b'6. HISTORIC VILLAGES OF SHIRAKA- 7. COLOGNE CATHEDRAL, 8. ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL-WA-GO AND GOKAYAMA, GIFU &COLOGNE, GERMANY PARK, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIATOYAMA PREFECTURES, JAPAN Cologne Cathedrals towers dominateAs dawn spills over sprawling Angkor Wat, Tucked away in the remote Shogawa riverthe citys skyline and offer you one of thethe sky, the temple complex, the lake in valley of Japans Chubu region, are threebest views of the city. Built in Gothic andfront, all form a marvelous synergy ofpicturesque mountain villagesOgimachi,neo-Gothic styles, its detailed exterior radiating colors. Explore this most significant Ainokura, and Suganuma. Different fromcraftsmanship, which includes sharply temple of the archaeological site of Angkor, any others in the country, the clusters ofpointed spires and flying buttresses, isdeep in the forests of Cambodias Siem Reap houses have steep, slanted roofs, built in thematched by exquisite interiors.province, at a leisurely pace. Exquisite bas- Gassho-zukuri style. Gassho-zukuri meansCologne Cathedral survived 14 aerialrelief sculptures depicting various scenes, prayer hands, and the thatched roofs, madebombings during World War II, even as thefrom royal processions to the churning of without nails, are said to represent handsrest of the city stood in ruins. Since then, itthe cosmic sea, cover the outer gallery. Its coming together in worship. This distinc- has been beautifully restored, and you canfive towers represent the peaks of Mount tive 19th-century architectural style wasenjoy every detail. You will be left awestruckMeru, mythological residence of Hindu gods. developed to combat heavy winter snowfall,by striking scenes from the Old and NewMore than the physical structure, however, and in the large attic spaces, mulberry leavesTestament portrayed in the colorful stained- its the soulful energy of this place, with its were once stored, and silkworms reared. glass windows. Other gems are magnificentmonks and visiting local schoolchildren, that A number of these traditional homesaltarpieces, and a golden shrine. The arrest- you will appreciate most.have now been converted into rustic ing shrine of the Three Kings is believed toNature and spiritual harmony also come Japanese-style guesthouses called hold relics of the Magi or Three Wise Men.together in the intriguing ruins of other minshukus. Spending a night with a localSpend time at its other artistic treasurestemples. Wonderful Bayon with massive, family allows you an immersive experience,as well, like the oak and gilded Gero Cross,beatific smiling faces carved into its towers with gracious hosts sharing their favoritewhich captures Christs suffering on theand Ta Prohm, are mystical temples wrapped dishes, personal stories, folklore, and cross in intimate detail. in the spreading roots of fig, banyan, and customs.kapok trees. Castles and Cathedrals Highlights of Japan by JR Rail enchantingtravels.com/cologne-germany Classic Cambodia(17 Nights from $ 5,990 / person) (6 Nights from $ 1,390 / person)enchantingtravels.com/shirakawago-japan enchantingtravels.com/angkor-wat-cambodia6. 7.5. PHOTO: BENNO KLANDT ON UN- SPLASH (COLOGNE CATHEDRAL)'