Temples, Treasures & Teahouses

Japan is an ancient and enigmatic land. The perfect way to unravel its mysteries is by exploring it on a walking journey with Trip Leader Kate Ulberg, who has an extraordinary gift for introducing people to its culture. We delve deeply into places like old Kyoto, the romantic city of lantern-lit lanes and two thousand temples, and a variety of other settings that reveal Japan’s inner secrets. Along the way, we discover the kindness of the people and the innate sense of beauty and attention to detail that define every aspect of life. Most nights we stay in ryokans, the serene inns that reflect Japanese culture in miniature, with one night in a Buddhist monastery perched on a mountaintop.

Days 1-4
Kyoto, Japan

We meet at a traditional ryokan in Kyoto, an ancient city of gorgeous imperial villas and temples surrounded by elaborate gardens. On fantastic walks each day, we visit extraordinary settings including serene Ryoanji, with its famous Zen Garden, and Kinkakuji, a lavish villa built for Yoshimitsu, the powerful 3rd Ashikaga Shogun.

Days 5-6
Nara

Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara, is home to many of the country’s most revered treasures. Our explorations include the exquisite 8th century Todaiji Temple, with its huge Buddha statue, and the massive, 1,300-year-old Horyuji Temple, a magnificent World Heritage Site and a vision of old Japan.

Day 7
Koyasan

Atop one of Japan’s holiest mountains, Koyasan Monastery is the seat of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, founded in 816 by Kobo Daishi. We ride to the mountaintop by cable car for an overnight in a shukubo, or temple lodging.

Days 8-9
Himeji Castle / Engyo-ji Temple

We get a sense of Japan’s feudal past as we explore Himeji, a lovely city and the home of one of the most impressive castles in Japan. Built during the days of the samurai, superb Himeji Castle sits like an oasis of history amid a modern city. We also visit Engyo-ji, the mountaintop temple complex chosen as a setting for the film The Last Samurai.

Days 10-11
Takayama / Spring Festival or Fall Colors

A train takes us to the mountain town of Takayama, one of Japan’s treasures, with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings. In medieval times, the Hida artisans of this area, famed for their fine woodworking skills, were sent to Nara and Kyoto to work on the great temples and palaces. Today, the elegant old culture remains much in evidence in the splendidly preserved merchant houses, traditional inns, teahouses, and sake breweries. Our spring trip coincides with Takayama’s traditional festival; the fall trip enjoys the dazzling beauty of kouyou season, when the autumn landscape of the countryside takes on its famous fiery red and gold hues.

Days 12-14
Tokyo

In Tokyo, we enjoy the sights and sounds, including a Kabuki performance and a visit to the Mori Art Museum. Early risers can join Kate for her 5:30 a.m. tour of Tsukiji, Tokyo’s renowned fish market, where an amazing variety of marine life is brought in every morning. Depart on Day 14