Japan Classic Family Adventure

June 30 - July 8, 2018

Post-Tour extension to Nara, Hiroshima & Kobe Sensoji Temple Dear Duke Alumni Family and Friends,

Join us on this family adventure into the heart of Japan and explore the ancient his- tories and enchanting cultures covering fascinating modern cities and historic land- marks. In the dynamic city of Tokyo, tour the sacred Shinto shrine, wander old and trendy marketplaces, and delve into the rich cultural heritage. Stop at the National Museum filled with old and new Asian artifacts and get inspired by the world’s latest fashions and buzzing markets.

Take local trains to the hot spring town Hakone and view Mt. Fuji, a peak that so effort- lessly embodies the spirit of a nation. Enjoy a pleasure-boat ride along the calm waters of Lake Ashi while en route to the Edo inspired Tokaido Historic Road.

The quest for the beauty and perfection that has shaped so much of Japanese culture continues on in Kyoto. Catch a glimpse of the fabled Geisha, stroll through pristinely manicured parks and take in the spirit of ancient gardens, temples and castles that made Kyoto the most beautiful city in Japan.

This friendly family program maintains a balance for adults as well as for the young. For those wishing to extend your Japanese adventure, an optional post-trip extension to Nara, Hiroshima and Kobe is also offered at the end of the main tour.

Reserve your place now on this Duke Alumni-exclusive tour.

Warm regards,

Beth Ray-Schroeder ‘83 Director, Duke Alumni Travels ITINERARY June 30 – July 1 • US to Tokyo July 3 • Tokyo Arrive at Tokyo International Air- Nezu Museum is located in a quiet neigh- port. Transfer to our hotel in the historic borhood. This former residence of the Asakusa district of Tokyo. (meals aloft) nobleman stands in a delightful Japanese • Accommodations: Keio Plaza Shinjuku garden with ponds and teahouse. It con- tains the finest collection of Japanese, Chi- July 2 • Tokyo nese and Korean classical and Buddhist Take elevator up to Tokyo City View art, including the famed 17th-century Observatory with a breathtaking view of screen painting of irises by Ogata Korin the expansive modern city from 52 stories high. Visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. The grand museum has Tour Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto a comprehensive collection of art and shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his antiquities from Japan and other Asian wife, Empress Shoken, the great-grand- countries. The museum conducts research parents of the present emperor. The grand on the fine art books, rubbings, and garden ground is covered by a forest of photographs. 120,000 trees donated by people from all over Japan. For many Japanese, the shrine Visit the nearby Akihabara Electric is a spiritual home as well as an oasis in City (also called Akiba), the fashionable the metropolitan Tokyo. district known for its many electronic shops, as well as anime and manga. Walk the fashionable Omotesando Explore the festive Ameyoko street with and Aoyama Streets to soak in modern colorful vendors selling clothes, bags, Japanese culture and enjoy lunch at a cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food and spic- local restaurant. es. The name “Ameyoko” is a short form for “Ameya Yokocho” (candy store alley), Explore the Mitsukoshi Depachika. as candies were traditionally sold there. In Japanese, department stores are called depato while the basements are chika. Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most Combine the two and you have depachi- colorful and busy districts, packed with ka. Its history goes back to 1673 when it shopping, dining and nightclubs. It is a was opened as the Echigoya dry goods. center for youth fashion and culture, and Mitsukoshi’s Ginza branch has one of the its streets are the birthplace to many of city’s best depachika where the highest Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. quality of culinary delights are artistically Explore the colorful Edo Museum to crafted and displayed discover Japan’s rich history and culture

Travel Dates through large displays of dioramas, scale Stroll through Ginza, Tokyo’s most models and historical items. July 8 • Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto famous upmarket shopping, dining and July 9 • Kyoto-Hiroshima July 10 • Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima entertainment district with department Cook your own Okonomiyaki dinner July 11 • Hiroshima-Kobe stores, boutiques, art galleries, restau- (hotplate pancake) at a local favorite July 12 • Kobe-Osaka-U.S. rants, night clubs and cafes. restaurant. (b,d) Extension tours require a min. two passengers The evening is free and dinner is on your own. (b,l) Mount Fuji

