Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to enchanting Japan – a truly timeless place where ancient traditions are fused with modern life as if it were the most natural thing in the world. From the splendor of a Kyoto geisha dance to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden, Japan has the power to enthrall even the most jaded traveler.

Arrive in Osaka, Japan's 3^rd largest city where people are a bit brasher & interactions are peppered with playful jabs. If Kyoto was the city of the courtly nobility & Tokyo the city of the samurai, then Osaka was the city of the merchant class.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Osaka Kansai International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.

*If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel, unless advised. Transfer can be via Train or Airport Limousine Bus (to be advised prior to arrival in Osaka) but you would be accompanied by the Rep.

Reach the hotel in Kyoto & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning or afternoon is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Japan's spiritual heart, Kyoto is old Japan writ large: quiet temples, sublime gardens, colourful shrines & geisha scurrying to secret liaisons.

Japan's Spiritual Heart | Tastebuds | City of Artisans | Cultural Buzz

Kyoto is the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture & the stage on which much of Japanese history was played out. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples & over 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is also one of the world’s most culturally rich cities.

You will find true masterpieces of religious architecture, such as the retina-burning splendour of Kinkaku-ji (the famed Golden Pavilion) & the cavernous expanse of Higashi Hongan-ji. Within the temple precincts are some of the world’s most sublime gardens, from the Zen masterpiece at Ryoan-ji to the riotous paradise of moss & blossoms at Saiho-ji. And then there are the Shinto shrines, monuments to Japan’s indigenous faith. The mother of all shrines, Fushimi Inari-Taisha, has mesmerising arcades of vermilion torii (entrance gate to a Shinto shrine) spread across a mountainside. It is where robed monks shuffle between temple buildings, prayer chants resonate through stunning Zen gardens & the faithful meditate on tatami-mat floors.

Even as the modern city buzzes & shifts all around, a waft of burning incense, or the sight of a bright vermillion torii gate marking a shrine entrance, are regular reminders that Kyoto remains the spiritual heart of Japan. Indeed, it is fair to say that Kyoto ranks with Paris, London & Rome as one of those cities that everyone should see at least once in their lives. And, needless to say, it should rank near the top of any Japan itinerary.

While the rest of Japan has adopted modernity with abandon, the old ways are still clinging on in Kyoto. With its roots as the cultural capital of the country, it is no surprise that many traditional arts & crafts are kept alive by artisans from generation to generation.

That is not to say there is nothing modern about Kyoto - arriving into futuristic Kyoto Station is a stark sign of that. And throughout the city, young Kyotoites don the hottest new fashions, while craft beer & single-origin coffee is taking over.

For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water & making tea. Steeped in history & tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history.

If you don't know your matcha (powdered green tea) from your manga (Japanese comic), have never slept on a futon or had a bath with naked strangers, then it doesn't matter as this is the place to immerse yourself in the intricacies of Japanese culture. Whether you watch matcha being whisked in a traditional tea ceremony, spend the night in a ryokan, get your gear off & soak in an onsen, join a raucous hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) party or discover the art of Japanese cooking - you will come away one step closer to understanding the unique Japanese way of life.

Few cities of this size pack such a punch when it comes to their culinary cred & at its heart is Nishiki Market ('Kyoto's kitchen'). Kyoto is crammed with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants, chic cocktail bars, cool cafes & sushi spots to food halls, izakaya (Japanese pub-eateries), craft-beer bars & old-school noodle joints. Splurge on the impossibly refined cuisine known as kaiseki while gazing over your private garden, taste the most delicate tempura in a traditional building, slurp down steaming bowls of ramen elbow-to-elbow with locals, then slip into a sugar coma from a towering matcha sundae.

Work your way through the entire spectrum of Japanese food, from impossibly refined cuisine known as kaiseki to hearty plebeian fare like ramen. There is also a wide range of French, Italian & Chinese restaurants, where the famed Japanese attention to detail is paired with local ingredients to yield fantastic results. Best of all, many of Kyoto’s restaurants are in traditional wooden buildings, where you can gaze over intimate private gardens while you eat.

No educated Kyotoite would dare send a letter without making a reference to the season. The city’s geisha change their hair ornaments 12 times a year to celebrate the natural world. And Kyoto’s confectioners create seasonal sweets that reflect whatever is in bloom. Starting in February & lasting through the summer, a series of blossoms burst open like a string of firecrackers: plums, daphnes, cherries, camellias, azaleas & wisteria, among many others. And don’t forget the shinryoku (the new green of April) and the brilliant autumn foliage of November.

Visit an old shotengai (market street) and admire the ancient speciality shops: tofu sellers, washi (Japanese handmade paper) stores & tea merchants. Then, wander through the old streets of Nishijin & Gion past machiya (traditional Japanese townhouses).

