The “Contemporary Art of Japan” tour with Artisans of Leisure takes visitors to six centers of modern Japanese art and architecture. The trip includes a personal guide, who arranges meetings with curators and gallery owners, and with Japanese artisans, who teach you about their craft and, upon request, provide hands-on instruction.
WHAT YOU’LL DO: Learn how to embroider a kimono, apply gold leaf, dye silk, and arrange flowers (ikebana); discuss current trends with curators of modern art museums; shop the galleries in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
HIGHLIGHTS: Spend three nights at Benesse House, an art museum and boutique hotel on Naoshima island. Walk beneath cherry trees in Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden.
Artisans of Leisure, (800) 214-8144, private 13-day trips from $21,5665, including lodging and some meals. Photo courtesy of Artisans of Leisure. This appeared in the December/January 2010 issue.
