Category: Asia & Pacific

Few regions of the world embody our ideal vision of paradise: emerald forests, turquoise waters lapping at palm-fringed beaches, an all-embracing and peace-loving religion, and a simple way of life even amidst the bustle of a sweeping metropolis. The nations of Southeast Asia show varying shades of all these things, and so much more. And for many visitors, what stands out is the relaxed ease and welcoming smiles of its residents. Gate 1 Travel helps you experience it all, with the help of an experienced local guide who knows the ins and outs of these at once enigmatic and beautiful lands.

THAILAND

Bangkok: A Polished Jewel

Bangkok is Thailand’s bustling and electrifying capital. Thais call it Krung Threp, or City of Angels. The more western name by which we know it translates into “riverside village of wild olives.” No matter what you call it, it’s sure to mesmerize you with its floating markets teeming with longboats, its ornate architecture and tropical gardens, and its glittering temples. It’s also a culturally diverse city, where paper dragons adorn the windows of Chinatown and the fragrance of curry wafts through the streets of Little India.

The city’s largest and oldest temple is Wat Po, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Within these hallowed halls, its namesake golden-hued deity is massive, stretching 150 feet long. The soles of its feet are intricately etched in mother-of-pearl. It is an extravagant show of spiritualism—and an echo of the nearby temple complex of the Grand Palace. Home to monarchs until 1925 and the fairytale setting of The King & I, today the Grand Palace serves a ceremonial function and is open for enraptured travelers to explore. Its Emerald Buddha in the Royal Temple is considerably more petite than the Reclining Buddha, standing only 26 inches, yet it is the most revered statue in the nation.

Vestiges of History

Statues such as the Reclining Buddha and the Emerald Buddha serve as spiritual touchstones for the Thai people. There’s another destination right outside Bangkok cherished by locals as the spiritual birthplace of the city: the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. The golden era of Thai history unfolded among what are now temple ruins and incredibly preserved streets. This was once a powerhouse of Southeast Asia. Its palaces, monasteries, and temples inspired French King Louis XIV to compare the burgeoning metropolis to European capitals. It fell to the Burmese in 1767, after which the capital was moved to the riverside site of present-day Bangkok.

In Kanchanaburi province, a dark chapter in Thailand’s history is memorialized at the Bridge over the River Kwai & War Museum. In 1942, here in the tranquil countryside, the Japanese forced POWs to construct a 255-mile railway across Thailand in the blazing heat. More than 7,000 conscripted workers died. The bridge was the frequent target of Allied bombing and gained notoriety as the subject of the 1957 Alec Guinness movie by English director David Lean.

In central Thailand, a vast archaeological site tells ancient stories of Thailand’s founding. In fact, Sukhothai is to Thailand as Giza is to Egypt. Before Ayutthaya, this was Thailand’s first capital through the 13^th and 14^th centuries and its artistic and architectural remains are astounding. Part of what makes this city so fascinating are the philosophies under which its kings ruled: Sukhothai’s leaders respected the wishes of the people. Cultural and religious freedom set the tone for this flourishing civilization. The UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoys a lush setting among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds.

Lush Northern Cultural Capitals

Established in 1262, Chiang Rai is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. This is the heart of Thailand’s northern Lanna Kingdom, the “Golden Triangle” historically shaped by its proximity to the borders of Burma (today’s Myanmar) and Laos. Gate 1 travelers have the chance to visit these countries, ascending a mountain in Myanmar for views of the stunning countryside and embarking a serene cruise to the small Laotian island of Don Sao. Thailand’s renowned hill tribes eke out a living in the hills around Chiang Rai, too. An optional tour ventures into the jungle to introduce you to the fascinating and welcoming Akha, Long Neck, and Salong tribes.

The capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai, hugs the banks of the Ping River among green hills. Elegant temples, cultural emporiums and long leisurely strolls await you in this graceful city surrounded by a canal. Chiang Mai is mostly known for its crafts culture, which you can dive into at the shops along Sankampang Street. Silk, lacquer, silver, wood, and bronze are all transformed into intricate artwork here and you’re sure to come across a demonstration or two by craftspeople who keep their traditions alive.