Later in the evening, you will visit the home of a Tea Master. The Tea Master also owns a business making custom kimonos, & she will demonstrate how kimonos are dyed & made. And finally, for those who are interested, we will have kimonos for women & hakama for men to experience wearing traditional Japanese clothing.

Tea has been drunk in Japan for over 1,000 years, but it was only around the 16^th century that the practice took on the highly ritualized form by which it is know today. Warlords, wealthy merchants & literati all competed to lay on the most lavish & sophisticated tea ceremonies.

Originating as a habit of Chinese Buddhist monks to aid their meditation, tea-drinking in Japan & other parts of East Asia became such a refined activity that, from the 13^th century CE, aristocrats adopted it as a means to display one's culture.

This unadorned & rustic aesthetic is commonly known as “wabi-sabi” and one of its leading proponents was the tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), who was the favored Tea Master of many a powerful man of his day.

Rooted in Chinese Zen philosophy, the Ceremony is a spiritual process, in which the participants remove themselves from the mundane world, seeking harmony & inner peace. It is unique as every process from the tea equipment preparation until the tea is drunk. It has a distinctive technique & represents harmony, respect, purity & tranquillity which we must embrace in order to achieve the main purpose of the tea ceremony. A lot of preparation goes into this important event.

The stylized Tea Ceremony has been performed the same way for over 400 years & was once considered standard training for Samurai.

While some enthusiasts favored showy & highly refined tea ware & tea rooms, the prevailing sensibility gradually started to favor an understated, plain, even rough aesthetic, by which much of Japanese art is now known.

Kyoto remains the center of the Japanese Tea Ceremony world (& tea growing world, for that matter, since much of it is grown in the southern suburb of Uji). The 3 main schools are all located here & it is a fantastic place to sample an actual tea ceremony. If you want to try this most calming of cup of tea, Kyoto is the place to try.

The engaging Master gives a thorough & insightful introduction to the history & meaning of this practice while the guests are drawn into the moment in order to experience what lies at the heart of this ancient cultural practice.

The Ceremony consists of the host first bringing the mizusashi (a lidded container generally made of ceramic, but it can also be wooden, glass & metal) filled with fresh cold water which is mainly used to replenish the water in the kama at the end of certain ceremonies, offering the guests special sweets & then preparing & serving the tea made of the highest quality, organic matcha pulverized tea leaf stirred in hot water, in a yunomi (a tall form of  Japanese teacup, typically made from ceramic material & having no handle).

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There are countless types; a full-length formal event that includes a meal & two servings of tea. The Ceremony can last up to 4 hours, depending on the type of occasion performed, the number of guests & the types of tea served.

Cha-kaiseki, based on the healthy low calorie food that consumed by Zen monks, is the typical Japanese cuisine that is served before a Tea Ceremony. It includes rice, soup & boiled dishes along with Sake (Japanese rice wine).

In addition to proper formal Tea Ceremonies, many temples offer simple stripped-down versions in which they will serve you a Japanese-style sweet with a bowl of matcha (powdered green tea), usually served overlooking a lovely garden.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight.  

Today, find your zen at one of the world’s famous meditative rock gardens - serenity seeking tourists tested, UNESCO approved. Learn about Japanese garden landscaping on a Kyoto walking tour.

With its high ratio of well-preserved temples, Kyoto is a perfect environment for exploring the landscapes that have become a staple of Japan since the time of emperors and nobles.

Morning at 09.00 am, meet the Tour-guide & proceed on a short bus ride to visit one of the most famous landmarks -  Zen Buddhist Ryoan-ji, a temple with its famous zen rock garden, nestled down a wooded path that crosses over a beautiful pond with several walking trails.

Originally a private residence for aristocrats, the site was converted to a Buddhist temple in 1450 by Daimyo Hosokawa Katsumoto. The temple belonging to the Rinzai school, features traditional Japanese paintings on sliding doors, a refurbished zen kitchen & tatami, or straw mat, floors. The luscious setting is as attractive as the temple itself.

You have probably seen a picture of the rock garden here. Ryoan-ji Temple’s main attraction has always been its mysterious rock garden, the most celebrated in Japan, which defies attempts at explanation, known as much for its meditative qualities as well as a desire to find meaning in its minimalistic attributes. So what does the rock garden signify? You can only find out by seeing it for yourself.

It is one of the symbols of Kyoto & one of Japan’s most famous "hiraniwa" (flat garden void of hills or ponds), revealing the stunning simplicity & harmony of the principles of Zen meditation. A serene space shrouded in mystery that holds the promise of spiritual nirvana. The garden is an example of karesansui (dry landscape) garden in its purest form.

Enclosed on three sides by a blank clay wall & on a fourth side by a veranda, the dry-style garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles with three groupings of 15 carefully placed larger stones on moss swaths interspersed seemingly adrift in a sea of raked white gravel.

