Discover the soul of Japan as well as the hidden realms of its culture that few tourists experience;
Roam the ancient myth road of Japan’s primeval past, exploring the places where the myths originated & shamanistic magic still dwells;
From sunset to dawn, witness Kagura ritual dances that colorfully re-tell the legends of ancient Japan;
At dawn, photograph a cliff-side cave shrine on the Pacific Ocean where a sea goddess gave birth to a great god;
Stay at traditional Japanese inns & homes, that serve savory local cuisine & provide quiet moments of contemplation in an onsen;
Receive expert, individualized instruction for improving your photographic technique & personal vision from an awarding winning, internationally renowned photographer.
Japan's Ancient Myth Road— A Shinto god dances for the community elders of this small farming village in the mountains of Kyushu. The Kojiki, an ancient collection of Japanese myths, describes the possible origins of the Kagura dances as when the sun goddess, Amaterasu, retreats into a cave, making the world dark and cold. Another Shinto goddess, Uzume, danced wildly at the cave’s entrance, taking off her clothes, causing the other gods to laugh, and eventually luring Amaterasu out of the cave.more
Saito burial mounds are similar to others found in Korea, Mongolia and Eurasia. The "key" shape is not a common design, but some examples exist within northern Asia.