conference 2017 Winter in Japan MAIN TOUR Snow Monkeys & Snow Festivals 3-11 February 2019 POST-TOUR 1 Kanazawa & Kyoto 11-16 February 2019 POST-TOUR 2 Skiing 11-15 February 2019 MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 1
MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 2
MAIN TOUR Winter in Japan FEBRUARY 2019 Day 1 Arrival Tokyo Sun 3 February We will arrive into Tokyo after our flight from Australia. Tokyo, one of the world s most cutting-edge capitals, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples and landscaped gardens. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel New Otani Tokyo www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 2
Day 2 Tokyo Mon 4 February Morning at Leisure OR OPTIONAL SUMO & SUSHI MAKING EXPERIENCE WITH LUNCH: This morning we will enjoy a unique experience where we will observe Sumo wrestlers at their morning practice session and learn more about this unique Japanese sport. Following this we will take part in a sushi making class learning all the tips from a sushi master. The morning will end with us enjoying the sushi lunch we have prepared. DELEGATES ONLY Afternoon conference/hospital visit including afternoon tea NON-DELEGATES Afternoon at leisure In the evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner in one of Tokyo s fine restaurants. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel New Otani Tokyo B D MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 3
Day 3 Tokyo Tues 5 February DELEGATES ONLY Morning conference including morning tea NON-DELEGATES Morning at leisure We will have the afternoon at leisure to explore this exciting city. If you are an art enthusiast you may wish to visit the National Museum of Art with works by foreign and Japanese artists. If it is your first time to Tokyo a visit to the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine will be impressive. In February we should see the beautiful Ume plum blossom. Of course for those who love shopping there will be the famous shopping districts of Akihabara, Shibuya, Ginza & Shinjuku. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel New Otani Tokyo B MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 4
Day 4 Tokyo Hakodate Wed 6 Feb Today we will leave Tokyo by Tonoku (Shinkansen) bullet train arriving in the early afternoon in the historic port city of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido. Hakodate, at the end of the 19th century, developed as a port town open to foreign trading leaving behind impressive remnants of European, American and Russian style architecture. Our afternoon sightseeing will include a visit to the Motomachi section of Hakodate housing Western style architecture as well as various impressive churches including the Russian Orthodox. MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 5
Day 4 Continued Tokyo Hakodate Wed 6 Feb The highlight of our touring will be a visit to the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden located in the Yunokawa Hot Springs area and home to one hundred free-range Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys). In the winter months they can be seen taking a leisurely dip in the hot springs-a rare insight into their humanlike passion for bathing in the hot springs! Late afternoon sees us visit Goryokaku Tower from where we will enjoy uninterrupted views of Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort, which in winter is known for its frozen moat. It is an impressive panorama! In the evening we will enjoy the view from Mt Hakodate which has been awarded the highest rating of three stars in the Michelin Green Guide. Just feel the ocean of lights below with your own eyes and heart! ACCOMMODATION: Le Jolie Motomachi B D www.hotelwbf.com/lj-motomachi MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 6
Day 5 Hakodate Lake Toya Thurs 7 Feb In the early morning we will visit the bustling Hakodate Asaichi morning market, tempting us with an array of delectable fresh produce. It boasts approximately 250 stores offering take home souvenirs, in particular seafood products. Try the mouth-watering seafood rice bowl here to start your day with a bowl of steaming rice topped with freshly-caught seafood. If we are lucky we will also be able to experience the thrill of squid fishing! Freshly caught squids can be seen swimming vigorously around purpose-built fish tanks in the market. Once caught a chef will prepare squid sashimi for you. Later that morning we will catch the JR Express Train to Lake Toya, one of Japan s foremost volcanic caldera lakes. It is said to be the most northern of Japan s lakes, never ices in winter and contains four inner islands near the lake centre and many hot springs along the lakeside. On arrival we will have time to visit the unique volcano