Page 18 - Japan’s Cultural Treasures
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LYO Z_SP] T_PX^ ʭ]PO Md WZNLW [Z__P]^ L_ _SP Zen is a branch of Buddhist thought that
6dZ_Z .P]LXTN^ .PY_P] :] dZ` NLY NSZZ^P believes divine wisdom resides in each person;
to join us on an optional tour to Nara. This meditation techniques are used to reveal this
PcN`]^TZY _LVP^ `^ _Z _SP OT^_TYN_TaP NT_d ZQ inner divine nature. Typically meditation
Nara, which was the capital of Japan before consists of simple sitting and breathing
6dZ_Z BP bTWW aT^T_ _bZ @90>.: BZ]WO practices that are meant to calm the mind and
3P]T_LRP >T_P^ TY 9L]L% ?ZOLTUT ?PX[WP LYO allow the practitioner’s focus to shift away
6L^`RL >STY_Z >S]TYP ,^ bP L[[]ZLNS ?ZOLTUT from the mundane. We’ll be in expert hands
?PX[WPɪ^ /LTM`_^` OPY 3LWW dZ` bTWW ʭ]^_ for our brief session, under the guidance of a
be impressed by its massive size, as it is the -`OOST^_ XZYV
largest wooden building in the world. It is also
one of the major historic temples in Japan and While at the temple, we’ll also explore another
NZY_LTY^ aLW`LMWP L]_TQLN_^ 3P]P bPɪWW LOXT]P L^[PN_ ZQ EPY TYʮ`PYNP :`] ^XLWW R]Z`[ ^TeP
the Daibutsu—an impressive 52-foot Buddha XLVP^ T_ PL^TP] QZ] `^ _Z QZWWZb LWZYR LYO
statue. As we continue to explore Todaiji, participate in a simple Japanese tea ceremony,
bPɪWW WTVPWd YZ_TNP LYZ_SP] NSL]XTYR QPL_`]P called sado ?SP XZYV bTWW _PLNS `^ SZb _Z
ZQ T_^ [L]V L]PL% T_^ _LXP Q]PP ]ZLXTYR OPP] create the beverage by placing a powdered tea
which were traditionally regarded as the called matcha in a teacup, covering it with hot
XP^^PYRP]^ ZQ _SP >STY_Z RZO 6L^`RL 4Q dZ` bL_P] LYO bST[[TYR T_ bT_S L MLXMZZ bST^V
want a close-up introduction to them, you can until it foams slightly.
purchase shika senbei (special biscuits) to feed
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll explore
them, but be prepared to be very popular with
the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove where we’ll see
_SP^P WZaPWd N]PL_`]P^ bSPY dZ` ZʬP] _SPX
XL^^TaP MLXMZZ ^_LWV^ ?SPY bPɪWW ]P_`]Y _Z
QZZO BPɪWW LW^Z aT^T_ _SP 6L^`RL >STY_Z >S]TYP
our hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day
bSTNS OL_P^ MLNV _Z ,/ "!# 3P]P bPɪWW ^_]ZWW
at leisure. You may visit Tenryuji Temple. The
along the shrine’s wooded paths, admiring its
primary temple of the Rinzai school of Zen,
impressive collection of 3,000 stone lanterns,
it was originally built in 1339 and has been
followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This
OP^_]ZdPO Md bL]^ LYO ʭ]P^ LYO ]PM`TW_ XLYd
PaPYTYR dZ` NLY ^PPV Z`_ L WZNLW ]P^_L`]LY_ _Z
_TXP^ 8Z^_ ZQ _SP ^_]`N_`]P^ SP]P YZb OL_P
have dinner on your own.
from the late 19th century, but the exquisite
Breakfast Zen garden—which includes a large pond,
PWPaL_PO ]ZNV R]Z`[TYR^ LYO OPWTNL_P NSP]]d
trees—is many centuries old. Dinner is on
Day 13 Visit Buddhist temple your own tonight.
,Q_P] M]PLVQL^_ L_ Z`] SZ_PW bPɪWW OP[L]_ QZ] L
day of Japan travel activities that aim to give Please note: This day includes an uphill walk of
200 steps to reach Senkoji Temple. Travelers do not
`^ L NWZ^P] WZZV TY_Z _SP WTaP^ ZQ _SP 5L[LYP^P
have to participate in this walk.
[PZ[WP 1T]^_ bPɪWW _]LaPW _Z >PYVZUT ?PX[WP
which is supported in part by funds from Breakfast, Lunch
Grand Circle Foundation. At this 400-year-old
temple, we’ll have a chance to practice Zen
meditation.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
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