Below you will find links to articles on the ANA Experience Class Website presented by ANA (All Nippon Air) and the JAL (Japan Airlines) Guide to Japan Website. You can find the whole sites here and here.
Dining in Japan
Some important information for our students to understand before visiting Japanese restaurants and entering their homestays.
Japanese Dining 101
Sakura – The Cherry Blossom
We will be visiting Japan during the season of Sakura and likely will see many trees in bloom throughout our travels and witness many hanami (flower viewing) parties. Additionally students will have the chance to try Sakura flavoured treats, from pastries to ice cream. Unfortunately we will be in Takayama a few days after the annual spring festival, though hopefully will still have the opportunity to see some of the festival floats.
Spring is Blossoming
Beyond Cherry Blossoms: 3 Stunning Japanese Spring Festivals
Kyoto
Kyoto is our first stop in Japan, a city with a very long and rich history, being the former capital of Japan and home to many historic temples and shrines and an UNSECO World Heritage site. Our first full day in Kyoto we will be visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple featured in the article below with an optional visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Discover Kyoto: Preserver of Japanese History
One of the things to consider is the proper etiquette while visiting shrines and temples, this site is a recommended read.
While in Kyoto we will see many Japanese and tourists exploring the city and posing for photos in Kimonos, both there own and ones that they have rented for the day. While in Chiba many students also have the ability to try on Kimonos with their host families.
Other Articles of Interest
Japanese Fashion
Sushi for Everyone
The Joy of Japanese Souvenirs
Learning Ikebana, The Art of Japanese Flower Arrangements
Japan 2023 