Japan: Past & Present-A Cultural Journey from Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is also the most populous city with over 13 million people and is the cultural and financial center of Japan. Originally known as Edo prior to the move of the empire in 1868 from Kyoto, Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with over 23 city sections all connected by an excellent public transit system. While most of ancient Tokyo was destroyed by bombing in WWII, today’s Tokyo is a mix of architectural styles and eclectic structures.

Asakusa
Travel to Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest geisha district, known for its temples, festivals and Entertainment. See the famous Buddhist temple called Senso-ji, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as you take in the sights of amazing old-world Japanese architecture.

Tea Ceremony
Formality and attention to culture and respect are important in Japan and are present in all aspects of the tea ceremony. From the formal bows, to the placement of the cups and utensils, all aspects of the ceremony are critical to the enjoyment. A part of Buddhist beliefs, it is more about the appreciation of the placement, structure and enjoyment than it is the actual drinking of the tea. Typically accompanied by delicately crafted sugary sweets, the tea itself is a green, frothy mixture and only plays a small role in the process.

Ginza


Tokyo National Museum


Bullet Train
In Japan, high speed trains (bullet trains) are called “Shinkansen.” They run at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour and are known to depart on time right to the second.

Ise Grand Shrine


Kaiseki Dinner


Mikimoto Pearl Museum


Ama Pearl Divers Dinner


Kyoto
Once the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is also known as the city of 10,000 shrines. From Buddhist temples to Shinto shrines, Kyoto remains a treasure of Japan with the wide range of historic buildings and gardens protected during the bombings of WWII. Also the center of the Geisha culture, today's visitors can stroll through the former Geisha quarters or try their hand at being a "Geisha for a day" with the locals.

Gion


Arashiyama Bamboo Forest


Golden Pavilion


Women’s Association of Kyoto


Okunoin Cemetery


Monastery Stay


Hiroshima
A modern Japanese city, Hiroshima is most known for being one of two cities hit with an atomic bomb, helping to end the Second World War. Though reclaimed as a cosmopolitan center, the city is never far from its past; amongst the electric neon of its bustling streets, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park is a historical time capsule right in the city center that’s both a dedication to the victims of the bombing and to world peace. The park’s main site, the A-Bomb Dome is the mark of the ruined remains of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The nearby Peace Memorial Museum gives you the opportunity to learn about life in Hiroshima before, during, and after WWII. For those interested in world history, Hiroshima is a must-see.

Okonomiyaki Cooking Class & Lunch


Peace Memorial Park & Museum


Discussion with an A-Bomb Survivor


Osaka
As the third most populous city in Japan, Osaka has a population of just over 3 million. Prior to the Nara Period, Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa and was the first capital city of Japan. Osaka was a merchant and trade town that continues today as a financial hub. Keeping the Japanese respect for green spaces, Osaka is unique in creating "floating gardens" in between skyscrapers and maintaining green spaces on castle grounds.

Japan: Past & Present-A Cultural Journey from Tokyo to Osaka

Prince Park Tower Hotel
4-8-1 Shibakouen Minato, Tokyo, Japan


Nemu Resort
2692-3 Hazako, Hamajima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefe, Ise-Shima, Japan


Hotel Granvia
JR Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan


Sekishoin
571 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Mt. Koya, Japan


ANA Crowne Plaza
7-20 Nakamachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Japan


Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
2-11-50 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Japan