Seaside Resorts

If the cultural heart of Thailand lies in the central and northern parts of the country, then a beach-going, laid-back spirit lounges around in the south. But it’s not all sun, sand, and surf. In Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand’s East Coast, break up your beach time with forays into a lively city and with a visit to one of the largest Floating Markets in the world. On the island of Phuket, a traditional way of life lingers among infinite blue horizons and breathtaking natural beauty, as you’ll see when you browse the local Thai village, admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture, and witness serene monks making their rounds for alms. Without question, it is the perfect island paradise for relaxation and doing nothing at all. But if you do want to explore, you can consider a visit to the mangrove jungles and towering limestone peaks around Phang Nga Bay and Lawa Island.

But perhaps no other Southeast Asia country is as linked to the sea as Vietnam.

VIETNAM

A Rich History and Colorful Culture North to South

Hanoi recently celebrated its 1,000th birthday. For much of its history, it has been the political and cultural capital of the country. During the nation’s more turbulent times, it was the capital of French Indochina (1902-1954)—during which its elegant colonial-era buildings were constructed—and of North Vietnam (1954-1976). More than 50 ethnic groups have shaped Hanoi and the surrounding region; many of their stories and cultural relics are on exhibit at the Museum of Ethnology. But perhaps nowhere is the nation’s heritage more dramatically represented than in the world-renowned water puppetry that originated here. These fascinating shows are performed over a pool of water, depicting ancient folktales and long-cherished lore set to traditional music and Cheo, a form of opera.

Nearby, more than 3,000 islands rise from the shimmering waters of Halong Bay, many of them several hundred feet tall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shrouded in myth and legend. According to one tale, the gods sent dragons to this coastline to protect the country and they spat out jade and other jewels into the water. These precious stones protected the land from enemies approaching by sea. Gate 1 takes you sailing among this breathtaking archipelago of karst cliffs on a traditional junk. Floating fishing villages and inviting sandy beaches cling to the shores and vast echoing caves have been carved within the hulking rocks over millennia.

Though Hue was the capital of Vietnam for only 143 years, from 1802 to 1945, its cultural influence on the region has been immeasurable. This may be because the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from here constructed such a vast and imposing complex of palaces and fortresses. Their Imperial City has undergone remarkable restoration. Its most notable structures are the 1.5-mile wall that surrounds it, the Imperial Enclosure, Thai Hoa Palace (or the Hall of Supreme Harmony), Hall of the Mandarins and the Forbidden Purple City, named after its Chinese counterpart.

For a stroll through Vietnam’s past, there is no place in the world like Hoi An, a remarkably preserved trading port. The buildings and streets of its Old Quarter remain much as they were more than 500 years ago. As far back as the 8^th century, a thriving spice trade brought unprecedented wealth into the region. Much later, a vibrant trade with Japan, China, India and Holland lured settlers here from those countries. With such a rich past, it’s easy to understand why Hoi An is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spirit of its origins live on in the fascinating Old Quarter as artisans fashion paper lanterns and residents carry goods in wicker baskets hanging from sticks slung over shoulders.

Like in Hanoi, the city’s French colonial influence is prevalent in the glorious architecture and wide boulevards of Ho Chi Minh City, in the nation’s south. The twin-spired, neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Basilica was built with materials imported from France. The Saigon Opera House carries echoes of the Petit Palais in Paris. Even the Post Office was designed by a Frenchman, one Gustave Eiffel. The true Vietnam here lives in the city’s colorful and mesmerizing markets. Dong Khoi Street captures the pulse of the city with its colorful shops and aromatic food stalls. At the intoxicating indoor emporium of Ben Thanh Market, all things Vietnamese can be found, from handicrafts to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women. And at the city’s fascinating floating markets, ancient houses and canal-side stalls are orbited by traditional longboats laden with all manner of goods and produce plucked from local farms.

An entirely different culture greets you right next door. Indeed, you are sure to be enchanted by Cambodia’s authentic charms and Khmer legacies.

CAMBODIA

Grand Temples & Cultural Treasures

The centerpiece of any visit to Cambodia is the ancient city of Angkor, 40 square miles of stupendous architectural treasures unrivalled anywhere in the world. Its famous temple, Angkor Wat, took 25,000 workers 37 years to complete. Many historians call it the largest single religious monument in the world. Its five lotus-style spires are said to represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, home of deities from Hindu mythology. Its walls and moat symbolize Meru’s surrounding mountains and ocean. Remarkable in scale and design, it is considered a perfect example of the high classical style of Khmer architecture.

