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Insider's Choice: Treasures of Japan

by Mason Florence, January 2004

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When I arrived to live in Kyoto 12 years ago, I had my mind set on discovering the "real Japan." The first thing I did was invest in a good set of regional maps and begin charting my excursions. Ever since, as a travel writer, photographer, and expedition leader, I've been canvassing the country from top to bottom, from tracing the poet Basho's footprints through the "deep north" right down to the steps of Buddhist monk Kukai around Shikoku's ancient 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

Whether by train, bike, bus, plane, or on foot, Japan is, for me, the ultimate travelers' paradise. Not only steeped in rich history, art, culture, and customs, it's safe, fascinating, a culinary heaven, and is home to perhaps the most gracious hosts on the planet.

But what better way to explore the Japanese archipelago than by sea and on board a vessel such as the Clipper Odyssey, with its fleet of portable Zodiacs and expert crew. Aboard the Odyssey, this year's Treasures of Japan expedition