THE ARCHITECTURE OF JAPAN 2020
OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRESERVATION GREENSBORO
SEPTEMBER 12 TO 21
PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ITINERARY FOR INFORMATION ON OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
$4350
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Tour includes 10 nights accommodation, 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, all trip-related admissions and guides, transportation and gratuities. Cost does not include airfare, airport transfers or alcoholic beverages.
Single supplement $1250
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12
PLEASE NOTE TO ALLOW FOR TRAVEL TIME THE COST OF THE TRIP INCLUDES CHECK IN SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
WITH TOUR PROGRAMMING TO BEGIN THE NEXT DAY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
We gather the lobby of our hotel for welcome and introductions before heading out for a tour of
We begin with a visit to this much vaunted cultural treasure introduces us to the history of Tokyo with a special focus on the more than three centuries of the Edo period, when Japan was yet to be touched by the outside world.
LUNCH :: CAFE MIKASA
MODERNIST SITES IN TOKYO
We tackle the famous Ginza District with our resident guide and expert Benjamin Briggs as we tour the exterior of key Modernist sites including Shizuoka Press and Media Building (1968), Nakagin Capsule Tower (1972), and recent Swatch, Hermes, and Mikimoto buildings.
We welcome in-country expertise for this fun in-depth tour of Mitsukosi’s renowned food hall as we begin our courtship of the elegant, complex and ineffable Japanese cuisine. With our introduction behind us we grab a bit at one of the hall’s excellent cafes.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14
TOUR OF THE TOYOSU FISH MARKET
With a start time of 4:30 a.m. this one is definitely optional but with its tuna auction is still one of the delightful ‘must sees’ of Tokyo it just might be worth getting up for…
BULLET TRAIN TO KYOTO
Trains are always fun. Very, very fast trains are even more fun. We take a direct train to Kyoto arriving in time for a quick lunch and our afternoon introduction to Kyoto
AFTERNOON TOUR
Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, and one of the world’s most culturally rich cities containing over 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our tour will focus on exploring two very different sites to illustrate the expanse of Japanese culture.
is recognized as the southern gate to the city, with lovely Buddhist shrines and the tallest pagoda in Japan
includes a moat and wall protecting Nimomaru palace. You will be charmed by painted walls, screens, and polished wooden floors.
DINNER :: YOSHIKAWA TEMPURA
Traditional restaurants in Japan typical focus on one aspect of the cuisine. Tonight its tempura for us!
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Today we continue our exploration
“Pure Water Temple” was established in 780 on the Otowa Waterfall. The Buddhist temple sits on a rise overlooking the city from a porch-like structure supported by a forest of columns.
“Silver Pavilion Temple” is premiere Zen temple built in 1482. the pavilion is set on the edge of a pond surrounded by a carefully tended garden of bamboo and clipped trees.
“Golden Pavilion Temple” was built in 1397 and is one of the three most iconic sites in Japan - situated on a placid lake and surrounded by small rocky islands embellished with pine trees.
The Temple of the Dragon at Peace is a Zen temple with a garden that is considered one of the finest surviving examples of kare-sansui
("dry landscape") of polished river pebbles.
We experience a traditional tea ceremony in this charming teahouse
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16
We tour this renowned building museum with historical architecture from all over Japan including such stand outs as the main entrance and lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright's landmark Imperial Hotel.
A National Treasure reputed to be the oldest of its kind, the imposing stone and wooden structure dates from 1537.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17
KYOTO MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTS FUREAIKAN
We tour this small but comprehensive museum of the Japan’s exquisite craft traditions.
We tour the oldest traditional sake brewery in central Kyoto.
OPEN AFTERNOON
A little time on your own to explore, shop or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful place.
DINNER :: AGOTSUYU SHABU SHABU YAMAFUKU
We enjoy our next not to be missed culinary experience at this lovely shabu shabu (“hot pot”) restaurant.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18
DAY TRIP TO NARA
We spend the day in Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Less than an hour away from Kyoto, we will explore the most celebrated sites of the city.
Explore wooded hills dotted with World Heritage Sites, including:
The “Great Buddha” is a National Treasure housed within the Daibutsu-den Hall, the largest wooden building in the world.
This shrine dates to the 8th century with herds of sacred deer who will courteously bow.
This garden dates to the Meiji era and is considered the best garden in this historic city.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19
Travel to Tokyo
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20
OPEN DAY
FAREWELL DINNER :: KAMACHIKU
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21
MAIN PORTION OF THE TOUR TOUR ENDS AFTER BREAKFAST
OPTIONAL RYOKAN EXCURSION
For those wishing to extend their stay by one or more days, we’d like to suggest a stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. These charming inns range from ‘Zen simple’ to high luxury, all while retaining the charm of unique Japanese furnishings such as futon bedding and tatami mat flooring. Breakfast and kaiseki dinners (formal, multi-course meals) are included. The list of desirable ryokans throughout Japan is seemingly endless but we will be recommending those in the mountain region in and around Kaga for a number of reasons including relative proximity to Tokyo, overall excellence, onsite onsens (hot springs) and the area’s stunning natural beauty. Ready to be tempted? Please click on these links to review outstanding examples of options in the region: KAYOTEI, BENIYA MUKAYU AND WANOSATO.
A word about costs—this treat can come at a price, however, at the high end $500 per person per night, however, there are also excellent budget-friendly options. If you are interested in extending your visit in Japan with a ryokan stay please be in touch (atalbot@studiotraveler.com or 336.312.5654). We will happily review your options and make sure you find just the fit for this most Japanese of experiences.