Beauty in Kyōto, Spring (March-April) & Autumn (November)
Tour led by Japanese art specialist Dr.Gary Hickey and long-term Kyōto resident Haruyo Maeda.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s most beautiful cities this tour will be based in Kyōto, the ancient capital of Japan and the home of the imperial court from the eighth to the nineteenth century. Whilst in Kyōto we will explore the rich and varied culture of this awe-inspiring city. The tour will include visits to temples and shrines seldom visited by tourists. Drawing upon their knowledge of this city Gary and Haruyo will outline what makes it so unique. The tour will include visits to art museums, galleries as well as artist and craft studios. |
 A rich mix of both old and new Kyōto offers the visitor an understanding of not only the cultural legacy of its history but how this tradition has informed modern Japan through architecture, the arts and crafts as well as popular culture. Part of the appeal of Kyōto is how its beauty is enhanced by the changing of the seasons. Surrounded by wooded hills, in Kyōto there is a heightened awareness of seasonal beauty in autumn foliage and the greenery and blossoming flowers of spring. For this reason we have scheduled two tours each year in order to experience seasonal change as celebrated in Kyoto through activities such as excursions to scenic places like temple gardens.
Further, there will be the opportunity to enhance this experience through talks by Gary that will provide a context for appreciation of Kyoto’s arts, crafts and cuisine, for which it is justifiably renowned.
Part of the tour will include trips to other cities and towns such as Hikone, Kanazawa, Ise, Takayama, Magome and Nara to visit traditional buildings, castles, art museums and enjoy traditional theatre performances. On these trips there will be ample time to appreciate regional differences by eating delicious local food, viewing distinctive arts and crafts whilst staying in traditional inns.
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