Journeys. Exquisite, Often Mysterious Japan

Transcription

1 Journeys with Paul and Christine Exquisite, Often Mysterious Japan October 18-November 2, 2017 Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen

2 Journeys with Paul and Christine Among the many countries we ve visited in nearly 40 years of travel planning, Japan occupies a prominent place on our list of favorites. We ve visited Japan on more than a dozen occasions; yet the country continues to draw us back for more. As an island nation, Japan developed a highly individualized culture so different from our own. For example ultra-modern Tokyo can be clogged with traffic and, seemingly, thousands of people. The city pulsates with energy. Yet if you walk a block or two and turn a corner, you ll find a serene garden or shrine that takes your breath away with its tranquil beauty. Old is juxtaposed with the new, fashion trends come and go like the breeze yet most observe timeless traditions. Long closed to foreign visitors, Japan opened a single port to traders and seamen in the 1500s. Yet it was only in 1857 that Commodore Perry sailed his steam-powered ships into Tokyo Bay and forced a treaty upon Japan. Even today Japan seems to both embrace and resist foreign influences. A Rewarding Program Unlike regular sightseeing tours of Japan, Signature Journeys has arranged several private experiences (many not normally available to visitors) to understand more about the unique Japanese way of life: We ll meet with several artisans who carry on Japan s long craft traditions creating unique pottery, inlaid woods and foods. We ll meet with a working geisha who will describe her career and responsibilities. As well, we ve arranged a private tea ceremony, the most famous of the zen arts. We ve timed our visit to coincide with a very colorful festival, Jidai Matsuri, (Japanese for Festival of Ages ), in which the participants of the parade are dressed in costumes from almost every period of Japanese history. We ve arranged reserved seats. We ll travel primarily on Japan s sleek bullet trains (first class). That makes our intercity travel fast and enjoyable and gives us maximum time to explore our destinations. In addition to the language issues, Japan became very expensive when our dollar declined from nearly 400 yen to less than 100 yen a few decades ago. However in recent months, our dollar has strengthened somewhat making Japan more affordable. Working closely with a noted Japan specialist we ve planned a fascinating journey that takes us beyond Tokyo to uncover the vibrancy and soul of this unique country and to enjoy its pleasures and fascinating traditions. We ll assure your comfort throughout with 4-5 star hotels and fine dining. We ll meet the people, visit the sublime shrines and gardens and learn more about this country that, in our lifetime, has evolved from a fearsome wartime adversary to strategic ally. We invite you to become one of the dozen or so guests we can take to Japan next October SW Greenburg Road, Suite 400 Portland, OR Telephone: Fax:

3 日本 October 18, 2017 Depart for Tokyo Today we begin our journey with an easy flight over the Pacific to Tokyo. (Most travelers will find a convenient non-stop flight to Tokyo from a nearby airport.) Since we cross the International Dateline during our flight, we ll arrive late in the afternoon of the following day. 東京 October 19, 2017 ARRIVE IN Tokyo When you emerge from Immigration and Customs into Narita Airport s arrivals hall, we will be there to meet you and soon we ll be underway to our comfortable retreat in Tokyo, the Park Hotel, a modern hotel well situated in the city for exploring and shopping. We invite you to join us for a welcome drink and dinner. DINNER Overnight at the ParkHotel Your Security Aware of our travelers concerns for their security, each of our Signature Journeys has been planned for destinations well removed from any civil strife or antagonism towards Americans. Moreover, when we travel, we maintain a low profile and work with trusted local partners who know local conditions and have great concern for your welfare. We want you to enjoy a feeling of comfort and ease when you travel with us. 3

4 東京 October 20, 2017 Tokyo This morning we begin our journey by ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest tower in the world for fantastic views over the city and the surrounding countryside. Later we ll visit the section of Tokyo known as Asakusa to see Sensō-jo, Tokyo s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. In addition to the temple, the Asakusa neighborhood provides an intriguing mix of traditional stores and shops in a lively yet nostalgic atmosphere. After lunch, we ll visit famed Hama Rikyū Gardens, an oasis of calm amidst the city s skyscrapers. Just the beginning of our quest to unwrap Japan. LUNCH DINNER Overnight at the Park Hotel Modern meets tradition on the streets of Tokyo 4

