Natadera Temple

Built in 1280 by the great monk Taicho, Natadera Temple is renowned for its historic shrines and beautiful gardens. The seven temple buildings are designated as Important National Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. While visiting the temple, you will receive a blessing by Natadera's head monk (and your guide's father), Keisen Kizaki. An expert on Buddhist philosophy, Keisen has collaborated with the Dalai Lama in India on spiritual teachings, and established a financial support system for Tibetan refugee children. Keisen will escort you through Natadera and also perform a traditional tea ceremony.
http://www.natadera.com/en/

Ikumo Mountain Retreat

At Ikumo, you will experience the remote, calming quiet of Japan's mountain forests. Ikumo beckons its guests to rest and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. You can attend a morning meditation session with a Buddhist monk, go on a hike, and enjoy Shoujin-Ryouri, Buddhist vegetarian meals, soak in the outdoor hot bath, or just relax by the fire. Most importantly, Ikumo Mountain Retreat has the region's best views of sacred, snow-capped Mount Hakusan.
http://www.natadera.com/ikumo/

Kenrokuen-garden

Kenrokuen-garden is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Kenroku means a garden combining six attributes of a perfect garden. They are: spaciousness and seclusion, artifice and antiquity, and water-courses and panoramas. If your trip includes the Kanazawa region, Kenrokuen-garden will be a highlight.
http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html

Sekiya Ryokan - Japanese Inn

Sekiya is the finest ryokan, or Japanese-style inn, in the region. Sekiya's famous onsen (natural hot springs) have wonderful health benefits and magnificent views of Lake Kibagata, and a renowned chef prepares Sekiya's exquisite kaiseki ryouri (Japanese course meals). Visit Sekiya's website and let your eyes feast on their incredible food and idyllic hot springs.
http://www.sekiya.yad.jp/index.html

Information about Kanazawa city

http://www.city.kanazawa.ishikawa.jp/index_e.html

General Information about Japan

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html

Travel Information about Japan

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1148.html

Consulate General of Japan at Denver

http://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/


1225 17th St # 3000
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-1151

Information about Buddhism

Buddhism was founded in India around 500 BC by Gautama Sakyamuni, who taught that the cause of all suffering is desire. While Buddhism is now just a minority belief in the country of its founding, it remains a significant religious and cultural force in Japan today. Buddhism was imported to Japan via China and Korea in form of a present from the friendly Korean kingdom of Kudara (Paikche) in the 6th century. While Buddhism was welcomed by the ruling nobles as Japan's new state religion, it did not initially spread among the common people due to its complex theories. There were also a few initial conflicts with Shinto, Japan's native religion, but the two religions were soon able to co-exist harmonically and even complemented each other.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Buddhism

Information about Japanese culture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan
http://www.nihongo.org/english/culture/