A JAPANESE ODYSSEY OF DISCOVERY A bespoke concept for the Malik family July 2016 THE THINKING BEHIND YOUR JOURNEY A JAPANESE ODYSSEY OF DISCOVERY Anjan and Richa, you came to us looking throughout your journey. They will of Japan when you hike the tranquil for a special family adventure in Japan. introduce you to local personalities – ancient cedar forests of Yakushima Island, Since this will be your first time in the musicians, artists, and sumo wrestlers, to designated a UNESCO World Heritage country, we have created a unique, name just a few – and bring this intriguing Site. Wander through Kyoto and marvel culturally rich experience that allows you country into perspective for you. at the thousands of Buddhist temples to explore Japan’s vast natural realms, as and Shinto shrines in this 1,200-year-old well as providing entertaining activities At each point in your journey, the city. Take a taiko drumming class from a for everyone in your family. very best accommodations have been professional instructor. Drop by the movie selected for you, all offering a distinctive sets at Eigamura theme park and learn As Yuv and Vansh are travelling with you, character and ambience. You will be about samurai culture. Visit the resort we have arranged a flexible itinerary that travelling alternately by plane, boat, car, town of Yamashiro Onsen and discover permits adjustments as necessary. To also and shinkasen (high-speed bullet train) how its world-famous Kutani porcelain is ensure ample time to relax, we’ve factored in between destinations to allow you to crafted; then make your very own pottery. in rest days to give you time doing as explore as much of Japan as possible. much or as little as you wish. Your expert You’ll leave Japan feeling enriched and guides (handpicked for their “child- In Tokyo, visit the famous sprawling with a deep appreciation of this country, friendliness”) will share their extensive Tsukiji fish market, as well as bustling its people, its traditions old and new – and insider knowledge and be an invaluable commercial districts, to gain insights with precious family memories that will source of information supporting you into urban life. Discover another facet remain with you forever. © Copyright Brown + Hudson 2016 Page 2 HIGHLIGHTS VISIT THE MAIN SHRINES AND CASTLES IN THE COUNTRY WITH YOUR EXPERT GUIDE EXPLORE GHIBLI MUSEUM, HOME TO FILM DIRECTOR HAYAO MIYAZAKI’S STUDIO AND ANIME CLASSICS VISIT TSUKIJI, THE WORLD’S LARGEST FISH MARKET, AND EXPERIENCE A CLASS ON HOW TO MAKE SUSHI WITH THE DELICACY FUGU ENJOY A PRIVATE HELICOPTER FLIGHT AT DUSK OVER TOKYO’S SKYLINE INDULGE IN A TRADITIONAL ONSEN BATH IN A NATURAL SEASIDE SETTING HIKE THROUGH THE TRANQUIL, BREATH-TAKING YAKUSHIMA FOREST WATCH THE SUN SET FROM SERENE NAGATA BEACH EXPLORE THE DARK WORLD WAR II HISTORY OF JAPAN IN HIROSHIMA WITNESS THE AFTER-HOURS PROGRAMME OF JAMES TURRELL’S OPEN SKY AT CHICHU ART MUSEUM ON NAOSHIMA ISLAND LEARN ABOUT MARINE LIFE AT OSAKA’S SPECTACULAR KAIYUKAN AQUARIUM ENJOY A MEMORABLE FUN-PACKED DAY AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN IN OSAKA © Copyright Brown + Hudson 2016 Page 3 HIGHLIGHTS MARVEL AT THE 1,001 STATUES OF THE GODDESS KANNON AT SANJUSANGENDO TEMPLE MASTER TAIKO DRUMMING IN A PRIVATE CLASS ATTEND A PRIVATE MEDITATION SESSION WITH A BUDDHIST MONK AND TAKE IN THE CONCEPTS OF ZEN LEARN ABOUT SAMURAI WARRIORS ON A VISIT TO THE MOVIE SETS OF EIGAMURA MEET THE FRIENDLY DEER ON MIYAJIMA ISLAND AND NARA PARK DISCOVER THE ART OF MAKING YAMASHIRO ONSEN’S FAMOUS KUTANI CERAMICS PARTICIPATE IN A GOLD LEAF WORKSHOP IN KANAZAWA EXPLORE THE HAKONE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM AND ITS 300+ PICASSO WORKS TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE AT THE MIRAIKAN MUSEUM TO VIEW ITS EXHIBITION OF HUMANOID ROBOTS LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF SUMO WITH A LEADING EXPERT © Copyright Brown + Hudson 2016 Page 4 INTRODUCING JAPAN The island nation of Japan has been described as a cultural Galápagos – a unique civilisation that was insulated from the outside world for centuries but evolved into a fascinating contrast of traditional and modern. Legend attributes the origin of Japan to the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu, and the emperors are considered to be her direct descendants. But though steeped in ancient beliefs and rituals, Japanese society is firmly grounded in the 21st century and its people are gracious and welcoming to visitors. Visit ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and explore ancient cities like Kyoto, to experience a step back in time and a more leisurely pace of life, wherein centuries-old ceremonies are still observed, and honour is revered above all else. Observe how the country’s national sport, sumo, is bound by rituals and a strict code of conduct based on mutual respect. Marvel at the ultra-modern metropolis that is Tokyo – futuristic neon-lit streetscapes; mega- malls; Skytree, the tallest tower in the