GLIMPSE OF JAPAN TOUR

Transcription

1 GLIMPSE OF JAPAN TOUR

2 Dear Travelers: I hope that you are excited for yet another fascinating trip. This package is brought to you by Charming Travel Destinations. We thank you for purchasing the Glimpse of Japan Tour Package. Prepare to embark on a cultural journey as you travel through the amazing landscapes of Japan. During this trip, you will be touring Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Magome-Juku, & Tokyo. These destinations are fascinating places to visit because of their dynamic culture and warm people. Together with their breathtaking sceneries, magnificent buildings, and exquisite cuisine, we believe that this is a trip you will remember and tell your friends and families about. Included in this packet is some useful information for your trip. Please take some time to review the packet to ensure a smooth journey. We hope that this trip will be educational, exhilarating, and most of all, fun! Again, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to present you one of the treasures of the world Japan! Sincerely, Charming Travel Destinations

3 GLIMPSE OF JAPAN TOUR Day 1: Apr. 6 th Osaka Meal: N/A For Guests that are Arriving into Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) as Scheduled: Upon arrival in Osaka Kansai, please locate our tour guide showing sign board that has our LOGO when you exit the custom area. He / She will be able to assist you with purchasing the Airport Limousine Bus ticket. (Not Included. Estimated at USD per ticket each way) You can purchase the bus ticket via automated machine which only accept cash in Yen or you will be able to purchase the ticket at the bus counter which credit card is accepted. For Guests that are Arriving into Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) as Scheduled: Upon arrival in Osaka Itami, please go to the Airport Limousine Bus counter on own to purchase the Airport Limousine Bus ticket. (Not Included. Estimated at USD per ticket each way) Airport Limousine Bus ticket counter is located OUTSIDE of the airport terminal. You can purchase the bus ticket via automated machine which only accept cash in Yen or you will be able to purchase the ticket at the bus counter which credit card is accepted. For Guests that are Doing Own Pre-Stay that Are Not Staying At the Same Hotel Property as Schedule: Please transfer to the hotel on your own arrangement. On arrival at the hotel, please check in using your passport. For Airport Limousine transfers, you will transfer from Kansai/Itami Airport to JR Osaka. At JR Osaka, Ground Level is the Deck Floor. You will need to go down 1 level to go to the 1 ST Floor Central Gate. There will be a bus stop there for a shuttle that will take you to the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka. Shuttle service is free. Hotel is 10min. away from JR Osaka Station. Please follow the map below to get to the bus stop on the 1 ST Floor. Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed to check in with your passport. Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka Standard Check In Time: 03:00pm (Early Check In will be at Hotel's Discretion)

4 GLIMPSE OF JAPAN TOUR Day 2: Apr. 7 th Osaka - Nara - Kyoto Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, visit Shinsaibashi, Osaka's largest shopping district, filled with many department stores and classic shops. Afterward proceed to Nara. In Nara, visit the Todaiji Temple, the world s largest wooden structure. Then, visit Nara Park to have fun with the local deers. After, head to Kyoto to visit the Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it was founded in 778, its present buildings were constructed in 1633 under Tokugawa Iemitsu's orders. There is not a single nail used in the entire structure. Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel Day 3: Apr. 8 th Kyoto - Magome Juku - Shizuoka Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, head to the Atsuta Shrine. The shrine's Bunkaden, or treasure hall, houses over 4,000 relics, including 174 Important Cultural Properties and a dagger considered a National Treasure of Japan. After, we will proceed to Magome-juku. It was the 43rd of 69 stations in Nakasendō, an ancient road that connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo period. It was also the last of eleven stations along the Kisoji. While walking on the street, you will feel that you are having a time travel. Afterward, visit Ena-kyo Valley, the distribution of the natural erosion and the formation of the strange rocks of the cliff. It will amaze you. Lastly, enjoy a Kaiseki Cuisine, a traditional multicourse Japanese dinner. Tonight, perhaps enjoy the Hot Spring Bath at the hotel. *** Hot Spring Etiquette: The Hot Spring Bath is Separated by Gender. One for Male and One for Female. Before You Go Into the Hot Spring Bath, You Must Wash Off First. Clothing is Not Permitted in the Hot Spring. (No Swim Suit, No Underwear) Nothing Can be Brought Into the Bath Other Than a Small Face Towel. Hot Spring is Meant for Relaxation. Be Sensitive to Others and Keep Your Voice Down. Tattoos are Prohibited in the Hot Spring. If You Have Small Tattoos, Some Bathhouses will be Happy to Provide You a Bandage to Cover Up. But if You re Covered in Ink, You re Usually Not Allow to Enter. Hamanako Royal Hotel Day 4: Apr. 9 th Shizuoka - Tokyo Meal: Breakfast, Lunch After breakfast, we head to Fuji Mountain 5th Station, a perfect spot catch a stunning view of Fuji Mountain. Then, continue to Oshino Hakkai, the typical springs that flowed from Mt. Fuji after "Lake Oshino" had dried up. Eight springs are made by meltwater piled up on Mt. Fuji, filtered through lava for over ten years. Visit Lake Kawaguchi, which commands another beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from another perspective. Lastly, take a stroll along Heiwa Park, which is an ornamental garden with Japanese characteristics of the horticultural flowers. The place is famous for the Sakyamuni tower, which is the Buddhist community's treaure. Tokyo Prince Hotel

