Few days go by in which the word Japan is not heard
somewhere. Whether the subject is trade, travel, cuisine, the
arts or simply Japanese imports, the country seems to infiltrate
a myriad of conversations every day of the year. Still, the fact
remains that Japan is somewhat of an enigma to the Western
world. What is this tiny country on the other side of the earth?
Is it the giant producer of cars, computers, and a dynamic
array of sleek electronics that rival those of the west? Or, is it a
land rich in tradition where the geisha and the bonsai, the
punctilious tea ceremony and the delicate art arrangement
signify some of its finest. Is it a land of popular culture, in
some ways more Western than Asian, or has it gracefully
smoothed its relations with the outside world while retaining a
strong sense of its ancestry?
Only in the last 140 years has Japan opened its ornate doors to
the Western world, offering a unique glimpse into all that is
wonderful about this magnificent country. What visitors will
find is a brilliant synthesis of East and West, which sometimes
proves overwhelming upon introduction. However, pull one
layer at a time and discover the many riches of this amazing
country; each layer offering a new surprise.
TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR JOURNEY CALL : (800) 420-5993
JAPAN: INTRODUCTION