world; an ever-evolving contemporary-arts scene; and a voracious appetite for pop- culture trends. Japan will enthral even the most jaded of travellers. Throughout your journey of discovery, this multifaceted culturally rich country will captivate you. TOKYO – 3 NIGHTS Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, you will be met by your driver and taken to your luxury hotel, Aman Tokyo. Perched high above the city, on the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower, this urban sanctuary offers a welcome respite from the bustle below. Stroll the Imperial Palace East Gardens, site of the ruins of Edo Castle, which was originally built in 1457. Wander through the nearby Ginza neighbourhood to visit art galleries, do some shopping, and take a break in one of the many excellent upmarket cafés and restaurants in the area. Visit Meiji-jingu, Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrine, and learn about this ancient religion practised by nearly 80% of the population. Take part in Shinto activities, such as making offerings, purchasing charms and amulets, or writing down a wish on the traditional wooden wishing plaques, called ema. Explore Ghibli Museum, which showcases the work of Studio Ghibli. Popular with children, this animation exhibit and art haven features appealing fanciful architecture. To experience the ultra- modern vibe of Tokyo, stroll through the lively districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, making sure to stop by the Disney Store with its fantasy shopfront. Visit too the game arcades and purikura (photo booths that generate pictures in sticker form) for a fun family time and guaranteed laughs. © Copyright Brown + Hudson 2016 Page 5 Take a trip to Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, for a private presentation and your very own sushi-making session. Watch a professional sushi chef expertly prepare a dish of the highly poisonous fugu fish, a Japanese speciality. Head to nearby Hama Rikyu Gardens to view the fascinating contrasts between ancient and modern Tokyo. From here, you can enjoy a boat ride up the Sumida River to Asakusa and the Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, before you end the day with a shopping excursion for souvenirs. Just across the river is the Tokyo Skytree, standing an impressive 634m (2,080ft) high, with an aquarium and panoramic views of the city – well worth a visit, if time permits. As night falls, board a private helicopter to marvel at the bird’s-eye spectacle of Tokyo resplendent in lights. YAKUSHIMA – 2 NIGHTS Fly from Haneda via Kagoshima to the island of Yakushima, the first in Japan to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll be driven to the JR Hotel, which offers 360° vistas of this beautiful area. Spend the afternoon exploring the island and indulge in a rejuvenating soak at a seaside onsen (natural hot spring). Yakushima is home to a vast natural forest, some of Japan’s oldest living trees, and spectacular hiking trails. Spend a day of expertly guided hikes through the pristine environment, replete with glimpses of chattering monkeys, grazing deer, and a diverse range of indigenous flora. The island’s microclimates make it possible to view some 1,900 species and subspecies of plants from both subtropical and cold temperate zones. KAGOSHIMA – 1 NIGHT From Yakushima, take a Jetfoil ferry to Kagoshima. You will be staying at the Shiroyama Kanko with its gorgeous views of this seaside city against the backdrop of Sakurajima, among the most famous of active volcanoes in the world. Shiroyama hill, where the hotel is situated, is noted for being a battlefield in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, when imperial rule was restored under Emperor Meiji. Head to the busy downtown area of Tenmonkan to mingle with the locals and explore the city’s core. Then saunter through Sengan- en, a classic Japanese garden overlooking Sakurajima, to view its ponds, streams, and bamboo grove, as well as its ancient shrines to learn about the daimyo feudal lords and the samurai way of life. Kagoshima is also an ideal place to sample ramen, as the numerous ramen shops in the area have their own delicious versions of the region’s distinctive noodle dish. © Copyright Brown + Hudson 2016 Page 6 MIYAJIMA – 2 NIGHTS Take the bullet train from Chuo station to Hiroshima. Learn about the events of 6th August 1945. Hiroshima offers an opportunity to pay your respects and learn the city’s history at Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. Enjoy a private guided drive around Hiroshima before boarding the ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima. Head to Kinsuikan, your ryokan to rest up for the next day’s activities. With a private guide, explore Miyajima Island, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima with its famous “floating” torii (gate); the elaborately decorated five- tier pagoda; and the Daisho-in Temple, which provides insight into the spiritual heritage of Miyajima.