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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
We'll have at least one formal Forest Therapy (Shinrin-Yoku) walk at some point during the two-week experience, but noticing what you are noticing with a sensory experience will be a major attribute of our time.
Arriving in Tokyo after very long flight, we'll get to our accommodation and enjoy a group evening explore. Jet lag is the thing we want to combat.
Tokyo is a megalopolis and one could spend weeks exploring all of the neighborhoods.
3 nights / 2 full days with about 4 neighborhood highlights.
Harajuku
Takeshita Street is famous for fashion. We will blend urban and nature today by exploring the Meiji-jinga shrine and step through the often busy shopping streets.
Before departing this area, we will visit the exhibit at a Ukiyo-e museum and find time to look through vintage items at a really awesome thrift store (kimonos and more).
Shinjuku
We'll venture to this insanely busy and neon lit area for a brief evening. The highlight will be a show at the Robot Restaurant (pending re-opening from covid). Navigating these streets with a group is less intimidating, but the confusion could be part of the appeal. Bring your tripod to take night photos. We'll try to find enough room in a tiny bar in the Golden Gai district so we can say we did.
Ueno
Ease into a day with the natural surroundings of this area with park and more such as the The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Find balance in an urban environment with this tucked away district.
Asakusa
Notice the contrast in shopping districts with the traditional area outside of the famous Senso-ji Temple. Exploring this district we'll see tradition in a variety of ways.
As a group, we will discuss the art/craft workshop options in this area that may be available on our date such as woodblock printing or glass cutting.
We may even end our day at an 'Art Bar'.
Arriving in Tokyo after very long flight, we'll get to our accommodation and enjoy a group evening explore. Jet lag is the thing we want to combat.
Tokyo is a megalopolis and one could spend weeks exploring all of the neighborhoods.
3 nights / 2 full days with about 4 neighborhood highlights.
Harajuku
Takeshita Street is famous for fashion. We will blend urban and nature today by exploring the Meiji-jinga shrine and step through the often busy shopping streets.
Before departing this area, we will visit the exhibit at a Ukiyo-e museum and find time to look through vintage items at a really awesome thrift store (kimonos and more).
Shinjuku
We'll venture to this insanely busy and neon lit area for a brief evening. The highlight will be a show at the Robot Restaurant (pending re-opening from covid). Navigating these streets with a group is less intimidating, but the confusion could be part of the appeal. Bring your tripod to take night photos. We'll try to find enough room in a tiny bar in the Golden Gai district so we can say we did.
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.
Gion
Kyoto maintains the traditional Geisha district with several Geisha houses that will open to the public for events. It's really rare to see a famous Geisha on the streets, but the protoge - Maiko -young girls starting at the age of 15 might be one's you will notice. Their hair and make-up are different. Even in our contemporary culture, becoming a Geisha is a popular pursuit although not all will make it through the mandatory training of 6 years.
Arashiyama
This is a short trip from Kyoto and the bamboo is magical. We'll move away from the tourists and discover more of the temples, shrines, and gardens in this town.
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.
Gion
Kyoto maintains the traditional Geisha district with several Geisha houses that will open to the public for events. It's really rare to see a famous Geisha on the streets, but the protoge - Maiko -young girls starting at the age of 15 might be one's you will notice. Their hair and make-up are different. Even in our contemporary culture, becoming a Geisha is a popular pursuit although not all will make it through the mandatory training of 6 years.
UJI is our home base for a few days and the objective in this region is to rent a traditional house with gorgeous gardens.
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.
Fushimi Inari
The most famous of the thousands shrines to Inari, the Shinto god of rice (and thus harvest and wealth/money). Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. This site features thousands of red torii gates. A torii is a structure that marks the entrance to a shrine. This is south of Kyoto before Uji.
UJI is our home base for a few days and the objective in this region is to rent a traditional house with gorgeous gardens.
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.
Fushimi Inari
The most famous of the thousands shrines to Inari, the Shinto god of rice (and thus harvest and wealth/money). Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. This site features thousands of red torii gates. A torii is a structure that marks the entrance to a shrine. This is south of Kyoto before Uji.
Arriving in Tokyo after very long flight, we'll get to our accommodation and enjoy a group evening explore. Jet lag is the thing we want to combat.
Tokyo is a megalopolis and one could spend weeks exploring all of the neighborhoods.
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.
Nara Prefecture Museum of Art
On our way from the train, we can make a brief pitstop at the current exhibit in this unassuming architectural building.
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.
Arriving in Tokyo after very long flight, we'll get to our accommodation and enjoy a group evening explore. Jet lag is the thing we want to combat.
Tokyo is a megalopolis and one could spend weeks exploring all of the neighborhoods.
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.
Nara Prefecture Museum of Art
On our way from the train, we can make a brief pitstop at the current exhibit in this unassuming architectural building.
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.
Departing Uji, we will ride the train to Takashima known as the land of the ancient poets on Lake Biwa.
Takashima is an old castle town of the former Suwa clan until modern era in 1869.
Wabi Sabi
In smaller villages and towns, especially in the northern region of Japan that was not hit by WW2 bombing, we will find traditional houses and businesses. The philosophy of wabi sabi can be found in what looks more old or worn. The beauty in this is wabi sabi.
Shirahige-jinja Shrine
A floating Torii. Understanding Shinto through this shrine is a really unique benefit of traveling off the beaten normal tourist paths.
The main pavilion was built in 1603.
Exploring
This small area is about exploring from the traditional Takashima Village that has crafts and local products to the unique little restaurants and local culture. If possible, maybe we'll find a bike rental to change our pace.
Departing Uji, we will ride the train to Takashima known as the land of the ancient poets on Lake Biwa.
Takashima is an old castle town of the former Suwa clan until modern era in 1869.
Wabi Sabi
In smaller villages and towns, especially in the northern region of Japan that was not hit by WW2 bombing, we will find traditional houses and businesses. The philosophy of wabi sabi can be found in what looks more old or worn. The beauty in this is wabi sabi.
Shirahige-jinja Shrine
A floating Torii. Understanding Shinto through this shrine is a really unique benefit of traveling off the beaten normal tourist paths.
The main pavilion was built in 1603.
Exploring
This small area is about exploring from the traditional Takashima Village that has crafts and local products to the unique little restaurants and local culture. If possible, maybe we'll find a bike rental to change our pace.
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.
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.
Spend your final day in Japan on your own prior to your flight. If you choose to go solo or as a group, the earliest Shinkansen is 6am arriving into Tokyo at 9am. By now, you'll have a great knowledge of finding a locker to store your bag and to navigate the JR system in Tokyo. If there was something on your list that you really wanted to do, this is a great day to plan. The Haneda airport is very easy to access from Ueno station where the Shinkansen will stop. You need to be at the airport about 2-2.5 hrs before departure.
If you can get a better deal on the flight departing on a different day, you are most definitely welcome to continue the adventure. The JR pass will expire and you'll just need spare change to navigate the rail/subway. If you want help finding accommodations for the extra nights, just ask.
Accommodations
The primary goal for the lodging on this trip was to have a group experience, have a variety of unique spots including houses and traditional Ryokans.
Just an example of a traditional space.
(these are divided by Male and Female gender)
Just an example of a traditional space.