This tour invites you to the legendary world of ancient Japan. Shimane Prefecture is famed as the cradle of the great mythology of early Japan. This abode of the gods is most lively in the month of October, when all the myriad gods of Japan are believed to converge on Shimane.

We will be special guests in a festival at an ancient shrine, where local people celebrate the divinities' homecoming with Kagura - sacred dances in splendid costumes and masks. The Japan Sea region is also known for its artful life. The people here have appreciated the beauty of the vessels and furnishings of everyday life. We will meet a Kimono Quilt craft person at the Izumo Quilt Museum, a Kimachi stone lantern craftsman in his shop and Hagi potters in their workshops. At the Adachi Museum, whose spectacular stone garden has been ranked the finest by the Journal of Japanese Gardens, we will meet a gardener to learn about the maintenance of the Garden.

In the latter part of the tour, we will visit Kyoto, long a center of traditional Japanese art. We will visit historic Zen temples and gardens. We will also explore shops of old kimono fabrics, Washi paper, incense, woodblock prints, chopsticks, etc.

Tour Date:
October 18 - 29, 2011
October. 23 - November. 3, 2012
(The tour starts in Narita and ends in Kyoto.)

Price:
$3,350 per person for 2011 Tour
$3,450 per person for 2012 Tour

Included: accommodations based on double occupancy, 15 meals (7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners), guided tours, admissions, surface transportation, bi-lingual/bi-cultural tour escort.

Not Included: International and domestic airfare, excess baggage fees, Items of a personal nature such as optional tours, beverages, laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.

Single Supplement: Add $200.

Group size: 10 - 12 people