Tokyo-Hero-LP

Tokyo and Kyoto Design with Architectural Digest

Sprawling Tokyo is one of the world’s most fascinating metropolises, a place where time-honored traditions and futuristic innovation exist side-by-side. The offerings for a culturally curious traveler are astounding, from the crafts, fashion and food scenes to the amazing architecture (Japan has more buildings by Pritzker Prize award–winning architects than any other country in the world). On this design- and arts-focused journey, get an insider’s view of this complex and layered destination, hosted by the founder of Indagare, Melissa Biggs Bradley, and AD contributing editor Gay Gassmann—with the possibility to continue on with a special post-trip extension in spiritual sister city Kyoto.

A spot on this trip may be secured with a non-refundable deposit of $4,500, per person, with the remaining balance to be paid in full by January 5, 2020.

What to Expect

Travelers may join the Tokyo main trip (May 12-17, 2020 • 5 nights), starting at $12,200 (per person, double occupancy) and may choose to also add on our scheduled extension to Kyoto (May 17-20, 2020 • 3 nights), starting at $6,950 (per person, double occupancy). Together, the full 8-night itinerary includes the following highlights:

  • Explore Tokyo’s rich art and design scene with expert-guided tours of top contemporary galleries and museums like the Nezu Museum, 21 21 Design Sight, the Mori Museum and the wildly imaginative flower studio of Makoto Azuma.
  • Discover hidden gems known only to locals in Tokyo and Kyoto’s most charming neighborhoods, including tea houses, up-and-coming design studios and artisan workshops for ceramics, silks, paper and other traditional crafts.
  • Taste local delicacies and learn about the art of Japanese cuisine, both past and present, with omakase and kaiseki meals, as well as reservations at Tokyo and Kyoto’s top restaurants and stops for noodles and sushi at beloved local spots.
  • Experience Japanese spirituality with visits to historic temples, with guided walks and meditations in their serene gardens.
  • Take a day trip to Hakone to visit the Enoura Obervatory, wander the famous open-air sculpture park and get a taste of ryokan life.
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese culture with a flower-arranging workshop, a traditional tea ceremony and the opportunity to see a geisha performance.
Book Now
  • When
    May 12 - 17 or 20, 2020
  • Length
    6 days / 5 nights
  • Type of Traveler
    Art Lovers , Style Mavens , Foodies

This Journey's Host

On this journey, you will be joined by Architectural Digest‘s contributing editor based in Europe, Gay Gassmann (pictured left), as well as Indagare’s founder and CEO, Melissa Biggs Bradley (pictured right).

A trained art historian and writer, Gay Gassmann has spent the majority of her life abroad creating a vast network across the worlds of fashion, art and publishing. She has collaborated with The J. Paul Getty Museum, Peter Marino Architect and The New York Times Style Magazine. In addition to being a decorative arts historian, Gassmann works closely with contemporary artists on site-specific projects and contributes art- driven features to Architectural Digest, online and in print. Architectural Digest is a vibrant celebration of international design talents, innovative homes and products, inspiring decorating ideas, culture, and travel. Launched in 1920 as a California trade quarterly, the magazine evolved over the years, increasing in frequency and broadening in scope until it became the byword for living well. Today AD publishes nine international editions, as well as a website, and its brand has immeasurable influence in the world of interior design and style.

Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

Trip Details

In preparation for the journey, members will also receive a comprehensive departure package that includes an itinerary, packing list, accommodations overview and other important information.

  • When
    May 12 - 17 or 20, 2020
  • Length
    6 days / 5 nights
  • Group Size
    Up to 24 travelers
  • Host
    Melissa Biggs Bradley and Gay Gassmann
  • From
    $12,200

Includes

  • Accommodations at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo (five nights, Standard Room) and the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (three nights, Deluxe Room add-on only). Indagare can arrange higher category accommodation upgrades, subject to availability.
  • Breakfast daily; four lunches and three dinners in Tokyo; two lunches and two dinners in Kyoto (add-on only).
  • All guided touring, activities and admissions included in the itinerary.
  • All guided touring, activities and admissions included in the itinerary.
  • Expert guides, as indicated in the itinerary, including your hosts, AD’s Gay Gassmann and Indagare’s Melissa Biggs Bradley (confirmed in Tokyo only; expert guides included in Kyoto).
  • The services of Indagare’s expert travel team to plan all trip details, international flights and trip extensions (costs not included) to Kyoto and beyond.

Excludes

  • Air transportation to and from Japan
  • Airport transfers outside of group arrivals and departures
  • Meals not specified and alcoholic beverages other than those included in the meals
  • Optional activities and personal items and expenses
  • All gratuities
  • Trip insurance (highly recommended—please let us know if you would like to see quotes)
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural phenomena)
Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

What To Read

Indagare has selected the articles from our website and magazine to prepare you for your journey. Peruse inspiring slideshows, insider tips, reading lists and more.

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