5 GLIMPSE OF JAPAN TOUR Day 5: Apr. 10 th Tokyo Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Today, enjoy a short trip in Tokyo. After breakfast, we will first head to the Imperial Palace of Tokyo the residence of the royal family and visit the double bridge (Nijubashi) over the moat. Then, we proceed to Sensoji, an ancient Buddhist temple known as Tokyo s oldest and most significant temple. Next, enjoy some time at Nakamise-dori, a street on the approach to the temple housing many traditional shops for souvenirs. We will then visit Meiji Shrine, built in dedication to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After the original shrine was destroyed during World War II, the current one was re-built in This area is covered by an evergreen forest that consists of 120,000 trees of 365 different species, donated by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established. Tokyo Prince Hotel Day 6: Apr. 11 th Tokyo Meal: Breakfast For Guests that Have Joined Our Optional Tour: Explore two of Japan s most captivating cities on a full-day Kamakura and Yokohama trip from Tokyo. After being picked up from the hotel, travel southwest by coach to Kamakura, a picturesque seaside city nestled in forested hills on Sagami Bay renowned for its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and rich history. Next, continue to Yokohama, Japan s second largest city. See the Red Brick Warehouse, where early-20th century custom buildings now house stylish shops, and stroll down waterside of the Yamashita Park. For All Other Guests: Today, the entire day will be at your own leisure to enjoy. Tokyo Prince Hotel Day 7: Apr. 12 th Tokyo Meal: Breakfast Today, the entire day will be at your own leisure to enjoy. Tokyo Prince Hotel Standard Check Out Time: 11:00am Day 8: Apr. 13 th Tokyo - Home Meal: Breakfast Today, check out of the hotel on own. Transfer to the airport on your own arrangement for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. * Itinerary is subject to change without notice to ensure a smooth and safe trip.

6 IMPORTANT CONTACTS Travel Agent: Charming Travel Destinations Address: 3360 Flair Dr. Ste. 102, El Monte, CA Phone: (626) LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Country: Emergency Contact: Japan Ms. Mei Mei (Tour Guide) Tel: GOVERNMENT: Consulate: U.S. Consulate in Osaka Address: , Nishitenema, Kita-ku, Osaka, Telephone: Embassy: U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Address: Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Telephone:

7 IMPORTANT CONTACTS HOTELS: Hotel Contact: (Osaka) Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka Address: Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka , Osaka Prefecture Telephone: Hotel Contact: (Moriyama) Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel Address: 2876 Imahama-cyo, Moriyama, Shiga Telephone: Hotel Contact: (Shizuoka) Hamanako Royal Hotel Address: Yutocho Yamazaki, Nishi Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture Telephone: Hotel Contact: (Tokyo) Tokyo Prince Hotel Address: 3 Chome-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo Telephone:

8 THINGS TO KNOW Travel Documentation 1. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of your trip. 2. No visa is required for US passport holders. It is the responsibility of non-us citizen travelers to check the visa requirements for the countries they are visiting. Resident Aliens need both passport and Alien Resident card for re-entry to the States. 3. Carry emergency contact person s name, address, and telephone number with you. 4. Make a copy of your travel documents, passport, personal necessities and valuables. 5. US $800 in cash per person is generally adequate (but not for significant purchases or excess entertainment). Medical Requirements & Travel Insurance It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking on any long trips. Remember to bring your own prescription and over-the-counter medicines for flu, indigestion, motion-sickness, etc. In case of illness, please advise your tour director and/or local guides immediately. Air Ticket Taxes & Airport Taxes Taxes for air tickets must be paid at the time the reservation is made. Airport taxes vary by location and must be paid at site on your own when required. Baggage Baggage is at owner s risk at all times. Please check with the airline baggage dimension allowance. For your own convenience, it is suggested to bring one check-in and one carry-on piece per person. Try not to pack excessively to avoid overloading your luggage. All luggage should have a tag with your name, address, telephone number, and tour description written on it. Keep your personal necessities and valuables with you instead of packing them in your check-in luggage. Things To Carry 1. Casual attire, smart casual attire for Afternoon Tea, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, swimming suit, rain coat, short pants, etc. 2. Sun-block lotion, insect spray, hair gel, contact lens kit, etc. 3. Books, magazines, portable music player, snacks, etc. 4. Hair dryer, shaver, voltage converter (220V) and adapters. 5. Camera, camcorder, battery, film, memory sticks, etc. You may not have any time to look for these items during the tour, and may cost you more if you buy them during the trip.

