DESCRIPTION:

Discover a Japan rarely seen in tours: bustling markets, village life, volcanoes, forests, and the lesser-visited Kyoto temples. Embark on a program that reveals the rich cultural and scenic natural history of Japan and its influence upon a unique culinary legacy. Discover the natural ecology, wondrous traditional culture, and culinary cuisine of Japan. Japanese foods throughout history have been influenced by a sense that food is an integral part of the rhythm of life. Food must satisfy all the senses, and delight the eyes as well as the taste buds.

In Tokyo, enjoy a cooking demonstration by a Japanese chef, see the bustling Tsukiji fish market and visit a local culinary shopping district. In Kyoto, visit the Nishiki Market, known for its unusual cooking ingredients. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, performed by a local ceremony master, and join Buddhist monks for a vegetarian lunch. For those who love learning about and experimenting with foreign cuisine, we can sample foods such as shabu-shabu, tempura, sushi, sukiyaki, and even fugu, if you dare!

Mountains, hills, and forests cover over two thirds of the Japanese islands. The rugged landscape is home to over 200 hundred volcanoes, 20 of which are still considered dormant. Contrasting with this mountainous backdrop are the beautiful valley lakes, raging rivers, and a magnificent island-dotted coastline. Visit Japan’s national symbol, Mt. Fuji, the largest and most well-known of Japan’s mountain peaks, and its surrounding dense Aokigahara forest. Travel to the sulfurous volcanic area of Hakone’s Lake Ashi, a popular hot springs resort. Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, we learn about the botany of Japan at the Seaside Botanical Garden of Toyama. Visit a small Japanese village located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Enjoy a boat cruise on Ago Bay known for its sunsets, small islands, and jagged coastline. In Toba, witness the spectacular firefly squid during their breeding season when hundreds of thousands of firefly squid emit bright light in all directions, creating a fantastic world of light in the sea. Watch as pearl divers continue a tradition that dates back almost 2,000 years. In Kyoto, visit the Ryoan-ji Temple’s Zen rock garden, considered to be a masterpiece, and the Saihoji Moss Temple Garden to stroll through the peaceful moss covered grounds. 

CONSIDER:

 Of course, the cuisine aspect can be pursued more, or not at all.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.