A taste of the samurai life and culture
Maggie Barnett
Tours & Cruises
August 28, 2005
TRACE the path of the samurai on an upscale cultural tour of Japan
that follows the historic Tokaido, the main road of feudal Japan.
The 11-day Esprit Tours & Travel tour, which begins Nov. 4 in Tokyo,
travels by train to Hakone, Ise and Kyoto. In feudal times, the
Tokaido (the Eastern Sea Road) was the highway traveled between the
old imperial capital, Kyoto, where the emperor lived, and Tokyo,
where the shogun lived.
"Our tours do things that people couldn't do on their own. They just
wouldn't have the opportunity," said tour representative Nancy
Craft. "For example, in Kyoto we visit the home of an international
calligraphy master who is a performance artist."
While in Tokyo, participants will tour Sensoji Temple (also known as
Asakusa Kannon Temple) and the Meiji Shrine; they'll visit the Edo-
Tokyo Museum and shopping districts, including the trendy Omotesando-
dori area.
They'll also visit the Tsukiji wholesale fish market and Takashimaya
gourmet market.
The next stop is Hakone, a resort area known for its mineral baths
and home to several museums and an outdoor sculpture garden.
They'll take a cable-car ride to view Mt. Fuji and Owakudani Crater,
returning by boat on Lake Ashi.
They will travel along the coast to Ise, visit Ise-Shima National
Park and tour Toba's Mikimoto Pearl Island.
In Kyoto, tour participants will stop at Ginkaku-ji (the Silver
Pavilion), Jodo Temple and several Zen monasteries.
They will attend a private traditional tea ceremony at the Moss
Temple (Kokedera), where they will try the art of calligraphy and
tour the moss gardens.
Cost: $5,150 per person, double occupancy ($1,050 single surcharge),
including accommodations, most meals, train transportation,
bilingual guides, admissions and excursions. International airfare
is not included.
Contact: Esprit Travel & Tours, Los Angeles; (800) 377-7481,
http://www.esprittravel.com .