Watercolors
Cherry Blossoms in Japan
April 3 – 13, 2004

AN ARTIST’S PALETTE

Watercolor is an artistic tradition that spans the chronicles of history. Primitive man used pigments mixed with water to create cave paintings by applying the paint with fingers, sticks and bones. Ancient Egyptians used water-based paints to decorate the walls of temples and tombs and created some of the first works on paper, made of papyrus. But it was in the Far East that the first watercolor schools became a true art form.
     In centuries past, Japanese masters painted on silk as well as exquisite handmade paper. Their art was filled with literary allusion and calligraphy, but the primary image was typically a contemplative landscape. Rather than simply recreating what they saw, the artists manipulated the landscape with controlled order and evenly distributed detail, turning scenery into a decorative composition. One look at a watercolor is to transport the viewer to the ancient land of Nippon hundreds of years earlier.
     Japan has certainly changed over the years, but there is still much beauty to be found even in its modern trappings. Tokyo gleams like a shining new modern art sculpture, with electronic billboards painting the night sky in a wild rainbow of neon colors. With 10 million people, Tokyo’s sheer level of energy is the most striking aspect of Japan's capital city, yet ancient traditions exist side-by-side with all the modern hustle and bustle, and one isn’t surprised to see women in bright kimonos scurrying alongside dark-suited businessmen.
     Neon colors begin to soften upon leaving Tokyo behind. Kyoto beckons with its rich shades of red, from the brick-colored tiles on roofs to the deep mahogany hues in its unbelievable collection of 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and trio of palaces. If you're seeking the mist-shrouded enchantment of old Japan, this is the place.
     Out in the countryside, the delicate pastels of a meticulously manicured garden and the deep green of the forests suggest a world happily shrugging off its winter coat. And far off in the distance, white snowcaps cling tenaciously to the top of Mt. Fuji even as the cool mountain air begins to warm up. Springtime brings the glorious colors of the Cherry Blossoms, a season when Japan fully blooms into an artist’s creation.

THE ITINERARY

Saturday, April 3, 2004
Leave Home

Board an international flight from your home city bound for Tokyo, arriving tomorrow.

Sunday, April 4, 2004
Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive at Narita/New Tokyo International Airport. After clearing customs you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to our hotel in the colorful business and shopping district Shinjuku in west Tokyo. This evening take a brief walk in the Shinjuku area, known for its brilliant neon signs and countless restaurants, clubs, and shops. Later, enjoy our Welcome Dinner at Japanese style pub. Overnight at the Keio Plaza Intercontinental, which will be our home for the first three days of the tour.     (Dinner included)

Monday, April 5, 2004
Tokyo Sightseeing

On a sightseeing tour visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and stroll through the quaint Nakamise Arcade. In lovely Ueno Park, enjoy a hanami (meaning “flower viewing”) party, a traditional Japanese celebration held under the trees during Cherry Blossom season. After lunch, enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River passing under 12 unique bridges. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, April 6, 2004
Free Day

Today is entirely free for personal exploration of Tokyo and its surrounding environs. Some suggestions for sightseeing include the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the Sumo Wrestling Museum, the Bonsai Gardens, the Tsukiji Central Fish Market (the largest and busiest in the world) or one of the massive indoor wave pools. Techno-geeks won’t want to miss the Sony Building, which has every electronic gizmo ever invented and a few yet-to-be-sold prototypes available to test in interactive displays.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Kamakura / Hakone

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by motorcoach for Kamakura, the political center of Japan during the 12th and 13th centuries, and the birthplace of samurai culture. Within the city there are 26 national historic sights, including the Great Image of Buddah and a shrine honoring the patron god of the samurai. Proceeding on to Hakone, ride on the second-longest cable car system in the world over a spectacular volcanic landscape to Owakudani Hot Spring Valley, with its bubbling mud pots and boiling streams. Afterwards, take a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi for views of Mt. Fuji off in the distance. Overnight at the Hakone Palace Hotel.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Thursday, April 8, 2004
Mt. Fuji / Kyoto

You will want to pack a day bag for personal items you want today, while we send the rest of our luggage onward to Kyoto. After breakfast take a sightseeing tour to Mt. Fuji, where we take time to walk on the slopes of Japan’s most famous landmark. In the afternoon we board a bullet train bound for Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Upon arrival, check-in to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. Overnight at the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto, our home for three nights.     (Breakfast)

Friday, April 9, 2004
Kyoto

With so many temples, shrines, and museums, Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. There is no way to see it all, but a full-day sightseeing tour will include many of the city’s treasures. Visit the Zen Buddhist Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu Shrine (one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites), and the Shogunate palace of Nijo Castle. Have Japanese tea at Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, and see a performance of Miyako Odori (traditional Japanese dance honoring the Cherry Blossoms). The evening is free.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, April 10, 2004
Nara

Today visit Nara, a beautiful and ancient cultural center cherished by the Japanese people and one of the oldest cities in the world. Visit Todaiji Temple (the world’s largest wooden building) and its Great Buddah, Kasuga Shrine, and Nara-koen Park, with its herd of 1,200 deer. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon. Take a fascinating walk along Pontocho Street at dusk, a very narrow street lined with Geisha bars, with an inescapably romantic Old World feel.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, April 11, 2004
Hiroshima / Miyajima

Today pack an overnight bag and leave the rest of your luggage behind at our Kyoto hotel. After breakfast, leave Kyoto on a bullet train bound for Hiroshima, where we tour the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. In the afternoon, cruise to Miyajima Island for dinner at a ryokan (or traditional Japanese inn). Overnight at Miyajima Seaside Hotel.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Monday, April 12, 2004
Return to Kyoto / Farewell Dinner

This morning take a walking tour of Miyajima island, whose famous floating Shinto shrine gate is one of the most photographed attractions in Japan and, with the Misen-san peak in the background, is considered one of Japan’s “three best views.” The island has remarkably tame deer that even wander the streets of the small town. The ascent of Misen-san (1740 ft.) is the island’s finest walk, although the uphill part of the round trip can be done by cable car (optional). This afternoon board a bullet train in Hiroshima bound for Kyoto. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at Shabu Shabu restaurant with a view of a Japanese garden. We'll have a wonderful celebration together as we say “sayonara” to Japan.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Departure

The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours provides one group departure to the Kansai International Airport near Kyoto.     (Breakfast)