The bustling and laid-back city of Siem Reap is the gateway to this spectacular site. Its streets lined with colonial and Chinese-style architecture are a delight to explore, and the city’s artful Apsara dancers cast their spell on all who attend a performance. The city is also a launching point to one of the region’s most fascinating natural phenomena: Tonle Sap Lake. Loosely translated as “Great Lake,” Tonle Sap has an unusual geographic feature that affects village life on its shores. The flow of water exiting the lake changes direction twice a year. The lake empties into the Tonle Sap River, which later spills into the Mekong River and the Mekong Delta. During most of the year, the lake is fairly small and just three feet deep. But during monsoon season, the delta backs up. The resulting backwash reverses the Mekong’s flow and pushes water up the Tonle Sap River into the lake, enlarging its size six times, increasing its depth to 27 feet, and setting in motion the fishing season for surrounding villages.

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is the nation’s historic and cultural center. One of the prettiest French-built cities at its colonial height, it was known as the “Pearl of Asia” and was named for 14^th-century Wat Phnom, still the city’s tallest structure. Elegant architecture and gracious boulevards set a sophisticated tone here, and the city’s temples are simply spellbinding. The Royal Palace, especially, boasts magnificent treasures such as the Silver Pagoda, with its floor of 5,000 shimmering tiles and bejeweled Buddha statues.

Explore Even More of Southeast Asia at a Terrific Value

If you’re traveling this far, it would be a shame to miss out on all the riches that make Southeast Asia one of the most mesmerizing destinations in the world. Gate 1 Travel makes it easy and affordable. Many of our itineraries combine the above destinations into one scintillating itinerary. Plus, you can indulge in even more experiences that bring this magical region to life. Step into Laos and explore the unspoiled charms of Luang Prabang, participating in a baci welcome ceremony, giving alms to orange-robed monks, and marveling at the hundreds of Buddha statues during a boat trip to Pak Ou Caves.

Or marvel at the more than 2,000 pagodas, stupas, and temples that dot the golden plains of Bagan, Myanmar, just one exciting highlight of an enlightening cruise along the fabled Irrawaddy River.

With Gate 1 Travel, your possibilities in Southeast Asia really are endless. And our value is matchless. Feature for feature, you won’t find a program that beats our price and quality. Come discover Southeast Asia for yourself!

India is a great, unfathomable land of contradictions. For every vestige of the British Raj, you will witness deeply held traditions. For every Mercedes standing idle in gridlocked city streets, you will a sacred cow wandering among traffic as it pleases. For each lavish palace, you will see a modest temple. And for every moment of beautiful chaos, you will experience sublime serenity. It is an intoxicating place, one you have to experience to believe.

To fully give yourself over to India and her many incongruities, you need only know one thing: The Hindu population here embraces the tenets of the world’s oldest religion: kindness, honesty and compassion. You experience it everywhere: from bustling cities to Rajasthan jungles, from Rajput hill forts to elegant monuments to a proud past. Returning Gate 1 travelers agree that India is one thing above all – a unique and spellbinding travel experience that no one should miss.

Magnificent Mughal Temples and Fortresses

Most any trip to India begins in Delhi. Its old city is rich with historic treasures and artful monuments – 60,000 of them! We won’t have time to see them all, but perhaps one of the most moving is the modest Martyr’s Column where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. On a grander scale, the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, boasts eight domes and two minarets. About 25,000 worshippers can pray here. Just across the way stands the splendid 17th-century Red Fort, an ochre-hued ornamental work of art ordered by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Shah Jahan oversaw an upsurge of Mughal architecture on northern India’s landscape. The most memorable was not built as a fortress, but as a temple of love. In nearby Agra, thousands of craftsmen took 22 years to build the Taj Mahal, a monument to the Shah’s third wife. Its gleaming bulbous domes and sentry-minarets are synonymous with India. The Shah oversaw construction of the Taj from Agra Fort – actually a 94-acre walled city of red sandstone. Its earthen tones and intricate patterns are spectacular. Within the grand fort lies a maze of courtyards, gardens, and lavish private chambers of the emperor. You’ll also find yet another gesture of love here: a “jewel box” of a mausoleum built by an empress for her father.

Cities of Vivid Color & Culture

India’s hill forts are true architectural triumphs of the Rajput princely states that ruled between the 8th and 18th centuries. Like at Agra, entire cities thrived within their walls, including merchant and educational centers. Amber Fort, another masterwork and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooks the “pink city” of Jaipur from high on a hill above Maotha Lake. Its four courtyards hosted military parades and troop inspections that spectators could view from the windows of perimeter apartments. Amber provides a glimpse into the Rajput past unlike any other. Like the princes before us, Gate 1 travelers can ascend to its entrance with spectacular views of the rose-hued city below.