museum before checking in to our luxurious spa hotel. On offer in the afternoon will be a variety of snow related activities (see below) and time for an Onsen (hot spring) experience. OPTIONAL SNOW ACTIVITIES LAKE TOYA Sledding: Enjoy an easy snow activity in Japanese sleds similar to our toboggans. Tubing: Experience the thrill of speed on the snow in this unique craft. The cost includes instruction and transport. Snowmobile Sightseeing: Delight in the exhilarating experience of cruising on a snowmobile amongst the beautiful mountain scenery. Have the choice of a short 20 minute ride or for those with more experience or desire a 40 minute ride. Snow Shoe Tour: You can have a choice of a basic 1 hour course or for those more adventurous a 2 hour hike. The price includes rental of the necessary equipment. ACCOMMODATION: Lake View TOYA Nonokaze Resort B http://en.nonokaze-resort.com/ MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 7
Day 6 Lake Toya Otaru Sapporo Fri 8 Feb This morning we will journey on the JR Express train to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, nestled in a wide basin beneath snow-capped mountains. Otaru is also known for its glass. We will visit the glass shops and will have the opportunity for a hands-on experience in making some Otaru glassware for ourselves. OPTIONAL GLASS CRAFT WORKSHOP There will be a choice of Tombo Dama (Glass bead) or Sandblasting raku-raku course. After arrival we will transferred to the small picturesque harbour city of Otaru. It is known for its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions. Many old warehouses and former office buildings by shipping and trade companies give Otaru city centre a special character reminiscent of past decades. In the evening we will get an opportunity to experience the Yuki Akari no Michi Festival (Snow Light Path Festival) where thousands of glittering lanterns are placed in the snow along the canal and old railroad. When lit alongside the snowy town together with floating candles in the canal they create a magical and romantic atmosphere. Following this we will travel to our accommodation in Sapporo. We will have time to explore Sakaimachi Street, an attractive preserved merchant street in central Otaru as well as visit the small but unique music box museum, home to a collection of over 25,000 antique and modern music boxes. ACCOMMODATION: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo B D www.jrhotels.co.jp/tower MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 8
Day 7 Sapporo Sat 9 Feb Today we will see Sapporo transformed into a winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival. Huge sculptures are carved in packed snow and displayed along the central boulevard of the city. Apart from the sculptures the city turns on musical performances, builds ice bars and creates a buoyant vibrant atmosphere. As Sapporo is the birthplace of beer in Japan our tour will continue to the Sapporo Beer Factory and Museum. The museum is housed in an 1870 building that was part of the factory till 1965 and is a great site to learn about Japan s beer history and to enjoy some beer tastings while having a Genghis Khan BBQ lunch, a Hokkaido specialty. We will visit Odori Park and Susukino district and marvel at the amazing display of lights, ice sculptures and snow scenes. Following this we will have free time to continue to appreciate the festival where there is not only beautiful snow sculptures but exciting food, hot wine and fun activities. In the evening we will have the option to travel to nearby Lake Shikotsu to view their ice festival. ACCOMMODATION: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo B L MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 9
Day 8 Sapporo Sun 10 Feb Morning at Leisure OR OPTIONAL TOUR-VISIT TO ASAHIKAWA ZOO: Early morning we will drive to the town of Asahikawa to visit Japan s northernmost zoo famous for polar bears, seals and the famous penguin parade. The zoo is known for innovative design which allows visitors to observe the animals from unusual angles and in close proximity. The animals exhibited include the majestic Siberian tigers, arctic wolves, red pandas, mystical Japanese cranes and the snowy owl right out of the Harry Potter movie set!! DELEGATES ONLY Afternoon conference including afternoon tea NON-DELEGATES Afternoon at leisure The evening will end with a farewell dinner enjoying special Hokkaido cuisine. ACCOMMODATION: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo B D Day 9 Sapporo Mon 11 Feb For those doing the post tour to Kanazawa and Kyoto we will be transferred to the airport for our direct flight to Kanazawa. B For those just doing the main tour we can organise separately your flights back to Tokyo or you may prefer to organise your own flights. B For those doing post tour skiing there will be a transfer to the ski resort. B MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 10
