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Art & Nature
bi-Annual Travel to Japan
We'll take the creative flow on the road by spending two weeks exploring some of the amazing sites and off-the-beaten path areas of Japan with 8 creative people.
JUNE 25 - JULY 9, 2024
Basic Itinerary
Some of the destinations on the itinerary are spots where Val has traveled multiple times, while others will be new to her. Val's travel planning and in the moment ability to manage logistics can give you confidence in the experience. Some aspects of our day to day will be very spontaneous, like where to eat. Val will give you tips on different types of food, and when there isn't an English menu or pictures available she can share her experience (or we can look things up using our roaming wifi).
Destination Stops - June 25-July 9 agenda
The largest wooden building in the world features a large Buddha, plus art museums and sacred deer
A small city between Kyoto and Nara with the oldest shinto shrine and a center for Matcha Tea production.
visit sacred sites of shrines & temples, the Philosopher's walk, Gion (Geisha) district, gardens
beautiful small city with Geisha & Samurai districts, gardens, modern art museums, and a fish market
highlights
Below are some highlights of the 2024 experience.
Original information
Kyoto was the capitol before Tokyo. Prior to that time period (Edo), the capitol would have been demolished with each emperor moving to a different location. This is a large city, but the visual scale does not have skyscrapers. The blend between city and the traditions of shrines & temples is noticeable.
Temples
The most famous temples we'll visit are the Silver - Ginkakuji Temple and the Gold - Kinkakuji. Depending on the time of day, the lighting will be photo worthy. Expect crowds that will be wandering on the same paths.
Philosopher's Walk
A really lovely walking trail between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji, the centrally located shrine & gardens is a wonderful, slow walk experience. Notice the small shops that line the areas outside of the famous sites.
UJI was a half-day pitstop between Nara and Kyoto.
Uji is most known for the oldest Shinto Shrine and Matcha Tea.
Tea & Tradition
The traditions of Japan are in this place from Tea houses, shopping streets, architecture, gardens, temples and shrines. This is a place to observe and immerse in the sensory relationship.
Original Plans
2 nights / 1 full day
Go with the Flow
This day trip will most definitely be a go with the flow day. We can be spontaneous with all of the amazing features of this area from the natural hiking trails, possible stop at the end of the day at an Onsen (please note Tattoos are not allowed and only sizes that can be covered with band-aids are advised), and wind down with traditional Sake.
Todaiji
A must see while in Japan. This is the largest wooden structure in the world. It features several large Buddhas and amazing garden grounds.
The original itinerary was planned to stay in or around Takashima on Lake Biwa. Unfortunately, accommodations were unavailable for our dates.
But, fortunately for us, Val found an amazing house in a mountain village area called Nagahama. We spent 2 nights here with a full day to rest, make art, explore.
The original itinerary was planned to stay in or around Takashima on Lake Biwa. Unfortunately, accommodations were unavailable for our dates.
But, fortunately for us, Val found an amazing house in a mountain village area called Nagahama. We spent 2 nights here with a full day to rest, make art, explore.
We'll spend two nights in Komatsu known as the land of stone, gems, ceramics, and kabuki.
The natural surroundings are enticing flanked on the east by mountains and the west by the sea.
Ceramics
Let's get our hands in some clay with one of the several workshops available in this area. If clay isn't your thing, there may be another alternative, let's chat.
Komatsu City Honjinkinen Art Museum
Another unique architectural spot worth the time to view the current exhibition.
We'll spend two nights in Komatsu known as the land of stone, gems, ceramics, and kabuki.
The natural surroundings are enticing flanked on the east by mountains and the west by the sea.
Ceramics
Let's get our hands in some clay with one of the several workshops available in this area. If clay isn't your thing, there may be another alternative, let's chat.
Komatsu City Honjinkinen Art Museum
Another unique architectural spot worth the time to view the current exhibition.
Our final two nights will be in the lovely city of Kanazawa. Due to it's location in the north, it was not impacted by bombings of WW2.
This city features a castle and large botanical garden, as well as Samurai and Geisha districts. We'll have daily bus passes to get around a bit quicker than by foot.
Shrines & Temples
There are numerous shrines and temples in this city. We'll be able to plan our days based on interests as a group or to be able to split up. Make sure to bring your art supplies and camera with you all day.
Samurai & Geisha districts
Each of these areas has really interesting architecture and narrow original streets without vehicles. If there's an afternoon rain, the road will glisten for great photographs. It's highly unlikely to spot a Geisha, but visiting the quarters is a unique experience. Make sure to bring some cash for treats or souvenir shopping.
Fish Market
This is a larger market than we'll find in the smaller port city. You can wind your way through the internal 'streets' to see all of the various delicacies. Some spots will have small areas to sit for lunch.
Contemporary Art Museum
There are multiple museums of different types and time periods here, but after several visits to Kanazawa, Val most definitely recommends this contemporary museum. It may be crowded on the weekend, but it's worth the visit.
Our final two nights will be in the lovely city of Kanazawa. Due to it's location in the north, it was not impacted by bombings of WW2.
This city features a castle and large botanical garden, as well as Samurai and Geisha districts. We'll have daily bus passes to get around a bit quicker than by foot.
Shrines & Temples
There are numerous shrines and temples in this city. We'll be able to plan our days based on interests as a group or to be able to split up. Make sure to bring your art supplies and camera with you all day.
Samurai & Geisha districts
Each of these areas has really interesting architecture and narrow original streets without vehicles. If there's an afternoon rain, the road will glisten for great photographs. It's highly unlikely to spot a Geisha, but visiting the quarters is a unique experience. Make sure to bring some cash for treats or souvenir shopping.
Our next destination after a short morning train trip is a port city on the Sea of Japan.
This is a nature immersion pit-stop with highlights like the fish market and Tanoura beach.
Kehi Jingu Shrine
"Built in the year 702 and is the chief guardian shrine of the old Hokuriku-do region, dedicated to seven Shinto deities. The 11-meter-tall torii gate is registered as an Important Cultural Property, and is known as one of Japan’s three greatest wooden torii gates."
more info click on the picture
Fresh Fish Market
Nihonkai Sakana Machi. In these markets you can pay for your assortment to create a rice bowl with sashimi or order cooked food to enjoy there.
Port City
Kanegasaki Ryokuchi Park is on the waterfront.
Shibata Garden
"This garden has been nationally designated as a Site of Scenic Beauty; it makes great use of Mt. Nosaka, a symbol of Tsuruga, creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere with simple, old-fashioned Shoin-zukuri architecture. There are Camphor and Japanese Bayberry Trees."
for more information click on the picture
Our next destination after a short morning train trip is a port city on the Sea of Japan.
This is a nature immersion pit-stop with highlights like the fish market and Tanoura beach.
Kehi Jingu Shrine
"Built in the year 702 and is the chief guardian shrine of the old Hokuriku-do region, dedicated to seven Shinto deities. The 11-meter-tall torii gate is registered as an Important Cultural Property, and is known as one of Japan’s three greatest wooden torii gates."
more info click on the picture
Fresh Fish Market
Nihonkai Sakana Machi. In these markets you can pay for your assortment to create a rice bowl with sashimi or order cooked food to enjoy there.
At the conclusion of our trip, several participants extended their stays. Hadley went back to Tokyo area to visit a family member, while Marla and Venom stopped in Nagano and a few other spots for several days before departing Japan. Val traveled with the rest of the group back to Tokyo as they had afternoon flights home and then extended her stay by participating in the Grassroots Summit - a home stay program that was taking place in Wakayama.