KIMONOS, CULTURE & SHIMMERING CITIES You knew Japan would overwhelm your senses. Tokyo’s neon hullabaloo, Kochi’s sublime coastline, Mt. Fuji’s majesty from Shimizu… But there's something extraordinary in Japan’s former imperial capital that lingers like a dream. In the heart of Kyoto, while walking the atmospheric streets of the Gion entertainment district, you catch a glimpse of a woman with a striking white face and vibrant, formal kimono. A geisha — a living embodiment of Japanese culture — hurries along to a tea ceremony or ikebana (flower arrangement) to perhaps perform a traditional song or dance. In this cultural and artistic heart of Japan, you’ve witnessed a glimpse of its beating heart. Asia’s vast assortment of cultures, religions and traditions guarantee experiences and encounters that surpass expectations. Discover explorations of incomparable landmarks like Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal, thrumming metropolises like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and more. アジア | 59