Page 6 - Japan’s Cultural Treasures

Experience

the ancient legacies of Japan …

Tokyo Kanazawa Hakone
Tokyo is in many ways more than a Between the 16th and 18th centuries, A popular retreat for Japanese locals,
single city. Its distinct districts and styles Kanazawa was a prosperous castle town, Hakone is an area of steaming hot spring
set it apart from most other world-class and it has been one of Japan’s cultural and dramatic lava formations of the
destinations—and within Tokyo are several centers ever since. It is famous today for its Owakudani Valley, formed 3,000 years ago
large areas that qualify as cities on their unique architecture, exquisite Kaga-style by the last eruption of Mount Hakone.
own. But a visit here provides a chance to handcrafts, and the Kenrokuen Garden, Our discoveries during our stay in this
see at least parts of perhaps the world's one of the most beautiful in Japan. The region of natural beauty include a visit
busiest and most complex metropolitan Nagamachi quarter features several former to an open-air art museum and a scenic
area. With the help of our local Trip Leader, samurai homes still standing on winding boat cruise along placid Ashinoko Lake,
our small group of 8-16 travelers (average streets. The 300-year-old Omicho Market, where clear weather often delivers
of 14) will capture a glimpse of Tokyo's known locally as Kanazawa’s Kitchen, is a breathtaking views of nearby Mount Fuji,
remarkable diversity during a tour of very busy gathering place. We'll join right in longtime inspiration for Japanese paintings,
grounds of the Imperial Palace, a visit to with the locals during a stroll through this poetry, and song.
the controversial Yasukuni Shrine that popular market stocked with row upon row
honors Japan's war dead, and a swing of fresh vegetables, fruit, and fish offered for
through the high-end shops of Tokyo's sale to households and private restaurants.
glitzy Ginza district. Mt. Fuji, Japan

Japan’s Cultural Treasures

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