Luxury Escapes announced that Grand Designs Australia presenter and professor of architecture Anthony Burke will be hosting its new Signature Series experience in Japan.
As a tour through Japan, this experience combines design, art, architecture, and aburi (flame seared delicacies) in a unique 12-day, 11-night itinerary.
This Signature Series experience showcases Japan's cultural highlights and aesthetic mastery, from ancient craftsmanship to contemporary creativity.
According to Luxury Escapes co-founder and CEO Adam Schwab: “Australian travellers have a voracious appetite for all things Japanese; it remains one of our most in-demand destinations and this new Japan Signature Series tour is designed for people with a curious mind and a love of travel, design, culture and cuisine, so pretty much everyone. The tour brings together Japan's finest elements, from sumo and sushi to sensory art and stunning architecture, through Anthony's unique lens. He's done an amazing job of designing a really special tour for us.”
Burke himself said of the destination: “Japan is one of those rare places where every detail of the built environment has meaning. From the quiet serenity of traditional structures to the bold experimentation of modern design, this tour brings together the best of both worlds and I'm looking forward to sharing it with my fellow design and art loving travellers.”
A deep dive into Japanese culture
Taking in the cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and the renowned Naoshima and Teshima Art Islands, Burke will guide travellers through Japan's most striking architectural landmarks, uncovering the inspiration, design philosophies, and stories that shape each space.
The all-inclusive tour highlights the following experiences:
- Visits to more than 12 museums, castles, temples and galleries including Tokyo's Imperial Palace, Teamlab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Pola Museum of Art (Hokone), Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple in Kyoto, Hokane's Enoura Observatory, UNESCO World Heritage listed Himeji Castle, and the Honpukuji Water Temple and the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka;
- Tour through the neon-lit streets of Shinsekai and Dotonbori and cross the busiest intersection in the world, the famously chaotic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo;
- A Sumo practice experience with basic training included;
- Wander the Philosopher's Path, starting at the Silver Pavilion, a prime example of Higashiyama culture in Kyoto;
- Travel on Japan's famed Shinkansen Bullet Train at up to 300 km/hour;
- Visit a tea house and traditional Japanese dining experience that includes hotpot, sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu, as well as stops at traditional Japanese cake shops and street food experiences; and
- Four- and five-star accommodation across all cities including the Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa and ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama.
Bookings are now open via Luxury Escapes’ website and through travel agents, from $10,999 per person, inclusive of return flights with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth for the tour departing 9th March 2026.
