Street with multiple house of old Japanese architecture with wooden panels and tiled roof at golden hour showcasing japanese craftsmanship

Private Tours for

Craft & Cultural Experiences

Experience the world of Japanese art and design

Artists have been inspired by Eastern aesthetics for centuries.

Long before technology, it was the craft of Japan that carried each community's name beyond its borders. Today, Japan's artists lead the world in innovative thinking and aesthetics, while Japanese pop culture has gone global. From centuries-old workshops to the studios shaping tomorrow's visual culture, we take you inside it all. Japanese design principles you can explore:

侘寂

Wabi-sabi

Beauty in imperfection and impermanence

粋

Iki

Effortless, understated sophistication

幽玄

Yūgen

Mysterious, profound depth beyond words

可愛い

Kawaii

The joyful culture of cuteness

TRADITIONAL ARTS & CRAFTS

Centuries of craftsmanship

Japanese paintbrushes hang in front of a window.

Calligraphy, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, kiriko cut glass, washi paper making, kumihimo braiding, textile arts and indigo dying, woodworking, sword making, bonsai and flower arrangement, doll making, instrument making, and the theatre traditions of kabuki, Noh and classical dance. Meet the artisans keeping these arts alive — and in many cases, try them with your own hands.

Ask us about our Treasure Sessions™, specially curated artist collaborations designed for families and group travel. We integrate scientific and artistic principles into each session, and connect each session to your family or organizational needs. Experience culture with real meaning, not just for the photo op.

CONTEMPORARY ART

Japan's modern creative edge

View of the end of a tunnel framing a nature scene. Inside the tunnel is reflective water, figures standing at the end of the tunnel are reflected on the water. A famous art locaiton in Niigata prefecture, Japan.

Painting, sculpture, architecture and interior design — Japan's contemporary creators are among the most influential in the world. From museum districts and gallery quarters to buildings that are artworks in themselves, we build itineraries around the modern movements that speak to you. You don’t need to be a design student or professional, you just need to be curious.

Did you know many destinations around Japan host regular art exhibitions every 2 or three years? These exhibitions are not only in Tokoyo, but in less-visited areas of Japan such as Naoshima in Kagawa prefecture and Tokamachi in Niigata. Much of the artwork is exhibited on an on-going basis, too!

POP CULTURE & COMMERCIAL ART

Manga, anime, gaming & idol culture

A retro arcade game room decorated with colorful pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, a vintage television, and framed pixel art on the wall. There are green leather chairs and a pinball machine in the foreground.

Japanese pop culture has conquered the world — and there is no better place to experience it than at the source. Manga and anime landmarks, the gaming industry's spiritual home, and the phenomenon of idol music: whatever your fandom, we'll take you to its heart. Wether it is following the real-world trail of your favorite story, the most retro-art inspired cafe, retracing the steps of a historical documentary, learning how to draw like an anime artist, or even making yourself into a mini 3D printed figurine we will craft and bring you to the the right adventure for you.

A post-card like image featuring a group making miso at the top and the text that describes the experience. When guests make miso with TokudAw, they visit a real Japanese home and make miso using a family recipe. It's like visiting a Japanese family.

CUSTOM ITINERARIES

Focused on the art form you love

TokudAw offers custom itineraries built around a particular form of art, music or pop culture. Reach out and let us help you build your custom tour.

Ask us about our Treasure Sessions™, custom hands-on experiences built around traditional crafts, in collaboration with artist, integrate science and go far deeper than a general photo op.