Recently added
Latest tours
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.
You will be guided by design expert, Colin Bisset, and Anthony (Anth) Hillin, who will speak about the role of mindfulness in appreciating architecture, design and gardens. Anth will also offer tour participants brief mindfulness experiences as you move through buildings and natural environments.
Travel through Japan and learn about the country's distinctive history of design and architecture.
Hear from expert Colin Bisset on the history of Japanese design and architecture throughout the tour, and from Anth on the role of mindfulness in appreciating architecture, design & gardens.
Visit the Takenda Carpentry Tools Museum to learn about traditional building methods and see the beauty and pragmatism of this material in the hands of skilled craftsmen.
Visit the impressive Hundertwasser Incinerator in Osaka.
Visit Yodoko Guest House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
For many years we have been traveling and organizing tours and extensions across Japan. Please contact s if you would like us to create a tailor made pre or post extension. Some options could include visiting the town of Hakone, known for its for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, relaxing onsens (hot springs), Lake Ashi with its iconic red Torii gate, excellent art museums, and its traditional ryokans. Matsumo in the Japanese Alps is a lovely small city with a castle. It is quieter than most Japanese cities, and offers beautiful walks in the mountains with many traditional onsens. The historic city of Kanazawa on the western coast contains intact samurai and geisha districts and is known for its traditional crafts, particularly silk, gold leaf and ceramics. It is also home to the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan.
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.
If you'd like to be notified about our tours and events, please sign up for our email newsletter. We'll keep your email safe and secure in accordance with our privacy policy.
.webp)
.jpg)