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March 15-29, 2007 with T.R. Reid '66, author and former Tokyo Bureau Chief of the Washington Post. An optional post-trip extension to the ancient Shinto and Buddhist pilgrimage destination of Nikko will be made available.

With cherry blossoms in full bloom, the natural beauty of Japan is most poignant in spring. Known more for its technological efficiency and cultural legacies, this island nation boasts outstanding natural beauty—from volcanic mountain ranges and rugged shores sculpted by waves to idyllic inlets and misty forests. Join Princeton March 15-29, 2007, for a journey to Japan, where modernity and tradition intermingle in every facet of life.

The dual nature of Japanese society is no more prevalent than in Tokyo, where the journey begins. Spend two nights in this bustling metropolis with its distinctive neighborhoods before traveling to the imperial capital of Kyoto for four nights. Delve into rich cultural traditions with demonstrations of a tea ceremony and pottery, and a visit to a restored samurai quarter. The program culminates in a seven-night cruise aboard the cozy Spirit of Oceanus. Admire timeless Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines while exploring traditional villages, fishing hamlets, and thriving art centers. Immerse yourself in Japan’s outstanding natural beauty, most vividly displayed when approached by sea.

This itinerary is designed to offer a balance of major cities and small traditional villages, mountain landscapes and sparkling seascapes, ancient temples and exquisite gardens. The program is further enhanced by opportunities to choose from a variety of small-group experiences, such as a guest lecture on the life of a Buddhist priest, an ikebana (flower arranging) and calligraphy workshop, or expert-led workshops on Noh theater and Japanese martial arts. An excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kyongju, South Korea, transports visitors to the days of the once-powerful Shilla kingdom.

About the Study Leader
This journey will be led by T.R. Reid '66, journalist and author.

Although he majored in Classics at Princeton, after college he began a love affair with East Asia that has never flagged. He was the Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief from 1990 to 1995, before taking up the same role in London and now the Rocky Mountain bureau. A popular commentator on National Public Radio, he is the author of three books in Japanese and five in English, including Confucius Lives Next Door: What Living in the East Teaches Us About Living in the West. His most recent book, The United States of Europe: The New Superpower and the End of American Supremacy, was the November 2005 selection for Princeton's Tiger Tomes online book club. A member of Princeton's board of trustees from 2000 to 2004, Reid will spend the fall of 2006 on campus as a Ferris Professor in the Humanities Council.

To make reservations, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu.