JAPAN Ancient Truth, Living Art September 20 to 30, 2015
Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends, The Cornell Alumni Association Travel Program has been traveling the world with you, your classmates, your extended families, and your best friends for more than 40 years. During that time we frequently have been told that we offer some of the best group travel experiences to be found. While we carefully select each destination and itinerary it s the people who travel with us that make these trips especially memorable. In fact, we ve adopted the phrase, an extraordinary journey in good company as our motto. In 2015, we are pleased to offer two custom trips in partnership with Academic Arrangements Abroad, a boutique Manhattan-based operator specializing in luxury travel that fulfills on all levels (intellectual to gastronomical; aesthetic to social). Japan: Ancient Truth, Living Art has been designed with you in mind. This unique itinerary is tailored for Cornellians who seek an immersive cultural experience paired with the legendary hospitality of the region. Pacific Ocean Whether you are traveling with the Cornell Alumni Association for the first time, or returning for yet another adventure, we look forward to welcoming you, your family, and your friends on an extraordinary journey, in the congenial company of members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Please join us! Sincerely, Sea of Japan Naoshima Tokyo JAPAN Hakone Kyoto James A. Mazza 88 Associate Vice President, Alumni Affairs Cornell University SHIKOKU East China Sea
JAPAN Ancient Truth, Living Art SEPTEMBER 20 TO 30, 2015 NEW YORK Sunday, September 20 Depart on an overnight flight to Tokyo. TOKYO Monday, September 21 Upon arrival this afternoon, transfer to the deluxe Palace Hotel, located across from the Imperial Palace gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure. TOKYO Tuesday, September 22 Begin the day with a visit to a sumo stable (subject to permission). Then explore Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo s most colorful and popular Buddhist temples, and Meiji Shrine before returning to the hotel. Following lunch, enjoy a tour of architectural landmarks designed by Tadao Ando and Philippe Starck. Continue to Akihabara, the famous electronics district, and learn about the world of anime (Japanese animation). Our welcome dinner this evening features traditional Japanese cuisine. Photo by Dan Hakone Open-Air Museum Photo by Jorge Royan Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo TOKYO Wednesday, September 23 This morning, join an optional excursion to the Tsukiji Fish Market before breakfast. Visit the Roppongi Hills complex this morning, beginning with a curatorial tour of the Mori Art Museum. Marvel at the stunning views from the Tokyo City View Observation Deck before tea at the exclusive Roppongi Hills Club. Following lunch at leisure in Tokyo Midtown, tour the 21_21 Design Sight, a museum created by fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando. Conclude at the Tokyo National Museum, which contains one of the greatest repositories of East Asian art and archaeology. The balance of the day is at leisure, perhaps to explore the famous Ginza district and dine in one of Tokyo s many fine restaurants. TOKYO HAKONE Thursday, September 24 Travel outside of Tokyo to Hakone, famous for its hot springs and spectacular mountain scenery crowned by Mt. Fuji. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the first museum of its kind in Japan, before a traditional onsen (hot springs) experience and lunch. En route back to Tokyo, travel through the stunning landscapes of Hakone, and see the Owakudani sulfuric valley and Ashinoko Lake. The evening is at leisure. Benesse House Museum, Naoshima Photo by Ippei & Janine Naoi - www.amamika.com/japan-travel/islands/
TOKYO NAOSHIMA Friday, September 25 Following breakfast, transfer to Tokyo Haneda Airport for the short flight to Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku. Upon arrival, travel by ferry to Naoshima, a small fishing island that has become Japan s major destination for avant garde art. Explore the Chichu Art Museum, established as a site to rethink the relationship between nature and people. Works by Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell are exhibited permanently in a building designed by Tadao Ando. Learn about the Naoshima Art House Project, which strives to preserve older structures and explores how to combine modern and traditional architectural styles. Accommodations are at Benesse House, a museum hotel where guests stay among beautiful works of art. Dinner is at the hotel s Terrace Restaurant. NAOSHIMA KYOTO Saturday, September 26 After a short ferry ride to Uno, board the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Sanjusangendo Temple, noted for The Hall of Thirty-Three Bays, a long wooden structure housing 1,001 large wooden statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Continue to the Buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera, built above the Otowa waterfall, believed to have wish-granting powers. We will also see the Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka area, considered one of Kyoto s most charming restored neighborhoods. In the early evening, check into the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Dinner is at leisure. Zen garden at Ryoan-ji, Kyoto KYOTO Sunday, September 27 Begin the morning at the Zen rock garden Ryoan-ji. Continue to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion which served as inspiration to Isamu Noguchi. Lunch is at leisure in the iconic Nishiki Market, with its abundant variety of culinary delights and Kyoto specialties. In the afternoon stroll through nearby Gion, the famous Geisha district. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. Photo by Keith Pomakis Photo by tribu02 Photo by 663highland Kinkaku-ji the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Miho Museum, Kyoto