There is considerable debate concerning the origins & evolution of the garden. The designer, who remains unknown to this day, provided no explanation. Although many historians believe the garden was arranged by Soami during the Muromachi period (1333 - 1568), some contend that it is a much later product of the Edo period.

A viewing platform right above the garden gives visitors an unimpeded view, although from whatever angle you view the garden, you can never see all 15 stones. From the viewing point on the veranda, only 14 rocks can be seen at one time in the garden, notable for its waterless representations of flowing rivers and sea waves through a philosophical arrangement of granite & stone. Those able to spot the fifteenth stone are said to have reached the ultimate stage of enlightenment. Move slightly & another rock appears at the same time that one of the original 14 rocks disappears

The number “15” is mythical in Buddhist numerology as it’s the exact number it takes for the moon to become full - a reflection of perfection. And yet, the garden’s abstract design thwarts any effort to view all 15 stones at the same time from any angle (hinting at the inevitable state of human imperfection?)

Reflection upon the rocks is open to interpretation - whatever the meaning. For some the rock garden & raked gravel represent islands in the sea, for others mountains rising above clouds, some even see animals. Ryoanji is a place where you can come to discover zen and what it means to you.

After sitting & pondering the garden's "sermon in stone," you can stretch your legs by touring the extensive grounds of the Temple, which includes larger gardens with trees & moss, and the Kyoyo-chi pond, which is particularly striking in autumn.

After spending a couple of hours, accompanied by the Tour-guide, hop on to another public bus & proceed to the nearby Kinkaku-ji. Known as the Golden Pavilion, it was originally built in 1393 as a retirement villa by Yoshimitsu Ashikage, the 5^th Ashikage Shogun.

After his death, his son converted the villa to a Buddhist temple.

The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond. In the Shinden style of the Heian Period, the pavilion sits on the edge of the pond, surrounded by a Chinese-influenced garden whose focus is the pond studded with rocks & pine-covered islands.

Each floor of the 3 story structure has a different architectural style, with a golden-colored phoenix standing on the roof. The original building was destroyed by a fire in 1950 set by a mentally-ill monk with metaphysical aspirations. The copy, as seen today, was quickly rebuilt in five years. The exterior of the building was regilded in 1987 at great expense.

Yoshimitsu lived his retirement years here in seamless luxury while the rest of the country & Kyoto suffered from a series of famines, earthquakes and plagues. It is thought, the local Kyoto death toll alone reached 1,000 people per day during this time. It is unknown, however, if he told his aides to "Let them eat cake". Yoshimitsu designed the garden on the basis of earlier Heian Period gardens, with the pond as the focus of the garden. Though there is a path around the pond, the garden was designed to be viewed from a boat or from the Golden Pavilion itself. The banks of the pond are planted with bushes & pruned trees, whose size in the foreground, near the pavilion, is small. Taller trees & bushes on the further bank lie in front of even larger trees to create the illusion of considerable space, augmented by the borrowed mountain scenery in the distance.

Before continuing, we will take a short walk to a nearby noodle shop for lunch.

After lunch, hop on to another bus to Nijo Castle.

Built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, its ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of the Shogun's prestige & to signal the demise of the Emperor's power. The garden next to the Nijo Castle is a perfect example of a Warrior's Garden, meaning it was designed by a Samurai.

After finishing the tour of the Nijo Castle garden, walk to the nearby Shinsen-en Garden. Shinsen-en is the remnant of a garden that was exclusively used by the Imperial family during the Heian Period (8^th - 12^th centuries).

Return to the hotel / ryokan by afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L     

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am & proceed to for a 8 hour tour to  Osaka to see some of the landmarks there.

If Kyoto was the city of the courtly nobility & Tokyo - the city of the samurai, then Osaka was the city of the merchant class.

Osaka on the island of Honshu, is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. A large port city commercial center, it is known for its modern architecture, nightlife & hearty street food. In the 16^th century, shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle, and the city may have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and moved his government to distant Edo (Tokyo). Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees, is its main historical landmark

Osakans take pride in shedding the conservatism found elsewhere in Japan & in this spirited city - Japan's 3^rd largest - is a place where people are a bit brasher and interactions are peppered with playful jabs. It is a place where things have always moved a bit faster & locals take pride in this. Not a pretty city in the conventional sense - though it does have a lovely river cutting through the centre - but it packs more colour than most. The acres of concrete are cloaked in dazzling neon; shopfronts are vivid, unabashed cries for attention. This is not a city that prefers to dress all in black.

Above all, Osaka is a city that loves to eat. The city's unofficial slogan is kuidaore ('eat until you drop') & it seems that everyone is always out for a good meal - & a good time.

On arrival, proceed for a ‘walking’ tour for a perfect opportunity to get an overview of the history & unique attractions of this unexpected Japanese metropolis.

*The Tour uses a combination of ‘walking’ & public transportation with non-reserved seats & seating is not guaranteed.

