Art Journeys in San-in and Shikoku

Summary

We will explore both traditional and contemporary art and culture set amidst the natural wonders of San-in and Shikoku Island.

 

Shimane, in San-in, is known as the cradle of the great mythological stories of early Japan. 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 accompanied by the lively music of drums and flutes.

 

We will also visit local artists and learn how the mythological world has influenced them and their works. We will meet a Kimono Quilt craft person at the Izumo Quilt Museum. In the quaint town of Hagi, we will meet a celebrated young potter at his kiln. At the Adachi Museum, we will view the spectacular stone garden which has been ranked the finest by the Journal of Japanese Gardens since 2003.

 

In Shikoku, we will visit the scenic island of Naoshima in Takamatsu Prefecture, where modern art blends seamlessly with Japan’s ancient landscape. In Kamiyama, Tokushima prefecture, which is known for its international artists-in-residence program, we will meet the artists and explore their installations displayed along a forest trail. We will also visit by bus one of the 88 pilgrimage temples located on top of the sacred mountain near Kamiyama.

 

Tour Date:(The tour starts in Narita Airport and ends in Tokushima Airport.)
October 23 - November 4, 2012

Price*: $3,600 (if 1 USD = 85 ~ 90 yen), $3,750 (if 1 USD = 80 ~ 85 yen), $3,900 (if 1 USD = 75 ~ 80 yen), $4,050 (if 1 USD = 70 ~ 75 yen).
*The price will be finalized two month prior to tour departure date according to the then current USD/Japanese Yen exchange rate.

Single Occupancy Supplement: Add $150.

Included: accommodations based on double occupancy, 21 meals (12 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners), guided tours, admissions, surface transportation, bi-lingual/bi-cultural tour escort.

 

Not Included: International and Japan domestic airfare, Excess baggage fees, Optional trips, Travel insurance, Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc., Expenses incurred due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, accident, strikes, schedule changes of transportation, etc.

Group Size: 12 ~ 16 people