All Yamasa tours change with the seasons, and this tour in particular places emphasis on winter activities. We schedule for variety, so that you do not find yourself doing the same things. Our group size is always small with a very personal feel. This isn't a tourist bus trip but a language travel tour with Yamasa Extension staff. Instead of observing, you take part in activities designed to help not only your language skills, but an appreciation of why the language evolved into its current form by showing the language in its current cultural context. For this reason we mix the old with the new, but always maintain a hands on approach. We aim to include a mix of culture, history, fun/adventure with the opportunity to put your Japanese language skills into practice, and obtain a better understanding of Japan and its culture.
The schedule listed below may change - Holidays, Tour Access or poor weather forecasts may force us to change the order of the tour, substitute an alternative destination, or Museums and other facilities may change their schedules. Weather disruptions in particular may affect travel into the mountain regions, as snow blizzards can disrupt transportation schedules. In each case, we will consult with you before making any substitutions or changes so that you can still select the itinerary that helps you get the most enjoyment from your travel.
ITINERARY - Toyota, Seto
Today we have a close look at two extremes. We first visit Toyota Motor Company - and have a close-up look at the precision, discipline, creativity and proudly displayed traditions of making cars the Toyota way. We then head to the smaller town of Seto and have a close-up look at the precision, discipline, creativity and proudly displayed traditions of making some of the world's most highly regarded ceramics - the Seto way. The two destinations are completely different - but most visitors will also note the similarities in terms of sheer expertise, organization and the determination for perfection.
Toyota Motor Company - Japan's largest automobile manufacturer and
originator of the "Just-in-time" production system, as well as many the
Statistical and Total Quality Control systems that revolutionized
manufacturing methods both in Japan and around the world. This visit
offers you the opportunity to see some of the characteristics of
Japanese social and work cultures and how they interact. The tour itself
is interesting because you are usually above the production line and
have a clear view not only of the line but of the staff - what they do
and the way they work with other staff in the teams.
More about Toyota...
Seto - Why go to Seto? First of all look up the word Setomono in your
Japanese dictionary. "Crockery, earthenware, china(ware), pottery".
"Seto" is the place name, "mono" simply means things. So why would the
language refer to pottery and other ceramics arts in general as being
literally "things from Seto"?
The answer lies in history, and the reputation for excellence that has
been maintained in this thriving ceramics center for many hundreds of
years. Although pottery in Japan has a long tradition stretching back
into the pre-historic Jomon Era, Ceramic Art in Japan really started
when Chinese ceramic techniques were introduced in the early 13th
century, and with the founding of a dedicated kiln in Seto by the master
craftsman Toshiro. Craftworkers in Japan enjoy the same status and
esteem as artists, and their works are highly prized. The ceramics of
Seto remain superlative, much in demand by collectors throughout Japan
and in many circles abroad. Relatively few foreigners visit Seto as transport links
are not as convenient as the "tourist" cities, but it makes it a better place to
use your Japanese and interact with the local people. Not only will you have the
opportunity to watch, but you'll also have the opportunity to make pottery as well.
More about Seto...
Today we begin a two day trip to Uji, Nara and Kyoto. Leaving Okazaki we drive through the Sekigahara Pass to the historic center of Uji. As too much history is never enough we then head to Nara, one of the most important ancient centers of Japan. After taking in the sights, we make our way to Kyoto in the evening and spend Saturday night sampling the bars, clubs and nightlife of the Gion district. If you stay out late (or all night) you can rejoin us in the morning as we head for Kinkaku Temple (the Golden Pavilion). We then spend the rest of Sunday touring the city.
ITINERARY - Uji, Nara
Uji - Byoudou-in Temple -
This small city not far from Kyoto hosts Japan's oldest stone bridge and Byoudou-in Temple. The bridge has been the scene
many clashes in previous centuries between sword wielding Samurai settling differences of opinion. What we
have really come to see though is Byoudou-in - one of Japan's top attractions and a must see for Japanese.
Converted into a temple in 1052 from a villa belonging to the Fujiwara clan, the Phoenix Hall is one of the few surviving
examples of Heian Era (794-1185) architecture in Japan - most of the other buildings were destroyed by Kyoto's neverending
fires and wars. Why the Phoenix? The mythical bird was revered as a protector of Buddha.