Accompanied by the Tour-guide, you will ride the subway train to Tenmabashi station for a visit to Osaka Castle, your first destination.

This immense defensive structure, first built in the 16^th century & one of the city’s best-known sights, offers an impressive landmark that towers above the area’s surrounding park. The main castle tower was destroyed by fire & the modern building is a 1931 reconstruction. In its day, Osaka Castle was one of the largest and most important castles in Japan. It was the home of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the son of a farmer who unified Japan after a 100-year civil war.  Enjoy the castle’s unique architecture & wealth of exhibits.

Inside the castle, a Museum guides you through Osaka’s medieval Shogun past, where you will have a chance to explore history through spectacular 3D exhibits, holograms & other intriguing displays. You will also see the many relics left behind by the Toyotomi, who were responsible for the castle’s construction.

There are superb views from the top of the castle and the park surrounding the castle is a popular recreation spot & is particularly scenic spot during the spring, when Japan’s cherry blossoms are out in full force.

After spending a couple of hours, get ready to return to Kyoto.

Reaching Kyoto, visit Fushimi, one of the eleven wards in the city of Kyoto.

Fushimi became a major castle town at the end of the 16^th century, when Fushimi Castle was built. During the 17^th century, in the Edo period, progress was made on the construction of a canal, making Fushimi into a center of transport between Kyoto & Osaka. The land divisions & the canal used as the castle's outer moat are largely unchanged since the Edo period.

Fushimi thrived as both a riverside trading town & a post town, filled with boathouses, timber wholesalers, & transportation wholesalers. Fushimi offers streetscapes that still retain this historical appearance & visitors can stroll around the Horikawa River, which formed the outer moat of Fushimi Castle & admire the white earthen-walled sake breweries beyond the willow trees lining the river.

Then, in 1624, Fushimi Castle was abandoned, and the political center in the area moved to Osaka Castle. This had the result of temporarily stopping Fushimi's urban development.

However, with the establishment of the sankin-kotai system in 1635, all daimyo (feudal lords) from western Japan would stay in Fushimi with their retinue on their way to Edo. Special Inns (honjin) for daimyo to stay and subsidiary Inns for the vassals (waki-honjin) were constructed in Fushimi Minamihama snd it was once again full of people & also saw a huge increase in goods distribution.

Although written with different characters now, the name Fushimi (which used to be its own "town") originally comes from fusu + mizu, meaning "hidden water" or "underground water". In other words, the location was known for good spring water. The city retains the atmosphere of the olden days & is enjoyed by many as a city which breathes history.

Drive by Fushimi Momoyama Castle (public entry is not allowed).

Bearing an external martial appearance, Fushimi Momoyama Castle (Fushimi Momoyama-jo) was built as a retreat for the hegemon Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ruled Japan in the latter half of the 16^th century, after his retirement from the regency.   Twenty provinces furnished workers for the construction, which numbered between 20,000 & 30,000.

It was completely demolished under the orders of the shogunate of Edo which began to rule Japan in the 17^th century, however, and its building structures were donated to temples & shrines in the city of Kyoto.

It is particularly famous for its Golden Tea Room in which both the walls & the implements were covered in gold leaf. The castle was intended to be the site for Hideyoshi's peace talks with Chinese diplomats seeking an end to the 7 year War in Korea, but an earthquake destroyed the castle entirely only two years after its completion.

It is said that the place name Momoyama (“Peach Mountain”) came about as many peach trees were planted around the site of the castle.

First stop will be the Gekkaikan Okura Sake Museum. The museum will introduce you to the fascinating history & process of sake brewing.

The water of Fushimi has particularly soft characteristics, making it an essential component to the particular type of sake brewed in Fushimi. This also explains why the area developed as a sake-brewing center in Kyoto. Fushimi is Japan's second largest producer of sake.

Today, Fushimi is the second greatest area of Japan in terms of sake production & is where Gekkeikan Sake Company, Ltd., one of Japan's pre-eminent sake companies was founded.

Opened in 1982, the museum is housed in an old sake brewery that was built in 1909 & presents the history of sake in Japan & sake production in Fushimi in an easy-to-understand manner.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions of some 400 sake production items, displays to show each stage of the process, it also displays period materials dating back to Gekkeikan's founding, including different types of vessels. Traditional chants of sake makers are also played throughout the museum, recreating the atmosphere of the old brewery. And best of all, following your visit, you can taste Ginjoshu & other sakes at the tasting station in the lobby.

Next, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

This Shinto shrine was established in the 8^th century by the Hata family and is dedicated to Inari, the Goddess of Cereal (Rice) & sake. As the role of agriculture diminished, deities were enrolled to ensure prosperity in business. Nowadays, the shrine is one of Japan’s most popular, and serves as the headquarters of around 40,000 Inari shrines scattered throughout Japan.

