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Active Tours
2-3-7 Yahatacho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0011
TEL:0422-38-8026
FAX:0422-38-8036
005660
 
   
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Buddhism has greatly influenced Japanese architecture since its introduction from China in the 6th century. Another influence is the climate and the risk of earthquakes. Japan has a long and hot summer with dense moisture, and wood is a popular choice of material because it adjusts well to earthquakes and works well with the different seasons - cool in summer and warm in winter.
The Tea Ceremony required a special construction of a tea-house and tea-room called ‘sukiya-zukuri’. Castles were built in the 16th century by the infiltration of feudal lords into Japanese society. Carpenters called ‘Miya-daiku’, who are specialized in the construction or re-construction of Shinto Shrines and Buddhism Temples, were said originally to have been monks, follow the tradition and keep strict rules and regulations with professional techniques and knowledge which are still used today.
After the Meiji Restoration, in the 19th century, and World War II, the rapid change to modern architecture was repeated in major cities. Today, Japanese architects enrich postmodern designs with innovative spatial perceptions, subtle surface texturing, unusual use of industrial materials and a developed awareness of ecological and topographical problems.

11-day Tour; getting in touch with the works of typical Japanese carpenters in traditional wood construction and also modern architect including special seminars by JIA (Japanese Institute of Architects) in Tokyo & Kyoto. 2010 and up to 2012 will be a good chance to watch construction sites of Sky-tree (new tower of 634m) and re-construction of Himeji Castle.
 
   
Suggested Itinerary
 
 
The National Art Center
                                      The National Art Center,
                                      Designed by Kisho Kurokawa
 
 
 
 
Horyu-jiTemple
Horyu-ji Temple: the oldest wooden architecture in the
 
 
 
 
Naoshima Art Project has been maintained to create works of art on a hilly Naoshima island amid the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Benesse House is a museum designed by Tadao Ando that includes accommodation. Within the premises, there is Chichu Art Museum, literally “the underground museum”.
 
 
 
 
Osaka Sky Bldg
                                     Osaka:Sky Bldg
 
 
 
 
Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Sky Tree will appear in Tokyo in 2012, with a height of 634m, the tower will be one of the world’s tallest, mainly for the role of digital Terrestrial Broadcasting.
Located about 1km east of Asakusa and Sumida River, 2km northeast of Ryogoku (a town famous for Sumo- wrestling), the new tower stands in a major traditional international tourism zone of Tokyo.
Scheduled construction completion is December, 2011, and Grand opening will be spring in 2012.
 
 
 
Renovation of Himeji Castle, Main Keep
This is a 5-year, full-scale restoration focused on re-plastering damaged or dirty plaster walls and replacing the roof tiles on the main keep (dai-tenshu). During this restoration period (2009 -2014), visitors can get a close look at the repair process from inside the roofed scaffold structure (suyane) that covers the main keep, by riding the elevator straight up to a height of 50 meters from the ground. This is the first major restoration in 45-years, and the only opportunity to watch the main keep just before your eyes.
 
 
   
Day 1
Narita
Int’l Airport arrival
|
Tokyo
 
Meet and greet by a guide and proceed to Tokyo. City tour, visiting historical area at Asakusa, Imperial Palace Garden and Meiji Shrine.
*Seminar: “Architecture in Japan, from the past to the future (provisional theme)” by a member of JIA (Japanese Institute of Architects), at hotel conference room. (Tokyo)
Day 2
Tokyo
 
Full-day tour, visiting contemporary architects’ works by Kenzo Tange, Kazuyo Sejima, Kengo Kuma, Kisho Kurokawa, and others.(Tokyo)
Day 3
Tokyo
 
Full-day tour, visiting construction site of Tokyo Sky Tree, The National Museum of Western Art designed by Le Corbusier, and Odaiba area. (Tokyo)
Day 4
Tokyo
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Kyoto
Board the Tokaido Shinkansen Train to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, visit of Kyoto station to observe the architecture by Hiroshi Hara. Then, visit Ryoan-ji (stone garden) and Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion). (Kyoto)
Day 5
Kyoto
 
Tour of Kyoto, visiting Ginkaku-ji (Togu-do = Shoin ?Zukuri), Machi-ya (a typical wooden house for local inhabitants), and Kiyomizu Temple, etc. (Kyoto)
Day 6
Kyoto
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Uji
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Nara
Departure for Uji to visit Byodo-in, built in 1053. Phoenix hall’s with wings outstretched like a phoenix in flight. Then to Nara, visiting Horyu-ji, the oldest wooden architecture in the world, with a JIA member. (Nara)
 
 
Day 7
Nara
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Kobe
 
 
 
 
Morning, visit Todai-ji. Daibutsu-den (Buddha hall) is the largest wooden structure in the world, built in the 17th century.
Then, transfer to Kobe, to visit Takenaka Carpentry Museum (where there is an exhibition of tools for Japan’s unique way of working with wood to convey to future generations the spirit and attitudes of the traditional Japanese carpenters). Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, by Tadao Ando. (Kobe)
Day 8
Kobe
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Himeji
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Kurashiki
Transfer to Himeji either by coach or train. Upon arrival, visit Himeji Centre for Research into Castles and Fortifications to attend a Seminar on Himeji Castle, followed by a visit to the castle’s re-construction site.
Then to Kurashiki either by coach or train. (Kurashiki)
 
Day 9
Kurashiki
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Naoshima
 
 
Morning stroll in the historical quarter or Kurashiki, full of storehouses with lattice windows, white-wall houses and with black roof tiles. Then, to Naoshima by ferry.In Naoshima, to visit Chichu Art Museum by Tadao Ando, the Art House Project, and Overnight stay in Benesse House by Tadao Ando. (Naoshima)
Day 10
Naoshima
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Osaka
 
 
Transfer to Okayama to take Sanyo Shinkansen to Osaka. Upon arrival, visit the Umeda Sky Bldg. by Hiroshi Hara, Etoile Shinsaibashi Bldg. by Kengo Kuma, Kilin Plaza by Hiroshi Naito, The National Museum of Art by Cesar Pelli.
Stroll over Doton-bori area will give the visitors another inspiration. (Osaka) 
Day 11
Osaka
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Kansai Int’l Airport (KIX) Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai Int’l Airport (KIX).
Tour ends at airport.
 
 
 
<<Active Tours>> 180-0011 2-3-7 Yahatacho, Musashino, Tokyo TEL:0422-38-8026 FAX:0422-38-8036