Tokyo - Fuji/Hakone Kanazawa Takayama - Kyoto - Osaka Arranged for JAST by JTB USA JTB USA, Inc. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 1
2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 2
TOKYO HGHLIGHTS Odaiba Futuristic town Odaiba was born from reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay in the southeastern part of Tokyo The Center of Odaiba is Aquacity Odaiba. It includes a shopping mall with a 300-meter-long boutique street, a multi-plex cinema, a gourmet zone that stretches over 15,000 square meters. Major attractions of Odaiba are dotted along the Yurikamore Line, a new unmanned traffic system that crosses Rainbow Bridge to connect Shimbashi Station with Odaiba. Attractions included the Odaiba Seaside Park that overlooks Rainbow Bridge, Fuji TV headquarters and studios where visitors can see the sets of popular TV programs, and Palette Town. Asakusa Area Old and traditional feel Located along the west bank of the Sumida river, the Asakusa district once thrived as a temple town for the nearby Senso-ji Temple. Legend has it that fishermen brothers discovered an image of Kan non in the Sumida-gawa River around the year 628 and were inspired to enshrine it. The temple s symbol is the Furai jin-mon (Gate of the Wind God and Thunder God) adorned with a large red paper lantern that bears the inscription Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate). Numerous shops along Nakamise-dori street, which runs along the approach to Senso-ji Temple, carry a variety of small articles made of Japanese-style paper as well as folding fans. Ginza Ginza is one of the most famous shopping areas in Tokyo. There one finds major department stores and popular luxury brand boutiques, as well as famous establishments that offer stationary, general Japanese goods, and confectionary. Ginza - Mikimoto In 1893, the founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, succeeded in culturing pearls for the first time in the world. Through his groundbreaking achievement, the beauty of pearls spread worldwide. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 3
Kanazawa The southeast area of Kanazawa faces the mountains and the northwest area faces the Sea of Japan. Kyoto The former capital of Japan, famous worldside for its temples and shrines. Around the middle of the 16 th century, the Buddhist Ikko sect set up a religious government in Kanazawa. In 1583, Maeda Toshiie, the top retainer of Hideyoshi Toyotomi who reigned over the whole country, entered Kanazawa Castle. The Maeda family governed Kaga (presently Ishikawa prefecture) for 300 years over the 14 th generation henceforth. During this period, the Maeda family was treated as the second greatest daimyo next to Tokugawa Shogun. Activities and cultures including Kanazawa gold leaf and Kaga Yuzen developed and have been handed down to this day. Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8 th century. It flourished as the center for Japanese politics, economy and culture for some 1,100 years, until the capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the mid-19 th century. Seventeen historic sites including, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle, are inscribed as World Cultural Heritage Sites. You may meet some maiko, young dancing entertainers, who walk in long hanging-sleeved kimono in the Gion district, where the townscape is characterized by popular 19 th century style latticework. Sushi Kaga Yuzen 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 4
Hotel Information Imperial Hotel Hida Hotel Plaza Hotel Nikko Kanazawa Royal Park Hotel the Kyoto Situated near the Tokyo International Forum and Hibiya Park, Tokyo s historically most prestigious venue for meetings and conventions, as well as within walking distance of Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Ginza. Located in the center of Takayama. The old street of Takayama, the Higashiyama walking course, the morning market along the Miya-gawa River, the Hida Kokubunji Temple, and the Takayama Jinja are within a 15 minute walk from the hotel. The hotel is conveniently located infront of JR Kanazawa station 3-minute walk from Kyotoshiyakushomae station on Tozai subway line 3-minute walk from Sanjo station on Keihan Honsen line 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 5
Preliminary Itinerary: SCHEDULE in Japan DAY One Thursday, November 9, 2017 Arriving in Narita Airport After entry formalities, transfer to the hotel by chartered bus with an English Speaking Assistant After arrival at the hotel, we are at leisure to stroll through the surrounding neighborhood before a group dinner. Welcome dinner will be served at the hotel. Accommodations Imperial Hotel Tokyo (3 nights) Or simlar hotel Hibiya Park Across the street from The Imperial Hotel 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 6