5 東京京都 October 21, 2017 Tokyo to Kyoto This morning we ll pass through bustling Tokyo Station to board the bullet train for Kyoto. This incredible train an interesting experience itself speeds quietly through the lovely countryside. (Meanwhile our luggage will be sent separately by a same day courier service!) As we speed along the tracks you ll see the chain of mountains that, over the centuries, has protected the flora and fauna from human impact. Yet this rugged terrain did not present Japan from constructing these trains for the 1964 Olympics. The Japanese engineered the routes to travel directly between major cities, tunneling through mountains and flying along on elevated tracks over suburban areas. In many cases the elapsed time between many cities is faster using these Shinkansen trains than flying. CONTINUED > > The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto 5

6 京都 Kyoto Though no longer the country s political capital, Kyoto remains the center for Japan s religion, philosophy, art, culture and cuisine. Most of Japan s refined arts and traditions blossomed from seeds planted here such as the tea ceremony, Kabuki theater, Zen and Tantric Buddhism. When we arrive in Kyoto, our guide brings us to the famed Golden Pavilion, a magnificent symbol of Japan. The nearby stone garden, Ryoan-ji Temple, consists of fifteen stones of various sizes placed in white sand to represent islands in the sea a perfect example of Zen philosophy. Later in the day we ll check into our Kyoto hotel, Tokyu Kyoto Hotel. Delightfully, we ll spend four days exploring Kyoto s great treasures including free time for you to make discoveries on your own. BREAKFAST LUNCH Overnight at the Tokyu Kyoto Hotel 6

7 京都 October 22, 2017 Kyoto After breakfast, we ll visit a private ceramics studio. Our host is a ceramic arts gallery owner, a writer in this specialized field and a longtime resident of Kyoto. This experience should provide a unique lens into Japan s culture. This afternoon reserved seats wait for us to watch the annual Jidai Matsuri festival, a colorful parade where participants wear traditional costumes from the Meiji and Heian periods; it s a delightful event that draws visitors from around the country. Don t forget your camera! To conclude our day we ll visit Ginkaku-ji Temple (known as the Silver Pavilion), situated amidst a garden encompassing tall pines, raked sand and a pond filled with colorful carp; all designed by a famed landscape architect. BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER Overnight at the Tokyu Kyoto Hotel 7

8 京都 October 23, 2017 Kyoto This morning we ll explore a district of Kyoto known as Gion, where we ll likely catch sight of a few of Kyoto s apprentice geisha on the way to their lessons. During the course of the morning we ll also view the Yasak-jinja Shrine, Maruyama Park and, finally, Kiyomizu Temple where we can look out over Kyoto from the hillside. This evening we re invited to a special dinner with music and dancing performed by a geisha. We ll have a chance to hear about this mysterious world and ask our questions with the help of an interpreter. BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Tokyu Kyoto Hotel 8

9 京都奈良 October 24, 2017 Kyoto, Tea and Nara We drive out of Kyoto this morning to visit a Japanese tea farm. Following their custom, we ll pick a few of the tea leaves, process them by hand and, of course, taste the fresh tea. Before we move on, we ll pause to enjoy the views of the rolling tea fields as well as a traditional bento lunch. In the afternoon, we ll see the ancient capital of Nara including the famed park with its temples and deer in the lovely landscaped gardens. BREAKFAST LUNCH Overnight at the Tokyu Kyoto Hotel 京都湯布院 October 25, 2017 Kyoto to Yufuin Saying farewell to Kyoto, we begin our day by boarding, first, one of the bullet trains and then transferring to an express train to speed down Japan s coastline to Beppu, situated on Kyushu, Japan s southernmost large island. Known as Japan s hot springs capital with its nine major pools (sometimes called the Nine Hells of Beppu ), it s a beautiful place with the sea on one side, the mountains on the other and steam rising into the sky from the many hot springs. Next a coach brings us up into the mountain town of Yufuin, where we ll stay in a traditional ryokan, a Japanese inn for two evenings of warm hospitality, exquisite traditional dining and hot springs baths. You may elect to sleep Japanese-style on a tatami mat or on traditional Western style beds. Another option is traditional Japanese bathing in an Onsen, an outdoor hot water pool fed by the area s many hot springs. You may not want to leave! BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Saigakukan Ryokan 9

10 湯布院 October 26, 2017 Yufuin This morning our sights include the vast caldera that encircles nearby Mount Aso. If conditions allow, we ll venture right into the moonscape and smoking crater. Later we ll visit an old farm house situated on a plateau near the National Park. We ll meet the local farmers to learn something of their traditional lifestyles. These farmers grow most of their food themselves without using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. We ll watch as they cook rice on a traditional stove and make tofu. BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Saigakukan Ryokan 10

