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Honshû, a journey to the heart of Japanese art and architecture
5 stops
9 nights
224 miles
Crossing the island of Honshû, from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan, is to discover not only captivating cities–fast-paced Osaka and traditional Kyoto–but also unexpectedly picturesque landscapes. This gentle journey captures the dramatic contrasts of the archipelago, from its megacities to traditional villages and buildings with thatched roofs. Yet, everywhere you go, you'll witness attention being paid to the art of detail, from its shop windows to its stone gardens, the world of contemporary design and the finesse of its traditional Torii gates.
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Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Osaka
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The third largest city in Japan, Osaka at first appears to be a modern, lively metropolis. And since 2004, it has also established itself as a destination for art lovers, who flock to the National Museum of Art to see its collection of more than 8,000 contemporary works. Yet strolling along the city's main thoroughfares opens the door to some incredible cultural contrasts, not least the historic castle that seems to resist the glass and concrete buildings of the business district.
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Kashiwaya / 柏屋 Restaurant
During your stay
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La Bécasse / ラ・ベカス Restaurant
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27 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Nara
03
30 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Kyoto
04
137 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Kaga-shi
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Public baths, Kosoyu
The Japanese love public baths. Everyone – young and old, men and women – attends these recreational areas. Since the Meiji era (1868-1912), Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu has been home to one of the region's finest baths. In recent years, the building has been restored to its original state: Kutaniyaki style ceramics, lacquered walls, fine stained-glass windows etc. Here you bathe in the style of old: this site is one that has held onto its original use…
During your stay
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Shirakawa-go & Gokayama designated villages
For their unique architecture, these two mountain villages have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Isolated Shirakawa-go and Gokayama have long made a living from mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming. The “Gassho” style architecture of the houses has been adjusted to the often harsh weather in these valleys. In winter, their peaked thatch roofs are particularly impressive when the landscape is covered in a blanket of snow.
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31 milesCar
Recommended duration : 1 night
Kanazawa
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Known as the ‘little pearl of Ishikawa,' Kanazawa first seduces visitors with its exceptional geographical location. On the shores of the Sea of Japan, not far from the Japanese Alps, the city also notably attracts lovers of history and tradition. In the shadow of the old, fortified castle, the sublime Kenroku-en garden, with its sublime cherry trees, is considered one of the most beautiful in the archipelago. The site also houses the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which presents works by Anish Kapoor, Atsuko Tanaka and Gerhard Richter.
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens
High above Kanazawa, close to the castle for which it is named, Kenrokuen Garden (the Six Attributes Garden) is considered one of the finest gardens on the archipelago. Patiently tended since the feudal period, it stretches outward from a man-made pond. Covering over 27 acres, the garden is dotted with hills and small pavilions where visitors can pause and take in the beauty.
During your stay
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21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa
This museum, which opened in 2004, lives up to its name: Its circular form invites you to contemplate the art of the future. The building's transparency opens organically onto the works and installations by major contemporary artists, including Gerhard Richter, James Turrell, Francis Alÿs, and Atsuko Tanaka. At its center, all eyes are drawn to the astounding swimming pool by Argentinian visual artist Leandro Erlich.
During your stay
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Zeniya / 銭屋 Restaurant
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