A Journey through the Beauty of Japanese Wooden Architecture
A number of facilities that convey the charm of wooden architecture, including Himeji Castle, a 17th century giant wooden structure and a World Heritage Site, and the Takenaka Carpenter's Tools Museum, which preserves for posterity as a national heritage the carpenter's tools that are disappearing along with the development of technology. This special 3-day/2-night tour of Hyogo Prefecture is dotted with the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Michele De Lucchi, Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, and other famous architects representing the East and West.
Day 1
YODOKO GUEST HOUSE
- Time
- 10:00 - 11:30
- Transportation
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The YODOKO Guest House in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, was designed by American Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the three great masters of modern architecture, who also designed several other buildings, including the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
ROKKOSAN SILENCE RESORT
- Time
- 12:30 - 15:00
- Transportation
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Rokkosan, developed as a recreation area by foreigners who lived in the old settlement area of Kobe.Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, whose project began with the renovation of the former Rokkosan Hotel designed by Takenaka Corporation nearly 100 years ago, will also design a wooden Scandinavian pavilion for the Osaka/Kansai Expo.
THE FORMER FOREIGN SETTLEMENT OF KOBE
- Time
- 16:00 - 18:00
- Transportation
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The Foreign Settlement, which was established at the Port of Kobe when it opened in 1868, was designed using modern European urban planning techniques, and the buildings that remain from that era are still in place today as important cultural assets.
Day 2
TAKENAKA CARPENTRY TOOLS MUSEUM
- Time
- 09:30 - 12:00
- Transportation
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The only corporate museum in Japan established by Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan's leading general construction companies, to collect and preserve carpentry tools. The museum attracts visitors from all over the world involved in construction, as they can observe traditional Japanese wooden construction techniques up close and personal.
HIMEJI CASTLE
- Time
- 14:00 - 16:00
- Transportation
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Japanese national treasure is a wooden structure that has never been exposed to warfare in the 400 years since its construction in the early 17th century. The stonewalls and moat have been well preserved, and the unique cultural history of Japanese castles can be seen.
AWAJI YUMEBUTAI
- Time
- -
- Transportation
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【Tadao Ando】
He is one of Japan's leading architects and is famous for his works that make extensive use of concrete. He has presented a variety of works ranging from hotels and churches to temples, and his efforts to address environmental issues have also attracted attention. The theme of Awaji Yumebutai is "the creation of a space where animals, plants, and humans can coexist.
Day 3
ZENBO SEINEI
- Time
- 10:00 - 13:00
- Transportation
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This wooden structure was designed by Shigeru Ban, winner of the Pritzker Prize, the highest honor in the world of architecture. Visitors can experience meditation and yoga programs on a 100-meter-long wooden deck surrounded by nature that changes with the seasons.
KOBE GEIHINKAN FORMER GUEST HOUSE
- Time
- 16:00 - 19:00
- Transportation
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This guest house has a history of more than 100 years and has been selected as a tangible cultural property designated by Hyogo Prefecture. After a special visit to the venerable Sumadera Temple that stands nearby, guests will enjoy a meal that recreates a party of the good old days.
warningNotes
We will plan a tailor-made trip combining Osaka and Kyoto, the host prefectures of the Expo, before and after this 3-day/2-night stay model plan in Hyogo Prefecture.
cancelCancellation policy
- 14 days prior〜：30%
- 3 days prior〜：50%
- 1 day before〜：100%
check_circleInclusions
- Guide
- Transportation
- Accommodations
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for 3 days)
- Items listed on the itinerary
blockExclusions
- Flight fee
- Guide fee for Day 1
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
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