11 Hiroshima Peace Park 広島 October 27, 2017 Hiroshima Once again, express trains bring us to a Shinkansen to speed up along the coastline to Hiroshima, a modern city rebuilt after World War II. This afternoon we ll visit the Atomic Dome (virtually the only structure remaining from the 1945 atomic blast) and Peace Park, poignant reminders of the city s tragic past. The Peace Museum tells the story of the bombing and its aftermath. Though sobering, the visit to this site of immense destruction reminds us of the tragedy of war and the bounty of peace. BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel Hiroshima 11

12 広島 October 28, 2017 Hiroshima Today we ll board a ferry for the short ride to the lovely island of Miyajima. This island is best known for its red O-Torii gate, a visually inspiring structure built from rot-resistant camphor tree trunks it s one of Japan s best known symbols. There s free time for exploring on foot or by cable car and to browse through the village and shops or photograph the deer or the local monkeys in the park. Keep your eyes open to see one of the many weddings that take place on this sacred island. BREAKFAST LUNCH Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel Hiroshima O-Torii gate on Miyajima 箱根 October 29, 2017 Hakone Due to the beauty and cultural importance of the region around Mt. Fuji, visitors from every corner of Japan come to Hakone. A final speeding train brings us there quickly followed by a coach into the hills surrounding the mountain. This afternoon, you may wish to talk a walk through the gardens along the shores of Lake Ashi (the views across the lake to Mt. Fuji) are spectacular. Alternatively you unwind in the hotel s spa. BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Yamano Hotel 12

13 富士山 October 30, 2017 Explore the sights around Mt. Fuji Today we ll explore the local area by cable car, tram, steamboat and, as necessary, our private coach. As we enter the Great Boiling Valley, with its sulphurous springs and steaming vents, we re reminded that Mt. Fuji remains an active volcano. Later we ll visit Hakone s unique Open Air Museum filled with sculptures from prominent Western and Japanese artists as well as an extensive collection of works by Picasso. Before we conclude our day, we ve arranged special access to visit the Yosegi marquetry studio to watch craftsmen create exquisite works of inlaid woodcraft. BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Yamano Hotel 13

14 Towering Buddha 東京 October 31, 2017 Tokyo En route to Tokyo today, we ll stop at Kamakura (near Yokohama) to see the towering Buddha, a 13th Century statue that dominates the grounds of Kotoku-in Temple. The grounds themselves are lovely with a reflecting pond and Japanese-style bridges. Free time in Tokyo this afternoon is a delight. Interested in Kabuki theater? There may be an opportunity this evening. BREAKFAST LUNCH Overnight at the Park Hotel Tokyo 14

15 東京 November 1, 2017 TOKYO A sushi master waits for us this morning to give us some of the finer points of preparing sushi. But pay attention because we re making our lunch today and we ll be eating our mistakes! This afternoon, we ll visit the famed Meiji Shrine hidden away in the forests. This area was home to the 1964 Olympics and will once again take center stage when the Olympics return in Nearby we ll visit the trendy Omotesando area where many of Japan s youth fashion trends begin. Intriguing and often a little wacky. After so many great experiences and sights, our journey into the soul of Japan concludes. We ll gather this evening for a farewell dinner to memorialize the pleasure, the knowledge and the understanding we gain from good travels. You ll be pleased you came. BREAKFAST DINNER Overnight at the Park Hotel Tokyo 15

16 東京 November 2, 2017 Depart Tokyo for home Later this morning we depart the city for Tokyo s Narita Airport to begin our flight home. Thanks to our westerly heading, our flight home is a bit shorter than our outbound flight and, since we re-cross the International Dateline, we ll arrive home on the same day we departed but at an earlier hour than we left Tokyo. Thank you for coming and Welcome home. BREAKFAST As I thought about my journey I thought about kimonos, Geisha, kabuki, ryokan, exquisite food presentation, hot springs baths and temple gardens. My trip melded into a series of amazing sights and experiences. 16

