This journey has been designed to examine the fascinating history and culture of Japan, from its beginnings during the Nara period, through the rise and fall of the Shoguns into an era of modernisation and economic power.
Accompanied by Professor Llewellyn-Jones, explore the country’s cultural heritage as it is reflected in the tranquillity of the Shinto, the great castles of the Samurai culture, the distinct architecture of the Edo period and today’s modern way of life that exists in the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Learn more of the delicate technique of the fine arts, the expressive drama of the Kabuki Theatre and the exquisite elegance of the tea ceremony.
Begin the journey with a three-night stay in Tokyo where the time has been carefully scheduled to include such well-known sights as the Imperial Palace, but also to get off the beaten track a little and venture through “shitamachi”, a part of the city where the glorious past of the Edo culture still lives on. Enjoy a full day excursion to the small town of Nikko and visit the intricately carved Tōshō-gū Shrine complex, and the Rinnō-ji Temple and the Furtarasan Shrine, a Shinto place of worship.
Travel on Japan’s iconic Bullet Train to Kanazawa, where it is still possible to get ‘a pre-modern view’ of the country. Just like Kyoto, the capital of Ishikawa prefecture has managed to preserve many aspects of its long and rich history. Continue on to Kyoto, a marvellous cornucopia of Japanese culture, history and tradition. The journey ends with three nights in Japan’s second city, Osaka with visits to Himeji, perhaps Japan’s most spectacular castle and the cosmopolitan city of Kobe.
The journey is open to Students and Alumni of SOAS Specialist Arts Courses.
Trip Leader: Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Professor Llewellyn-Jones is Professor of Ancient History at Cardiff University and takes a global approach to history. His interests lie in cultural history and the history of court societies and, as such, he has worked extensively on the courtly cultures (art, architecture, performance, and hierarchy) of Japan as well as, inter alia, Iran, India and Eurasia. He is widely published and contributes frequently to television, newspapers, and other media.