Artisans of Leisure can incorporate lessons in the traditional Japanese arts of refinement, including ikebana and tea ceremony, into our private tours of Japan.

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One of our favorite things about Japanese cuisine is the way it always incorporates the season through ingredients and presentation. One of the most fun, colorful, festive times of the year to enjoy this in Japan is cherry blossom season.

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Japanese culture takes design seriously, so it’s not surprising that even the most prosaic Japanese buildings can be thought-provoking, including The Tokyo Toilet project.

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Ceramics are one of our favorite entry points into Japanese culture. Artisans of Leisure arranges private Japan tours that introduce travelers to the best of Japanese craft traditions.

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For anyone interested in sushi and Japanese food in general, touring markets in Japan is a must. We arrange early morning visits to the wholesale Toyosu Market in Tokyo to watch the tuna auction. We also arrange insider food tours of Tsukiji Outer Market. Artisans of Leisure customizes private Japan tours that provide an in-depth […]

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Highlights from our recent private tour of Japan, including Tokyo and off-the-beaten-path locations in rural Tohoku.

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Spring is a particularly magical time to visit Japan, one of our favorite destinations. Plum blossoms bring the first blush of spring to Japan in February, followed by the legendary sakura (cherry blossoms), which paint the country pink from the end of March through the beginning of April. Kyoto is wonderful in any season, but there’s […]

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Sansou Murata is one of Japan’s most beautiful and unique ryokans, and a must-visit for anyone visiting the island of Kyushu.

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