Windows to Japan

04/12/2020

Sharing Japan's countryside - Part 2:
Dento in Japanese means tradition or traditional. when looking at the modern characters of the word 伝統 - it suggests the notion of protecting( the tradition)
But when looking at the old way of writing Dento - 伝燈 the literal meaning is Passing of the light.
What a beautiful way to express the tradition being handed down for 1000s of years.

21/11/2020

Sharing Japan's countryside - Part 1:
Recently i traveled few times to the countryside of Japan doing some research and inspection. I love Japan's countryside and spent lots of time there, however, in these short recent journeys i fell in love with these places even more. I found extremely vibrant bright enthusiastic communities of shokunin(craftsmen), each one with an amazing story to tell, dreams to live and beauty to share.I couldn't help it, my mind went wild and a new innovative venture was born.
Below one of my journeys to Tango Peninsula graceful time enjoying mountains and sea, healthy local food ranging from grounding earthy breakfast to refind and delicate Sushi dinner. and above all, amazing welcoming people

14/10/2020

"Tradition is continuous innovation"
“伝統は革新の連続”
Having 2 intensive days of meetings with Kyoto's craftsmen.What an amazing touching and inspiring experience. Meeting different craftsmen whom without exception exploring new ways to keep their craftsmanship alive incorporating innovative ways into their 100s of years old traditions.
From the guy who tries hard to keep the unique tradition of Kitayama Sugi tree- incorporating new products and new ways of promoting his tradition, to the young lady who found her own unique way in pottery using her own original technic, To the small workshop who looks for the perfect sound of their praying bells collaborating with Apple and sound artists.
And the last for the day- an elderly artisan doing mold for Kimono dyeing, who creates fascinating new designs in collaboration with world artists.
So encouraging to see all these people inspired by the past creating for the present.

Japan at its best

13/10/2020

Amazing 2 days seminar/ workshop at Windows to japan office in Kyoto.
Reflecting revising, updating our mission, core values, company culture and our goals for the next few years. Also choosing on what to focus from now on in order to be a better version of ourselves once the Corona is over.
An amazing team that did amazing work and in the spirit of Windows to japan enjoyed well party time with good food and drinks ( yes alcohol is allowed during work time as long as we do not change the style of work and mails 🙂

24/09/2020

Greetings from Kyoto japan-
It has been long time since we posted here. As a company working with travel professionals only and not with direct travellers, we did not develop the social media aspect of our marketing. However, we would like to spread our love to japan so we have decided to become more active and share with you more of japan through our eyes.
Will post soon.
The images below is from Kyotography, a yearly event taking place in kyoto and gather phographers work from around the world. The event exhibit the works all over the city And manage to do that in amazing locations.
Here the combination of art into classic kyoto Machiya( kyoto traditional town house). Great design and installation - well done kyotography 👏

14/12/2018

14/12/2018

14/12/2018

26/10/2016

More Images taken by Dr.Gilad Fiscus. This time in the Fukuro festival in Tokyo.

26/10/2016

25/10/2016

23/10/2016

We were challenged by an amateur photographer, Dr.Gilad Fiskus who asked us to arrange a 23 day tour in Japan scheduled around quite few festivals. Gilad's aim was to explore Japan through his lens. Our target was to bring him to the right places in the right time.
when I started receiving Gilad's images , I understood that he is much more than amateur, and his lens captured beautiful moments along the way.
I was following his journey planed by Windows to Japan team as its evolved, through his images and colors, and was so happy to see that once again the team managed to make a person dream into reality.
In the next few days - I will publish some of the images Gilad cought in his camera, and was kind enough to share, hope it will bring Japan closer to you.
You are also more than welcome to go to Gilad's website at fiskus-photos.com

09/04/2016

The cherry flowers are blown in the wind and another short blossom season came to an end. One of our groups had an in-depth evening touching the traditional and avant-garde in Japanese culture. Here, photos only from the traditional…. The avant-garde is not self explained so i kept it out.
What a wonderful and truly unique evening they had.

