Temples, Treasures & Teahouses

Daily details in brief

Days 1-4  Kyoto You meet at a traditional ryokan in Kyoto, an ancient city of gorgeous imperial villas and temples surrounded by elaborate gardens. On fantastic walks each day, you visit extraordinary settings including serene Ryoanji, with its famous Zen Garden. Days 5-6 Nara Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara, is home to many of the country’s most revered treasures. Our explorations include the exquisite 8th century Todaiji Temple, with its huge Buddha statue, and the massive, 1300-year-old Horyuji Temple, a magnificent World Heritage Site and a vision of old Japan. Day 7 Koyasan Atop one of Japan’s holiest mountains, Koyasan Monastery is the seat of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Days 8-9 Himeji Castle / Engyo-ji Temple You get a sense of Japan’s feudal past as you explore Himeji, a lovely city and the home of one of the most impressive castles in Japan. You also visit Engyo-ji, the mountaintop temple complex chosen as a setting for the film The Last Samurai. Days 10-11 Takayama / Spring Festival or Fall Colors A train takes you to the mountain town of Takayama, one of Japan’s treasures, with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings. The elegant old culture remains much in evidence in the splendidly preserved merchant houses, traditional inns, teahouses, and sake breweries. Your spring trip coincides with Takayama’s traditional festival; the fall trip enjoys the dazzling beauty of kouyou season, when the autumn landscape of the countryside takes on its famous fiery red and gold hues. Days 12-14 Tokyo In Tokyo, you enjoy the sights and sounds, including a Kabuki performance and a visit to the Mori Art Museum. Depart on Day 14.

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Orient-Go; Journeys with special faces & places