Springtime in Japan. Aboard the Spirit of Oceanus March 26 April 9, 2008

Transcription

1 Springtime in Japan Aboard the Spirit of Oceanus March 26 April 9, 2008

2 Dear Columbian, For centuries, the Japanese lived in splendid isolation, protected by the sea on an archipelago of unparalleled beauty, to nurture a distinctive and complex culture. Deeply and inextricably rooted in tradition, ceremony, and ritual, this small island nation is also the second largest economy in the world. Major cities like Tokyo beat with the fast pace of a 21st-century metropolis, while small villages exude a peaceful serenity that is artfully conveyed in the painter s brush strokes and the rituals of the tea ceremony. Join fellow alumni, family, and friends on a memorable 15-day program to this unique country, including a seven-night cruise. Stopping in Kyoto, Nagoya, Himeji, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hagi, Matsue, Kanazawa, and Tokyo, experience poetic landscapes, tranquil temples and shrines, formidable castles, and elegant gardens. Learn about age-old arts and timehonored traditions, and explore postwar Japan s rise to prominence on the global economic scene. During the land portion of our program, take advantage of optional excursions and activities to personalize your experience of Japan. In addition to our exploration of Japan, a special highlight of our cruise is an included one-day visit to the World Heritage site of Gyeongju, South Korea, where tombs, temples, and monuments illuminate the outstanding cultural achievements of the Shilla dynasty. Considered a museum without walls, Gyeongju provides a unique opportunity to explore ancient Buddhist sites and to discover some of Korea s national treasures. We are pleased to have Louisa McDonald, associate professor of art history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who specializes in Japanese art, and cultural historians David and Michiko Young as our study leaders on this program. We are sharing this adventure with travelers from Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Join us on this fascinating exploration of Japan s natural, cultural, and architectural landscapes. Sincerely, SUPERIOR Our programs are classified in three categories: Value, Superior, and Luxury Eric J. Furda 94TC Vice President for Alumni Relations To make your reservation, please call , or travelstudy@columbia.edu. cover: Young girls in festive kimonos back cover: Cherry blossoms edge the Imperial Palace moat, Tokyo mail panel: Maikos right: Himeji Castle

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4 Itinerary U.S. / Osaka, Japan Wednesday, March 26 Joanna Kilen - Redesiuk / Dreamstime.com Depart the U.S. on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently, for Japan. Arrive Kyoto Thursday, March 27 Arrive in Osaka this afternoon and transfer by coach to Kyoto. The evening is at leisure, with dinner on your own. Kyoto Hotel Okura Kyoto Friday, March 28 Explore Ryoan-ji, a temple famous for its Zen rock garden, and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, its gold-leaf exterior reflected in the placid waters of Mirror Pond. Then choose to visit either Nijo Castle, the exquisitely decorated seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, or Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei to house an extensive private collection of artifacts from ancient Asian and Western civilizations. This evening gather at the hotel for a welcome reception with entertainment provided by a maiko (apprentice geisha). Kyoto Hotel Okura (b,l,r) Kyoto Saturday, March 29 Spared from the bombs of World War II, Kyoto retains hundreds of ancient wooden temples, shrines, and historic monuments bearing witness to its illustrious past. This morning visit Tenryuji temple for an exploration of Zen Buddhism and a guest lecture on the life and training of a Buddhist monk. Participate in hands-on workshops on calligraphy and ikebana (flower arranging). Explore Kyoto on your own during the afternoon, then gather for an early-evening guided walk through historic Gion, Kyoto s geisha district. Kyoto Hotel Okura (b,l) Kyoto / Nagoya / Kyoto Sunday, March 30 Depart Kyoto via bullet train to Nagoya, home of many Japanese automotive companies and sizable aerospace and electronics industries. Take a guided visit of the Tokugawa Museum, repository of a superb collection of heirlooms from descendants of the first Tokugawa shogun, and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which illustrates the evolution of technology in the textile and automobile industries. After lunch, visit the Meiji Mura Museum, a collection of historic buildings from all over the country, including the reconstructed main entrance and lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright s Imperial Hotel, which once stood in Tokyo. Return to Kyoto by bullet train for an evening at leisure. Kyoto Hotel Okura (B,L) Kyoto / Himeji (Embark) Monday, March 31 Spend the morning exploring Kyoto independently, then gather at the hotel for a coach transfer to Himeji. Tour the renowned World Heritage site of Himeji Castle, which rises grandly above the town. Known as the white egret, the castle is one of the oldest surviving structures from medieval Japan. Embark the Spirit of Oceanus and enjoy dinner on board this evening. Spirit of Oceanus (b,d) Kurashiki / Cruising Tuesday, April 1 This morning go ashore at Uno Ko for an excursion to Kurashiki, in feudal times a prosperous community of rice growers. Its black-tiled rice warehouses have now been converted into shops, teahouses, and museums. Visit the Ohara Museum of Art and enjoy some free time to explore Kurashiki s historic district. Return to the ship for an afternoon of cruising the Inland Sea. Spirit of Oceanus (b,l,d) above: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto left: Maiko performing a tea ceremony Hiroshima / Miyajima Wednesday, April 2 Dock in Hiroshima to call at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a powerful reminder of the atomic blast that shattered the city at the end of World War II. Stroll the grounds of Shukkei-en Garden, a lovely garden with a central pond and several teahouses. Originally built in the 17th century, it more recently has become a poignant symbol of postwar reconstruction. Journey by Zodiac to Miyajima Island, where commoners were once forbidden. Its beautiful floating scarlet gate (torii) the largest in Japan leads to the sixth-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a World Heritage site. Spirit of Oceanus (b,l,d) Hagi Thursday, April 3 Hagi s sobering military past is belied by a scenic location, charming size, and lovely expanses of green. Walk through the old samurai quarter to the Kikuya House, built in the early 1600s for a wealthy merchant whose influence afforded him the rare honor of living among the samurai. Also tour Toko-ji temple, with its striking display of 500 stone lanterns honoring the graves of the ruling Mori clan lords. Hagi is renowned for its distinctive pottery, called Hagi-yaki, which in feudal times was reserved for the samurai. Meet a local ceramicist and watch the workings of a centuries-old kiln. Spirit of Oceanus (b,l,d) Ulsan, South Korea / Gyeongju Friday, April 4 Call at Ulsan, South Korea, and transfer by coach to the open-air museum of Gyeongju, cradle of the Shilla kingdom. Now a World Heritage site, Gyeongju features excavated monuments, burial tombs, and temples of the once-powerful dynasty that ruled Korea for Ralph Paprzycki / Dreamstime.com