July 4 • Tokyo-Hakone sea coast of eastern Honsu. Take fun train and old tram rides Stroll Hakone Suginamiki, also (about 1.5 hour) to Hakone Yumoto. Visit known as Old Tokaido Cedar Trees Road. the Hakone Open Air Museum with over A gorgeous path, lined with towering trees 100 pieces of master sculptures in the open and flora. air in addition to a special rotating Picasso exhibit (Picasso Museum has a collection In the early afternoon, transfer by of over 300 works by Picasso!) Enjoy the coach from Suginamiki to Odawara Train splendor of art in nature. Lunch at the Station and take the Shinkansen bullet museum restaurant. train to Kyoto. Take a leisurely walk to Hakone Gora In the evening, explore Gion (the Park and Hakone Museum of Art to enjoy Geisha District) in Kyoto. The area is dot- beautiful Japanese garden. Relax at the ted with old style Japanese houses called beautiful tea-house and enjoy a matcha tea Machiya. If you are lucky, you may spot (green powdered tea) served with home- a Geishas or Maikos (apprentice geishas) made sweets. Check in at the traditional with elaborate make-up and hair dressing Japanese ryokan inn and soak in the hot in gorgeous kimono dress. (b,d) spring. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Kai- seki dinner with multiple courses served Enjoy the Japanese cuisine at a local in elegant dishes. (b,d) restaurant. • Accommodations: Yumoto Fujiya • Accommodations: Tokyu Hotel Kyoto with hot springs. If desired, you may stay in traditional Japanese style room—Ryokan with July 6 • Kyoto tatami mats on the floor Stop at Heian-jingu Shrine with its massive tori gate. The expansive garden Hakone–Kyoto July 5 • behind the shrine features lovely ponds, Ride to Komagatake ropeway station Chinese inspired bridge and mature cherry and go all the way up to the summit of blossom and Japanese maples trees. Komagatake to enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. A few minutes walk is the heart of museum district. Stop at Kyoto Museum Enjoy a cruise ride on Lake Ashi. Tour of Traditional Crafts in the basement of Sekisho old station, restored after 140 Kyoto International Exhibition Hall. The years of usage, a key location for commu- multi-purpose hall has excellent displays nication and transportation during the Edo of the famous Kyoto handicrafts such as period. wood-block prints, lacquerware, bamboo Walk the Tokaido historic road, the goods, and gold leaf work. Make sure primary path in the Edo period connecting to check out the museum store with fine Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. Unlike artifacts and souvenirs. the inland and less heavily travelled Na- Tour Kinkakuji Temple—the Golden kasendo, the Tōkaidō travelled along the Kinkakuji Temple Pavilion, an exquisite pavilion surrounded nearby the Nishiki Market. by a beautiful pond and gardens. Tour the Fushimi Inari Shrine, found- In the afternoon visit the nearby ed in 711 AD and one of the most revered Ryoanji, an important symbol of Kyoto. Shinto shrines. Fushimi Inari serves as The lovely temple is famed for the rock the headquarters for all the 40,000 shrines garden, an oblong of sand with an austere dedicated to Inari across Japan. Original- collection of 15 carefully placed rocks. The ly the god of rice, Inari now governs the intricate Japanese architecture is surround- modern equivalent: success and prosperity ed by beautifully landscaped grounds in business. The Shrine draws thousands around the lake. of businessmen and tradespeople seeking blessings for their enterprises, especially at Explore the Grand Nijo Castle built the first prayers of the New Year. Fushimi for the first shogun from 1603 in the heart Inari is noted for its remarkable sight of of the city. In 1939, the Imperial Family 10,000 small torii (shrine gates) that arch donated it to the city of Kyoto. The famous over a long path up the hill behind the movie by Tom Cruise “the Last Samurai” shrine. was shot here. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at Ka- Tonight explore the fine restaurants gonoya Restaurant featuring Shabu Shabu and bars in Ponto-cho along the Kamo menu. (b,l,d) Gawa River. Few streets in Asia rival this narrow pedestrian-only walkway for at- July 8 • Kyoto–US mosphere. The place comes alive by night Transfer to Osaka Airport to catch your with colorful lanterns, traditional wooden return flight home. (b) exteriors, and delicate entryways disap- pearing into the doorways of elite dining and bars (b,l)

