Zenbu Zen Kyoto Japan

Transcription

1 Zenbu Zen Kyoto Japan EXCLUSIVE CUISINE AND CULTURE 12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS JANUARY 2015

2 Reconnect and recharge in blissful Kyoto accompanied by Jane Lawson - author of Zenbu Zen - Finding Food, Culture and Balance in Kyoto published by Murdoch Books. This women only tour has been designed for those in need of a peaceful, fun and luxurious break after a period of stress or simply due to an all-too-hectic life schedule. Encircled by snow-capped mountains, Kyoto in winter provides magical vistas, alpine air, seasonal delicacies and the opportunity to wander minus the crowds of spring and autumn. Experience the beauty in simplicity and be cocooned, nurtured and inspired by this mystical city of layered textures, fascinating culture and enveloping history. Our leisurely paced itinerary allows time for reflection, relaxation and pampering and if the inaugural 2014 tour is anything to go by there will be plenty of laughter! Enjoy scenic strolls, stopping as we feel inclined at cosy cafes and elegant teahouses to chat about life and the universe Appreciate the elegance of authentic and contemporary Kyoto cuisine Learn how to meditate in a stunningly serene Zen temple Observe the art of tea ceremony and traditional Japanese dance Realign body and mind with the help of ancient Japanese treatments such as shiatsu (massage) and Hari (acupuncture) Shop for artisan ceramics, antiques or stunning contemporary home-wares Float around galleries and museums Or simply soak up the atmosphere of a city lost in time... IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU? Are you female? Looking to relax, rejuvenate, reconnect and have a few laughs? Into great food and fascinating culture? Perhaps a spot of shopping? Then climb aboard the Zenbu Zen recliner.

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4 Tour itinerary DAY 1 Tuesday 20st January 2015 The tour starts this evening with a welcome drink in the bar of the stunning Hyatt Regency Hotel Kyoto our home away from home for the next 11 nights. Afterwards we shall move into the hotel s elegant Touzan Restaurant for our first dinner together a selection of local specialities. DAY 2 Wednesday 21st January 2015 After a sumptuous buffet breakfast in The Grill overlooking a tranquil Japanese courtyard garden we will be joined by a local guide for a walking tour of the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountain) area. We will start with a visit to one of Kyoto s most popular temples - Kiyomizu Dera and adjacent cobblestoned lanes lined with local ceramics, crafts and foodstuffs. We ll continue on to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine through wellpreserved traditional streets. After lunch we will we will step back in time with a stroll through Gion Kyoto s most famous Geisha quarter before making our way to a quaint teahouse to meet and chat with a charming Maiko-san (trainee Geisha) who will also perform a brief tea ceremony demonstration. Tonight we will sample some truly local Izakaya fare. DAY 3 Thursday 22rd January 2015 After breakfast we will travel to a peaceful Zen temple complex at the western edge of Kyoto city for a short lesson in Zazen (seated meditation) and chat about Buddhist philosophy, life and the universe with one fascinatingly modern monk. We shall lunch at a restaurant highly renowned for superb Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Vegetarian cuisine). The afternoon is yours to wander or join me on a saunter through a sprawling underground food hall to gaze into the cabinets that house jewel-like Wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionary) and lacquered senbei (rice crackers) and resist the urge to purchase every beautifully packaged item in the store. We ll enjoy a little free time for shopping before tucking into a dinner of crisp, golden Tonkatsu showcasing the best of Kyoto s sweet, sweet pig! DAY 4 Friday 23th January 2015 This morning we ll head up town where I ll walk and talk you through the wonderful Nishiki-koji food market, known to the locals as Kyoto daidokoro or Kyoto s kitchen. Expect an eye popping assortment of supremely fresh seafood, meats, pickles, tofu, miso, Kyoto s renowned vegetable varieties and many other local delicacies. If beautiful hand-crafted knives are your thing be sure to bring along some yen as we will visit a store famous for knives, artisan cookware and utensils. Our early lunch will be crisp, ethereal Tempura seafood and seasonal Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables) at a nearby traditional inn. After lunch we will visit a wonderful design store then the next few hours are yours at leisure perhaps take advantage of the nearby covered shopping arcades for a wander or just relax. For those who are interested in joining me I ll visit an intoxicating incense store and a traditional paper shop. Tonight we ll enjoy some of the best Yakitori (grilled chicken) offerings in Kyoto town.