You may have already seen this building countless times without realizing it - have a closer look at the 10
yen coin. Inside the Hall is the famous 11th century statue of Amida (the building was finished in 1053 and designed to
represent Amida's heavenly palace in the pure land) and 52 Bosatsu (Bodhisattvas). After we escape the crowds we will
have a quick look at the bridge and thread our way past the teahouses (Uji is famous for its green tea cultivation) and
souvenuir stands and head for Nara.
More about Uji and Byoudou-in Temple...
Nara - Kasuga Taisha - After we manage to make our way past all the deer that will approach you looking for food
handouts (these "sacred" deer are used to being hand fed), we will enter this Shinto shrine that was originally founded by the
Fujiwara family in the 8th century. Rebuilt every 20 years in accordance with Shinto tradition, the shrine is heavily forested
and the paths lined with thousands of stone lanterns.
More about Kasuga Taisha...
Nara - Todaiji - The Daibutsuden Hall is largest wooden building on
earth, home of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) - a statue that is one of the
largest bronze images ever made. The Daibutsu dates from the year 746,
is around 16 meters high and is said to contain 130 kilograms of gold
and 437 tons of bronze. Despite it's huge size, the statue contains a
lot of fine detail. Also at Todaiji are the famous Nio guardians - huge
fierce looking statues carved from wood in the 13th century by a
sculptor named Unkei and considered amongst the finest wood carvings
anywhere.
More about Todaiji...
Nara - Neiraku Art Museum & Isui-en Garden -
This museum has a beautiful garden dating from the Meiji era with Todaiji and the forested hills in the background. We will
take a break here and enjoy some green tea sitting on the tatami mats overlooking the garden. The museum also has a collection
of Chinese bronze works and Korean ceramic artworks.
More about Neiraku & Isui-en...
ITINERARY - Kyoto
If you stayed out late the previous night, you are still of course advised to join us for breakfast as we have a busy day ahead. First thing in the morning is Kinkaku-ji, we then go to Nijo Castle, Heian-Jingu shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kinkaku Temple -
Popularly known as the Golden Pavilion, the temple was originally a villa owned by Yoshimitsu, the 3rd Shogun of
Ashikaga who abdicated in 1394. The villa was completed in 1397 and was later
converted into a Zen temple in accordance with his will. Although it isn't mentioned in the brochures provided, the
current building is not the original as a young monk was so obsessed with Kinkaku-ji that he burnt it to the
ground in 1950 destroying himself and all he loved. It was of course immediately rebuilt and the reconstruction finished in 1955 following the exact original
design, with extended gold foil covering, and the gold and lacquer work was restored as recently as 1987.
The temple received world heritage listing in 1994.
More about Kinkaku-ji...
Nijo Castle -
Ieyasu (the first Tokugawa shogun), born in Okazaki castle
just 15 minutes from where Yamasa's campus is located, built this castle
to demonstrate his power and prestige - as great as that of the emperor.
The castle features the famous 'nightingale floors' - would be assassins
were detected by the squeaking floorboards - and numerous concealed
chambers and passages for his bodyguards.
More about Nijo Castle...
Heian-Jingu shrine -
Established in the Meiji era to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the city's founding.
The buildings are designed to replicate the Imperial Palace of the Heian era (794-1185).
More about Heian-Jingu...
Kiyomizu-dera Temple -
First built in 798, the current buildings date from 1633. One of the most famous landmarks of the city, this temple is renowned for its magnificent veranda out over the hillside
constructed with hundreds of pillars without a single steel nail. Just below the hall is the Otawa waterfall - visitors drink or bathe in the
sacred waters as the waters are believed to be therapeutic. A popular part of the temple is the Jishu shrine.
It is said that you can ensure your success in love if you can walk 18 meters between 2 stones with your eyes closed.
Its probably best to try this before the Kyoto winter encourages you to sample the warming sake and local delicacies
sold nearby.
More about Kiyomizu-dera...
