made ceramics are sold at discount, and there are even workshops where visitors can try making Bizen-ware for themselves. The village also has the Bizen Pottery Traditional and Contemporary Art Museum, which celebrates Bizen-ware past and present.

Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji and is only a five minute bus ride away from Himeji Station. Himeji Castle the most popular and visited castle in Japan, it is also listed both as one of Japan’s national treasure castles and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle is also one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it was never destroyed in its history and has been standing since it was originally completed in the year 1609. The surrounding area is also one of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom destinations during the spring.

Abeno Harukas is a skyscraper in the city of Osaka, and the tallest building in Japan (not counting the towers). Standing at 300 meters tall, the building contains 60 stories, with a department store, art museum, hotel, and observation deck housed inside. The top three floors comprise the observation deck, and are called "Harukas 300". This observation deck is accessed via an exciting elevator ride from the 16th floor. Every wall Harukas 300 consists of large glass panels offering a spectacular view of the city of Osaka. Floor 60 is especially popular for its 360-degree panoramas of the impressive cityscape. Looking down on the city, you can see a mix of both traditional and contemporary buildings, painting a picture of Osaka in the past and present. On clear days, you can see as far as Kyoto, Kobe, and the Rokko mountains. The view is especially thrilling at night when the city below becomes a dazzling scene with millions of lights. The 58th floor of the observation deck offers a cafe and beautiful inner court area, and many seasonal events are celebrated in the skyscraper.

Shitennoji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the city of Osaka. The temple was originally built in the 6th century, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, and the first to be officially founded by a member of the imperial family. Although some of the temple buildings were destroyed by fire over the centuries, they were always rebuilt to match the original architectural style. The temple is named for the "shitenno" - four heavenly kings in Buddhism who protect the world from evil. Walking through the Gokurakumon (the Paradise Gate), the temple has several noteworthy buildings including the Chushin Garan, or "inner temple complex", which has a main hall, lecture hall, five-story pagoda, and three gates. The Gokuraku-Jodo Garden is a gorgeous Japanese garden based on the Buddhist concept of paradise and is a tranquil place to relax and meditate. The temple also has a Treasure House that houses important items connected to the temple. Within the Treasure house, displayed in reverent style, are various scriptures, paintings, and other important temple items.

Take an Osaka Architecture Walking Tour for an informed look at some of the most fascinating modern buildings you can see in Osaka. View the Louis Vuitton Maison Osaka Midosuji, a flagship store for the famous fashion chain designed by architect Jun Aoki to create the impression of billowing sails. It's an appropriate expression of Osaka, which is a city of rivers and canals. Discover the symmetrical stone design of the Galleria Akka, a trendy local fashion shop which was designed by famed Japaense architect Tadao Ando. This architect is known for his shapely stone designs and has designed many significant buildings in Japan and throughout the world. You can also view the Daimaru Shinsaibashi, which in one of the most significant buildings in the Shinsaibashi area. Daimaru is a prominent Japanese shopping district, and the original Daimaru Shinsaibashi was built in 1933 by American-born architect William Merrell Vories, and preserved by the city of Osaka as an example of Taisho-era architecture. In addition, the Osaka Architecture Walking Tour includes other priminent buildings in the city.

There are many restaurants located within Kobe that serve Japanese or international cuisine, but there are many places that offer Kobe beef. Kobe is known around the world for its famous Kobe beef, which is beautifully marbled, delicious, and very expensive beef. The most popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is in a restaurant where the chef grills the meat in front of the guests. Eating Kobe beef is a popular activity for tourist visiting Kobe and can provide a delicious and unforgettable experience.

Horyuji Temple, founded in Nara by Prince Shotoku in 607, is one of Japan's oldest temples. The temple grounds are full of fascinating locations, including the world's longest- standing wooden structures. The temple's Main Hall, or "Kondo" is one of these buildings, and features dragon- themed decor and architecture from Japan's Asuka period. Such an important building also contains some of Horyuji's most important relics - such as bronze images of venerable Buddhas, and wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Another of the temple's ancient structures is its five-story pagoda, which also houses some of the temple's treasures, and offers a sense of grandeur as you look at these incredible historic wonders. These buildings and more are housed in Horyuji's Western Precinct, but there is also an Eastern Precinct (which holds the fantastic "Hall of Visions"), as well as a Gallery of Temple Treasures, located between the two precincts, which displays various Buddhist statues, paintings, and other historic artifacts. Horyuji Temple was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

In the northern part of central Kyoto is Nijo Castle, where it was once the former Kyoto residence of the shogun. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area was once home to the shogun when he would visit Kyoto. This place serves as the best examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era because most of the buildings here survived since they were originally built.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the former residence of the Emperor until the capital city was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868. Located in the Imperial Park complex behind a broad earthen wall with a slanted roof, the Palace itself is surrounded by gravel paths, some excellent gardens, and groves of tall trees. Many of the buildings had been destroyed by fire over the years, but each time the Palace was scrupulously rebuilt. In the same Park enclosure is Sento Palace, a former imperial retirement home.

