Faculty Leader:
Prof. Preston Saunders
psaunders@bridgew.edu

Undergrad: ARTS 215
Graduate: ARTS 415
Fulfills the following CORE: Writing Intensive, Fine & Performing Arts, Global Culture

All dates are subject to change, +/- 1-3 days

Course Description:
Old and new, traditional and ultra-modern: Japan is a country of amazing and exciting contrasts. For a small island country, Japan offers a fascinating combination of old and new - from modern skyscraper strewn cities, to traditional temples and remote villages where life looks much like it did centuries ago. This study tour concentrates on the traditional villages of Echizen, Kanazawa, and explores the modern world of Tokyo. Echizen is considered one of the six ancient kiln sites and has an 800-year-old history of pottery. Here students will visit museums, participate in a traditional 3-day kiln firing, visit ancient kiln ruins, tour artists’ studio, visit outdoor sculpture garden and learn about Echizens agriculture industry. From there, the course travels to Kanazawa, famous for its traditional cuisine and its production of items used for the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Kanazawa is also known for its renowned outdoor gardens, temples and geisha district. Here students will learn first-hand and participate in a formal tea ceremony from an eleventh generation Tea Master while also visiting numerous contemporary and historical museums and castles. The tour will conclude in the vibrant city of Tokyo, the economic, technical, and political hub of the country, is one of the world’s most vibrant and fascinating capitals. Here we will tour the city seeing the Imperial palace exploring the Tokyo National Museum, visiting the Ginza shopping district and seeing the city from the top of the Tokyo Skytree.