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Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Spend an indulgent six full days in Kyoto, staying in a modern ryokan
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Stay at the iconic Benesse House on Naoshima Island
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Meditate in the Zen gardens, each a world in miniature
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Savour the flavours and freshness of Japanese cuisine
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Enjoy the plum blossoms of Japan’s lovely spring season

Everyday Beauty: Japanese Art and Culture

Mar 03-13, 2024

11 days | Japan | Literary Adventures

Tour Leader and Classical Pursuits director Melanie Blake recently hosted a webinar on 'Fireflies Above the Stream: Women Poets of Kyoto'. Click here to watch the recording.(69 min. + Q & A)
 
 
From the Heian to the Edo periods, and through to the present, traditional Japanese culture has achieved a rare refinement. Temples and gardens, poetry, literature, calligraphy, woodblock printing, the way of tea: beauty infused nearly every aspect of life. 

For the lover of art, Kyoto is a must-see destination, in a class with Florence or Paris. Our seven full days there give us an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in the ancient capital at a relaxed and convivial pace. From moss gardens to grand wooden temples to intricately carved netsuke, we will gain a deeper understanding of the arts of classical Japan. March is a lovely time to visit with plum trees blossoming and the city relatively uncrowded.

From Kyoto we travel to the iconic Benesse House, the contemporary art museum and resort hotel on Naoshima Island. Renowned for its innovative art projects, the remote and idyllic tiny island in the Setouchi Inland Sea has an almost Mediterranean climate. Contemporary art works are scattered across rice fields and set in ancient wooden houses and the resort itself, created by renowned architect Tadao Ando, is a museum where guests can sleep.

Our expert Japanese guides will give their insights on walking tours of Kyoto and explorations of the art on Naoshima Island. Melanie Blake’s presentations will explore themes of Japanese literature and culture as we read and discuss Japan’s greatest classical haiku poets—Basho, Buson, and Issa—and excerpts from The Tale of Genji, written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, along with a selection of contemporary literature. Zen Buddhism is of course central for the arts of Japan, and we will read Zen stories and koans and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

If you love art and have enjoyed Classical Pursuits’ European art tours, or you have an interest in Zen, this is the journey for you. The beauty of Japan will change the way you see.
Literary Adventures Cultural Explorations Worldwide Explorers Club
Tour Cost (per person):
US$8395  Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
12 - 16 participants

What’s included: Transfer from Kansai Airport to Kyoto on arrival; transfer from Osaka to Kansai Airport on departure; accommodation for 10 nights based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; meals as specified in the itinerary; transportation by private coach; roundtrip ferry travel to Naoshima Island; sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides; all entrance fees to sites visited with the group; all gratuities for group services; all taxes; books and readings sent to you prior to the tour; discussion sessions with Melanie Blake; fully escorted by our Japanese Tour Director

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Melanie’s Top 5 Experiences in Kyoto

By: Melanie Blake
"Melanie did a ton of valuable research ahead of the trip (mapping out bus routes, etc.), juggled so many tasks cheerfully, always very attentive to people's disparate needs, and always patient and kind." - Traveller
"Melanie juggled many roles with a smile and a can do attitude. I was impressed." - Traveller

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Arrive in Kyoto
2Kyoto: Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple
3Kyoto: Philosopher’s Walk, Museum of Traditional Crafts
4Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Daitoku-ji Temple
5Kyoto: Kodaiji Temple, Zen Meditation and Tea Ceremony
6Kyoto: Tofukuji Temple , Fushimiri Inari Taisha Shrine,
7Town of Uji, ancient city of Nara, continue to Naruto
8Ferry to Naoshima Island
9Excursion to Teshima Island, Teshima Heart archive
10Osaka
11Depart OsakaOptional: Post-tour extension to Tokyo
Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

Melanie Blake is the executive director of Classical Pursuits and organizer of the annual Toronto Pursuits cultural salon. She studied English and French at Fordham University and the Université de Montpellier, and has an MA in literature and linguistics from the University of Nottingham. She loves languages, cocktails, and the unexpected.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Literary Adventures Cultural Explorations Worldwide Explorers Club
Tour Cost (per person):
US$8395  Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
12 - 16 participants

What’s included: Transfer from Kansai Airport to Kyoto on arrival; transfer from Osaka to Kansai Airport on departure; accommodation for 10 nights based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; meals as specified in the itinerary; transportation by private coach; roundtrip ferry travel to Naoshima Island; sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides; all entrance fees to sites visited with the group; all gratuities for group services; all taxes; books and readings sent to you prior to the tour; discussion sessions with Melanie Blake; fully escorted by our Japanese Tour Director

What You'll See:
What You'll Taste:
Where You'll Stay:

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Melanie’s Top 5 Experiences in Kyoto

By: Melanie Blake
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Everyday Beauty: Japanese Art and Culture

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Privacy Policy:

We abide by the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and take your privacy very seriously. We will not share, sell or otherwise make your mailing list subscription information available to any third parties. By submitting your email address, your grant us explicit consent to send you e-newsletters as detailed above. You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link found at the foot of every email that we send to you. You may also withdraw consent by sending an email request to: travel@worldwidequest.com.

We use your address information and details that you provide about your personal preferences or past trips to mail you selected brochures. If at any point you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list, please email or call us toll free at 1-800-387-1483.

We invite you to read our full Privacy Policy.