With seemingly endless arcades of torii (shrine gates) spread across a thickly wooded mountain, this vast shrine complex is a world unto its own. It is, quite simply, one of the most impressive and memorable sights in all of Kyoto.

Spread out over the expansive hillside location are more than 10,000 torii gates, donated by thankful followers and the local sake breweries. These gates form kilometers-long tunnels of vermillion winding through the quiet woods & past many smaller shrines.

The entire complex, consisting of five shrines, sprawls across the wooded slopes of Inari-san. A pathway wanders 4km up the mountain and is lined with dozens of atmospheric sub-shrines.

As you explore the shrine, you will come across hundreds of stone foxes. The fox is considered to be a messenger of Inari, and is also a sacred, somewhat mysterious figure capable of "possessing" humans. The favored point of entry is under the fingernails. The key often seen in the fox's mouth is for the rice granary. . On an incidental note, the Japanese traditionally see the fox as a sacred, somewhat mysterious figure capable of ‘possessing’ humans – the favoured point of entry is under the fingernails.

The walk around the upper precincts of the shrine is a pleasant day hike. It also makes for a very eerie stroll in the late afternoon and early evening, when the various graveyards and miniature shrines along the path take on a mysterious air. It’s best to go with a friend at this time.

On every 8^th April, there is a Sangyo-sai festival with offerings & dances to ensure prosperity for national industry. During the first few days in January, thousands of believers visit this shrine as their hatsu-mode (first shrine visit of the New Year) to pray for good fortune.

Return to the hotel / ryokan in Kyoto by late afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L   

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & start the day by visiting the Imperial Palace, the Kyoto home of the Emperor of Japan.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Gosho in Japanese) that used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the Emperor & the capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, is a walled complex that sits in the middle of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park in the center of the city, that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace & a few other historic sites are located within Imperial Park, including the Kaninnomiya Mansion, a former residence of court nobles that is open to the public in the park's southwestern corner. Not far away stands a small branch shrine of Miyajima's famous Itsukushima Shrine on a small island of a pond.

While no longer the official residence of the emperor, it is still a grand edifice, though it doesn't rate highly in comparison with other attractions in Kyoto. Visitors can wander around the marked route in the grounds where English signs explain the history of the buildings.

The original imperial palace was built in 794 & was replaced numerous times after destruction by fire.

The present building, on a different site and smaller than the original, was constructed in 1855 after it had burnt down and moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. Enclosed by long walls and consisting of several gates, halls & gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho & Showa were still held in the palace's main hall. Tokyo Imperial Palace is now used for enthronement ceremonies

The 1300 meter long & 700 meter wide park also serves as recreational space for both tourists & residents, featuring attractive, broad gravel paths, lawns & tree groves. A pretty group of weeping cherry trees stands beside Konoe Pond in the park's northwestern corner &  is usually in bloom for two to three weeks from late March to mid- April.

Visitors can see the palace buildings and gardens, but note that none of the buildings can be entered.

Then, proceed to Nishiki-koji open-air market where you will see many different and wonderful foods, and where the variety of foods is staggering. Also known as Kyoto's Kitchen, the Nishiki-koji covered shopping arcade was established 400 years ago. This is where many restaurants and ryokans come to buy that day's meals.

Take a relaxing stroll through the Higashiyama district where you can find many traditional handicrafts in small stores located along the narrow, stone-paved lanes winding through the traditional homes, shops and restaurants.

After visiting the Yasaka Shrine, a favorite of the Geishas, walk to the Gion Geisha district where you will see the tea houses & geisha houses where the Geisha live & work.

Japan offers foreign visitors a countless number of attractions, one of which being the iconic figure of a Geisha: a mysteriously beautiful Japanese woman. This well-known feature of traditional Japanese culture inspired the popular novel-turned-film “Memoirs of a Geisha”, which has no doubt attracted many people to learn more about their mysterious world on their visit to Japan.

Prevalent throughout Japan, the practice originated in Kyoto which has been associated with the Geisha & Maiko tradition that has been practiced over 400 years. Among the 5 main geisha districts, Gion is considered to be the most upscale & the most elite where many Geisha & Maiko can be spotted walking on the street. Some restaurants put their menu outside with a sign that offers customers the chance to enjoy their dinner with Maiko.

Maiko are the apprentices of Geisha, who begin their training between 15 & 20 years old. A Geisha is often seen as a symbol of a traditional Japanese woman, wearing the beautiful robe known as a Kimono, with a unique makeup & hairstyle. This iconic look makes Geisha appear very elegant & eye-catching when walking on the street.

Even native Japanese can be heard screaming out “Kawaii, ne!” (so cute!), when they spot a Geisha. Speaking of the Kimono & makeup, Geisha & Maiko often spend more than 2 hours applying their extremely detailed makeup. If you have the chance, try to focus your attention on their back, as they have a beautiful Obi (the Kimono’s belt) & they will put the Kimono collar low in order to accentuate the neckline.

