Aesthetic Japan
May 6-15, 2026
9 nights/10 days
Konnichiwa
Aesthetic Japan is a (very) small group guided journey that delves into the cultural and creative elements that shape the unique look and feel of this exquisite country. Japan’s distinct approach to beauty expresses itself in both grand gestures and miniscule details.
Traditional and contemporary.
Baffling intensity and remarkable simplicity. This, that, and everything in between. Japan rewards the curious like nowhere else. Over the course of the trip, we’ll learn to notice and understand how all the pieces fit together to form a cohesive aesthetic identity.
Japan Distilled—and Unlocked
“I’ve always wanted to go, but have no idea where to start. Or stop.”
Japan is a small country with enormous depth and so much to see. This journey is a carefully crafted blend of absolute must-sees and not-so-obvious gems, allowing space for unexpected discoveries. Privileged access to people and places is central to the experience. You can certainly go to Japan on your own, but you can’t do a trip like this on your own.
Gently Structured, Deeply Personalised
“Japan is a country of endless niches. If you're into hi-fi stereo systems and hot dogs, there is a restaurant for you in Tokyo.”
The itinerary is sufficiently structured to make the most of every moment, but not so tightly planned as to stifle serendipity. Each day will be fine tuned to reflect the character of the group and individuals within. There will be core experiences everyone shares as well as opportunities to dig into personal interests.
A Tiny Collection of Like-Minded People
“This is different than any group trip you've ever done.”
Part of the magic of the experience will be travelling with people who share a similar sensibility. The group will be carefully curated for chemistry. We want you to learn from, and be inspired by, one another. With only 8 participants (plus two trip leaders) it’s more like a moving dinner party than a group trip.
Four Chapters—Ten Days
3 nights
Tokyo
Chaos & context
Experience the beautiful chaos of the largest city in the world, home to more than 35 million people. We’ll find our feet in Japanese culture, gaining context through guided walks, neighbourhood & museum visits, and special experiences. Food, architecture, history, fashion, art. . .we’ll start sinking our teeth into all of it. Whatever niche interest(s) you may have (i.e. ceramics, interior design, coffee, contemporary art, graphic design, furniture, books, jazz bars, you-name-it), Tokyo has oodles for you to discover (and I’ll help you find it).
2 nights
Kanazawa
Classics
After a wickedly fast and luxurious bullet train journey from Tokyo west to Kanazawa, we’ll slow down the pace (a bit) and begin learning more deeply about the classic design and philosophical principles that underpin the Japanese aesthetic. Kanazawa is a small city (we’ll be able to walk everywhere), incredibly rich in tradition and history. Spectacular dry gardens, atmospheric geisha and samurai districts, a sensational food market, and an introduction to the worlds of craftsmanship and Zen.
1 night
Yamanaka Onsen
Calm & contemplation
Time to slow things right down and catch our breath with a night in a hot spring town nestled in a green valley. We’ll experience impeccable hospitality and comfort at an iconic ryokan (traditional inn), allowing time to soak serenely in our thoughts (and lovely warm baths). Just outside the door are forest walks and impossibly lush landscapes. We’ll have an opportunity to visit private workshops and try our hands at local crafts like washi paper and wood turning.
3 nights
Kyoto
Composition
The journey culminates with three days in the beguiling city of Kyoto. If the Japanese aesthetic had a greatest hits album this would be it. More amazing architecture and gardens (including a 700 year-old moss garden), incredible shopping, and captivating streets to explore on foot or bicycle. This is where all the elements (old & new, east & west) will come together to shape your impression of the Japanese aesthetic. It’s also a seriously fun place to end a journey.
Hotels
Where we stay is just as important to the story as what we see and do. Great care has been taken to select accommodations that are stylish, comfortable, perfectly located, and relevant to what we're exploring. Each place has a different and specific vibe, adding texture to the overall experience. All of them exude Japanese-ness and offer supremely thoughtful service.
The Okura
Grand yet understated, The Okura delivers serenity in a central pocket of the city. Its soothing, spacious ambiance makes it an ideal spot to begin the journey (and recover from jet lag) with one of Tokyo’s most iconic lobbies setting the tone for refined tranquility.