MAIN TOUR Winter in Japan 3-11 FEBRUARY 2019 Trip Inclusions Conference sessions/hospital visits with tea as indicated (delegates only) 8 nights at well-appointed accommodation mentioned in the itinerary (or equivalent) Meals indicated in the itinerary Bullet train Tokyo-Hakodate, Hakodate-Lake Toya, Lake Toya-Sapporo Luggage transfers from Tokyo to Sapporo All group airport hotel transfers with airfares purchased through Convention Abroad All sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Porterage Bilingual guide Convention Abroad escort All taxes and handling fees Trip Exclusions International airfares Australia Japan Meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Optional tours/activities other than those specified Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, mini bar, room service etc.) Tipping (not routinely expected in Japan) Visa (if required) Travel insurance (compulsory) Individual airport-hotel transfers Any extra night accommodation needed due to flight schedules. Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions To receive all costing details Please proceed to the Register Your Interest page on our website to complete and submit the form. For any questions, please contact Dr Naomi Jacobs 0413 62 62 74 www.conventionabroad.com.au MAIN TOUR: Winter in Japan Conference 11
POST TOUR 1 Kanazawa & Kyoto FEBRUARY 2019 Day 1 Sapporo - Kaga Onsen Mon 11 Feb Today we will take a direct flight to Komatsu and then transfer to the hotel in Kaga Onsen. We will have time for a relaxing onsen hot spring experience. ACCOMMODATION: Rurikoh B D www.rurikoh.jp/en POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 16
Day 2 Kanazawa Tues 12 Feb We will embark on a full day excursion to Kanazawa, a castle town nestled in the mountains. Highlights will include the Samurai House Nagamachi, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous. This district preserves an historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthern walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. powerful Maeda clan and greatly influential in the development of Kanazawa. We will also visit The Kenrokuen Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden located next to Kanazawa Castle which is ranked one of the top three gardens in Japan. Its painstakingly manicured landscapes are breathtaking in any season. Time will be spent experiencing an authentic tea ceremony at Saisetsu-tei Teahouse, the oldest of its kind in Kanazawa. This teahouse is set with in the beautiful Gyokusen-an garden. We will have free time to have lunch on our own at Oumi Food Market, which was established about the middle of the 18th century. Since then it has been supporting the gastronomic culture of Kanazawa for more than 280 years and is renowned throughout Japan for its fresh seafood and high quality sushi. At this ceremony we will learn how to whip green tea with a bamboo whisk and savour hot matcha with a traditional Japanese sweet. There will be time to visit the beautifully preserved Kanazawa-jo Castle, once home of the ACCOMMODATION: Rurikoh B D POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 17
Day 2 Kanazawa Tues 12 Feb DELEGATES ONLY Afternoon conference at Kanazawa Medical Centre NON-DELEGATES Afternoon at leisure OR OPTIONAL GOLD LEAF WORKSHOP Kanazawa is the home of kinpaku, or gold leaf, and the city boasts a 99% share of the domestic market. Reaching an incredible thinness of just 1/10,000 mm, kinpaku has traditionally been used in the decoration of artworks such as lacquerware and Buddhist altars, thus supporting the city s traditional handicraft industry. We will get instruction in this delicate craft and create our own special product. ACCOMMODATION: Rurikoh B D Day 3 Kaga Onsen - Kyoto Wed 13 Feb In the morning we will visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a new-style art museum opened in October 2004. It is famous for its progressive architecture and thought-provoking exhibits. Some of the highlights of the museum are commissioned works and arts integrated within the building structure. Be sure to check out one of the permanent works, Leandro Erlich s Swimming Pool, which plays with perceptions and features a pool where we as visitors will appear as though we are underwater. Following this we will catch the JR Express Thunderbird to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and the hub of traditional culture with over seventeen World Heritage Sites. On arrival we will visit the Arahiyama District and famous Bamboo Forest. ACCOMMODATION: Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto B http://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/westinkyoto/english/index.html/ POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 18
