Japan: Castles, Armor & the Art of the Samurai
MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE Japan: Castles, Armor & the Art of the Samurai May 30–June 9, 2019 MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE Dear Travelers and Friends, Japan has one of the oldest, richest, and most complex aesthetic traditions in the world– a tradition that is inextricably connected to the legacy of the samurai. Join the Museum Travel Alliance for a journey that explores the history, spiritual practices, and warrior arts of Japan. As we travel together, we will visit castles, museums, and temples that tell a fascinating story of Japanese military, political, and artistic history. We begin in Tokyo, where we discover the still-vital world of traditional swordsmithing with a visit to the studio of a master sword polisher. We also get an inside look at two authentic Japanese martial arts, sumo and kendo, as we tour training centers to observe practice drills and discuss these rich traditions with senseis and practitioners. Explorations of nearby temples will reveal connections between spiritual practice and martial and aesthetic traditions, and visits to museums will provide numerous opportunities to experience the spectacular creations of Japanese artists throughout the centuries. In Kyoto, we visit ancient Zen temples and Shinto shrines, set off by the natural beauty of mountains, foothills, and forests. This journey from Tokyo to KyotoRUSSIA will reveal some of the most astounding works of art, architecture, and arms and armor on Earth. Throughout this trip, led by a curator who is an authority in arms and armor, you will meet talented craftspeople and experts in the arts. And you will enjoy traveling in the congenial company of members from a number of museums and cultural institutions.
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