Art and Culture of Japan
Summer 2009

Program Description
How did a small island country like Japan become a world super power? The answer lies in its traditional values, and its cultural and artistic legacy. In addition to its hardworking people and strong economic power,Japan has beautiful natural landscapes, centuries-old traditional architecture, such as Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, elegant arts and crafts, and innovative modern technology and design. Moreover, while the West has consistently held a certain fascination for Japanese culture and traditions, the popularity of contemporary Japanese culture - especially in the United States - is certainly on the rise through manga, anime, J-pop, J-horror and technology. This study abroad trip will spend three weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto. We will visit some of the most popular religious festivals in Japan, distinctive Japanese gardens, traditional performances like bunraku or kabuki, art and anime museums, ancient samurai castles, famous shopping districts and the breathtaking Mt. Fuji.

Program Dates
July 6 - 31, 2009

The itinerary includes the following areas and attractions:
• Tokyo and vicinity: Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Zoo, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa historical district, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Kamakura, Hakone, the Ginza shopping district, the Shinjuku district, etc.
• Kyoto and Nara: Kiyomizu Temple, Fushiminari Shrine, Manga Museum, Gion district (geisha performance), Golden pavilion,
Ryoanji Rock Garden, Todaji Temple, etc
• Hiroshima: Himeji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Park and A-bomb Museum.
• Other areas: Osaka, Yokohama, Mount Fuji, Mount Koya, Nikko and Kegon Falls

Housing
Students will stay in hotels while traveling.