21/02/2016

Just love this photo- :)

And we have a new "window" - learn to dance with a Geisha…..
an ishgiht into the Japanese dance world( Nihon Buyo) with a retired Geisha who now teaches dancing and speaks fluent English…. a very unique and authentic encounter.

07/09/2015

Sorry forgot to add our website link :)
http://windowstojapan.com

Let our years of experience in Japan present you with places, people, and possibilities usually accessible only to those who’ve traveled many roads and possess the keenest eye for the interesting. More

07/09/2015

Our new and exciting website is up on line representing our work philosophy and special Windows into the country.
Please do have a look and we would love to have your feedback.
We are still updating few pages but most was completed.

13/01/2015

Kyoto Spring Garden Tour May 10 – 18, 2015
This tour features a garden itinerary custom-designed for the Spring season when the wisteria, iris and azalea will be in bloom along with luxuriant new growth on the maple trees in endless shades of green.
The focus of this tour will be the gardens, arts and culture of Kyoto, the former Imperial capital of Japan. Still very much Japan’s traditional cultural epicenter, the air is alive with aesthetic elegance, and no more so than within Kyoto’s superb gardens. Amidst the colorful spring bloom and verdant lushness of the maples, we will explore 12(+) gardens and sites of scenic beauty in and around Kyoto, some of the finest examples of landscape and garden design in Japan. Allan Mandell, professional garden photographer and devotee of Kyoto’s gardens, has designed the itinerary in collaboration with Ayumi Ikushima and Windows To Japan. Allan will be the tour leader, and Ayumi will be our local guide. Registration will be through Windows To Japan, our agency which is based in Kyoto.
Come with us and have a direct experience of the arts, the flavors and the graciousness of Japanese culture as the warm lushness of spring descends upon Kyoto. Come with us into the garden and experience the quiet and pure beauty that awaits you.
Tour includes 8 nights, 5 fully guided days and 2 free days in Kyoto. This includes 5 lunches and 2 dinners, and all your transportation and garden admissions on guided days.
Highlights include:
• visits to 12 – 14 select gardens in and around Kyoto
• orientation lecture on the cuisine and foods of Kyoto given by an author of numerous guidebooks on Kyoto
• Tea tasting and meditation instruction in a classic Muromachi-period Zen temple, including shojin ryori traditional temple cuisine served for lunch
• visit to the Sagawa Art Museum to view the raku collection and incredible tea-room
• day-trip to Shikoku Island to visit Ritsurin Garden accompanied by acclaimed designer Chisao Shigemorei, grandson of the designer of the famed gardens of Tofukuji
• visit to the Isamu Noguchi Garden Sculpture Museum on Shikoku Island
• garden maintenance demonstration, including raking and Kyoto-style pruning techniques, by Kato-san, President of Kato Zoen Garden Landscape Company
• hands-on lesson in the art of ‘moss-ball’ making
• accommodations in a Zen temple on the grounds of Myoshinji Zen complex (each room w/ensuite bathroom & shower) – every year our guests love staying here – quiet, cozy, and very atmospheric

• Welcome and Soyonara dinners, and all lunches on guided days

• great local neighborhood w/ affordable restaurants within walking distance

• shopping in markets and shops for Kyoto’s renown crafts, both modern and traditional

• two ‘Free days’ with suggestions for a variety of arts activities, including the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three main festival processions which has taken place for over 1,000 years. The Hollyhock Festival includes hundreds of participants in gorgeous Heian-period traditional dress parading through the streets of Kyoto from the Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shinto Shrine - this traditional annual event is a true spectacle to witness.
Our daily travel will be primarily by public transportation (taxi, train & subway). Participants should be prepared and in shape for daily walking through scenic neighborhoods, bustling city streets, and tranquil garden paths.
Group size is limited to 12 people.
For details please contact [email protected]

27/09/2014

I looooooooooove living in Kyoto, It is not like any other place i know. An evening walk with guests and we meet a long living and deep tradition in action right there in the street.