KYOTO Monday, September 28 Travel outside Kyoto to visit the dramatic Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei and situated in a beautiful mountainside location. A lunch of foods grown with the natural farming method will be served in the museum s restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Sagawa Art Museum, on the edge of Lake Biwa, and experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Return to Kyoto for the balance of the day at leisure. Photo by Daniel Bachler Photo by PlusMinus Porcelain panel copy of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, Garden of Fine Arts, Kyoto Traditional Geisha costume KYOTO Tuesday, September 29 This morning, learn about the practice of meditation at a Buddhist temple. Then see the Tadao Andodesigned Garden of Fine Arts, an open-air museum featuring reproductions of famous artwork on weatherproof ceramic. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure to explore this dynamic city. Toast a memorable trip with a traditional kaiseki dinner tonight. KYOTO NEW YORK Wednesday, September 30 Transfer to the Kansai International Airport in Osaka for the return flight to New York. n CORNELL UNIVERSITY 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION JAPAN: ANCIENT TRUTH, LIVING ART 1 SEPTEMBER 20 TO 30, 2015 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $2,000 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721. NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT Accommodations q Double q Twin q Single (at a supplement of $2,725, limited availability) I wish to share a room with Form of Payment q Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad). q Credit card (may be used for deposit only) NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days before departure. TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE FAX E-MAIL SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: 212.514.8921 or 800.221.1944 Fax: 212.344.7493 E-mail: trips@arrangementsabroad.com
PROGRAM RATE $9,950 per person, double occupancy SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $2,725 Rate Includes n Nine nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary n Five lunches and four dinners. Bottled water and coffee / tea with all meals, local beer or wine with dinner n Airport / hotel group transfers for those on suggested group flights n Escorted sightseeing by private motorcoach and entrance fees for all included visits n Economy flight from Tokyo to Takamatsu n Ferry to / from Naoshima n Shinkansen train ticket from Uno to Kyoto n Taxes and service; gratuities to local guides and drivers; porterage for one suitecase per person Not Included in Rate International airfare; passport fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine / beer at included dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on suggested flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Photo by Gavin Anderson Nishiki Market, Kyoto
TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights or your own individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,000 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is nonrefundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days before departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Cornell University Alumni Association (CUAA) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of CUAA is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, CUAA and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or CUAA and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages, or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts of nature, or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. Neither AAA nor CUAA is responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or CUAA. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAA and CUAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or CUAA to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development / promotional expenses; and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; CUAA shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor CUAA shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or CUAA, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2014 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST 2059789-40 On the front cover: Thousand-armed Kannon, Sanjusangendo Temple photo by Bamse. On the back cover: Meiji Shrine, Tokyo photo by Leonard V Carlson, (top), and Yayoi Kusama s iconic pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima island, photo by cotaro70s on Flickr (bottom).
JAPAN Ancient Truth, Living Art September 20 to 30, 2015 130 EAST SENECA STREET SUITE 400 ITHACA, NY 14850 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO. 601 JAPAN Ancient Truth, Living Art September 20 to 30, 2015