Kayotei
Tucked into the forested hills of Yamanaka Onsen, Kayotei is an intimate ten-suite ryokan blending understated luxury with deep tradition. Unwind in tatami-lined rooms, soak in natural hot-spring baths, and savour exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
Kumu Kanazawa
Pared-back and contemporary, Kumu Kanazawa subtly weaves traditional design motifs into its clean, modern aesthetic. Perfectly located in the heart of Kanazawa, it’s an ideal base for exploring in any direction.
Ace Kyoto
Ace Kyoto fuses old and new Japan in a striking Kengo Kuma–designed space. Set in a restored 1920s building, it blends craft, culture, and creativity—think record players, bold art, and a lively, design-driven vibe with a western twist.
Nuts & Bolts
$17 300 CAD
per person
(single occupancy)
$14 850 CAD
per person
(double occupancy)
Inclusions
9 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast, most lunches & dinners (except 3 of each, so you have some flexibility)
All ground transportation (high-speed trains, subways, private vehicles, taxis, etc.)
All entrance fees & curated events/experiences (involving several local guides/experts)
Also included is pre/post-trip planning guidance (i.e. itinerary suggestions, hotel bookings)
Exclusions
Flights to/from Japan
Any meals not included above
Travel insurance
Any Questions?
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Aesthetic Japan is for people who want to understand a place, not just see it. We're diving into design principles that shaped Japanese aesthetics for centuries. Spending time with artisans who've perfected a single craft. Eating at places you'd walk past without knowing what you're looking at.
This is for people who want to understand why a tea ceremony matters beyond the Instagram moment. Who appreciate that the best experiences happen in understated spaces.
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Most Japan tours operate on a checklist model. Golden Pavilion, check. Fushimi Inari gates, check. Robot restaurant, check. Done.
We're focused on aesthetic immersion:
Architecture and spatial design (why Japanese homes feel the way they do)
Craft traditions (meeting potters, textile artists, woodworkers)
Food culture (understanding the philosophy, not just eating well)
Material culture (paper, ceramics, textiles that define daily Japanese life)
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Small. Interesting. Interested. And fun. Only 8 people. Everyone's vetted through an application, because group chemistry matters.
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Charlie Scott will be leading the trip from start to finish. He’s totally bananas for Japan and researched and planned the trip over several visit. Local guides, experts, and friends will join us here and there along the way.
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There will be a reasonable amount of walking most days, as it’s the best way to explore the towns and cities we’ll be visiting. There will be options to do some gentle hiking in Yamanaka Onsen and cycling in Kanazawa and Kyoto. You’ll get some exercise but it’s not a high-key active trip.
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Places chosen for their design, atmosphere, and relevance to what we're exploring. I'm interested in spaces that teach you something through the simple act of being in them. Tatami mats and futon beds. Minimalist rooms with a single perfect object. Thoughtful details you'll notice if you're paying attention.
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We'll be eating very, very well. The Japanese take quality to the next level with everything—whether it’s a piece of toast or fresh caught tuna. Dietary restrictions? Talk to me. Vegetarian is very doable. Vegan requires planning but is possible. Allergies need advance notice.
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We strongly encourage you to spend additional time in Japan before and/or after the journey. And we’re happy to help you coordinate those plans at no extra cost.
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9 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, most lunches & dinners (except 2-3 of each, so you have some flexibility), all ground transportation (high-speed trains, subways, private vehicles, taxis, etc.), all entrance fees & curated events/experiences (involving several local guides/experts). Also included is pre/post-trip planning guidance (i.e. itinerary suggestions, hotel bookings).
Not included: Flights to/from Japan, travel insurance (NOTE: I can help you sort out both of these)
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Yes. The itinerary provides a fantastic introduction to Japan while also allowing you to start digging deeper. You’ll want to return for more. Guaranteed.
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Yes. Extremely. Japan is one of the safest and cleanest countries on earth. The greatest risk on a trip like this is over-doing it on the food and shopping.
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We'll review your application and if it looks like a good fit we'll have a conversation. We want to understand what draws you to this trip and make sure we can deliver what you're hoping for. If we both feel good about it, you'll receive confirmation, payment details, and prep materials.
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Apply anyway. We're planning future trips, and the application helps us understand if this is the right fit. Many people secure spots on the next iteration.
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You can fly non-stop to Tokyo from several cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Newark, London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Figure on 12-14 hrs each way.
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We highly recommend you purchase both travel medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Depending on where you live, we may be able to offer this option.
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Talk to your accountant. I'm not a tax professional. If your work involves design, hospitality, brand strategy, or creating experiences, there's a possibility this trip can be considered professional development.
