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Japan is an ancient and enigmatic land,
and our insider’s journey reveals aspects
of it few travelers ever get to see. In ancient
Takayama in the Japanese Alps, we’ll find
the elegant work of Hida artisans much in
evidence in the splendid merchant houses
and centuries-old sake
breweries, and in seaside
Kanazawa, we stroll streets
lined by immaculately
preserved teahouses from
the Edo and Meiji eras.
We explore romantic Kyoto,
the thousand-year-old
cultural and artistic capital of
Japan, in depth, attending a stunning Miyako
Odori dance performance. Our visits to artists,
incredible food markets, exquisite landscapes,
and tranquil Zen temples unveil Japan’s unique
traditions, and our accommodations include
serene ryokans and a Buddhist monastery
perched on a mountaintop.
Days 1-7 Tokyo / Takayama / Kanazawa
After visiting Tokyo’s treasures, we head to the
mountain town of Takayama, where we’ll taste
the wares at a 17th century brewery and see the
craft heritage expressed in thatched gassho-zukuri
farmhouses that seem right out of a fairytale.
In Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan, we explore
the city’s grand feudal castle and gorgeous
Kenroku-en garden.
Days 8-14 Kyoto / Koyasan / Osaka Our
fantastic five-day exploration of Kyoto includes the
mystical Zen rock garden at Ryoanji and sublime
Daitokuji, whose small Zen temples and gardens are
associated with masters of the Japanese tea ceremony.
In eastern Kyoto, we walk the cherry-blossom-lined
Path of Philosophy, and in western Kyoto, we’ll
explore the Sagano and Arashiyama districts,
remnants of Kyoto’s rural past with their thatch-
roofed houses, welcoming teahouses, rice paddies,
and the poet Basho’s hut. We also enjoy Kyoto’s
workshops and superbly crafted traditional arts.
One night, we ride by cable car up to mountaintop
Koyasan Monastery for an overnight in a shukubo
(temple lodge). Depart on Day 14 via Osaka.
Age-old traditions still thrive in Japan, and we experience them from Tokyo to Takayama and Kyoto. PHOTO: JUI-CHI CHAN
N
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR ASIA TRIPS, VISIT 94
“The trip design was
so great—from cherry
blossoms and temples
to the wonderful
countryside. Such a
wonderful experience
for the entire group!”
Bob S., Half Moon Bay CA
HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover Kanazawa’s Edo-period geisha
quarter and Takayama’s traditional
architectural styles
• Explore Kyoto, with its Zen gardens,
majestic palaces, welcoming teahouses,
food markets, and artisan districts
• Enjoy overnights in traditional ryokans,
the serene inns that reflect Japanese
culture in miniature
DETAILS
• 14-day trip begins in Tokyo and ends in
Osaka
• 12 nights ryokans and hotels, 1 night
temple lodging
• All meals included except lunches and
2 dinners
DATES
Mar 21-Apr 3, 2018
Apr 5-18 Reverse itinerary
TRIP COST
$8695 (11-12 members)
$8895 (9-10 members)
$9195 (6-8 members)
Single supplement: $1480
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Walking, including some steep stairs,
6-7 hours a day, Japanese-style dining
(sitting on floor)
ON OUR WEBSITE
Explore feudal Japan, with its soaring
castles, samurai homes, and pilgrim trails.
Nov 1-14, 2017; May 7-20, Oct 17-30, 2018.
From $7695.