29 Kaizen Imagine a place that is always seeking continuous improvement throughout all aspects of life, and you have found Japan’s concept of kaizen. Everything has a place and nothing must be wasted. Efficiency, effectiveness and aesthetics are all appreciated, whether it is in the office, at home or in a public park. You can find Kaizen in action in the Japanese zen gardens, in its ancient and modern architecture and the simple, beautiful ways a hotel room is organized. You can find kaizen in the country’s many shokunins, or artisans, who are dedicated to exquisite craftsmanship. Embrace kaizen for yourself when attending a calligraphy class, where every line counts, a bento-making class in which all the flavors must be balanced, or a matcha tea ceremony, where simplicity is honored. Imagine a place that is always seeking continuous improvement throughout all aspects of life, and you have found Japan’s concept of kaizen. Everything has a place and nothing must be wasted. Efficiency, effectiveness and aesthetics are all appreciated, whether it is in the office, Imagine a place that is always seeking continuous improvement throughout all aspects of life, and you have found Japan’s concept of kaizen. Everything has a place and nothing must be wasted. Efficiency, throughout all aspects of life, and you have found Japan’s concept of kaizen. Everything has a place and nothing must be wasted. Efficiency, effectiveness and aesthetics are all appreciated, whether it is in the office, Japan’s Hidden Gems – Highlights • Breathe a different pace of life but with unmistakable Japanese deportment as you discover the traditional winding, twisty-turny streets of Kanazawa’s Samurai district, designed in order to outrun the ninjas chasing them! • Observe the latticed windows of the Chaya district where geishas still entertain their patrons. These let light in but keep prying eyes out. • Experience the joy of sleeping in a traditional Japanese room, measured by tatami mats in Takayama. These futons are, surprisingly, incredibly comfortable. The pièce de résistance of many of the rooms are the private onsen, or outdoor natural hot springs, with their views over the mountains. This is relaxation beyond your imagination! • Travel to the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-g, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for charming thatched roof houses spread over a vast, beautiful and often wintry wonderland. • Visit the legendary Osaka Castle in the season of cherry blossoms, when food carts and drummers descend on the castle grounds to lend it a festive air. DON’T MISS! The Park Hotel in Tokyo Experience the magnificent Artist rooms, which are individual themed masterpieces paying homage to local Japanese artists. Upon request and subject to availability, you can ask to meet the artist who has decorated your room. BEST TIME TO GO Spring – the cherry trees of Japan are in full bloom in late April; and Autumn – cool, mild weather with some possibility of typhoons. RECOMMENDED ROUTE 16 Days / 15 Nights Tokyo (4) - Kyoto (3) - Kanazawa (2) - Takayama (2) - Nagano (2) - Karuizawa (2) -Tokyo (1) Starting from USD 11,750 / person Contact Prathima Rijhwani on prathiima@enchantingtravels.com