Kyoto, Jan Morris has written, “remains to the Japanese something special . . . the supreme repository of their ancient traditions, their religion, and their high-flown patriotism, their golden heritage and their resilient pride.”

In this expertly choreographed, highly phenomenal trip, we’ll delve deeply and thoughtfully into the grand city and its environs (including a foray to I.M. Pei’s masterpiece Miho Museum). From its famed temples and gardens (“more than hymns to tranquility,” Kanto Shigemori has written, “they contain a world of beauty unbounded by limits of time”) to its galleries and local artisans’ studios, its meandering streets and markets and its pure and enchanting Japaneseness. We’ll learn the rudiments of the ancient arts of calligraphy, obanzai, ikebana and experience a private tea ceremony. Of course, we’ll dine on myriad local specialties (“Ordering in Japan may seem overwhelming,” our Japan magnate Kristina Tuohey says, “but it’s where one learns an important lesson—language is not a barrier to kindness in Japan”), all the while enjoying the “electric repose” so characteristic of Japan and Kyoto in particular.p>

This is one of four handy, week-long itineraries designed to link together for an in-depth exploration of Japan, to stand alone as a Private Departure or to act as a jumping-off idea for a Custom Journey.

Day 1: arrive in Kyoto (the city Edmund Blunden called the “temple of all the earth’s towns”) • Day 2: Arashiyama’s temples and famed moss garden, practice calligraphy with resident monks • Day 3: Fushimi Inari Shine’s torii gates, Kiyomizu Temple, private tea ceremony • Day 4: Shisendo Temple, obanzai (Kyoto gourmet, home cooking) lesson, Nishiki Market, Gion District • Day 5: excursion to Shigaraki, visit local potter’s studio, I.M. Pei’s Miho Museum • Day 6: Ryoan-ji Temple and garden (“More than hymns to tranquility,” Kanto Shigemori has written, “they contain a world of beauty unbounded by limits of time”), Gold Pavilion, visit indigo dyer’s studio, ikebana (flower arranging) lesson • Day 7: depart Kyoto.

• Currency Information
• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

• More Japan Trips
• More Touring Trips