You will attend a "Meet a Maiko" (a Maiko is a geisha in training) session. Here you will meet an actual Maiko face to face, who will serve you tea & sweets, perform an elegant & gorgeous traditional Geisha dance called Kyomai, pose for pictures & to play Ozashiki games. You will also have the opportunity to chat with the Maiko sitting just next to you who will answer any of your questions. The Maiko speak with the elegant Kyoto dialect as they greet you.

You will be discovering Japanese culture & Kyoto’s organic traditions, such as what the difference between a Geiko & a Maiko tradition that has been practiced over 400 years; what is a Kimono & what is Tatami ? 

You can even enhance the interactive experience by playing the traditional Ozashiki asobi games with a Maiko. . If you can beat her in a game, you will receive a small gift, so please try your luck. Maiko will take turns visiting each group of people sitting in the hall. This is a valuable opportunity to speak with the girls.  The Tour-guide will translate for guests who cannot speak Japanese.

Please feel free to capture your exclusive Kyoto experience during the dance & ozashiki-asobi events, in pictures or videos. The pictures taken by event staff will be hand over to guests after the event.

Return to the hotel / ryokan.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L     

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & on a full day excursion to the nearby town of Arashiyama once a favorite relaxation spot of the Emperors. Travel by local train on the 30 minute ride,

Arashiyama & Sagano, 2 adjoining neighbourhoods at the base of Kyoto’s western mountains, bordering the banks of the Katsura River, form the city’s 2^nd most-popular sightseeing district after Southern Higashiyama and is a nationally designated Historic Site & Place of Scenic Beauty drawing foreign & domestic tourists. It also refers to the mountain across the Oi River, which forms a backdrop to the district.

The main street of Arashiyama, along with the famed Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which form the heart of Arashiyama is nothing but a tourist circus. But, don’t despair. It is filled with smaller temples & shrines scattered around.

A classic symbol of the Arashiyama area, the Bridge is often the first sight that visitors head to see when they arrive.  Spanning the Katsura River (also called the Oi River or Hozu River depending on the area) the Bridge offers a splendid view up & down the river which varies dramatically from season to season.  With Mt. Arashi serving as a backdrop, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms, vibrant summer greens & colorful autumn leaves on the mountain slope.  On the Oi River side you can watch people in small rental boats paddle about, or take part yourself.  The Togetsukyo (Moon Crossing Bridge) takes its name from the romantic notions of Emperor Kameyama in the 14^th century, who noted that throughout the night it seemed like the moon was making its way across the bridge.

On any given day in Arashiyama, you are likely to see people in kimono or yukata enjoying local food, shopping & pilgrimages to the local temples.  Rickshaw drivers wait to carry you to your destination, whether it be the natural beauty of the bamboo forest or the man-made temples that have stood in Arashiyama for hundreds of years.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Tenryu-ji, a true treasure of Kyoto district. Founded in 1339, the Temple originally built on the former site of Emperor Go-Daigo's villa, presently serves as one of the headquarters of the Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism. The name “Tenryu-ji” was suggested by Ashikaga Tadayoshi (brother of the shogun Ashikaga Takauji) following a dream he had of a golden dragon flying into the heavens from the river just south of the temple. Tenryu-ji’s beautiful landscaped garden & Sogen Pond, famous for its use of shakkei (borrowed scenery), was laid out by Muso Soseki, an eminent Zen master.

The garden represents a transition between earlier pond gardens and the karesansui (dry landscape) gardens that later became popular in Zen temples. The focus of the garden is a pond that lies at the base of the hills rising to Mount Arashi, which is incorporated in to the design of the garden in the earliest known example of borrowed scenery (shakkei). At the far end of the pond are two rock groupings. These rock groupings are orientated on a vertical alignment, which was a departure from the horizontal alignments in earlier gardens. Tenryu-ji is also known for the Cloud Dragon painting in its Dharma Hall & for the opportunities it offers visitors to participate in traditional Buddhist practices such as meditation & sutra copying

After finishing the tour of the Temple & Garden, enjoy a Shojin-ryori lunch (Buddhist vegetarian diet with no garlic or onions) at the Temple.

The star attraction here is the famed Sagano Bamboo Forest (Chikurin), located just outside the north gate of Tenryu-ji.

Walk to the dense bamboo grove, with its rows upon rows of long, ringed, smooth stems, provide a feeling of composure & tranquility. The sound of the wind blowing through the bamboo, the stems knocking against each other & the rustling of the leaves is revered in Japan. One of the most photographed sights in Kyoto, the bamboo forest in Sagano Arashiyama is a natural gem. 

Walking under the shade of the towering bamboo, you can feel somewhat lost in nature despite having been in a bustling open area moments before. The bamboo forest has entrances accessible from the main shopping street, Nonomiya Shrine, or Tenryu-ji’s gardens & leads you up a slope until you arrive at the Okochi Sanso Villa. 

