Remote Lands, the ultra-luxury tour operator renowned for its bespoke journeys across Asia, has unveiled an extraordinary new small-group experience celebrating the artistry, heritage, and cultural mastery at the heart of Japan. Taking place from November 12–22, 2026, A Journey to Discover Japan’s Living National Treasures is an exclusive 11-day, 10-night immersion into the revered world of Kogei, Japan’s centuries-old tradition of fine art and craftsmanship, offering rare, behind-the-scenes access to the nation’s most celebrated master artisans and cultural icons.
Developed in partnership with New York’s Onishi Gallery and KOGEI USA, this exclusive trip introduces travelers to Japan’s Living National Treasures, an elite group of artists formally recognized by the Japanese government for preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. With a designation limited to just 116 individuals at any given time, these masters represent the highest level of artistic achievement across disciplines including ceramics, lacquerware, metalwork, woodwork, porcelain, and textile arts.
The journey is led by Nana Onishi, owner of Onishi Gallery in New York, whose longstanding personal relationships with many of the featured Living National Treasures provide guests with once-in-a-lifetime insider access and deeper cultural insight throughout the experience.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to engage with Japan’s cultural legacy at its highest level,” said Catherine Heald. “Thanks to Nana Onishi and her longstanding relationships and trusted partnerships, we are able to open doors that are typically closed, allowing our guests to step inside the studios and creative worlds of these master artisans. It’s an intimate and deeply meaningful way to experience Japan.”
Limited to just 14 guests, the itinerary spans Tokyo, Kyoto, Yamanaka Onsen, Kanazawa, and Kurashiki, combining private studio visits, exhibitions, temple experiences, and immersive workshops with Japan’s leading artisans. Highlights include an exclusive soirée and private event at WAKO Ginza, behind-the-scenes access to ateliers and craftsman, and intimate conversations with Living National Treasures working across a range of disciplines. Guests will also enjoy visits to important cultural institutions including the Nezu Museum and the I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum, alongside experiences deeply rooted in regional traditions.
Additional standout moments include hands-on Kutani porcelain and Yuzen kimono encounters and a private visit with renowned ceramicist Tokuda Yasokichi IV featuring a special meal served on the artist’s own creations. Throughout the 11-days, guests will gain rare insight into the philosophy, discipline, and generational craftsmanship that define Japan’s artistic heritage.
Accommodations consist of luxurious, culturally rooted traditional ryokans alongside some of Japan’s most design-forward properties, including Janu Tokyo, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Hanamurasaki, and Ryokan Kurashiki. Travel combines private transfers with Japan’s iconic Shinkansen bullet train, allowing guests to move seamlessly between some of the country’s most important cultural regions. On Remote Lands-organized touring days, each guest has their own private car and driver and is accompanied by a private English-speaking guide, ensuring a deeply enriching and highly personalized experience from start to finish.
With pricing from $85,000 per couple (double occupancy) and $82,410 for solo travelers, this highly curated journey is designed for collectors, cultural enthusiasts, and seasoned travelers seeking unprecedented access to Japan’s artistic heritage and living traditions.
For more information about Remote Lands and its Discover Japan’s Living National Treasure’s itinerary, please visit https://www.remotelands.com.