Nishiki Market is the longest traditional food market in Kyoto. It specializes in locally grown and prepared foods of superior quality. Displayed so as to tempt the senses and make passing mouths water, such savory delights as chicken skewers, dried fish, pickled vegetables, tofu, tea, and many others are found in stall after stall. Additionally, specialty kitchen utensils from high-quality makers, including hand-crafted kitchen knives and engraved chopsticks, make Nishiki Market worthy to be called "Kyoto's Pantry".

While in the city of Kyoto, tour the Namikawa Yasuyuki Sippo Memorial Museum, including the museum's Private Garden. Namikawa Yasuyuki was a famous master artist of cloisonne - which is the art of adorning metal objects with enamel, or melted, colored glass. Namikawa Yasuyuki, along with other artists of the time, began a golden age of Japanese enamel art, with his work winning prizes at national exhibitions and world's fairs. Famed for a naturalistic kind of decoration featuring smooth, transparent black glaze, his works are often known for intricately detailed designs featuring nature motifs, involving such elements as plants and birds. The museum itself is housed in Namikawa's old house and workshop. Outside the museum is a private garden maintained in a traditional style, with bushes and trees bordering a small pond. This intimate garden is decorated with stone lanterns and offers a spot of tranquil reflection while you view Yasuyuki's cloisonne artworks.

The Heian-Jingu Shrine is located in eastern Kyoto, only thirty minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station. This shrine has a short history compared to other shrines in Kyoto since it was only built and completed in the year 1895. The main area is large with a spacious wide open court. For a fee, visitors can stroll the gardens behind the main building.

This beautiful garden circles behind the main building of the Heian-Jingu Shrine. Visitors can find the entrance on the northwestern side of the spacious courtyard and exit on the northeastern side. This beautiful garden features a variety of plants and ponds. Guests can see the koi fish or even turtles that swim in ponds and lucky guests can even see a crane which is said to bring good luck. During cherry blossom season, many people come here to view the beautiful weeping cherry trees in bloom.

Japan is a very unique cultural experience because much of Japan’s history is still preserved, protected, and celebrated. One of the best ways to experience a visit to Japan would be to explore it while wearing a kimono. The kimono is one of Japan’s most oldest and traditional pieces of clothing. There are many places available in Japan to rent a kimono to wear and explore this beautiful country.

Kintsugi is a Japanese word meaning "golden joinery", which is the art of putting pieces of shattered pottery back together again with a lacquer that has been dusted or mixed with powdered gold. Silver or even platinum may also be mixed with the lacquer for use in Kintsugi. This unique method of repair is similar to maki-e, which uses lacquer to draw patterns on lacquerware before dusting them with gold. Kintsugi is a reflection of the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi", which finds value in simplicity, imperfections and flaws - embracing them as a part of the pottery's character and history rather than just something that needs to be fixed. It has also been compared to the Zen meditative principle of Mushin, or "no mind", which is all about non-attachment and accepting what changes fate brings. The scars in the pottery are not hidden, one might expect, but brought out to the forefront for all to see. The most common items mended with the Kintsugi technique are ceramics used in Japanese tea ceremony.

Kiyomizu-ware (also called simply, "Kyo-ware") is a kind of pottery created in Kyoto. Originally, Kiyomizu-ware specifically referred to the pottery that came from the artisans who live along the road leading to Kiyomizu Temple, but now Kyo-ware is a more broad term, taking in various styles of ceramics produced in the city of Kyoto. Kyo-ware was first produced as early as the 700s, and became popular with the development of the Japanese tea ceremony. Kyo-ware is considered a highly individualistic form of Japanese pottery because of the freedom involved in choosing the materials and techniques in their creation. A similarity common to traditional Kyomizu-ware is that they are often sophisticated in design and elegantly decorated, as befitting the pottery of Japan's ancient imperial capital. Being a city that prizes tradition, many of the time-honored techniques used in producing Kiyomizu- ware are still used by the city's artisans, and their workshops are found in historic commerce centers like the Higashiyama district.