July 7 • Kyoto In the morning visit the exquisite Kiyo- mizu Temple, Kyoto’s icon, for a panoram- ic view of Kyoto from a grand wooden veranda built on the cliff. Kiyomizudera, literally “Pure Water Temple”, is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan built in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, Wander the famous Nishiki Market. With over 100 shops and restaurants, it’s no wonder this five block long shopping street is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. Buffet lunch at Kyoto Royal Hotel Customize your Japan experience

July 8 - July 12, 2018

The Sublime and Eternal Cities of Kyoto Nara,Post Hiroshima Extension & Kobe

July 8 • Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto July 10 •Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima Nara, the ancient capital laid out after Chi- Transfer by train and ferry to Miyajima na’s Changan, was the first Japanese capital Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine and the founded here in 710AD for 74 years. During famous O-Torii Gate. A registered World this short and significant period, Japan wit- Heritage Site, the shrine and the torii gate nessed the birth of nation’s arts, crafts, and are seemingly floating in the sea during high literature. Buddhism flourished together with tide. temples, shrines, pagodas and palaces. Much The island’s highest peak, Mount Misen, has remained intact. was worshiped by local people as early as Todaiji Temple is the largest wooden struc- the 6th century. If time permits, you might ture in the world. The UNESCO World Heri- enjoy Daigan-ji Temple and Miyashima’s tage Site houses Japan’s second largest bronze own Omotesando Street for shops and Buddha. It is considered by architectural souvenirs. (b) experts as one of the most lovely buildings in the world. July 11 • Hiroshima - Kobe Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a beautiful Shinto After breakfast, transfer to Kobe by shrine of vermilion-colored pillars and Shinkansen bullet train. Located between astounding 3000 stone and bronze lanterns. the sea and the Rokko mountain the Port of The botanical garden, Shin-en, is famous for Kobe became one of the first cities to open to wisteria and 300 varieties of native Japanese international trade in the 19th century. After plants. the massive 1995 earthquake that nearly The first UNESCO World Heritage site in leveled the city, the locals have rebuilt what Japan, Horyuji Temple, was founded in is now considered one of the most beautiful 607AD as the origin of Japanese Buddhism. cities in Japan. This is the country’s most significant gems of Enjoy a half day tour of with a ropeway historic architecture, art and religion. About ride on Shin-Kobe Ropeway that passes by 45 buildings remain in the complex, compris- the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki ing what are thought to be the oldest wooden Herb Garden. Kitano-cho is a charming city structures in the world. district at the foot of the Rokko mountain Stroll through Nara Park where 1200 deer with grand villas, mansions, museums, cafes roam freely. Deer are considered divine mes- and shops. In the evening, enjoy farewell sengers. The evening is free and dinner is on dinner at hotel restaurant.(b, l) your own. (b, l) • Accommodations ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe • Accommodations at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (1 night)

July 9 • Kyoto - Hiroshima July 12 • Kobe - Osaka - U.S. Take the bullet train Shinkansen from Kyoto Transfer on own to Itami or Kansai interna- to Hiroshima.Visit Atomic Bomb Dome and tional airports in Osaka for your flight back Peace Memorial. to US. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a brick housed national and municipal government offices. Travel Dates Located just 160 meters from the epicenter of the blast, most of the building’s walls were July 8 • Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto destroyed in the bombing, but it was one July 9 • Kyoto-Hiroshima July 10 • Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima of the few structures in the area to remain July 11 • Hiroshima-Kobe upright. (b) July 12 • Kobe-Osaka-U.S. Accommodations at Sheraton Grand Hotel • Extension tours require a min. two passengers Hiroshima (2 nights) Tour Highlights FABULOUS DINING Savor Japan’s Exquisite Cuisine

TOKYO § Located in the Kan- to region, Tokyo has attracted global acclaim from its culinary mas- ters. Offering a mix of traditional ingredients and innovative tech- niques, the Kanto region is known for dark and strong flavors derived from their use of soy sauce and fish stock. Staples such as soba noodles and sushi have been made inTokyo since the Edo period and remains iconic of their traditional fare.

