Our Destinations
Japan
Traditional Culture
Traditional Japanese culture has been introduced to Europe over the past 120 years and has had a strong influence on the arts.
Kyoto
Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. It is home to historical temples, shrines and many stores that have been in business for centuries. Kyoto is the center of the traditional culture even today, and cities that have a more traditional atmosphere like Kyoto are referred to as “ Little Kyotos”.
Many photos of Japan feature Maiko (or Geiko, similar to geisha) with white faces dressed up in dazzling kimono. Kyoto has still five entertainment districts where these maiko or geiko can be hired to entertain with graceful dances and serve sake.
Tradition sits side by side with modern culture in Kyoto. Some old merchant houses known as machiya have been renovated into contemporary restaurants, and it’s popular to create suits and bags using traditional methods of dyeing and weaving. The appeal of Kyoto is its “traditional modernism”.
Bushido
“Bushido” is the samurai code first developed in the Kamakura Period (1192~1333) and codified in Edo Period (1603~1867). Like chivalry, bushido says samurai must have strong loyalty, be courteous, strive to live a simple and frugal life, shun materialism, and be honorable and fair. You might come to a better understanding of these qualities of bushido while you watch a swordsmith make a Japanese sword (swords were considered to be the soul of a samurai) or participate in a staged sword fight.
Some martial arts practiced by millions around the world such as judo, kendo and karate are based on the philosophy of bushido, and are another great way to experience how a samurai might have lived many centuries ago.
Traditional Arts
The traditional arts of Japan have had a strong influence on the West. Multi-colored ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the Edo Period traveled to Europe in the late 19th century and influenced the Impressionists. Ikebana, or flower arrangement, is also popular in Europe.
There are many other types of traditional arts and craftworks as well. Lacquerware is so closely associated with the country that the technique is known as “japanning”, Other examples include mother-of-pearl, ceramics, metal utensils, wooden furniture, bamboo ware, paper, kimono and much more. With the wide variety of art and craftwork in Japan, you are sure to find something special to take home and remind you of your time in the country.
