Smitten (or, as the Japanese say, otaku, merrily obsessed) with Japan,
we are especially captivated by the Japanese talent for integrating
the country’s proud ancient culture with its equally proud embrace of
the modern.
We hit Tokyo’s cultural highspots, such as the Meiji Shrine and Asakusa, and make an earlymorning visit to its gargantuan fish market (where an astounding 25 percent of the world’s daily catch is processed, including tunas that fetch upwards of $80,000 apiece). We’ll see exquisite kimono-clad women and children en route to ceremonies and make jolly forays into the city’s fabulously graceful restaurants.
We train into the mountains to Hakone, luxu- riate in its hot springs, walk contemplatively in the wonderful Outdoor Sculpture Garden, boat across lovely Lake Ashi, and visit the Owakudani Crater, from which Fuji—symbol of Japan old and new—may be visible. Now on to Takayama, tucked beautifully into the Japan Alps, wandering its old streets, dropping into its woodworking shops and inns, soaking up the flavor of the old Nakasendo Road. And then north to the castle town of Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan, where we’ll amble in the superb Kenroku-en Garden, acclaimed as one of the country’s finest, and get a good look at the city’s well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. We end with Kyoto, the distilled essence of Japanese culture, where, Fosco Maraini wrote, “the people stroll aimlessly, cheerfully, as if intoxicated by their surroundings.” (See Kyoto: The Soul of Japan for more on the city Edmund Blunden called the “temple of all the earth’s towns.”)
We hit Tokyo’s cultural highspots, such as the Meiji Shrine and Asakusa, and make an earlymorning visit to its gargantuan fish market (where an astounding 25 percent of the world’s daily catch is processed, including tunas that fetch upwards of $80,000 apiece). We’ll see exquisite kimono-clad women and children en route to ceremonies and make jolly forays into the city’s fabulously graceful restaurants.
We train into the mountains to Hakone, luxu- riate in its hot springs, walk contemplatively in the wonderful Outdoor Sculpture Garden, boat across lovely Lake Ashi, and visit the Owakudani Crater, from which Fuji—symbol of Japan old and new—may be visible. Now on to Takayama, tucked beautifully into the Japan Alps, wandering its old streets, dropping into its woodworking shops and inns, soaking up the flavor of the old Nakasendo Road. And then north to the castle town of Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan, where we’ll amble in the superb Kenroku-en Garden, acclaimed as one of the country’s finest, and get a good look at the city’s well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. We end with Kyoto, the distilled essence of Japanese culture, where, Fosco Maraini wrote, “the people stroll aimlessly, cheerfully, as if intoxicated by their surroundings.” (See Kyoto: The Soul of Japan for more on the city Edmund Blunden called the “temple of all the earth’s towns.”)
Days 1 & 2: USA to Tokyo • Days 3 & 4: Tokyo, cultural touring • Day 5: Tokyo fish market, train to Hakone • Day 6: Hakone, Lake Ashi, Owakudani Crater • Day 7: train to Takayama • Day 8: Takayama • Day 9: drive to Kanazawa via Shirakawago and Gokayama • Day 10: Kanazawa • Day 11: train to Kyoto • Days 12–14: Kyoto, cultural touring • Day 15: transfer to Osaka, fly to USA.
Essence of Japan
Trip Details
2008 Departures:
15 Days
Activity Type:
Touring
Trip Price:From $12,295
- November 5 - November 19
- April 18 - May 2
- October 31 - November 14
15 DaysActivity Type:
Touring
Trip Price:
From $12,295
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