Kyoto and Tokyo

OVERVIEW

One of Japan’s enduring fascinations is how its millennial history and traditions are complemented by a love of the cutting-edge and contemporary. This is partly explained by a unique spirituality, a rejection of Western influence until the nineteenth century, and the nation’s post-war re-emergence.

On this 13-day tour we explore the interplay of tradition and modernity in two great cities, Kyoto and Tokyo. With long stays in apartment-style accommodation, we unpack our bags to uncover how their history, art, architecture, food and culture reveal Japan’s magnificent past and confident future. In Kyoto, the ‘Florence of Japan’, we appreciate the sophisticated designs of temples and gardens, and how modern artisans are innovating in traditional media such as ink painting and ceramics. In Tokyo we survey outstanding national collections and small museums designed by world-famous architects, and discover how the world’s largest metropolis is a still a mosaic of distinct neighbourhoods.

The tour is rounded out by excursions to the historic capitals of Nara and Nikkō, and is timed to take advantage of the lower visitor numbers. The group size is capped at 16 to facilitate moving around, and we are accompanied by a Japanese-speaking local guide.