NARA § Japan’s first capital was Nara and being a cultural center, the best goods were brought here by traders from across the country. Denizens of all social classes in Nara were privileged to a varied and rich array of foods. Since Nara is remotely located in the mountains, fermentation and pickling are often used as both a preservation method and flavoring addition.As Buddhist monks widely inhabited the region, vegetarian cuisine flourished with their religious practice.

KYOTO § For over a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital city and seat of the imperial court. Kyoto offers a rich culinary experience that ranges from aristocratic Kaiseki to vegetarian shojin meals created by monks.

In addition, the prefecture is known for its award winning refreshments such as green tea from Uji, sake from Fushimi, and whiskey from Mishima.

The enjoyment of good food will prove to be one of this tour's recurring themes during our travels. However, as not everyone may have an adventurous palate, we will make every attempt to accommodate special food requests, including children. Japan visa,youwill recieve30dayvisauponarrival. Visa: the CountyofNevadaCity, California. legal questionswillbesettledwithinthe jurisdictionof not constituteapprovalbytheStateofCalifornia. All CST 2064278-40.Registrationasaselleroftraveldoes only inaccordancewiththeregulations ofthecarrier. be refunded.Refundsforunusedcarrier ticketsmaybe tours. Insuchinstances,fullorequitableamountswill accept orretainanypassengersasmembersforthe all toursshouldconditionswarrant,alsotodecline operators. The rightisreservedtowithdrawanyor such alterationsmaybemadewithoutpenaltytothe reason whatsoever, toalteritineraryorarrangements, comfort orwellbeingofthepassengers,forany In theeventitbecomesnecessaryoradvisablefor out thepurposeforwhichticketsorcouponsareissued. restaurant, orforanyotherpersonengagedincarrying passenger, orforanyhotelproprietor, hotelserviceor of anycompanyorpersonengagedinconveyingthe any defectinvehicles,orthroughneglectdefault irregularity whichmaybeoccasionedbyareasonof omission orforanyinjury, loss,accident,delayor Neither willtheyberesponsibleforanyact,error, or part, intheperformanceoftheirdutytopassenger. conveyance whichmaybeusedeitherwhollyorin train, vessel,carriage,aircraft,motorvehicleorother bility orliabilityinconnectionwiththeserviceofany which ticketsareprovidedandassumesnoresponsi Alumni Responsibilities: 30-0 daysprior todeparture, norefund ismade. days prior todeparture, 25%ofcostisretained; and anyspecialarrangements,are asfollows:50-31 tel andcruiseshiproom upgrades,tour extensions, Cancellation penaltesfor additionalhotelnights,ho departure, norefund ismade. departure, $2,500per person;30-0daysprior to departure, $1,500per person;45-31daysprior to of $500per personisretained; 90-46daysprior to more daysprior todeparture, acancellation fee date ofreceiptwrittennoticeareasfollows: Alumni Duke received inwritingby Asia SublimeTravel, Inc.and Cancellations: to airchangesorcancellations. Relations, isresponsibleforanypenaltiesincurreddue Inc. nor before purchasingair. Neither Asia Sublime Travel, carrier andticket.Besuretoreviewthesepolicies Air: $ and accepted. To confirmthereservation,adepositof been enteredintoassoonyourbookingisreceived conditions mentionedinthesesections. A contracthas Reservations: TERMS &CONDITIONS of unforeseenchanges,modifications,ordelays. should beawarethatnorefundswillmadeasaresult as planned,butalterationsmaystilloccur. Participants tion. Everyeffort willbemadetocarryouttheprogram humor. The itineraryissubjecttochangeandmodifica spirit ofadventure,aflexibleattitude,andsense for inadvanceandmayresultadditionalcosts),a condition andhealth(specialneedsmustbearranged ical activity. Travel inJapanrequiresgoodphysical The schedulewillbedemandingwithmoderatephys TRAVEL INJAPAN 700.00 Air cancellationsandpenaltiesarebasedoneach U.S.passportholdersdonotneedtoapply for Duke Alumni Duke , actonlyasagentsforthevariouscarriers perpersonisrequired. . Cancellationpenaltiesbasedonthe Bookings aresubjecttothetermsand No cancellationisvaliduntilit Asia Sublime Travel, Inc.and , throughtheirOfficeof Alumni 91or Duke - - - - nor dotheyactasanagentforguestsinterestedintours. Please notethat travel opportunitiesfor operators tomakeavailableinterestingandenriching friends. facilitating travelopportunitiesforitsalumniand Alumni Duke reservation. is availableandwillbemaileduponreceiptofyour baggage coverage.Informationonadditionalinsurance coverage, aswelltripcancellation/interruptionor ment thisbasicprotectionwithyourownadditional Insurance: surcharge. published tripprice,itmaybenecessary toinstitutea tour operatorwilldoeverythingpossible tomaintainthe August 2016andare subjecttochange. Although the airfare andcurrency exchangeratesineffectasof All pricequotesare basedonprevailing fuelprices, paying passengers.Itineraryissubject to modification. Pricing andinclusionsare basedonaminimum15 or forlossesadditionalexpensesresultingfromtravel. responsible forchangestotripsortravelarrangements, such astripcancellationinsurance.Duke Alumni isnot refund policies,andalsotoinvestigateavailableservices self thoroughlywiththetouroperator’s cancellationand Duke Alumni, tour. or concernsthatmayarisebefore,during,afteryour with touroperatorsshouldyouhaveanyquestions completing travel,andispleasedtoactasaliaison with whomtourparticipantsmakearrangementsfor Alumni Duke