5 DAY 5 Saturday 24th January 2015 Enjoy a full day at leisure giving you the opportunity to pamper yourself in the Riraku Spa or discover more of Kyoto s personality. If you haven t had your fill, there are more temples and shrines than you can poke a stick at but there are also plenty of photogenic laneways to explore. Take a walk along the Kamo River, meander through a gallery or museum, visit Nijo Castle or relax in one of Kyoto s wonderful cafes. Perhaps take a bus north of Kyoto through picturesque farming areas to the village of Ohara. Visit serenely beautiful Sanzen-in temple, breathe in the alpine area and explore the garden. On the way back to the bus you ll have the chance to wander in and out of the charming stalls and shops that line the walkway. We ll meet up again this evening for a delicious dinner. DAY 6 Sunday 25th January 2015 The morning is yours to lay in and read a book, be pampered in the hotel s superb Riraku Spa or perhaps visit Sanjusangendo temple right next-door. Or. Rug up and join me for an early departure to the famous Kitano Tenmangu Temple Flea Market to rub shoulders with the locals and search for antique treasures and trinkets. Before wandering through Kamishichiken, a small Geisha quarter, and returning to the hotel to deposit our goodies. We ll enjoy lunch together at a charming Japanese/ French restaurant (Did you know that Kyoto is sister city to Paris?) then afterwards you are free to roam or come along with me as I visit one of my favourite gallery shops showcasing local artists home-centric wares made from ceramics, glass and metals then while away the remainder of the day perusing the quaint local district, also known for its antiques and artisan wares. Perhaps we ll stop somewhere gorgeous for a drink on route to casual dinner. DAY 7 Monday 26th January 2015 After breakfast we ll visit the stupendous Heian Shrine and its stroll garden so peaceful in the winter months. Afterwards, I ve persuaded a friend, one of the rare foreigners to be accepted into the closed world of Nihon Buyoh (traditional Japanese dance), to privately perform for us. Afterwards she ll join our group for a healthy, casual lunch, the best hot chocolate ever and a chat about Kyoto life. The afternoon is at your leisure. Or walk with me to the nearby Kyoto Handicraft centre brimming with books, woodblock prints and other traditional and modern Japanese crafts and Kyo-centric souvenirs or perhaps we ll slip in a visit to one of my favourite, lesser known temples for a little contemplation time on the tatami. Tonight we ll visit the architecturally wondrous Kyoto station building for an early dinner at one of the many casual restaurants perhaps Ramen Alley for rich noodle soup and Gyoza? Did I mention the stretch of underground shopping arcades? Or the luscious takeaway desserts from the glossy Isetan department store?

6 DAY 8 Tuesday 27th January 2015 After breakfast we ll travel to the western edge of Kyoto city and take a morning stroll around scenic Arashiyama town area, including the bamboo forest, moon-crossing bridge and perhaps the villa of one of Japan s famous B&W movie stars set in sprawling gardens with an incredible bird s eye view over Kyoto. The morning s exercise promises to help us work up an appetite for leisurely lunching on some of Kyoto s most creative Kaiseki fare bring a sense of curiosity and an open mind for this stunning experience. The afternoon will be yours for resting or exploring until we meet up for a light dinner perhaps homemade soba noodles. DAY 9 Wednesday 28th January 2015 Another full day of leisure for you to enjoy as you wish. Further pampering in the spa perhaps? Shiatsu, Acupuncture? You might feel inspired to take a short trip to spirit dense Fushimi Inari Shrine or Uji, famous for the Byodoin Temple area and green tea if its green tea sweets, soba or ice cream you are hankering for you are guaranteed to find it here! A little further afield is the ancient town of Nara (Japan s capital before Kyoto and then Tokyo) either hop on the train or join a guided tour for an amazing history lesson and a chance to frolic with free roaming sacred deer! Just be back in time for tonight s fine dining experience. DAY 10 Thursday 29th January 2015 After breakfast we will be transported to a small village on the outskirts of Kyoto for the day including a home cooked lunch in a private house. A unique and local experience in the Japanese countryside. This evening we will return to Kyoto city and visit the atmospheric, lantern lit alley of Pontocho with a chance of spotting Geiko and Maiko making their way to appointments. Afterwards we will enjoy melt in the mouth Wagyu Beef grilled over our own charcoal hibachi. Perhaps we will conclude the evening by sampling some fine Japanese Whiskey, Sake or Umeshu (Plum wine) together. DAY 11 Friday 30st January 2015 Today, after leisurely breakfast, we ll visit a special museum, once the breathtaking home and studio of a famous Kyoto ceramic artist - before enjoying a final wander through the ancient streets and sharing lunch together. The afternoon is yours to do with as you wish. Perhaps take the time to contemplate our journey together with a stroll along the tree lined Path of Philosophy or spend a few hours trawling through one of Kyoto s bookstores offering a wide selection of books on Japanese cuisine, culture, architecture, design and curiosities! I challenge you not to leave with a bundle of magazines clutched to your chest! Our farewell dinner will be held at the fabulous Trattoria Sette in our very own hotel. A relaxing and fun way to spend our last evening.

