The Leader in High-Touch, Private, Luxury Travel to Greater China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India: September 2009

1. Cleanliness Japan's Shintoesque identity has made the Japanese perhaps the cleanest people on earth. Regardless of where you travel in Japan , the natives are well-groomed, neat, and spotlessly clean. This extends to streets, homes, office buildings, wherever! 2. Geisha culture A private geisha dinner with a Geiko (geisha in Kyoto), Maiko (apprentice geiko) and Jikata (instrument-playing geiko), is an otherwordly experience. While being served a scrumptious multi-course kaiseki dinner, you are serenaded with traditional Japanese song and dance. Separately, Zen feels her geisha "makeover" is among her most "awesome" experiences in Japan. 3. Japan's Railway System Similar to so much of Japan , its railway/shinkansen (bullet) transport system is meticulously efficient, immaculately clean, very fast, and completely reliable. If only we had shinkansen in the states! We particularly love the First Class N700 Green Cars – ergonomic seating with an unbelievably smooth ride! 4. Japan's bathroom culture! Toto's automated toilets/washlets make Japan 's bathroom culture most unique, perhaps a further expression of Shinto cleanliness/hygiene. These toilets are amazing – all-spraying, all deodorizing, with oscillating heated massage! Bev, Zen and I agree that the Toto washlet is a fun, hands-free, spa-like bathroom experience. This is another bonus for staying at the Peninsula ! 5. Sumo Wrestling If you are unable to make one of the bimonthly Sumo wrestling tournaments, a private morning Sumo wrestling practice session is the next best thing - followed by a Chanko breakfast with the wrestlers!  6. Wabi-sabi aesthetic The Japanese worldview/state of mind emphasizing simplicity and purity – the beauty and awe of all things humble, imperfect, unpretentious. This quintessentially Japanese philosophy is reflected in the tea ceremony, the Japanese character and the arts. For 7 - 15, please visit our blog! Ideal weather conditions for travel to Japan are September - October, April (cherry blossoms!), May and June. Safe travels! Randy Lynch, CEO rlynch@kiplingandclark.com