Gion is a historic district in the ancient city of Kyoto. It's full of old-fashioned wooden ochaya (teahouses), as well as a host of other tight-packed traditional shops built in the style of the Edo period, and because geisha and their apprentices (known as "maiko") frequent the area and can be seen walking about on their way to entertain guests, the area is also called the Gion Geisha District. The Gion Geisha District Night Walk Tour explores this gorgeous area at its most enchanting time, when the little lights of lamps and paper lanterns along the stone-paved streets cast a warm and inviting glow on the old wooden buildings. The narrow alleyways of Gion might be a bit easy to lose oneself in, but with a knowledgeable guide by your side, guests on this tour will be able to easily understand the Japanese language used around them. Plus while on this Night Walk Tour, you will be able to enjoy a local-level knowledge of the Gion district and its history, as well as an inside look at the world of Geisha and Maiko.

The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is located only 15 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station to the eastern side of Kyoto. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors during the fall season with the city of Kyoto in the background.

Kondo Yuzo Memorial Hall is dedicated to preserving the works of ceramics master artist Kondo Yuzo. A Kyoto native, Kondo Yuzo practiced a ceramic technique called "sometsuke", which is a well-known blue and white porcelain style, in a workshop near Kiyomizu Temple which has now become the Memorial Hall. In a career spanning around 70 years, Kondo became known for his bold and dynamic art style which was much more expressive than most of his contemporaries, while still keeping to traditional materials. This museum displays works which showcase his unique designs, with exhibits that include tea plates and bowls, plus larger-than-life vessels he painted during his life. In addition to ceramic displays, the studio from his home has been duplicated to how it was when he was alive, including some of the actual tools he used. In addition to Kondo Yuzo's incredible works, the works of his eldest son, youngest son, and grandson are also on display, keeping alive Kondo Yuzo's legacy.

Kawai Kanjiro was a potter in Kyoto who built his own climbing kiln outside his workshop, where he produced a variety of unsigned ceramics that reflected his simple aesthetic sense. He became well known for his use of glazes such as cobalt, chrome, iron, and copper. The museum now occupies what was once Kanjiro's home and studio, not only collecting his works but showing how he lived and what he treasured. He was, in fact, a multitalented artist, and although his pottery is what he is most known for, he left behind a collection of other works that include calligraphy, wood-carving, and hand-drawn art designs, which were collected by the memorial hall. Moreover, he had a love of poorer artists and their work, and collected their artworks, which influenced his own philosophy. A tour through the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Hall offers a chance to study the aesthetics of this simple, yet profound ceramicist, which included the disdain he felt for honors during his lifetime, preferring only to be known through his work.

A definite must-visit for lovers (and collectors) of Japanese pottery, the Shinmonzen and Furumonzen Antique Streets are a grouping of the finest traditional antique stores and old-fashioned art galleries in the city of Kyoto. As a pair of streets behind the more famous Gion Geisha District, Shinmonzen (the New Street in front of the Sate) and Furumonzen (the Old Street in front of the Gate), go unnoticed my many tourists to Kyoto. But for those fortunate enough to find this lesser-known selection of shops, a treasure trove of antiques await to be browsed. As mentioned, this is a go-to place to find traditional hand- crafted Japanese porcelain - and not only the pottery of Kyoto, but Kutani-ware, Arita-ware, and more. But shops in these antique streets aren't limited only to ceramics: Kimono, woodblock prints (ukiyo-e), incense, lacquerware, screens, and more. Those not looking to do some antiquing can still enjoy the magic of these streets, constructed in a traditional style, and even find a teahouse to enjoy a time-honored Japanese tea ceremony.

Kodaiji Temple is located in eastern Kyoto in the Higashiyama district and is only fifteen minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station. This beautiful temple is one of Kyoto’s most popular temples during the autumn colors season. Visitors can enter the main hall of the temple and also view the beautiful gardens that surround the temple as well.

Zen meditation is unique and is central in Zen Buddhism. This form of meditation calms both the body, mind, and to also gain enlightenment by seeking insight into the nature of existence. There are lessons and classes available for visitors where a Zen priest guides guests to practice Zen meditation and teaches the significance of Zen as part of the Japanese culture.