7 DAY 12 Saturday 31st January 2015 Enjoy a sleep-in before we say Sayonara. The rest of the day is yours for last minute shopping or to practice your newly learned Zen meditation skills on a sunny temple deck until your departure homewards. Sayonara Tour price $9,150 AUS / PER PERSON $8,750 AUS / PER PERSON / TWIN SHARE WHAT IS INCLUDED This tour is guided by Jane Lawson. Prices relate to land cost only and is inclusive of the following: 11 night s luxury accommodation at the Kyoto Hyatt Regency Hotel including tax Taxi or private bus travel between destinations included in the itinerary. Travel during leisure time is at your own cost. Voucher to Riraku Spa in the Hyatt Regency Hotel A welcome drink 11 gourmet buffet breakfasts 11 dinners featuring a variety of Japanese dishes 8 lunches featuring a variety of Japanese dishes Private Nihon Buyoh performance and talk about life in Kyoto Full day tour to a small village in the Japanese countryside Walk and talk tour of Nishiki market and local food hall Visit to Kitano Tenmangu Flea market and walk through Kamishikien Geisha quarter Sushi and sashimi demonstration Zazen instruction, Buddhist philosophy talk and guided tour through private temple Tour with additional local guide through historically significant Higashiyama area and Gion A chat with Maiko including tea ceremony demonstration with matcha and Wagashi (whisked green tea and traditional sweet) A walk around Arashiyama area, the bamboo forest and Movie Star Villa/Garden A stroll around the antiques district and a visit to several of Jane s favourite design and craft stores All temple and garden entry fees as per itinerary Japanese Whiskey and Plum wine tasting A signed copy of Jane s book Zenbu Zen Finding Food, Culture and Balance in Kyoto on full payment Insider knowledge and a peek inside Jane s head and heart and why she loves Kyoto so! Plus a few surprises along the way

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9 Important Booking Information Jane is working together with the lovely Daisuke-san from Pitt Travel in Sydney who will handle your booking. He is also able to assist you with flights, transfers and travel insurance. CONTACT Daisuke s is: pitt@pitt-travel.com.au His phone number is Jane s is janelawsonfood@bigpond.com.au Bookings are not confirmed until a 25% deposit has been made. Full payment is required by Monday 20th October Members of the Zenbu Zen group will receive a detailed itinerary closer to departure time. Between payment and departure Jane will also send members some helpful information about local customs, what to expect weather wise and similar topics. Further details and orientation will be shared by Jane during the welcome drinks and dinner on the first night. While we will do our very best to stick to the itinerary as published there may be some shuffling around until we have all restaurant booking requests confirmed so we ask for your understanding. MORE IMPORTANT STUFF This tour requires a minimum of 6 people to run and will we take a maximum of 8. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if the minimum number of registrants is not met. However, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure unless unforseen disaster occurs! All activities experienced in your leisure time including transport will be at your own expense. All alcoholic beverages except those mentioned within the itinerary will be at your own expense. Unless I m drunk and feeling generous All tour participants must provide proof of a valid passport & travel insurance All tour participants should feel comfortable with long days and lots of walking including stairs/inclines and uneven surfaces at times All participants are advised to bring along relevant Doctor s prescriptions if carrying strong / important medication Please note: Sadly we cannot recommend this tour to those people with dining restrictions and sensitivities. This tour has been designed for those wishing to experience a wide variety of authentic foodstuffs.

10 FOR MORE INFORMATION JANE LAWSON Photography courtesy of Cath Muscat and Jane Lawson copyright 2013