Depending on the season it can be rather crowded on the path, but the wonder of peering off to the side into stalk after stalk of old bamboo growth isn’t diminished no matter the surrounding people.  Some choose to take a rickshaw ride through the forest for an added experience.

Next point will be the historic Okochi Sanso Villa, the former lavish estate of Japanese period film star Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962) famous for his samurai films.   

A beautiful destination often overlooked due to its location at the end of the winding bamboo forests of Arashiyama, the former residence located in the foothills of Mt. Ogura, includes a traditional home, tea house & Buddhist halls on the property amidst carefully planned & cultivated Japanese-style gardens designed to showcase the best of each of the 4 seasons.  The sprawling gardens may well be the most lovely in all of Kyoto, particularly when you consider the brilliant views eastwards across the city spread out below it. Be sure to follow all the trails around the gardens. Despite being constructed relatively recently, the villa employs classic architecture & traditional techniques, appearing far statelier than its age would imply.

Hold onto the tea ticket you were given upon entry to enjoy a cup of matcha green tea & a Japanese sweet served in the teahouse where you can relax & rest your feet while enjoying the picturesque view.  Fans of the samurai film genre can also enjoy an open air museum dedicated to the villa’s original owner.

Then, enjoy a rickshaw ride to Daikaku-ji, originally the villa of Emperor Saga (786 - 842).   

Intrinsically connected to the history of Imperial rule in Japan, it became a temple after his death on orders from his daughter Empress Masako & later served as a retirement palace.  Though the original buildings inhabited by emperors were destroyed over time, they were replaced by structures transplanted from various locations.  The man made Osawa Pond on the grounds is one of the oldest surviving Heian Period garden ponds & was designed to look best when seen from a boat, which the temple sometimes provides for guests during festival periods. 

Because of its history as a villa, the layout of Daikaku-ji is slightly different than what you may expect from the average temple.  The principle images at Daikaku-ji are the Five Wisdom Kings (Godai Myo’o), particularly Fudo Myo’o & the most valuable treasure at the temple is a copy of the Heart Sutra written by Emperor Saga himself.  The Ikebana School Saga Goryu also calls this temple its headquarters & you can usually see a beautiful display of floral arrangements on your trip.

Final stop will be the Saiho-ji (commonly known as Kokedera, or "Moss Temple").

Saiho-ji is considered by many to be one of the best, if not the best garden in Japan. Created in 1339, the garden uses over 100 different types of moss creating waves of varying green colors. The moss is contrasted with trees, rocks and a small pond only. The garden is large (about 4 1/2 acres), & moss covers every ground surface and even some of the vegetation, creating a serene environment.

The designer of the garden believed firmly in the value of gardens as a meditation aid, writing that the garden could be a means of reaching enlightenment. In addition to exploring the garden, the monks at the temple ask visitors to copy a sutra (Buddhist scripture), giving you an opportunity to practice your calligraphy skills.

Walk back to the Station to catch the train to the city.

Reach your hotel / ryokan by late afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L   

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am &  proceed for a full day excursion to nearby town of Nara, the original capital of Japan in the 8^th century before it was moved to Kyoto.

Nara is one of the country's most rewarding destinations. Japan's first permanent capital, was established in the year 710 at Heijokyo, the city now known as Nara. Before that date, the capital used to be moved to a new location whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne.

The new capital Heijokyo, between 710-784 AD,  flourished under the influence of Buddhism, leading to the creation of an enormous number of cultural assets, buildings & books, many of which are preserved today. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest & largest temples, many important scenic & historical sites & has the largest number of buildings designated National Treasures in Japan. Second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan's cultural legacy with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

However, as the influence & political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved away from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 & a few years later to Kyoto.

While the Heijokyo Palace site turned into plain fields after the capital was moved to Kyoto, the shrines & temples were left on the east side of the palace (called Gekyo)  & Buddhism remained influential throughout the following centuries. Another part of the area developed as a merchant town, notably in the Edo period, known as Naramachi today.

Historically important temples & shrines house treasures of Buddhist art & more can be found in the excellent Nara National Museum. The biggest draw however, is the awe-inspiring Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a towering effigy first cast in the 8^th century, which rivals Mt Fuji & Kyoto's Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) as Japan's single most impressive sight.

Most of Nara's sights, including temples, shrines & famously mercenary deer, are concentrated in Nara Park, a large pleasant space of greenery home to many (somewhat) tame deer.

According to legend, the god of the Kasuga Taisha came riding a white deer in the old days, so the deer enjoy protected status as envoys of the god; however, based on their current behavior, either the deer have lost the job, or the god has taken an extremely passionate interest in biscuits from tourists, empty food wrappers & harassing shopkeepers.