DAY Two Friday, November 10, 2017 Tokyo Full-day sightseeing of Tokyo by chartered bus with an English speaking guide, including lunch, and visiting Asakusa Return to the hotel Imperial Palace Hotel Or similar hotel Tsukiji Fish Market Imperial Palace Kaminari-mon and Nakamise Mikimoto ( pearl experience ) Tokyo Skytree Meiji Jingu Shrine 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 7
DAY Three Saturday, November 11, 2017 Excursion to the Omiya Bonsai Village by chartered bus with English Speaking Guide Multiple bonsai nurseries and a superb bonsai art museum are situated along peaceful paths in Omiya. Lunch before heading to Odaiba National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) Imperial Hotel or similar hotel About half a dozen bonsai nurseries welcome walk-in visitors, but taking of photographs is prohibited. Yanaka neighborhood presents an old town ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from past decades. There are shops selling goods and produce, ranging from groceries and necessities to clothes and toys. There are many interactive exhibits and demonstrations to experience, such as interacting with famous Japanese robots. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 8
DAY Four Sunday, November 12, 2017 Tokyo - > Kamakura -> Hakone After breakfast, we leave for Kamakura by chartered bus with our guide to visit -The Great Buddha Situated on the grounds of Kotokuin After stopping at Kamakura, heading to Hakone, famous for hot-spring rest spots -Komagatake ropeway Transfer to the hotel by charter bus Overnight at Hakone or Kawaguchi-Ko or Atami Group Dinner -Hase-dera Buit in 736 by Fujiwar-no Fusasaki The eleven-faced Kannon, housed in the main hall -Ashinoko Lake Cruse Hokokuji One of the Zen temples, also called Take-dera as it is famous for the bamboo grove behind the main hall. Hakone-history In the feudal era, Hakone was a very important checkpoint the the security of Edo as the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 9
DAY Five Monday, November 13, 2017 Hakone > Takayama Leave for Takayama by train with our Guide and overnight bags. Odawara- Nagoya Takayama via Shinkansen & JR Hida. Note that luggage will be transported separately to Kanazawa. Overnight at Takayama Hida Hotel Plaza Group Dinner Sanno-machi Historic district The town developed as a merchant town in the 1600s, during the Edo period. Canals flow under the eaves of merchant houses with lattice bay windows. Takayama Although being ruled directly by the government in Edo, its mountainous location limited contact with the outside world. The high mountains surrounding Takayama allowed it to develop a distinct culture. Takayama Cuisine Turning to the mountains and rivers as a main source of raw materials, unique dishes have been created. San-sai : mountain vegetables (wild plants) Hoba-miso : miso mixed with vegetables roasted on a magnolia leaf Soba : noodles made from buckwheat Takayama Jinjya ( historical government house) Hida Beef : locally produced beef, the highest quality in marbling, luster, color and texture 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 10
DAY Six Tuesday November 14th, 2017 A visit to the morning market is possible for early risers, who will see local farmers selling fresh vegetables, fruit and folk-art products From Takayama, we will visit Shirakawago by motor coach. Hidden away deep in the mountains is the quaint settlement in Shirakawa village, a UNESCO World Heritege site. The village is famous for its gassho-zukuri houses whose grand roofs resemble hands clasped in prayer. Many of these houses are still inhabited to this day, together with their adjacent rice paddies. Visit an historical house to see traditional equipment and typical materials of the era. -Wada residence Well-preserved house built in 17 th century Continue to Kanazawa by motor coach Overnight at Kanazawa Hotel Nikko Kanazawa Lunch at a local restaurant 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 11
DAY Seven Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 Kanazawa Today, we will visit highlights of this city of cultural treasures. -Higashi Chaya Enjoy walking the alleys -Kenroku-en Enjoy marvelous scenery by strolling around the pond and crossing its many bridges Overnight at Kanazawa Hotel Nikko Kanazawa Garden of six qualities Spaciousness, seclusion, air of antiquity, ingenuity, flowing water, views Historical rows of houses Experience traditional application of gold leaf *subject to confirmation* -Sake Brewery The nearby Hakusan mountain range ensures that Kanazawa has an abundant supply of fresh, pure water, making it ideally suited to the cultivation of yeast. Local sake breweries have long used premum sake-rice as well. Nagamachi Samurai House Nagamachi Samurai Quarter retains its earthen-walled streets. Nomura House gives an idea of Samurai life 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 12
