Go behind the mask of contemporary Japan to discover the nation’s artistic, religious and cultural heritage in the company of an expert. Sample local cuisine, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, and spend a night in a typical ryokan in the ‘Japanese Alps’.

In a brand new tour for 2014, we begin in Tokyo and make our way to Kyoto, visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples against a blaze of of Japanese autumnal colour. In the isolated mountain village of Shirakawa-go we admire the unique architecture that has earned World Heritage site status, whilst in Kyoto the Nijo-jo Castle reveals the power and prestige of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Not neglecting Japan’s place in modern culture, we visit the brand new 21st century Museum of Modern Art and the Suzuki Daisetsu Museum in Kanazawa. We will also observe how ancient craft skills have survived and developed through the centuries, with visits to workshops including a Living National Treasure potter whose family has made the distinctive rustic Shigaraki ware for over 400 years.

Our visits will be enriched by the expert company of Dr Meri Arichi, Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, who will share both her knowledge of Japan’s art and culture, and her passion for the country itself.

Japan In Autumn: Art, Temples & Gardens, October 31 – November 16, 2014, £4390

For more information and a full itinerary please see our website: http://www.aceculturaltours.co.uk/tourdetails/4200

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NOTES TO EDITORS

• Established in 1958, ACE Cultural Tours is the most experienced cultural tours travel operator in the UK, offering more than 200 worldwide tours annually.
• Owned by the charitable organisation, the ACE Foundation, all of our surplus is used to support educational projects in the UK and worldwide.
• Our ATOL number is 10204, and our ABTOT number is 5237.
• Visit the ACE Cultural Tours website here: www.aceculturaltours.co.uk
• Visit the ACE Foundation website here: http://www.acefoundation.org.uk
• Contact: Kate Price Thomas, kate@aceculturaltours.co.uk