Jodhpur is a city of a different color; homes here have long been painted blue in the Brahmin tradition. Its ancient streets make for a soothing stroll through azure hues as the imposing red Mehrangarh Fort, known as the “Citadel of the Sun,” watches over. Meanwhile, colorful personalities light up Udaipur. Bollywood celebrities and diplomats travel to this palace-dotted city for lavish functions and events. Its City Palace reflects Udaipur’s extravagance. This massive red sandstone gem sprawls on the banks of lovely Lake Pichola.

Mumbai, Bombay of old, is spread out over seven islands and is one of the world’s busiest and more vibrant ports. Roman Catholic churches and a Portuguese colonial quarter might make you think you’ve strayed from India. But local culture is very much present at the mighty Gateway Arch on Mumbai Harbor and at the Mumbai headquarters of Gandhi. The most authentic and fascinating glimpse of the city’s culture unfolds at Dhobi Ghat, an open-air Laundromat where clothes are painstakingly laundered by washermen.

Witness the Ancient and the Sacred

Among all of India’s cities, Varanasi is the oldest. This “city of temples” is India’s Holy Land of Hinduism. Pilgrims journey here from near and far to pray at the city’s ancient temple sanctuaries and to descend the ghats, or riverside stairways, to perform ablutions in the mighty Ganges River. We board a boat before dawn so we can witness the devout as they partake in their rituals. It is an experience at once serene and sublime and one you’ll carry with you long after this very memorable sunrise. One evening, you can return to the Ganges for a sacred prayer ceremony, illuminated by oil lamps and candles.

The nearby temples of the Chandela Empire have their own illumination to offer. Though the empire’s capitals were centered in Kalinjar and later Mahoba, the city of Khajuraho saw a surge in temple construction over a 200-year period. About 80 were built, assembled without mortar; 25 remain over an eight-square-mile area. Some temples are adorned with carvings that depict sexually explicit acts, which most scholars agree represent some of the world’s finest erotic art. No matter your view, the carvings provide insight into the sexual lives of medieval India.

Step into Kipling’s Jungle Book

When we think of India today, we often forget the classic images first conjured by Rudyard Kipling in his Jungle Book. Thankfully, all that inspired his fairytale vision still exists in Ranthambore National Park. This land of breathtaking beauty and vast deciduous forests provide a magnificent glimpse of the epic jungles that once covered much of central India. Today, leopards, wild boars, 270 species of bird, and other fauna reside among the brush, but Bengal tigers are the stars of the sanctuary, and the reason the park was established. We go in search of these elusive cats during a thrilling safari.

Nepal: Majestic Beauty, Right Next Door

For many Gate 1 travelers, India is the gateway to its northern Himalayan neighbor, Nepal. Its soaring peaks and dramatic terrain have molded a simple, largely agrarian culture, making it one of the most peaceful places on earth, and one of the most breathtaking. We’re pleased to tell you that you can combine your journey to India with a visit to its soaring heights

Of course, there’s more to Nepal than the Himalayas and the surrounding mile-high mountain culture. You’ll find astounding cultural, religious and geographic diversity here. The Nepalese comprise almost 90 ethnic groups, speak as many languages, and honor as many traditions. And its tallest peaks and mountain ranges spill into smaller hills, valleys, and plains where abundance of birdlife and other wildlife thrive, including the Royal Bengal Tiger and the One-Horned Rhinoceros.

So spiritual are the Nepalese people, some say their country is home to more gods than people. You just might believe it after a stroll through Kathmandu—or “K-Town” to locals and the mountain trekkers that pass through. More than 50 palaces, pagodas, and temples are adorned with prayer flags and dome-like stupas, and its heady warrens lined with ancient buildings create a medieval and meditative atmosphere.

Nepal’s magnificent splendor is everywhere. One of the small nation’s most stunning natural wonders lies in the province of Chitwan. Its plains are often called the bread basket of Nepal, but the region is more known for Chitwan National Park, where a huge array of rich flora and fauna thrive in subtropical lowlands. Gate 1 travelers head into the park for a safari! It’s a great way to connect with this spectacular world. And speaking of connecting, there’s also a chance to explore by ox cart and on foot … and we’re sure to visit some local villagers in their home.

