S P E CIAL ADV E RT I S I NG S E CT I O N

Japan YOUR WAY

IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION IMMERSE YOURSELF IN RICH CULTURE AND HERITAGE ON A JOURNEY TO HISTORIC KYOTO AND HIDDEN GEMS KANAZAWA AND WAJIMA.

KANAZAWA KYOTO TOKYO

From left: Hanami-koji Street in Kyotos Gion district; wagashi sweets; Yuzen Dyeing.

LIVING HISTORY:

Kyoto
Seek out unique and exquisite cultural traditions such as Yuzen Dyeing, a centuries-old handicraft in which colorful dyed fabric patterns resemble ne Japanese painting. Admire individually hand-drawn examples, or browse for Yuzen-dyed kimonos and other wares at shops like Okaju. Relish authentic Japanese tea and a stylish bite to eat any time of day at Iyemon Salon Kyoto on Sanjo-dori Street. For a treat, try wagashi, traditional confections famous for their delicate handmade beauty. And pick up souvenirsfrom handbags to dolls dressed in vintage kimonosat Kurochiku, a crafts shop with locations throughout Kyoto City.

Begin your journey of discovery in Kyoto, where the ancient capitals 1,200-year history dovetails with contemporary culture and style. Here, centuries-old temples and shrines sit alongside fashionable restaurants, cafs, shops, and innsmany of them tucked into repurposed 19th-century machiya, or wooden merchants houses. A dening example of Japanese folk architecture, the typical Kyoto machiya has earthen walls and latticed faades, a small shop display at the entrance, and a deep-set living space with one or more courtyard gardens. For some of the best examples, stroll along Hanami-koji Street in the Gion district.

Learn more and plan your trip at japantravelinfo.com.

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Japan YOUR WAY

S P E CI AL ADV E RT I S I NG S E C T I O N
SECRET TREASURES:

Kanazawa & Wajima

From Kyoto, head north to the Ishikawa prefectures capital city of Kanazawa, with its castles, gardens, and temples. In the city center, wander through Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japans three major gardens, and Kanazawa Castle Park. Or visit the 70 temples at Tera-machi. Then continue your pursuit of perfection by visiting Wajima, northeast of Kanazawa, and explore a local artisan treasureWajima lacquerware, famous for its gold lacquer paintings. Dating back at least 500 years in a history intertwined with aristocratic and warrior culture, this artistry involves gold or silver powder repeatedly applied to nished hardwoods for an exquisite decorative effect. In modern-day Wajima, the celebrated contemporary urushi (lacquer) artist Kitamura Tatsuoknown as Unryuanexpands on gold lacquer paintings long history with handmade works that adorn writing cases, tea wares, and other objets dart. His meticulous and subtle works exemplify a tradition that lives on in Wajimaone of the best regions in which to discover the ne Japanese artistry.

Kenroku-en Garden

Shippo Makie Inro, Kitamura Studio

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