5 RAIL South Korea Gyeongju Ulsan SHIP LAND AIR Sea of Japan Matsue Kyoto Himeji Hiroshima Hagi Osaka Kurashiki Miyajima Kanazawa Nagoya Niigata Japan Tokyo Tokyo Chris Mccooey / Dreamstime.com 1,000 years. Explore the ancient stone terraces of Bulguksa Temple, the crowning glory of Shilla artistry and architecture, and the Gyeongju National Museum, which contains relics of the Shilla kingdom. Savor the aromas and tastes of Korean and other Asian specialties at lunch, accompanied by a performance of folkloric music and dance. Spirit of Oceanus (b,l,d) Matsue Saturday, April 5 The Spirit of Oceanus docks in Sakai Ko for a full day in Matsue. Visit the Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, where materials about the life of master paper craftsman Abe Eishiro are displayed and where you can try your hand at the ancient art of making handmade paper. Alternatively, visit the Adachi Museum of Art, renowned for both its contemporary Japanese art collection and Optional Post-trip Extension to Kinugawa and Nikko Uwe Blosfeld / Dreamstime.com April 9 12, 2008 its gardens. After lunch at a Japanese brewery restaurant, enjoy exploring the samurai quarter on your own. Matsue Castle, one of the few remaining medieval castles in Japan that retains its original wooden form, is well worth a look. Spirit of Oceanus (b,l,d) Kanazawa Sunday, April 6 In Kanazawa, stroll through the lovely grounds of the Kenroku-en Garden, designed to exhibit the six qualities of a perfect garden (spaciousness, artistic merit, majesty, abundant water, extensive views, and seclusion), and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at a sake brewery and a handson workshop for making Japanese sweets used in the tea ceremony. Spirit of Oceanus (b,l,d) Connect by express train and motor coach to Kinugawa, a popular hot-springs resort set on the Kinu River, and settle in to tatami rooms at the Kinugawa Onsen Sanraku ryokan. Those who wish may visit the communal bath this evening, a traditional Japanese activity. Explore the mountainous region around Kinugawa, including Chuzenii-ko, a beautiful lake with forested shores that lies within Nikko National Park. See Lake Yunoko, Ryuzu-no-taki (Dragon s Head Cascade) and Kegon-no-taki, a spectacular waterfall almost 300 feet high. Discover the lovely historic city of Nikko and its lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine complex, which incorporates the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, first of the Tokugawa shoguns. Tour Rinno-ji temple, founded by Shodo Shonin, the monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. Rates: $2,895 per person, double occupancy; $495 single supplement. Niigata (Disembark) / Tokyo Monday, April 7 Disembark the ship and board the bullet train to Tokyo. An afternoon panel discussion introduces us to Japan s 21st-century business climate and features representatives from Japanese companies and American executives doing business in Japan. Accommodations are at the grande dame of Tokyo s hotels, the Imperial, located opposite Hibaya Park in the theater district and at the edge of the Ginza district. Enjoy an evening at leisure, or take an optional Tokyo by night tour. Imperial Hotel (b,l) Tokyo Tuesday, April 8 Explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum s fascinating exhibits on the history of Tokyo from the days of the Tokugawa shoguns to postwar reconstruction. This afternoon, delve into Tokyo s culture in small groups, including a stroll through one of the few remaining pre World War II neighborhoods. Celebrate our journey at a special farewell dinner. Imperial Hotel (b,l,d) Tokyo / U.S. Wednesday, April 9 After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport and depart on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently, for the U.S. (b) What to Expect This is a moderately strenuous program that is at time physically demanding and busy. Daily programs can involve up to one mile of walking, often on uneven terrain where stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails. Participants must be physically fit and in active good health. The weather will generally be mild, with rain showers probable. Average temperatures range from lows in the 40s 50s to highs in the mid-60sf. For the Miyajima excursion, you will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs, where staff and crew will be on hand to assist. While ashore, travel in deluxe, air-conditioned coaches. Note: It may not be possible to accommodate certain dietary restrictions on this program.