Day 4 Kaga Onsen - Kyoto Thurs 14 Feb DELEGATES ONLY Morning conference including morning tea NON-DELEGATES Morning at leisure In the afternoon we will visit Kinkau-ji Temple, which has a unique beauty in the winter months. The image of the temple richly adorned in gold leaf reflects beautifully in the water of Kyokochi, the mirror pond. This is perhaps the most widely recognised image of Kyoto and a breathtaking must see. Afternoon at leisure OR Optional workshops on the next page ACCOMMODATION: Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto B D POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 19
Day 4 Kaga Onsen - Kyoto Thurs 14 Feb 1. JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP Practice the art of Japanese calligraphy, called shodo. Learn the proper way to use the brushes and liquid ink to write kanji (Japanese pictographs) as your instructor demonstrates how to begin and end each stroke. You ll be introduced to a number of tools used, including brushes that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Then, create your own artistic composition. 3. JAPANESE DRUM WORKSHOP During this group taiko drumming class we will learn the basic taiko technique, simple traditional songs as well as the history and structure of taiko. 2. ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Learn the intricate art of origami, the delicate skill of paper folding, in a small group class. This traditional Japanese craft of paper folding began in the 17th century and was passed down through many generations. 4. JAPANESE SWEET MAKING WORKSHOP Yatsuhashi is the most popular traditional Japanese sweet from Kyoto. In this class we will learn how to make this delicious sweet. Savour the freshly made Yatsuhashi rice on the spot or take home as a souvenir. Our Origami master will teach us to make various models and creations entirely by folding paper and also give us a take home book so we can continue to enjoy Origami at home. ACCOMMODATION: Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto B POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 20
Day 5 Kyoto Fri 15 Feb Day at Leisure OR OPTIONAL FULL DAY TOUR TO HIROSHIMA: We will travel by bullet train from Kyoto where we will meet our local Hiroshima guide. Our tour will include a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, built to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. With our guides explanation we learn the message behind each monument. We will see the Atomic Bomb Dome site and imagine how furious the bomb was. The Peace Museum, through belongings and artefacts left by victims and testimonies of A-bomb survivors, conveys to the world the horror and inhumane nature of nuclear weapons In the evening we will enjoy an amazing farewell dinner with a private Maiko. ACCOMMODATION: Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto B Day 6 Kyoto Sat 16 Feb Today we will be transferred to the airport for our return flight back to Australia. B POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 21
POST TOUR 1 Kanazawa & Kyoto 11-16 FEBRUARY 2019 Trip Inclusions Conference session/hospital visit with tea as indicated (delegates only) 5 nights at well-appointed accommodation mentioned in the itinerary (or equivalent) Meals indicated in the itinerary Flight Sapporo - Kanazawa Bullet train Kanazawa - Kyoto All group airport hotel transfers with airfares purchased through Convention Abroad All sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Porterage Bilingual guide Convention Abroad escort All taxes and handling fees Trip Exclusions International airfares Australia Japan Meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Optional tours/activities other than those specified Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, mini bar, room service etc.) Tipping ( not routinely expected in Japan) Visa (if required) Travel insurance (compulsory) Individual airport-hotel transfers Any extra night accommodation needed due to flight schedules. Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions To receive all costing details Please proceed to the Register Your Interest page on our website to complete and submit the form. For any questions, please contact Dr Naomi Jacobs 0413 62 62 74 www.conventionabroad.com.au POST-TOUR 1: Kanazawa & Kyoto 22
POST TOUR 2 Skiing 11-15 FEBRUARY 2019 This post tour option offers ski enthusiasts the opportunity to take full advantage of the amazing Hokkaido ski slopes well known for providing excellent snow cover. The package includes accommodation, transfers and lift tickets for 4 nights. More details on application. ACCOMMODATION: Rusutsu Resort Hotel http://www.hokkaido-rusutsu.com POST-TOUR 2: Japan Skiing 23