9 THINGS TO KNOW Currency Please visit for more up-to-date currency information. Japan The currency in Japan is the yen ( ) and banknotes and coins are easily identifiable. There are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 coins; and 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10, 000 banknotes (the 2000 notes are very rarely seen). The 1 coin is an aluminium lightweight coin, the 5 and 50 coins have a punched hole in the middle (the former is colored bronze and the latter silver). Note that some vending machines do not accept older 500 coins. Changing Money Banks, post offices and discount ticket shops will change all major currencies and travellers cheques. As with most other countries, you ll find that US dollars are the easiest to change, although you should have no problems with other major currencies. You can change cash or travellers cheques at most banks, major post offices, discount ticket shops, some travel agents, some large hotels and most big department stores. Note that discount ticket shops (known as kakuyasu kippu uriba in Japanese) often have the best rates. These can be found around major train stations ATMs Automated teller machines are almost as common as vending machines in Japan. Unfortunately, most of these do not accept foreign-issued cards. Even if they display Visa and MasterCard logos, most accept only Japan-issued versions of these cards. Fortunately, Japanese postal ATMs accept cards that belong to the following international networks: Visa, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus American Express and Diners Club cards. Check the sticker (s) on the back of your card to see which network (s) your card belongs to. You ll find postal ATMs in almost all post offices, and you ll find post offices in even the smallest Japanese village. Most postal ATMs are open 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9am to noon on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday and holidays. Some postal ATMs in very large central post offices are open longer hours. Credit cards Except for making cash withdrawals at banks and ATMs, it is best not to rely on credit cards in Japan. While department stores, top-end hotels and some restaurants do accept cards, most businesses in Japan do not. Cashand-carry is still very much the rule. If you do decide to bring a credit card, you ll find Visa the most useful, followed by MasterCard, Amex and Diners Club.

10 THINGS TO KNOW Information About Your Trip To make your trip more interesting and rewarding, take some time to learn a little about the culture, language, customs and habits of the places you will travel to. The internet is a good place to start. Meals & Entertainment 1. Meals are provided as per your final itinerary. Any meal that is not provided in your itinerary will be at your own expense. 2. It is at your own decision to join and pay for any items or activities not included in your Charming Travel Destinations itinerary such as outside entertainment, items purchased during shopping visits, and optional sightseeing tours. Charming Travel Destinations does not take responsibility for any of these extracurricular and optional activities. Tipping Tipping is at your own discretion. As a guideline, Charming Travel Destinations recommends the following gratuities: 1. USD$10.00 per guest per day for local guides & drivers. 2. Extra tips for well deserved services are always appreciated. Group Harmony To ensure the desired group synergy, Charming Travel Destinations reserves the right to accept, reject or expel any individual who is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the interests of the group. All expenses to do so will be borne by the passenger. For guided tours, you are also responsible for respecting the authority and following the directions of the tour guide during a tour. We may exclude you from participating in all or any part of the tour if, in our sole discretion, your condition or behavior renders you unfit for the tour or unfit for continuation once the tour has begun. Unfitness may include, without limitation, any behavior that, regardless of its cause, is inappropriate or offensive or interferes with the delivery of tour services, or may constitute a hazard or embarrassment. Should you decide not to participate in certain parts of the tour or use certain goods included in the tour, no refunds will be made for those unused parts of the tour or goods. Miscellaneous 1. Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times. 2. Respect other group members, your guides, and drivers. 3. For the protection of your own interests, read your itinerary and hotel information carefully before departure. Leave a copy to your family or relatives for their reference. 4. A nice and smooth trip counts on every group member s utmost cooperation. It is important to follow the indicated meeting point and time. For flight delays, cancellations, or any other emergency, please immediately contact Charming Travel Destinations for assistance. (888)

11 TRAVEL CHECKLIST Trip Preparation Visas (if applicable) Passports check the expiration date two months before your trip Trip Itinerary Travel reservations, take along airplane tickets Optional travel insurance to cover the duration of your trip Driver s license, registration, insurance cards, (leave unnecessary cards at home) Money or foreign currency (cash, traveler s checks, credit cards) Arrange for someone to water your plants, receive your mail, and take care of your pets Do not pack your travel documents or money in a suitcase that may get lost. Take your important documents and money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times. Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address and telephone number. Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take them by mistake at a busy terminal. Personal Items Suitcases Shirts, blouses, pants, dresses, hats, coats, sweaters Rain protection travel umbrella or raincoat Underwear, socks Toiletries, cosmetics, shaving needs, deodorant, shampoo Dental floss, toothbrush, nail clippers, nail file Contact lens preparations Camera, batteries, charger, voltage converter Swimming suit, beach towels, sun block cream Cell phone A printed list of emergency phone numbers or address book may be handy if your cell phone batteries run out or you lose your phone. First Aid First Aid Kit Aspirin or Analgesic Decongestant or cold/sinus medication

12 TRAVEL NOTES AND REMARKS