ITINERARY - Arimatsu, Handa, Tokoname
After weeks of studying and then 3 days of travelling, you might be a little bit tired. So today we spend a more relaxing day looking at some of the traditional crafts of Japan. In the morning we visit...
Arimatsu Shibori Museum
Here we will look at textiles and the different kinds of traditional
dyeing techniques that are displayed. The basic technique of Arimatsu Shibori is a form of tye dying.
Most of the artisans of Arimatsu worked out of their houses, meaning that the architecture of the town is quite unique and
is in itself protected as a national treasure.
More about Arimatsu...
Kunizakari Brewery Museum
Looking at craft is thirsty work. So we move on to one of Japan's most celebrated crafts - the well regarded
art of sake brewing.
You will learn about the process of making fine rice wines and of course taste some of the local sake
in the brewery house which was established in 1844.
More about Kunizakari Brewery...
Shiho Ningyo Museum
We sober up while looking at the scenery as we drive via the Kinu-ura Bridge to see Ningyo.
Here you will see thousands of gorgeous Japanese traditional dolls in a 5-story museum. Many of the dolls are placed in
miniature model settings.
More about Shiho Ningyo...
ITINERARY - Ski ni ikimashou!
4 consecutive days of History, Culture, Art... Your Japanese is improving but its time for a break. Yes we get down to the much more serious business of fun. Its mid-winter, so what better way to get into the mood than by heading for the snow fields. If you haven't skiied before, or aren't an experienced skier - no problem. Lessons are all included.
Japan Alps in Nagano or Gifu Prefecture - Which "ski-jo" we go to will depend in part of weather and snow conditions, and also on the ski/snowboard or winter sports history
of the group members. For example if we have beginners as well as experienced skiers, then we will head for a skifield offering
a wide range of suitable ski runs. If you don't want to ski, we will also ensure that a suitable destination can cater for your preferences as well.
Skiing is a major sport in Japan, the country has hosted the winter Olympics twice and there are more than 350 ski resorts, including many with world class runs and facilities.
By heading for the ski slopes on a week day - you get to enjoy the facilities without the crowds.
More about Skiing...
ITINERARY - Atsuta, Osu
Our first stop is Atsuta Jingu, a shrine holding the sacred grass cutting sword, then we head to the fine china of the Noritake Craft Center. After lunch we head to the temple of Osu-Kannon, the remainder of the afternoon involves ice skating and/or shopping in Osu - an area noted for discount electronics and other items.
Atsuta Jingu
This shrine holds the sacred grass cutting sword (kusanagi-no-tsurugi) that with the curved jewels and sacred mirror
comprise the Japanese emperor's imperial regalia. According to mythology the sword was handed down to the imperial family
by the goddess Amaterasu Omikami - a mythology that has been central to the survival and durability of the imperial lineage.
We will not be able to see the sword (only the Emperor and some select Shinto priests ever do), but will be able to see some
Shinto and Tokugawa era artifacts.
More about Atsuta Jingu...
Noritake Craft Center
Founded by Baron Ichizaemon Morimura in 1904, Noritake is Japan's best known manufacturer of porcelain tableware and began
production of high quality China in 1910. Known for most of its history as Morimura Brothers, the popularity of the chinaware,
and its identification with the little village of Noritake became so great that the company officially changed its name to
Noritake Company in 1981. Although Noritake now make their products all around the world,
the craft center gives you the opportunity to see the production line and the company's origins.
More about Noritake Craft Center...
Osu-Kannon
Established by order of Emperor Godiago (1318-39), and dedicated
to Sugawara Michizane (Tenjin-sama 845-903) as a god of education. It was later endowed by Oda Nobunaga.
The treasure house stores approximately 15 thousand Japanese and Chinese
classical books including the oldest known copy of Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters). The principal image of Osu kannon is a statue of Kanzeon-bosatsu carved by kobo-daishi, a priest in the
Heian era. Commonly called kannon-sama (the goddess of mercy,the salvation goddess), its facial
expression is tender and gentle.
Levee banks constructed to protect the Tokugawa family in Owari caused repreated flooding, as a result the temple was relocated
to its present site by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612. His ulterior motive may have been to strengthen the strongholds protecting the southern
flank of Nagoya Castle.