6 Stu y Lea ers Spirit of Oceanus Louisa McDonald is an associate professor of art history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, specializing in Japanese art. She was recently a visiting professor at Nagoya University and has taught at Dartmouth College, Tufts University, and Wellesley College. For many years she was a research associate at the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute for Japanese Studies at Harvard University. Professor McDonald has lived and traveled extensively in Japan; while residing in Tokyo she lectured at Sophia University and was the art critic for The Japan Times. She has also worked as editor and translator for several Japanese art publishers, including the Yamato Bunkakan, the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, and the Yamatane Art Museum. She has written numerous articles on Japanese art for various scholarly publications and exhibition catalogs, and is completing a manuscript on the life and art of the 20th-century Japanese artist Foujita Tsugouharu. She has lectured widely at art museums around the country and has also been featured on NPR. Husband and wife team David E. Young and Michiko Young have been conducting tours of Japan for small groups for nearly 30 years, emphasizing the country s traditional culture. After obtaining his Ph.D. from Stanford University, Professor Young taught anthropology at the University of Alberta in Canada until he retired in 1999 and moved to Japan to continue his teaching career. Together with his wife, he conducted research and co-authored two beautifully produced books, Introduction to Japanese Architecture and The Art of the Japanese Garden. He looks forward to imparting his knowledge on topics such as Japanese history, cultural values, etiquette, Japanese gardens and architecture, Buddhism, and Shintoism through formal lectures. Michiko Young, a fluent Japanese speaker, will share her firsthand knowledge of Japanese aesthetics informally. Pdtnc / Dreamstime.com Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima The Spirit of Oceanus, a comfortable 120- passenger expedition ship refurbished in 2004, has a total of 60 spacious outside staterooms with ocean views, a separate seating area, picture window or porthole, en suite bathroom with marble vanity and sink, generous storage space (either walkin closet or wardrobe), safe, refrigerator, individual climate and audio controls, and TV/VCR. Fifteen suites feature private teak balconies. Public areas include a dedicated lecture hall ideal for educational presentations, a lounge, an elevator providing access to all passenger decks, library, and heated Jacuzzi. All passengers are accommodated at one seating for meals. A fleet of Zodiacs is used for some shore excursions. Registry: Bahamas Airfare International and domestic airfare is not included in the program rates. Our tour operator is happy to assist you in making all of your air travel arrangements. Program Rates Include: Four nights at the Kyoto Hotel Okura in Kyoto and two nights at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo ` Seven-night cruise aboard the Spirit of Oceanus ` Meals as indicated in the itinerary ` Lecture program, study leaders, on-site guides, and local experts ` Comprehensive program of shore excursions and special events ` All on-tour train and coach transportation ` Welcome reception, two shipboard receptions, and farewell dinner including alcoholic beverages ` Bottled water on coaches during excursions ` State-of-the-art headsets for clear reception of expert commentary during excursions ` Transfers and baggage handling between airports, piers, and hotels for those traveling on group flights ` Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, waiters, and ship s crew for all group activities ` Port dues and embarkation taxes ` Complete packet of pre-departure information including educational materials and reading list ` Professional tour management throughout Rates Do Not Include: International and domestic airfare ` Passport and visa fees ` Immunization costs ` Airport security fees imposed by the government or airline ` Meals and beverages other than those specified as included ` Excess baggage charges ` Baggage and cancellation insurance ` Transfers and baggage handling for those not participating in group flights ` Laundry, room service, telephone and fax calls, excess baggage charges, and other items of a purely personal nature Category E stateroom Program Rates, per person double Single Category F $9,290 $14,865 Luxury stateroom with either two twin beds or one king bed, large portholes or window. Average 215 sq. ft. Oceanus & Main Decks. Category E $9,790 $15,665 Luxury stateroom with either two twin beds or one king bed, large portholes. Average 240 sq. ft. Oceanus & Main Decks. Category D $10,090 $16,145 Luxury stateroom with either two twin beds or one king bed, large window opening onto an outside walkway. Average 235 sq. ft. Club Deck. Category C $10,790 $17,265 Luxury stateroom with either two twin beds or one king bed, large window. Average 250 sq. ft. Oceanus Deck. Category B $11,790 Luxury suite with either two twin beds or one king bed, large window, sliding glass door, and private balcony. 277 sq. ft. Sports Deck. Category A $12,790 Luxury suite with either two twin beds or one king bed, large window, sliding glass door, and private balcony. 353 sq. ft. Sun Deck. Owner s Suite $13,990 Luxury suite with one king bed, one convertible sleeper, sliding glass doors, and private sun deck. 437 sq. ft. Sun Deck. SUN DECK SPORTS DECK HOT TUB E CLUB DECK OCEANUS DECK OCEANUS LOUNGE MAIN DECK DINING ROOM BISTRO CLUB LOUNGE GYM E WC WC 604 E E WC WC OWNER S SUITE LIBRARY E BRIDGE

