SAMURAI LEGACY: Japan

The ancient culture of the samurai in Japan created extremes of immense beauty and brutality.  Experience ultimate Japanese hospitality and learn about the brave and honorable samurai warriors.  Join our tour leader / lecturer who is a Japan expert, and has lived in the country for over 20 years studying the traditional arts. 

Explore the contrasts of Japan, from Tokyo’s ultramodern high rises to Kyoto’s ancient pathways.  Visit shrine markets, the old geisha district and view new Japan’s hi-tech, pop culture and cutting edge art and architecture.  Immerse yourself in traditions passed down from the samurai.  Learn how to make sushi in an old samurai mansion.  Attend a traditional tea ceremony, and have a private meeting with a young geisha, to learn about the realities of their rarified world. 

Visit temples and shrines dedicated to famous samurai lords and legends.  Stay in a ryokan, a Japanese style inn.  Admire one of the best Japanese gardens while relaxing in an invigorating hot spring bath.  Visit Tokyo, the culinary capital of the world!  French gastronomy authority Michelin has awarded Tokyo with more stars than any other city in the world!  Optional sumo wrestling tournament (if available). 

Shogun Mitsuhide Festival is a memorial service in remembrance of Akechi Mitsuhide, held at local temples.  A line of 500 warriors parade through the city center. This festival pays homage to the old lord of Kameyama Castle during the Tensho era, and is supported and treasured by the city's citizens.

FESTIVALS:  In spring view the rare and skilled art of yabusame, Japanese mounted archery, sword dance and a samurai parade.  In the summer photograph medieval parades and horse races with samurai-regaled men and Kyoto’s most famous festival, in which prominent households open their doors to display their treasures, and extravagant giant floats are paraded through town.

Destinations

Kyoto * Nara * Kanazawa * Noto Peninsula * Tokyo

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