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Japan: Castles, Armor & the Art of the Samurai

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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. Sincerely, CHINA Jim Friedlander President, Museum Travel Alliance Pacific Teshima HIGHLIGHTS Ocean GO behind the scenes with a master sword polisher and maker OBSERVE the morning ritual training of sumo wrestlers on an intimate visit Sea of Nikko Japan Tokyo stunning Kokoen Garden, comprising DISCOVER Kamakura nine different walled gardens and featuring waterfalls, JAPAN koi ponds, running streams, and reconstructions of Edo- period samurai mansions Kyoto Himeji Nara ENJOY a quintessentially Japanese experience aboard Osaka the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto WITNESS a kendo demonstration at the country’s oldest martial arts center PARTICIPATE in a tea ceremony at the temple founded by the monk who introduced Zen Buddhism East China to Japan Sea Japan: Castles, Armor & the Art of the Samurai May 30–June 9, 2019 sword makers such as Nobuyoshi, Rai, and Taima, and includes sword fittings, armor, and historical documents. Spend the balance of the day exploring the famous Ginza district. Dinner is at leisure. B,L MONDAY, JUNE 3: TOKYO / KAMAKURA / TOKYO Following breakfast, transfer to Kamakura, the former de facto capital of Japan and the seat of the 13th-century shogunate. First visit Kotoku-in Temple to view the Daibutsu, the second largest bronze Buddha in Japan. Continue to Engaku-ji, an important Zen temple, and to Hachimangu, a shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of samurai. Of the Five Great Zen Temples in Kamakura, RUSSIA visit Kencho-jis, which is ranked first and considered the oldest. B,L TUESDAY, JUNE 4: TOKYO / KYOTO Witness a morning training session by practitioners of Ceremony at the Kasuga Shrine, Nara, photo by Duane Moore Japan’s national sport, sumo, on a private visit. Then board the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Upon CHINA arrival, discover the magnificent Sanjusangendo Temple, An optional prelude in Tokyo is offered May 28-31, 2019. constructed in 1164. It is known for its Hall of Thirty- Three Bays, a long wooden structure housing 1,001 large THURSDAY, MAY 30: DEPARTURE wooden statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Before Depart on a flight to Tokyo, Japan. dinner attend a private taiko (drumming) ceremony. B,L,D FRIDAY,Teshim MAYa 31: TOKYO, JAPAN Pacific Upon arrival this afternoon, transfer to the Conrad Hotel. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5: KYOTO / NARA / KYOTO Ocean The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. In the early Transfer to Nara for a full-day exploration of the area. evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. D Visit Kasuga Shrine to admire the National Treasure and Important Cultural Property-class swords and armor SATURDAY, JUNE 1: TOKYO / NIKKO / TOKYO displayed in the shrine’s treasure house. After lunch, Depart Tokyo for a full-day excursion to the prefecture of visit the studio of master sword maker Sadatoshi Gassan Nikko, birthplace of Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa (pending schedule). Return to Kyoto to spend the Sea of Nikko shogunate. Visit Toshogu, Ieyasu’s lavishly decorated remainder of the day at leisure. B,L Japan Tokyo Shinto shrine and mausoleum. Tour Futarasan Shrine, Kamakura founded in the 8th century by the monk who introduced JAPAN Buddhism to Nikko and home to Japan’s longest sword. Also visit the temple of Rinno-ji to view magnificent Kyoto wooden statues of local mountain deities. Return to Tokyo Himeji Nara in the late afternoon. B,L,D Osaka SUNDAY, JUNE 2: TOKYO Begin the day with a lecture, followed by a visit to the workshop of sword polisher Tatsuya Fujishiro (pending schedule), who will provide an exclusive demonstration of the art of sword polishing and instruct guests in the viewing and handling of Japanese blades. After lunch, visit East China the Japanese Sword Museum, which honors renowned Sea Shinkansen, photo by Richard Fisher ACCOMMODATIONS THURSDAY, JUNE 6: KYOTO Visit the rock garden at the Zen temple complex of CONRAD TOKYO HOTEL Ryoan-ji and the UNESCO-recognized site of Kinkaku-ji. Contemporary luxury hotel located near the Ginza district After lunch, enjoy a specially arranged visit to Byōdō’in, with expansive views of the city’s dramatic skyline. Dining National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site. options include several restaurants featuring modern Discover the unique Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, Japanese and French cuisine as well as an elegant bar and composed of thousands of vermilion Torii gates, and visit lounge. Amenities include a spa, fitness center offering yoga classes, sauna and steam rooms, and an indoor Kennin-ji, founded by the Buddhist monk who introduced swimming pool. both Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation to Japan. Take in a tea ceremony followed by some independent HYATT REGENCY KYOTO exploration—perhaps in the well-known geisha districts of A five-star luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency is located in the Pontocho or Gion. B,L historic heart of Kyoto, close to the main city landmarks and the Gion district. FRIDAY, JUNE 7: KYOTO Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece from IMPERIAL HOTEL OSAKA the feudal era, before visiting the Kyoto National Museum The Imperial Hotel is centrally located in downtown Osaka to view its treasures of Japanese art and history. Founded overlooking the picturesque Okawa River. Facilities include in 1897, it is housed in a building designed by Taniguchi a spa and fitness center, swimming pool, and an array of Yoshio, also known for his redesign of New York’s Museum restaurants and cafés featuring various cuisines. of Modern Art. Continue to lively Nishiki Market for lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, head to the foothills of the Higashiyama mountains to visit the Nanzen-ji Temple complex, one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. Attend a demonstration of the traditional martial art of kendo at the Butokuden, Japan’s oldest martial arts center. Our farewell dinner is this evening. B,D SATURDAY, JUNE 8: KYOTO / HIMEJI / OSAKA Depart for the city of Himeji, home to Japan’s most famous fortress: the dazzling white Himeji Castle. Following lunch, stroll in the adjacent Kokoen Garden, comprising nine different gardens, before transferring to Osaka and the Imperial Hotel Osaka. Dinner is at leisure. B,L SUNDAY, JUNE 9: OSAKA / RETURN After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. B Conrad Tokyo Hotel DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance. For complete PROGRAM RATE details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at $12,399 per person, double occupancy https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php $14,499 single rate RATE INCLUDES n Nine nights accommodations as per itinerary n Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); bottled water, local beer, and coffee/tea with all meals; house wine at dinners n Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights n Escorted sightseeing by private motor coach; entrance fees for included visits n Enrichment program of lectures and special events n Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport/visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; excess baggage; optional prelude in Tokyo; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Futarasan Shrine, Toshogu, Tokyo, photo by Patrick Nosbaum Torii gates, Shinto shrine, Kyoto, photo by Jon Curnow THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE JAPAN: CASTLES, ARMOR & THE ART OF THE SAMURAI n MAY 30–JUNE 9, 2019 RESERVATION FORM To reserve a place, please call The Museum Travel Alliance at 212-324-1893 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable
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