Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Age-old traditions still thrive in Japan, and we experience them from Tokyo to Takayama and Kyoto. PHOTO: JUI-CHI CHAN

Temples, Treasures & Teahouses HIDDEN WORLDS OF JAPAN

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

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. ON OUR WEBSITE JAPAN: CASTLES, SAMURAI & LEGENDS 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.

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

“The trip design was so great—from cherry blossoms and temples to the wonderful countryside. Such a wonderful experience for the entire group!”

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

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

Bob S., Half Moon Bay CA

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.

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)

Days 1-7 Tokyo / Takayama / Kanazawa After visiting Tokyo’s treasures, we head to the

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR ASIA TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/ASIA 94