Start with Todai-ji. a soaring temple that presides over Nara-koen, a park filled with other fascinating sights that lends itself to relaxed strolling amidst the greenery

Todai-ji ("Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous & historically significant temples & a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan & grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.

Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsu-den (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses the 2^nd largest bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu) in Japan at almost 15 meters tall (after Katsuyama's Buddha at 17 meters) & one of the largest in the world. The seated Buddha represents Vairocana & is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

The Daibutsu-den contains 4 other giant statues. Several smaller Buddhist statues & models of the former & current buildings are also on display in the Daibutsu-den Hall.

Todaiji's grounds are spacious & cover most of northern Nara Park, including a number of smaller temple halls & sites of interest around the Daibutsu-den Hall. Once you have taken in the Daibutsu itself, walk around it to the left to see the other statues, as well as a few old tiles & leftover relics.

Another popular attraction is a wooden column with a small hole carved through the bottom that is supposedly the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. Enlightenment is reportedly promised to anyone who can squeeze through this opening. In practice, this means a lot of kids have enlightenment in store (thanks in part to other kids who kick their feet to "help" them through) & all but the skinniest adults can only look on in envy.

Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandai-mon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by 2 fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with the Gate itself.

To the right of the entrance to the Daibutsu-den is a statue of the Yakushi Nyorai. Though a bit scary-looking on first glance, it is actually a Buddha of Medicine& Healing. Touching a part of the Yakushi Nyorai & then the corresponding part of your own body is said to heal any ailments you have there.

There is a stand inviting you to sponsor a tile in order to help with the upkeep of the temple& English-language fortune scrolls (omikuji) are on sale year-round. Take a final look at the Daibutsu as you leave; don't let the souvenir stand be your last memory of this incredible sight.

Along the way, you will run into the famous Nara deer. These deer have been here since the 7^th century, & roam at their free will protected by Buddhist traditions. Special shika senbei crackers to feed the deer that are sold for around 200 yen.

 Also visit the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha.

Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine, first established in the 8^th century at the same time as the capital & is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara & Heian Periods.

Like the Ise Shrines, it has been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries according to Shinto tradition, until the 19^th century when the custom was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period.

Beyond the shrine's offering hall, which can be visited free of charge, there is a paid inner area which provides a closer view of the shrine's inner buildings. Furthest in is the main sanctuary, containing multiple shrine buildings that display the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture, characterized by a sloping roof extending over the front of the building.

Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshipers. More than 3,000 stone & bronze lanterns can be found hanging from the buildings, while as many stone lanterns line its approaches. The lanterns are only lit twice a year during two Lantern Festivals, one in early February & one in mid-August

There are many smaller auxiliary shrines in the woods around Kasuga Taisha, 12 of which are located along a path past the main shrine complex & are dedicated to the 12 lucky gods. Among them are Wakamiya Shrine, an important cultural property known for its dance festival & Meoto Daikokusha, which enshrines married deities and is said to be fortuitous to matchmaking & marriage.

Located a short walk from the Kasuga Shrine main complex is the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden which displays about 250 kinds of plants described in the Manyoshu - Japan's oldest collection of poems - which dates to the Nara Period. A large part of the garden is dedicated to wisteria flowers which usually bloom from late April to early May

The shrine grounds also contain the Kasuga Taisha Museum, a treasure hall near the main complex which displays some of the shrine's relics which include 2 sets of large ornate drums. Additionally, the Kasuga Primeval Forest, a sacred old-growth forest belonging to the shrine, covers the mountain behind Kasuga Taisha.

Walk through Nara Park on your way back to the Station.

Return to the hotel / ryokan in Kyoto by early evening.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L     

Today is a free day to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).  

Walk along the Philosopher's Path and enjoy one of the many tea shops along the way.

Or visit the Kyoto Train Station which has won numerous design awards.

Or visit the city of Fushimi, a famous sake producing area. Fushimi is also home to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, which contains the long tunnels of vermillion-colored Torii.

Finally, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say "sayonara" (goodbye) to the Land of the Rising Sun. But, we are sure you may want to visit this enchanting destination again & discover some more.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will transfer to Kyoto Station - Japan's 2^nd largest station building & one of the country's largest buildings, incorporating a shopping mall.

The building's futuristic design & atmosphere, in perfect contrast to many foreign tourists' image of Kyoto as the capital of traditional Japan, was conceived by the Japanese architect Hara Hiroshi. Hara's design attempts to convey historical Kyoto through a modern aesthetic. The station's large main hall with its exposed steel beamed roof, called the Matrix, is meant to reflect both the structure of the station & the grid like layout of Kyoto's street network.

From there, you will board the JR Limited Airport Express Train in a ‘reserved’ compartment for the 70 minute ride (on your own) to Kansai International Airport, just outside Osaka.

Arrive at Osaka Kansai Airport Station & proceed (on your own) to Check-in for your onward journey. B

*Our Services end with Departure Transfer to Kyoto Station.

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