WINTER IN JAPAN
FEBRUARY 2027
DR KATHLEEN OLIVE
*** Preliminary Itinerary ***
Encounter a different facet of Japan during winter, exploring its mountain towns, historic villas and gardens, and exceptional regional galleries outside of peak season
OVERVIEW
Most travellers consider spring or autumn as the ideal time to travel to Japan, yet winter offers many special delights for the off-season traveller. These benefits include soaking up the serenity of crowd-free temples and gardens in Kyoto, to near-empty galleries and museums in major cities. But it’s also easier to uncover the spirit of Old Edo as Tokyo reveals its calmer side in winter, the volcanic landscape of Hakone can be clearly admired in the crisp winter air, and the snow monkeys frolic in hot springs in the Japanese Alps!
The itinerary commences in Tokyo, to explore its twin faces of vibrant modernity and traditional power. In the modern galleries of Roppongi and at teamLab, we discover the burgeoning contemporary art scene, while the traditional garden of the Nezu Museum and rustic beauty of the Meiji Shrine sound the long echoes of the Edo Period. We then board the Shinkansen to Nagano in the Japanese Alps, where snow monkeys ward off the chill by enjoying an outdoor bath and the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan is enshrined at Zenkō-ji Temple. We visit the Hokusai Museum in Obuse and see fine panels that the master painted for the ceiling of a local temple.
Continuing to Kyoto, we head to the hills to enjoy extraordinary contemporary architecture at the Miho Museum, and uncover excellent private collections dedicated to tea ceremony and raku ceramics. The winter gardens of Kyoto’s Zen temples reveal their elegant bones, and the city’s old alleys are at their most quiet. The tour concludes with a stay in Hakone, known for its traditional hot springs and extraordinary private collections of fine arts and textiles.
The experience is rounded out with select regional dining and the expert guidance of tour leader Dr Kathleen Olive.
TOUR LEADER
Dr Kathleen Olive is one of Australia’s best-known cultural tour leaders, with twenty years of experience in Western Europe, North America and Japan. She has led tours to Japan since 2017 and regularly presents lectures on Japanese art, such as for Arts National (formerly ADFAS).
“Kathleen was warm, friendly, flexible and able to cater for each individual's needs where possible. She communicated her extensive knowledge of Japan in a clear, informative and enjoyable manner.” – Alison M, Winter in Japan, January 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy the different faces of Tokyo, from cutting-edge digital art and contemporary architecture, to the traditional beauty of the Meiji Shrine and the Nezu Museum garden
Ascend to Nagano, the ‘roof of Japan’, where snow monkeys bathe in mountain hot springs and Hokusai left masterworks in a charming village
Appreciate the wintry elegance of Kyoto, at Zen temples with fine gardens and in the outstanding art and craft of small museums dedicated to raku and to tea ceremony
Take a day trip to the Miho Museum, its striking contemporary architecture perfectly nestled in the mountains outside Kyoto
Relax in the hot spring towns of Hakone, known for their onsen culture but also excellent private collections of art and an outstanding sculpture park
Benefit from the leadership of Dr Kathleen Olive, an experienced guide who has designed and led numerous tours to Japan
Questions?
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