Experience India (and Nepal!) Your Way with Gate 1’s Signature Collection and Discovery Tours!

Gate 1 Travel has long enjoyed a solid presence in India, which means you can rely on our classic guided tours here to give you an insider’s glimpse of a complex and moving culture. And if you wish, you can take advantage of our expertise so you can witness Mother India’s splendors from different perspectives.

Experience India and Nepal like a maharajah with Gate 1’s Signature Collection. You’ll enjoy private visits with locals and rewarding cultural exchanges throughout your trip, while enjoying the most personalized service and 5-star award-winning luxury hotels. You’ll have views of the Taj Mahal from your room in Agra and enjoy a sunrise visit to the famous temple. And savor special meals fit for Mughal kings, including a royal dinner in Udaipur Palace on Lake Pichola.

Plus, Gate 1’s sister company Discovery Tours brings you even closer to the local people during our Incredible India & Nepal itinerary. These in-depth experiences open cultural doors accessible only to a small group. No matter how you’d like to experience this entrancing part of the world, we have an itinerary that suits you … and your budget.

Gate 1 Travel unveils the mysteries of India and Nepal on unique itineraries packed with features and value. 

When it comes to sheer size, China tips the scales. Just think of it: In all the world, it boasts the longest manmade structure, the greatest concentration of skyscrapers, the largest hydroelectric dam, the vastest public square. To say nothing of a palace complex of 9,000 rooms. China is one of the most captivating and compelling places on Earth. Gate 1 Travel helps you get to the heart of its history, its traditions, and its people – and, yes, its epic architectural achievements.

You’ll stroll the quiet lanes of Beijing’s ancient hutong neighborhoods. Walk Shanghai’s historic Bund, with colonial edifices to one side and the futuristic skyline of the Pudong on the other. Sail the magnificent Yangtze River through its three famously scenic gorges. Gaze in awe at the forest of skyscrapers that is Hong Kong. And so much more. All with Gate 1’s expert guides who know the nation they call home like no one else.

Dazzling Megacities

To gain an understanding of how China’s past, present, and future are interwoven, a good place to begin—or three good places—would be its dominant cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, each of which has its own character and story to tell.

Beijing is monumental, literally. The city is home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them some of the world’s greatest treasures. The Forbidden City is forbidden to none these days: after 500 years of turning guests away from the world’s largest palace complex, China now invites all to see the wonders of the stunning 178-acre complex encircled by two miles of fortified wall. Over time, 24 emperors lived in these 90 palaces, composed of 980 buildings and almost 9,000 rooms. As if that weren’t enough to boggle the mind, it rests on the largest public square in the world, Tiananmen, a massive acreage that salutes the grandiosity of China’s past and present.

The little sibling to that royal complex is the Summer Palace, built for the hottest months when the Forbidden City complex felt too stifling. A small pond and reservoir were joined, widened, and dredged, yielding a sparkling 540-acre lake big enough for royal navy vessels to run drills upon. The dredged soil from the lake was used to make the adjacent Longevity Hill, a 200-foot slope crowned with palaces, pavilions, temples and gardens. To this day, it remains, as intended, one of Beijing’s loveliest locales, a brilliant collaboration of man, nature and time.

Just a short drive outside the city, the Great Wall undulates over sloping hills like a serpent. It is the longest manmade structure in the world and, though claims that it can be seen from space are debatable, its imposing ramparts will surely impress you as much as the ancient marauders it was intended to keep out.

Whereas Beijing calls to mind the glories of the past, Shanghai is decidedly a snapshot of the future. While the city is certainly known for its gems that date back to previous eras – such as the verdant Yuyuan Garden from the Ming Dynasty and the elegant colonial architecture of the Bund – it is Shanghai’s jaw-dropping new skyline that may leave you gasping with awe.

Viewed across the Huangpu River, the Pudong neighborhood boasts a dizzying array of striking, colorful towers. Shanghai Tower, the biggest of the lot, is the second tallest skyscraper on earth. But height is only one way that this metropolis dazzles: The Orient Pearl looks like a stacking toy of ever-smaller glass beads, while the sinuous Financial Center is a modernist masterwork; even the low-slung Ocean Aquarium impresses passers-by with its flamboyant shark-fin wings.