17 PRICes Double Occupancy Single Occupancy $12,950 per person $14,950 per person Prices Include All airport transfers and transportation as described in the itinerary. Most rail travel will include first class transportation. 15-day, 14-night program round-trip from Tokyo, Japan. Private guides throughout the program. At least two meals each day including breakfast. Many dining opportunities will include a choice between Western and Japanese cuisine. Private events as described in the itinerary (example: dinner with a working geisha in Kyoto). First class hotel accommodations throughout. At the ryokan (a traditional Japanese hotel in Yufuin) guests may choose between sleeping in Western beds or Japanese style (cushions on tatami mats). Room upgrades may be available at extra cost. Paul and Christine plan to host this Signature Journey (based upon a minimum of 10 participants). It s comforting to know that you ll have more personal care (and special experiences) than other travelers and the season travel professionals are nearby in the event of unforeseen travel issues. Detailed pre-departure documentation prepared especially for this journey. You ll find helpful travel suggestions, packing lists, maps, a detailed itinerary, cultural do s and don ts and what to expect. All of this will be sent to you long before you go. Prices do not include Your fare does not include international airfare to Japan, personal expenses such as laundry and meals or drinks which are not included, telephone or internet charges, visa fees, items of a strictly personal nature or any cost not specifically included above. 17

18 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Deposits and Final Payments A deposit of $3000 per person confirms your reservation. Final payment is due August 10, Visa, MasterCard and American express credit cards may be used for the deposit; however, the final payment is payable by check or add 3.5% for credit card payments. Cancellations If you cancel your participation in this program before September 15, 2016, the cancellation fee is $1,000 per person. If you cancel your participation in this program after enrollment and before June 1, 2017, the administrative fee is $500 per person. If you cancel on or after June 1, 2017 but before August 10, 2017, the cancellation fee is the amount of the deposit. No refunds will be paid for cancellations on or after August 10, Insurance for cancellations and certain other travel mishaps will be offered and is strongly recommended. Currency fluctuations Note: In the event the U.S. dollar declines below 110 Japanese yen per dollar, Signature Journeys reserves the right to adjust the final payment appropriately. Credit for unused land arrangements Refunds will not be provided for the non-use of any of the hotel and/ or land arrangements included in this journey. Airfare arrangements Call your Signature Journeys travel consultant for attractive airfares to and from this program. Land arrangements included by Signature Journeys in this Signature Journey have been made using recognized on-site travel companies that will be named in the final documentation. Flight Mileage upgrades Should you wish to use your mileage awards for upgrades or free tickets, we encourage you to contact your mileage program at once since the number of seats reserved for award travel are extremely limited, particularly in the peak travel months. Overseas transfers Signature Journeys includes round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers in Tokyo for those travelers arriving or departing on the day this program begins and concludes. If you arrive early (or wish to stay on when our program concludes), transfer arrangements are your own responsibility. We are happy to assist you in arranging these transfers should you wish to arrive early or stay longer. Passports and Visas U.S. citizens are required to carry a valid passport to take part in this journey. The passport s validity must extend at least until May 10, U.S. citizens who stay in Japan for less than 90 days do not require a visa to visit. If you are traveling on another country s passport, please contact Signature Journeys for visa requirements. Changes Signature Journeys reserves the right to charge $50 per person (in addition to airline charges) for changes in passenger names, departure cities and departure times which are made on or after August Minimum age To respect the enjoyment of all participants, Signature Journeys requests that each participant be 18 years or older when the program begins. Other Information Approximately 20 days prior to departure, Signature Journeys will provide extensive informative materials regarding the destinations. Responsibility Signature Journeys constantly strives to improve each itinerary to your advantage and enjoyment. If improvements can be made or unforeseen conditions make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute hotels. In addition, day-byday itineraries are subject to change without notice. Signature Journeys (Perspectives, inc.) acts only as an agent for the suppliers of transportation, accommodations, food and other goods and services provided to the tour participant. All arrangements for transport, accommodations and services are made upon the express condition that Signature Journeys shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, train, bus line, hotel, restaurant, ground handler, etc., who supplies any goods or services for the cruise or tour. Without limiting the foregoing, Signature Journeys is not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity or for any other cause beyond its control. Signature Journeys assumes no liability for typographical or other errors in this brochure. Signature Journeys may increase the tour price in the event of cost increases. Signature Journeys may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. If any tour participant leaves or is removed from the tour, a refund only for refundable unused services shall be made. Any litigation concerning this tour must be brought in the state of Oregon. Changes in the responsibility statement can be made only in writing signed by an officer of signature Journeys. Deposits paid by tour participants indicate acceptance of the above terms and conditions. Signature Journeys SW Greenburg Road, Suite 400 Portland, OR Telephone: or info@signaturejourneys.net