• Book now for your chance to visit some of Japan’s best gardens with expert Hannah Gardner
Travel with Japanese garden expert Hannah Gardner on this far-reaching, two-week itinerary and discover some of Japan’s most compelling gardens
The tour starts with a visit to the internationally celebrated contemporary gardens of Tokachi Millennium Forest, designed by Dan Pearson and situated on Japan’s most northerly island, Hokkaido. You’ll learn about the spirit of nature and sense of place from head gardener and international speaker Midori Shintani, as well as enjoying a cultural workshop and foraged forest lunch prepared by the gardeners. We’ll also study the stunning autumn flora of the nearby mountains. Then we transfer to Honshu,
Japan’s mainland, to delve into the traditional gardens, culture and the unforgettable architecture of Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Nara, where gardens will provoke thought and delight in equal measure. Meet with the gardeners of the Chion-in Temple who will demonstrate the fine art of niwaki pruning and offer advice on the tools they use. Discover both renowned gardens and lesser-known, hidden cultural gems, such as the beautifully preserved, historic Sumiya Pleasure House in Kyoto. The varied landscapes we will visit meld the intimate essence of nature with the disciplines of cosmology, poetry and meditation and through Hannah’s formal and informal instruction, your journey will unpick the complexity and seek to understand the history and meaning of these serene and spiritual landscapes.
BOOKING DETAILS
Price per person, based on two people sharing is £6,280 (a single supplement of £1,140 is levied by the hotels).
Price is based on all hotels, trains, other transportation, most meals and all sightseeing. It does not include hotel extras or travel insurance, or international flights, although these can be arranged through Distant Horizons if required. For more details and for an in-depth itinerary with details of day-to-day visits, meals, etc, please contact Distant Horizons.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE CONTACT
Distant Horizons, 13 Melloncroft Drive, Caldy, The Wirral, Cheshire CH48 2JA, UK.
Tel 0151 625 3425. email info@distanthorizons.co.uk website distanthorizons.co.uk
This tour has been arranged exclusively for readers of Gardens Illustrated by Distant Horizons, organisers of cultural and garden journeys since 1996. Please note that itineraries may be subject to change for reasons beyond Gardens Illustrated’s control.