Hong Kong knows a thing or two about showing off its skyline, too: more buildings scrape the sky here than in any other city on earth, with more than 270 rising 500 feet or more. Within those glittering towers are some of the world’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, 64 of which have Michelin stars, and bespoke tailors fitting the fashionistas of Asia and beyond. But it is not all city here. Hong Kong means “Fragrant Harbor,” a reminder that nature—not metropolitan life—still holds the upper hand. More than 70% of Hong Kong is comprised of islands, mountains, parks, and caves. No matter where you are in the city proper, you’re just a tram car away from a daylong hike in a green parkland with ocean views.

Inland Treasures and a Spellbinding River

Xian was the final stop on the Silk Road and China’s capital for 12 dynasties, including the Ming era, which gave the city its still-standing fortified walls. But the single most powerful draw for visitors is its immobilized army of 8,000 Terra Cotta soldiers and horses. Crafted by hand, this vast military consort attended the final resting place of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Arrayed in neat rows, these enigmatic soldiers remained underground from the 3^rd century until their excavation in 1974. Remarkably, each one was carved with a distinct expression, hairstyle, armor, and footwear. They have captured the global imagination, eclipsing the fame of the ruler they were meant to honor.

The stars of Chengdu are less numerous but perhaps even more beloved. The 80 pandas at the Giant Panda Research Center have become envoys for China, a source of pride as well as concern as the worldwide population of wild pandas has fallen to under 2,000. While visitors also absorb the fascinating architecture of Qin Dynasty-era Jinli Street and marvel at the 213-foot stone Buddha in nearby Leshan, it is these endangered ambassadors of the mountains which have become the face not only of Chengdu but of China.

The nation’s life blood is the Yangtze River, the world’s third-longest river. Navigating the east-flowing ribbon of water on a river cruise is the only way to truly experience the legendary, dramatic scenery that unfolds around its banks. As you sail through the three mesmerizing gorges of Xiling, Wu and Qutang, watched over by the fabled Twelve Peaks and fantastic rock formations towering above, you’ll wind past tiny villages, soaring cliffs, verdant groves, and terraced hillsides. It is hard not to fall under the timeless spell of the slow-moving current and the ethereal, embracing landscapes that guide it.

The Yangtze, though a beloved symbol of China, was often prone to massive flooding. Through the ages, thousands lost their lives and their villages to a seasonal deluge. Today, the waters are tamed by the gargantuan Three Gorges Dam project, a fascinating highlight of cruising this incredible river.

Resting easy in China

No one does China like Gate 1. Our knowledgeable guides use their longtime contacts to open doors to you that other travelers miss and introduce you to China’s most remarkable resource: its people. We’ve handpicked the best local accommodations for your journey to ensure your comfort. And our Yangtze River cruise unfolds aboard a five-star cruise ship purpose-built for the river, boasting roomy cabins and impeccable service. Best of all, we take care of all the details every step of the way, so you can leave the logistics to us and spend your time uncovering the compelling mysteries of this enigmatic nation.

Follow this link to our exciting China Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Today’s Japan is a self-styled contradiction. Here, the citizens who fuel a fast-paced economic juggernaut embrace traditions of tranquility and harmony. The most technologically advanced bullet train jettisons passengers to a slow-paced nature preserve. Vending machines dispense quick meals while tea ceremonies are performed with intricate detail and utmost patience. The past and present swirl together to form one rich cultural blend that transfixes and mesmerizes, and no one reveals its complexities and subtleties like Gate 1 Travel during our Classic Japan vacation.

Tokyo: Imperial & Shinto Treasures

If any city is a mishmash of modern and historic, of new wave and traditional, it’s Tokyo. Contemporary pop rubs elbows with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Neon shopping avenues stretch out adjacent to Zen gardens. To get a sense of the entire metropolis, perhaps choose to ascend the Tokyo Tower – the city’s architectural symbol inspired by the Parisian Eiffel Tower. From its heights, you see the patchwork of clustered skyscrapers, quilt-like green spaces, sloped temple roofs and long avenues. But it’s when you zoom in to the details of Tokyo that you get a true sense of its richly detailed textures.

Shintoism is practiced by a third of Japan. The rituals associated with it are believed to connect modern believers to an ancient past. The city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, or the Asakusa Kannon Temple, is said to have been founded in the year 628 after two fisherman brothers pulled a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, from the water. Upon seeing their prize, the village chief was inspired to build this shrine. Pilgrims keep the faith that the statue is still here, even though it is kept hidden away and has never been seen.

