Tour Host Pick of the Month
by Sheri Leigh

Absolute Travel

Absolute Asia is noted for its specially designed itineraries for the discriminating traveler. These distinctive tours are crafted with an insight into the customs of the countries you visit and a great base of knowledge of the local treasures and festivals that will occur during your trip. Trips are primarily independent excursions that offer the most flexible and personalized experience possible, allowing you the freedom to travel in your own style and at your own pace.

Absolute Asia’s selection of  Japanese itineraries is amazingly diverse, ranging from its “Mingei: Folk Arts of Japan” tour described in this month’s article, Japan's Artistic Elegance Lie in Its Revered Folk Art Traditions, to the “Gourmet Traditions” tour, which focuses on Japan’s elegant and healthy cuisine. These exclusive, privately guided tours offer deluxe accommodations and your own private driver/guide.

For a more financially accessible trip, Absolute Asia’s “Sampler Tours” include locally arranged group day trips and free time to explore on your own. “Treasures of Old Japan” highlights the most historic cities and small towns of Japan, and “Traditional Inns of Japan” allows you to experience the simple yet elegant ryokan accommodations in such delightful places as Kyoto, and unwind in the leisure mountain towns of Takayama and Kanazawa. These are two of their sampler tours that will introduce the visitor to the heart of Japan’s traditional culture.

“Independent tours,” such as “Mountains & Hot Springs of Tohuku,” show rural Japan at its best, exposing the culturally curious traveler to the small hamlets, local handicrafts and distinct regional cuisine of this lovely area. “Shikoku & the Inland Sea” tour is based in Osaka, from where you will visit sacred Mt. Koya and also the island shrine of Miyajima, this month’s Heritage Site.

For a fascinating array of possible itineraries throughout Japan, and the rest of Asia, no company comes close to matching Absolute Asia’s diverse options.