Showcase: Japan (part 2), Tom Getz

Mon. January 20 – 7PM
Japan (Part 2)
Presenter: Tom Getz
Location: Clubhouse 7

Doors open at 6:30PM for refreshments.

The final show on Japan by Tom Getz, featuring the heartland of Japanese culture, from Hakone, Nagano, Nikko and Takayama in the north to Kyoto and Nara further south.

First, we visit Lake Ashinoko and the Open-Air world class art museum near Hakone, with abstract sculptures from Japanese and international artists. Tom shares his experiences at a traditional ryokan inn, and provides pictures of Japanese food. Next is Nagano for an historical temple and the gateway to Obuse (Hokusai and Manga Museum) and later to see the snow monkeys frolicking and splashing.

Nikko, a must stop for a few days, provides magnificent views of elaborate temples and shrines: Rinnoji, Yomeimon Gate, Tōshō-gū Shrine (Three Wise monkeys), Nemuri Neko (Sleeping Cat) Shrine. Tom tours the Tamozawa Imperial Villa before leaving Nikko.

In the mountain village of Takayama we visit a museum of festival floats and then Hida, an open-air folk village.

During several days in Kyoto we enjoy a Kabuki show, see the famous Temple of the Golden Pavilion, and the Temple of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), Joshoji Temple, Hein Temple and gardens, the historical Sanjusangen-do Hall, Garden of Kamakura, Nijo-jo Castle and grounds, Inari Shrine, the multitude of torii gates at Inari, and a famous Zen Temple, the largest in Japan.

Our final city, Nara, seems over-run with tame deer, and features Nigatsudo Hall, Nara Todari Temple and Gate, and Kasuga Shrine.

Members attend for free, Non-members pay a $5 donation fee at the door, day of the event.