Japan’s modernity and the central role it plays in today’s world have made the country and its rich cultural heritage increasingly accessible to world travelers seeking an introductory visit. World Monuments Fund’s 2019 tour, however, is designed for those visitors seeking a deeper level of engagement with the country, its built heritage, and its renowned cultural and artistic traditions.

WMF's almost 20 years of preservation work throughout Japan allows us to provide participants on this tour with exclusive access to architecture, gardens, and special spaces that are often closed to the general public. An early morning, pre-public visit to the Golden Pavilion, a visit to one of the largest private gardens remaining in Kyoto, and a hard-hat tour of the ongoing preservation of a World Heritage Site in Nara are just a few of the highlights. We will also visit celebrated modern sites on Shikoku, the smallest and least populated of Japan’s main islands with mountainous terrain and abundant citrus groves, including a private tour of Isamu Noguchi’s home and studio. 

The impressive sites on this itinerary range from medieval to modern and touch upon Japan’s imperial and equally-rich vernacular history. Their survival is a testament to their importance within Japan’s long history and the country’s diligent efforts to preserve heritage in the face of challenges including urbanism, environment, and natural disaster.

Main Trip: May 12-20, 2019

Optional Extension: May 20-22, 2019

Main trip cost:

$11,495 Per person double occupancy

$13,395 Per person single occupancy

Optional extension cost:

$2,695 Per person double occupancy

$3,290 Per person single occupancy

What's included:

• All hotel accommodations*

• Meals as indicated

• All special events, entrance fees, and private tours

• Services of English-speaking B&R Tour Leader

• Tips for drivers, hotels, restaurants and guides

• All transportation within the trip, including domestic

trains and flights

• Baggage transportation

What's not included:

• Travel to and from Japan

• Cancellation insurance

• Items of a personal nature

• Transfers to/from the airport on arrival and departure (B&R will be happy to go over options and take care of reservations)

*Upgrades available. Contact for details.