7 Terms and Con itions Reservation Form Can Balcioglu / Dreamstime.com Payments A $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for the program. Please make your check payable to High Country Passage and mail it with the completed reservation form to Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, 245 Mill St., 2nd Floor, Greenwich, CT MasterCard and VISA are also accepted for deposit and final payment. Final payment is due November 27, 2007, 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations and Refunds Deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% nonrefundable. Cancellations after final payment deadline: 100% penalty. Itinerary, Program, and Cost Modifications Every effort will be made to carry out this program as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. Costs, although given in good faith and based on information available upon publication of the brochure, are also subject to change and revision. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to your departure. Insurance The Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program strongly recommends that all tour participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance for their tour. Further information will be sent upon registration. Eligibility This program is open to Columbia University alumni, family, and friends. Responsibility Columbia University, its agent, TSS LLC, and the tour operator, High Country Passage (HCP), act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity in connection with the service of any boat, automobile, motorcoach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program, or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations in the published itinerary as may be deemed necessary, and to cancel or substitute lecturers. We reserve the right to cancel this program prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither Columbia University, TSS, nor HCP accepts liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable air ticket connected with this program. We cannot guarantee the size of the Columbia Alumni Travel Study group. Springtime injapan Aboard the Spirit of Oceanus March 26 April 9, 2008 Please send your completed reservation form and deposit to Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, 245 Mill St., 2nd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830, or fax the form to For further information, contact the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program at or us at travelstudy@columbia.edu. Enclosed is a check for $ High Country Passage for ($1,000 per person), payable to places on the Springtime in Japan voyage. Please charge the deposit of $1,000 per person to my: VISA MasterCard card number cardholder signature exp. date name as it appears on the card card security # name #1 (as it appears on passport) date of birth school/degree/year name #2 (as it appears on passport) date of birth school/degree/year address city state/province zip/postal code phone (home) fax Accommodations: Cabin preference: 1st choice: Bed preference aboard ship: Twins King (office) Bed preference in hotels: Two beds One bed 2nd choice: Please note: Hotels in Japan generally offer two beds; there are a limited number of double/queen-size beds available. Single Applicants only: I prefer single accommodations. I plan to share accommodations with:. Please arrange a share for me (not guaranteed). I am a non-smoker smoker I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final payment date of November 27, 2007, I will pay the single rate. I/We have read the schedule of activities for this tour, as well as the terms and conditions as set forth in the tour brochure, and agree to them. signature date Printed on recycled paper ` CST # signature date

8 Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program 245 Mill St., 2nd Floor Greenwich, CT PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 90 Santa Clara, CA Naomi Hasegawa / Dreamstime.com Springtime injapan Aboard the Spirit of Oceanus March 26 April 9, 2008