Undiscovered Japan - Summer 2008 Newsletter.

Norie

"Konichiwa" from Norie.

Welcome to Undiscovered Japan's Summer Newsletter. Undiscovered Japan specializes in authentic travel experiences to the Japan where rice paddies, ancient shrines, volcanic hot springs, mountain vegetables and fresh seafood are still a part of daily life. With Undiscovered Japan, you will explore cultural and culinary traditions in depth, interact with master chefs and treasured artisans, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of a centuries-old culture largely inaccessible to foreigners.

Featured Trips:

Our two featured trips focus on Japan's amazing culinary traditions. On these trips, guests will learn the art of Japanese cooking, savor the taste of fresh seafood, explore regional cuisines, prepare noodle dishes, and experience kaiseki — Buddhist vegetarian cooking. Our culinary trips also include five-star accommodations with natural hot spring pools, an insider tour of a family owned sake brewery, visits with a living national treasure (see below) and much, much more! Complete descriptions and itineraries of these once-in-a-lifetime trips are available on our website at:
www.undiscoveredjapan.com/trips

Featured Artist — Living National Treasure, Mr. Bitou Yoshida

Mr. Yoshida's title is Living National Treasure. An extreme honor bestowed by the Japanese government, only a few dozen artists hold the title. Born in Komatsu just outside of Kanazawa city in a famous pottery house, Mr. Yoshida specializes in a regional pottery method called Kutaniyaki. His work is unique in the way he incorporates Kanazawa's gold leaf into his pottery works. The combination of gold leaf, Kutaniyaki pottery method, and his unique talents creates exceptionally beautiful art. Mr. Yoshida maintains a studio in a small art town and often welcomes his family or friends to visit his studio. Undiscovered Japan is very, very fortunate to have been extended a personal invitation by Mr. Yoshida to visit his studio. Our guests will have an opportunity to view his art works and discuss his singular approach to Kutaniyaki.

What is Living National Treasure?

In 1950, the Government of Japan began to designate certain individuals or groups who embodied intangible national cultural values as living human treasures, just as places or things of great cultural value are designated as national treasures, thus becoming eligible for special protection and support. Some of the ancient protected crafts are pottery, music, handmade paper, dolls, and sword making.