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Hakone, Japan
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-see blend of sculpture, architecture, and landscape. It makes a perfect day-trip or overnight stop between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Shinkansen route. Ryokan stays here offer a refined traditional design experience.
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Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the spiritual home of Japanese craft and aesthetic — explore the textile district of Nishijin and the design galleries around Okazaki. Visit the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art and the Nishiki Market for food culture. The Gion district offers stunning traditional machiya townhouse architecture.
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Osaka, Japan
Osaka has a vibrant independent design and street culture scene, especially in the Amerika-Mura and Horie neighbourhoods. Visit the Osaka Museum of History and check event listings at the Grand Front Osaka knowledge hub. The food scene around Dotonbori is a design experience in itself — neon, motion, and spectacle.
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Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima is a world-renowned art island featuring museums by architect Tadao Ando, including the Chichu Art Museum and the Benesse House. A day trip from Osaka or Kyoto via ferry from Uno Port is very feasible. It's one of the most unique design destinations in the world — book museum entry in advance.