More about Osu-Kannon...
Skating, Osu Shopping
After we finish visiting Osu-Kannon, you can either go ice-skating or shopping. The ice skating rink here is the same one
where Japanese figure skater Midori Ito learnt to skate. If skating isn't your thing,
Osu is a great place for shopping, particularly for electronics.
This part of Nagoya wasn't bombed during WWII, and so the narrow streets and shop fronts give a good idea of what Nagoya
used to be like - the rest of Nagoya has broad tree lined streets laid out in a grid pattern.
More about Skating...
More about Osu Shopping...
ITINERARY - Oku-Mikawa
We leave the city behind us and head into the remote area of the Oku-Mikawa - visiting places that do not have public transport and are rarely visited by foreigners (or many Japanese).
Okutono Jinya
Our first stop is for some warming green tea beside the ponds in the gardens of Okutono Jinya
in the heart of a 1300 year village.
More about Okutono Jinya...
Mountains in Oku-Mikawa
We then head into the mountains and head towards a peak giving a
panoramic view over the vast plains of Nagoya. Depending on snow depth
we may need to use some snow shoes to cover the track from the carpark
to the peak (it's not too far), but if we are very lucky we may also get
to see some wildlife including monkeys or deer.
More about the mountains...
Onsen
Yes it is cold up there, so our next stop is a small mountain village where we are going to soak in a natural hot spring
bath (Onsen) and get ready
to feast on some of the local food and delicacies.
More about Oku-Mikawa...
ITINERARY - Nagoya
Today we first of all head off to the Tokugawa Art Museum and take in one of the largest collections of Art in Japan. We tour the vast Asahi Beer factory, and sample the brews. Lastly we head to "Towers" for those final souvenuirs...
We then depart for the Nagano Ski Fields. Its a long drive, but by leaving tonight we get to wake up surrounded by snow, ready to put the boots on and hit the slopes.
Tokugawa Art Museum
Home to many of the family heirlooms of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa
family. Few of the other branches of the family had closer ties to the
Shogun. The Owari family ruled their fief from the ultra strategic
Nagoya Castle right throughout the Edo period (1603-1868). There are so
many pieces of art that they can't all be shown at the same time; as a
result the collection is constantly changing as exhibits are rotated.
Although Nagoya was heavily bombed during WWII due to its importance as
an aircraft manufacturing center, the museum and its collection survived.
Some of the most fascinating objects are those inherited directly from
Ieyasu himself. In addition to the ceramics, sculpture, lacquerware etc,
the family also managed to preserve items such as most of the existing
sections of the Illustrated Tale of Genji. (12th century). All in all,
it is one very impressive art collection.
More about the Tokugawa Art Museum...
Asahi Brewery
One of the largest breweries open for tours, the Asahi Brewing company keeps millions of beer drinkers happy throughout
central Japan. The objective of the tour is to find out why. We observe the beer making process, watch the workers coordinate the production and distribution
and then taste the results. If you are very curious, we recommend that you conduct a thorough investigation of
the taste of each Asahi beer.
More about the Asahi Brewery...
"Towers"
These massive twin towers in central Nagoya contain department stores, boutiques, restaurants, observation decks and just about
everything else you can think of. From the top we will look out over the city, before we make our way back down to
enjoy the food and go shopping before we head to Nagano for the weekend skiing.
More about "Towers"...
ITINERARY - Skiing/Snowboarding
If your total skiing experience is from Monday, or if you aren't an experienced skier - no problem. There are
wide, gentle slopes for beginners as well as challenging runs for experienced skiers. If you want to spend the day snowboarding
this is also no problem. All costs for skiing including the equipment hire, lift passes and optional lessons are included.
The main objective is to have fun - take in the scenery of the Japan Alps - and practice your Japanese as well!
After we finish skiing for the day we sample the local foods, and then soak in the hot springs.
More about Skiing...
ITINERARY - Skiing/Snowboarding
Another day of skiing or snowboarding with some time off for shopping in the mountain village.
We will stop for our farewell dinner midway back to Okazaki. The tour is completed when we arrive back in Okazaki.
More about Skiing...