WHEN IN JAPAN, FOLLOW THE LOCALS...


Because etiquette plays a critical role in Japanese culture, it’s helpful to know a few of their traditional customs and expectations in advance to feel more comfortable when you visit.


• When greeting someone, a handshake is common practice, but in Japan, it’s done with a light touch and without eye contact. Bowing is a way of saying “thank you,” which you can do with a simple nod of the head.


• A jinja is a Shinto shrine, recognizable by the torii gate that marks its entrance (as above).


• At a Buddhist o-tera (temple) you’ll often need to cross over a raised threshold to enter; try to remember to step over it, not on it!


• When visiting a Japanese home, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes in the genkan (entry way), where slippers will be left out for your use inside the house.


• If you’re new to using hashi (chopsticks), use the smaller ends for eating and the larger ends for picking up foods from a shared plate; asking for a western fork, knife and spoon is perfectly acceptable.


And whenever you’re unsure about what to do, it’s always OK to ask for advice!


works of art produced exclusively since 1980 and closely associated with this area on Japan’s northern coast. You’ll have lunch and free time for exploring the museum at your own pace. Then it’s on to the historic Samurai District, where samurai homes are tucked among narrow lanes and canals behind earthen walls and private entrance gates. Go inside the restored Nomura Samurai Family Residence for a look at the lifestyle of the samurai during feudal times, when they were prosperous. The rest of your day and evening are free. Meals BL


8. A TRAIN RIDE TO BEAUTIFUL KYOTO Depart Kanazawa by train for Kyoto, arriving around midday for a four-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Have lunch and begin your exploration of the city that is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful. On your introductory sightseeing tour, discover a city center of glass and steel skyscrapers ringed by hidden temples, shrines, and gardens that exude the tranquility and charm of Japan’s ancient culture. You may choose to have dinner at our selected local restaurant this evening, tomorrow night, or the following evening. Meals BLD


9. A CASTLE, A TEMPLE & THE GEISHA DISTRICT Sightseeing begins at Nijo Castle, surrounded by stone walls and a moat; tour this 17th-century shogun’s residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site – and discover the secret of its “nightingale” floors. Next visit the famous golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple, set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolizing its place “between heaven and Earth.” Hear the story of how this 14th-century temple was burned to the ground by a young monk and then completely reconstructed. After lunch at a local restaurant, meet up with


36


Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculpture and nature coexist


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136