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First walk-to-art Japan: the country's beauty is magical

Japan tours, artists, spaces

1 December 2024

I have recently returned from a wonderful trip to Japan, delivering the first public walk-to-art Japan. It was a long time in the making, and I'm thrilled to say it was a great tour and such a special addition to the international tours.

Before arriving to the islands, I stayed in Kowakudani, Hakone, and visited the Hakone Open Air Museum. The Open Air Museum is stunning sculpture park that is beautifully manicured. It holds a vast collection of sculptures and a dedicated space to the ceramic works of Picasso. The artworks coexist with the landscape, and as you navigate through the grounds, you do not only enjoy the sculptures but also the gardens. Such a lovely experience. I would highly recommend visiting and staying in this quaint town, away from the main town of Hakone, which lends itself to many travellers.

After a week researching and reconnecting, I met my participants at Uno Hotel in Tamano. Uno Hotel is new and perfectly located near the ferries and train station. I'm still a little unsure about the multiple use of textures in the rooms, but the breakfast is excellent and the service is warm, friendly and kind. It is also next door to the Setouchi Onsen Tamanoyu, a favourite destination after a day of visuals.

The next four days were spent island hoping and taking in the many great buildings, art projects and art spaces. As the tour lasts for only four days, it is tightly curated. We do not take the town bus or ride the electric bikes to our destinations, we walk. As many who have been on my tours over the years will know, we do walk at a pace. The Seto Inland Sea islands are not for the faint hearted; you need to be able to walk comfortably from one art space to the next, gently uphill, for 30 minutes. The walking is part of the journey: it allows you to clear your mind, connect to the land and sea. You view the autumn leaves on the trees, and the subtle signs to your destinations. I will not share where we went and what we did as, as always, I like to keep the destinations and itinerary unrevealed. I enjoy my participants not being influenced or too informed, it's nice to look and feel with fresh eyes.

After the tour, I spent time bathing in Yufuin, a hot spring town, five hours down from Uno Station. I then travelled to Nagoya, enjoying quaint old school coffee houses with set menus and specialised shops. Before heading back to Tokyo, I popped into Gifu to the Site of Reversible Destiny – Yoro Park. Fun!

I often finish my Japan trips with a stay at Hanare in the town of Yanaka, Tokyo. I love the area, the creative shops, the excellent eateries and the cemetery. Of course, always heading to CIBI, for coffee and pound cake.

All the international tours are memorable for me and they carry their own joy. Venice is opulent in food, wine and art, New York's energy is infectious and Japan's beauty is magical.

The next walk-to-art Japan will be in October 2025.