DAY Eight Thursday, November 16th, 2017 Kanazawa > Kyoto by train (Thunder Bird ) Leave for Kyoto by express train with our guide. Luggage will be transported separately. Kyoto City Spend time in the backstreets and environs of this old imperial capital Royal Park Hotel, The Kyoto Group Dinner After arriving at Kyoto station, transfer to the hotel by chartered bus with our guide, after which you will have free time to explore the area nearby on your own or rest before a group dinner at which we will sample local cuisine. Kyoto style cuisine -Refined and delicate taste- Famous for Kaiseki (multi-course dinner) Tofu Yuba (tofu skin) Shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) Kyo-wagashi (sweet) -warabi-mochi 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 13
DAY Nine Friday, November 17th, 2017 Kyoto Highlights Full-day sightseeing in Kyoto by chartered bus with an English speaking guide Visiting -Kiyomizu Temple The temple s veranda juts out of the side of a mountain supported by 13-meter high wooden columns. -Nijo Castle built by the Tokugawa shogun in 1603 The wide moat, massive stone walls, heavy gates are impressive. Inside the palace are masterpieces of art, the painted screens of the main chamber where the shoguns met the daimyo. Gorgeous details and a specially-constructed nightingale floor to warn of approaching visitors Overnight at Kyoto The most beloved temple in the nation. It is entered from Teapot Lane, so-called because of the numerous shops lining the approach that sell Kiyomizu ceramics Karamon Gate (Momoyama-period) After a group lunch, the afternoon itinerary will be adjusted according to the interests of the group to integrate up close experiences of affluent cultural legacies, such as kimono textile making, metal working or lacquerware decoration. An alternative will be a visit to Kinkakuji Temple ( Golden Pavillion), built at the end of the 14 th century originally as a villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogun at the time. After Yoshimitsu s death, as indicated in his will, the building was converted into a temple of the Zen sect of Buddhism. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 14
DAY Ten Saturday, November 18th, 2017 Kyoto > Nara --> Kyoto Full-day sightseeing of Nara by chartered bus with an English speaking guide Visiting - Kofukuji Temple Founded in 710 as the tutelary temple of the powerful Fujiwara family. -Todaiji Temple Farewell dinner at local restaurant Overnight at Kyoto -Kasuga Taisha Considered one of the three great Shinto shrines of Japan. Founded in 768, it is actually four shrines consecrated to different Shinto deities. Among the notable features is the vermilion color which creates a striking contrast to the surrounding verdant bamboo groves. Kondo The Great Buddha Hall, the Main Hall, is the largest wooden structure in the world, built first in the Nara period, after which time it was twice destroyed twice by fire. Kasuga Taisha Shrine of Fujiwara-family Daibutsu Known as Vairocana Buddha Afterwards, a visit to Horyuji Temple, with five-storied pagoda among the oldest in the world, is proposed. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 15
Day Eleven - Sunday, November 19, 2017 Departure for Osaka Enjoy breakfast and free morning time in Kyoto before we depart for our tour termination point in Osaka. Suggestions: Nishiki market Explore the street foods, pickles, yakitori skewers and finely crafted tableware Kyoto Kansai airport Leave for airport by motorcoach Depart Kansai airport for USA in the evening or stay over in Osaka as an option. Nishiki market with over 400 years of history, is one of Kyoto s prosperous market arcades lined with a variety of stores such as vintage grocery stores and other traditional specialty stores. 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 16
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PARTICIPATION, CONTACT: LEIGH WIELAND JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF TENNESSEE, INC. 615-604-3124 CELL LWIELAND@JASTN.ORG FOR ASSISTANCE WITH AIR RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: JTB USA, INC. CHICAGO BRANCH 1699 E. WOODFIELD ROAD SCHAUMBURG, IL 60173 BRANCH MANAGER: KIYOSHI YAMADA TEL: 773-714-1284 E-MAIL: Kyamada@jtbusa.com 2017 JAST and JTB USA, Inc 17