April 30–May 13, 2010 with Princeton Professor of East Asian Studies David Leheny. An extension in Kyoto and Nara is available (5/13-16), including a stay at a traditional ryokan.

Surrounded by sea and wary of outside influences for hundreds of years, then modernized at lightning speed in the last century, Japan is one of the world's most distinctive nations. This is a country with a reverence for tradition and a simultaneous passion for the technologies of the future. On this personal exploration, interact with locals—from those involved in contemporary art and business to those keeping age-old traditions alive, even amidst Japan's neon-lit cities.

The 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey provides a relaxing and comfortable base for your journey, without the strain of overland travel or repeated packing and unpacking. Traveling by ship allows calls at major ports and landmark sites as well as remote islands and quiet historic centers. Along the way, you can enjoy a variety of specially arranged behind-the-scenes presentations, private performances, and hands-on workshops—watch Sumo wrestlers practice, interview a Kabuki actor, tour the Mazda car factory, sample premium sakes.

Please note: Princeton travelers will be joined on the journey by those from Yale Educational Travel, AMNH Expeditions, and Smithsonian Journeys.

About the Study Leader

David Leheny, the Henry Wendt III '55 Professor of East Asian Studies at Princeton, will serve as Study Leader for this program.

A political scientist by training, most of Professor Leheny's diverse research projects have spanned the realms of Japanese politics and international relations, dealing especially with the country's efforts to shape its image and society. His writings, including the recent Think Global, Fear Local: Sex, Violence, and Anxiety and his previous The Rules of Play: National Identity and the Shaping of Japanese Leisure, have dealt with contemporary issues from the restriction of teenagers' sexual activities, counterterrorism and popular culture's impact abroad. Prior to joining the Princeton faculty in 2007, Professor Leheny taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and served as a research associate (joshu) in the Institute of Social Science at the University of Tokyo.

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