A more serene setting is home to the Meiji Shinto Shrine, built and named to honor the first modern Emperor of Japan and his Empress Shoken. (Other emperors had preceded Meiji, but he brought a political and social structure to the country that ushered Japan into the 20^th century.) Built in a 175-acre forest within the city in 1912 – at the site of an iris garden favored by the emperor – the shrine was made from cypress and copper. Visitors are welcomed onto the grounds by a massive torii gate; the Shinto structure symbolizes the threshold between the profane and the sacred.

The centerpiece of Tokyo is the Imperial Palace and its splendid gardens. Built on the site of the 15^th-century Edo Castle, the grounds spread out over 1.3 square miles. The imperial family still calls the palace home, but the 50-acre Higashi Gyoen gardens are a delight to stroll. Forested paths and beautifully manicured flower beds and topiary lead to Kokyo Gaien, a large public plaza with views of the famous Nijubashi, the double bridge that crosses the moat into the inner sanctum.

Of course, one cannot visit Tokyo without experiencing its shopping culture. Ginza, one of the world’s most luxurious commercial districts, is a destination by itself. The neo-Renaissance Wako, with its curved façade and clock tower, is considered the “Harrods of Tokyo.”

Osaka: Historic Gastronomic Center

Ancient and modern, contemporary and traditional converge in Osaka, one of Japan’s most remarkable cities for its reach of history, gleaming architecture, and culinary scene. The motto here is kuidaore, or “eat until you drop.” You’ll have opportunity to do just that as you wander and graze the tantalizing stalls of the almost 2,000-foot-long Kuromon Market, where freshly prepared foods like sushi, steaks, oysters, and even Japanese fast-food beckons.

Osaka began as a mercantile city. As it grew in power, and as General Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan, it became worthy of a solid defense, and so work on Osaka Castle began in the late 16^th century. Today, it rests in a green park in the middle of the city on a small hill, a panorama of remarkably preserved walls, gates, turrets, and the main building, all surrounded by a moat. For a decidedly more modern experience, there are the lively, neon-lit Dotombori and Shinsaibashi shopping districts.

Kyoto: Land of Shoguns and Temples

It’s been said that while Tokyo is Japan’s political capital, Kyoto is its heart and soul. By some counts, 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures are here, including 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines. Eleven centuries of history live here, from shogun castles to sacred Shinto temples. And much of it is beautifully preserved as the city was spared from Allied bombing during World War II. Founded in the 7^th century, Kyoto today is a major center of arts, culture and history—all of which are embodied in the city’s famous geiko women, refined geisha-like artists well-versed in the art of singing, dancing and entertaining.

For centuries, Kyoto was also a power center of Japan and one of its early capitals. It’s no surprise, then, that it drew many influential figures. In the 14^th century, one shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimasa had a golden pavilion, the Kinkaku-ji Temple, built for his retirement in a serene setting. In accordance with his wishes, it was converted into a Zen temple upon his death and today houses some relics of the Buddha.

Another temple, Kiyomizu-dera, was inspired by water. This Pure Water Temple was constructed in 1633 without a single nail and is a favorite spot because of the three streams that gently cascade past the structure into a pond, creating the Otowa, or Sound of Feathers. Also in Kyoto, the Kitano Shrine was built in the year 947. Soon after its construction, it was chosen by the emperor as one of the 19 shrines through which imperial messengers delivered news of important events to the gods.

Explore Japan YOUR way

For a closer look at Japan, join our sister company, Discovery Tours, for a small-group experience, Japan, Then & Now. Our group size lets us expand our reach to the cobbled streets of historic Kanazawa, where the Kenroku-en Garden showcases the fine art of Japanese landscapes, and to Takayama, graced with an authentic Old Town. You will also visit Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where 2,000 tons of fish are purveyed each day; see how sushi is made; visit Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji; spend the night at a traditional ryokan, or inn; tour Kyoto’s cypress-wood Nijo Castle; attend a tea ceremony; journey to the imperial capital of Nara, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and so much more.

Or follow your own whims during our Independent Vacations to Tokyo or to Tokyo and Kyoto. We provide the air and hotel package, you provide the discovery!

Experience the Best of Japan – Affordably!

Japan is a notoriously expensive and sometimes baffling country to visit. But when you have Gate 1 Travel’s and Discovery Tours’ buying power behind you, and the expertise of our local Japanese guides by your side, you can immerse yourself in this incredibly rewarding culture with maximum ease and minimum worry.

We hope to see you soon in The Land of the Rising Sun!