Green tea has a rich history in Japan and has been the most popular non-alcoholic beverage for years. A green tea ceremony is the ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea that has been practiced for hundreds of years. The ceremony is full of many rituals and has a strong Zen Buddhism influence. The tea is prepared by the host for the guests and is usually green tea made from powdered tea leaves.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

Located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, the Tenryu- Ji Temple is Arashiyama’s most popular temple. The temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original buildings of Tenryu-Ji Temple was lost many times throughout its history, except for Tenryu-Ji’s garden. The Tenryu-Ji Temple Zen Garden that visitors see today is the original garden and landscape.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

The Ryoan-Ji Rock Garden is located only one mile down the road from the famous Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) in northern Kyoto. It is the location of Japan’s most famous rock garden and attracts hundreds of visitors every day throughout the year. The surrounding area features a beautiful pond with a nice walking trail that circles the area.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

The Kawaguchiko Muse Museum is a museum located on the edge of Lake Kawaguchi near the iconic Mount Fuji, and is considered a branch of the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art. Named after the Greek goddesses of the Arts, the Muse museum features a rotating series of exhibits displaying the cute and expressive dolls designed by renowned Japanese dollmaker Yuki Atae. These dolls are made of simple cotton cloth, yet have delicate and life-like features. The museum also has a outdoor garden that adds to the atmosphere of whimsical fantasy, which includes lavender blooms, roses, and other flowers in all colors.

The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is located on the north coast of Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji. This museum showcases the works of the late Kubota Itchiku, a famous Japanese kimono artist. This museum showcases several of Kubota Itchiku’s kimono art, which are based on themes of nature, the seasons, and the cosmos.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of Mount Fuji's Five Lakes, and is by far the most famous, attracting visitors to the hotels that dot its shoreline throughout the year. It is arguably the most picturesque, being displayed prominently below the iconic mountain on postcards for the region. The landscape around the long lake is dramatic and stunning in every season, especially during spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Despite the lake's proximity to Mount Fuji, the mountain is not always visible from the lake due to the cloud cover, with the early morning and late afternoon being the best time to get a good glimpse. A number of other attractions sit around the lake, including the Kubota Itchiku Museum, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum, FujiQ Highland amusement park, and a number of hot spring bath resorts.

The New Otani Hotel has been around since the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964, but the Japanese garden near it is far older, having been the former private garden of various samurai officials for the past 400 years. This tranquil little garden is characterized by narrow strolling walks bordered by dense hedges and other foliage, a broad variety of flowers, charming little scarlet bridges, and small ponds with bright koi swimming through their shallows.

The Meiji Shrine is located next to Harajuku Station and next to Yoyogi Park. The shrine is located within a small forest with large trees and the entrance is designated by a large torii gate. This is also one of Tokyo’s most popular shrines, with more than a million visitors after New Year’s Day.

This modern museum was built to house the collection of traditional and Asian artworks amassed by businessman and avid collector Kaichiro Nezu, being founded and opened to the public by Nezu's sonafter his father's passing. The museum includes a permanent collection of traditional paintings, sculptures, ceramics, handicrafts, and more, with an especial focus on Buddhist artworks, and a more prominent exhibit that rotates every month or so.

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo, only a short walk away from Tokyo station. The palace is home to the current Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace is not open to the public, except on January 2nd and December 23rd where guests are able to enter and see the current members of the Imperial Family from a balcony. Visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

Our tour of the Pottery Galleries in Ginza offers Japan pottery enthusiasts the chance to examine contemporary ceramics crafted in a wide range of styles. Ceramics galleries can be found all around Japan. And while Ginza is known among tourists and locals alike as an upscale shopping district, who would have guessed there was, hidden among the trendy shops, a nuumber of quality ceramics galleries? By far the best is Kuroda Toen, which, in addition to its gallery, hosts pottery exhibitions featuring specific styles like Karatsu and Bizen. The gallery is managed by the Kuroda family, who also have a gallery in Shibuya. Gallery Kogei Murata has a small shop that showcases quality ceramics sourced from specific individual potters, and, being in Ginza, features some fairly pricey porcelain. Other galleries include Gallery Ima and Gallery Pousse, which offers exhibitions from current artists.

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The Sumida suijo-bus (or "water bus"), while not as quick as the trains, is the best way to see Sumida River and Tokyo Bay up close, as well as scenic views of Tokyo. The leisurely boat travels between 12 locations on its voyage, including Asakusa, Hamarikyu Garden, Odaiba Seaside Park, and Tokyo Big Sight. It offers travelers a perfect opportunity to relax, breath in fresh sea air, and enjoy Tokyo from a different perspective.