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Itishighlyrecommendedthatyousupple Noell Building PAID , ispleasedtoprovidethisserviceof , actasafacilitatorwithtouroperators, 312 Blackwell Street, Suite 101 Oakland, CA Duke Alumni Duke Durham, NC 27701

Permit No. 379 encourage youtofamiliarizeyour , strivetoworkwiththebesttour Duke Alumni Duke , doesnotconducttours, . - - • Rates are per person and do not include international air: Main Tour, Double Occupancy - Adult $4,995 Single Supplement $1,155 Early Bird Discount (registration prior to Dec, 31, 2017) $4,895 Double Occupancy - Children 17 & under $4,695 Early Bird Discount (registration prior to Dec, 31, 2017) $4,595

Post-Tour Extensions Nara, Hiroshima & Kobe $2,695 Single Supplement $ 790

Round-trip International Air is available through AirTreks. For pricing, please contact AirTreks directly at 415-977-7136 or at [email protected]. Private Airport Transfers upon arrival and departure are recommended and available through Asia Sub- lime Travel. Call 1-888-333-2585 or emailTour [email protected]. Cost Tours Include: All domestic land and rail transportation within Japan • All sightseeing and cultural activities listed in the itinerary • Meals as listed in the itinerary • English Speaking Japanese national Tour Guide for the main tour with 15 or more travelers. Not Included: • International flights • Travel insurance • Meals other than those specified in the itinerary • Optional activities • Alcoholic beverages at group meals • Airport arrival & departure transfers • Excess baggage charges • Gratuities for Guides • Passport fees • Items of personal nature and personal expenses

Tour Reservation Form Duke Alumni Japan Family Adventure ~ June 30 - July 8, 2018

Enclosed is a deposit for $ ______($700.00 per person) to hold ______place(s). Please make checks payable to Asia Sublime Travel and mail to the address below. Final payment is due on March 20, 2018 Passport Name/s ______Birth date ______

Passport Name/s ______Birth date ______

Please add additional family members’ names on a separate sheet

Address ______City ______State ____ ZIP ______

Home/Office ______Cell ______

Email ______Email 2 ______

Optional Extensions: o Nara, Hiroshima & Kobe Post-Tour Ext Accommodations: o Single o Double o Smoking o Nonsmoking

Bed Request: o One Bed o Two Beds

I/we understand that, by signing below, I/we acknowledge that the Terms & Conditions section of this brochure has been read and accepted.

Signature ______Date ______Signature ______Date ______Credit Card Number for Deposit: ______Exp. Date ______CVV Code______(Payments accepted by credit card or check.) Signature ______Date ______

Please fax, email, or mail Reservation Form, with deposit, to: Asia Sublime 3843 Brickway Blvd • Suite 210 • Santa Rosa, CA 95403 tel: 888-333-2585 • fax: 415-841-1790 • email: [email protected]