Hama Rikyu Garden is a landscape garden just beside Tokyo Bay along the Sumida River. The garden includes flower gardens and trees that can be enjoyed year-round. In addition are numerous traditional buildings, including a teahouse, that hearken back to the days when this garden was part of a detached palace for the Imperial family. One of the most impressive features of Hama Rikyu are the garden saltwater ponds, which change level along with the tides. The peaceful atmosphere found in the garden is a refreshing break from the bustling cityscape visible just across the bay.

The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

Roppongi Hills is an urban development project located in the Roppongi district of Tokyo, and is centered around Mori Tower. The work of various architects and designers from all over the world, this "city within a city" includes space for residences, restaurants, business offices, the Mori Arts Center which includes an art museum, arts center gallery, observation deck, membership club, and academy, plus a hotel, cinema, TV station, and even a Japanese landscape garden. The goal of the developers was to make Roppongi Hills a new cultural center of Tokyo, so the facility gives prominence to arts and design. One of the biggest features of Roppongi HIlls is the Mori Art Museum - a celebration of modern art and artists. Also worth mentioning is the Mori Arts Center Gallery which offers myriad special exhibitions including famous art collections from around the world, fashion, design - even anime and manga! The observation deck is definitely worth a visit as well, offering guests a dynamic 360-degree view of Tokyo's impressive urban sprawl.

Hotel Nikko Fukuoka is a prestigious world class hotel located in front of Hakata Station, the entrance gate of Kyushu. It is conveniently located only two subway stations away from Fukuoka Airport and 3 minutes walk from JR Hakata City (Hakata Station). It has 360 guest rooms all with a relaxing atmosphere and of various styles including authentic Imperial Suite Room and rooms with an atmosphere of a classy study room. You can visit any of the 8 authentic restaurants residing in the hotel and enjoy a variety of dishes made by skillful cooks with seasonal ingredients. This hotel run by the flag carrier company promises you a refined and comfortable time with its great hospitality.

This is a hotel surrounded by nature along the river at the foot of Mt. Shiiba, in Saga of Kyushu. The sound of rapids and winds blowing in the valley. You can see wild nature here as far as the eye can see. Please enjoy your "luxurious time with no duty" in the nature.

Hotel Granvia Okayama is the landmark located in front of JR Okayama Station and serves as the gateway to the entire Seto Inland Sea area for both business travelers and tourists. With its advanced facilities and sophisticated services, the hotel provides the space and time of the relaxation. It invites the guest in the full warmth of hospitality and all the luxuries the hotel has to offer.

The Benesse House is a place on Naoshima Island that is part art gallery / part hotel. Guests who stay there for the night can immerse themselves completely in nature and art. The hotel has four different accommodation types available. The first is the Museum accommodation, where guests can stay within a modern art museum setting. Spacious rooms are tastefully decorated with various artworks, and offering gorgeous views of the surrounding woods and sea. Then we have the "Oval" accommodation, which sits on a hill and features a sweeping view of the Seto Inland Sea and walls decorated by tasteful drawings. Then we have the "Park" accommodation, which features nearby open-air artwork agains the beautiful backdrop of Setouchi. And Finally, there is the "Beach" accommodation, which sits right on the shore and makes the guest feel like they are floating over the sea. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Each accommodation was designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, giving each building a unique character. The hotel is also near other museums and galleries on Naoshima Island, providing the excellent opportunity to view all the island has to offer.

Hotel Nikko Osaka is a deluxe hotel located in a prime area of central Osaka. The hotel faces the famous tree- lined Mido-suji Avenue, the city’s main boulevard and home to the headquarters of major corporations and the city’s main shopping and leisure district.. The hotel offers numerous room accommodations to choose from and an array of international cuisine.

Cross Hotel Kyoto offers a great location, putting you within just a 10-minute walk of Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market. For a bite to eat, guests can check out KIHARU Brasserie, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nice touches like deep soaking tubs, premium bedding, and slippers are offered up in all rooms. The helpful staff and central location get great marks from fellow travelers. Public transportation is just a short walk: Sanjo Keihan Station is 5 minutes and Shiyakusho-mae Station is 5 minutes.

Surrounded by a gorgeous ten-acre Japanese garden, with the bright lights of Tokyo glimmering nearby, the Hotel New Otani Tokyo has achieved a zen-like balance between traditional beauty and stylish modernity. Each room is appointed with plush linens, the most modern technological accessories, and floor-to-ceiling windows which provide you with breathtaking views of the lush grounds.