2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE:
2016 HPSO Japan Adventure: Cherry Blossoms + Culture of Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kamakura, and Yokohama
DIABUTSU (GREAT BUDDHA) IN KAMAKURA, JAPAN HARDY PLANT SOCIETY OF OREGON EVENT
Pre-Tour: March 27-30, 2016 to Tokyo Main Tour: March 30-April 10, 2016 to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kamakura, and Yokohama Visiting Japan is a cultural adventure! As a small group of 16-18 people, we will learn about the three main types of Japanese gardens (hill garden, dry landscape garden, and the tea garden), enjoy the ritual of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, sleep on tatami mats part of the time, hike portions of the Inishie-No-Michi Trail and the forested hills behind the Great Buddha of Kamakura, tour the sites of Japan, and eat authentic Japanese food. Join the Japan Adventure group today!
Pre Tour: Tokyo Day 3: Tuesday, March 29 Tokyo The Pre-Tour is available to Main Tour We tour Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Participants only. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and Kiyosumi Garden and have lunch Day 1: Sunday, March 27 Tokyo together during the tour. You are 11, 2016 Arrive at Narita Airport where our free for dinner and the evening. tour guide will meet you at customs and arrange limousine bus transfer Day 4: Wednesday, March 30Tokyo to our hotel. Check-in to Shinagawa A free day to see Tokyo sites on Prince Hotel, refresh and relax your own. You will receive a list of prior to our Welcome and additional gardens and key cultural Orientation Dinner at Tofuro sights. Gather at hotel for group Izakaya transfer to restaurant for Main Tour Welcome and Orientation Dinner. Day 2: Monday, March 28 Tokyo Tour Tokyo Sky Tree, Rikiguen Pre Tour Prices: Garden, and Happonen Garden 10-13 people is $1,000/person ǯShinjuku Gyoen National with Tea Ceremony. We enjoy a 14-16 people is $950/person Garden during Cherry Blossom, or group lunch at a local restaurant Includes HPSO tax-deductible DzdzǡSeason during the day. You are free for contribution: $50/person +Single Supplement is $125 dinner and evening. 2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 2
Main Tour: Nagoya, Kofu,
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kamakura, and Yokohama Day 4: Saturday, April 2 Kyoto Main Tour Prices: Making due with just an overnight 10-13 people is $5,150/person bag for two nights, we relinquish our 14-16 people is $4,950/person large luggage (for separate transfer) Includes HPSO tax-deductible and travel by Shinkansen (bullet contribution: $200/person +Single Supplement is $750 train) to Kyoto, where we will spend the night on futons and tatami mats Day 1: Wednesday, March 30 Tokyo in Japanese-style rooms at Shinkoin Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo Temple. where our tour guide will meet you In Kyoto, we tour Ryoanji Temple at customs and arrange limousine and Garden, Kinkakuji Temple and bus transfer to our hotel, ǯ Photo: Zenkoji Temple- One of Five Garden, and Nijo Castle. We stop Gozen Temples Shinagawa Prince Hotel. for a group lunch at a local noodle There is a walking/cycling trail named shop. Dinner and evening are free This evening our group will meet at Inishie no michi which could perhaps be time on our own. the Welcome and Orientation translated as 'Path of Antiquity' or 'Way Dinner at Tofuro Izakaya. of the Ancients'. The trail starts from Kofu JR Station, and includes Takeda Day 2: Thursday, March 31 Kofu Shrine, all five Gozan Temples, and We board the motorcoach to Kofu Takeda Shingen's grave (although his stopping at Zenkoji Temple and cremated remains are actually at Erin-ji Garden, and Chozenji Temple and in Koshu City.) There are small maps Photo: Ryoanji Temple is famous for its Garden where we will walk a portion outside all the points of interest along the way to help keep pilgrims and Zen dry landscape garden. This garden is of the inishie-no-michi trail and explorers on track. also known as the Temple of the Dragon have lunch on our own along the at Peace. Visitors contemplate the trail. Back on motorcoach. fifteen rocks placed in sand that cannot Continue on to Nagoya to check-in all be seen at the same time. at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya. Explore Nagoya on your own for dinner and evening.
Day 3: Friday, April 1 Nagoya Our guide navigates for us as we travel on public transportation to Nagoya Tokugawa Art Museum and Garden, Nagoya Castle, and Noritake Garden. We have lunch together at Miso Tonkatsu and stay another night in Nagoya. Dinner and evening are free time.
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 3
ǣǯ
Photo: Arasiyama Cherry Blossoms Day 6: Monday, April 4 Kyoto Day 8: Wednesday, April 6 Osaka Day 5: Sunday, April 3 Kyoto We tour ǯ After breakfast we meet our guide in After our early morning Buddhist and Garden, Ginkakuji Temple and the lobby to transfer our luggage to prayer meeting, we meet our guide Garden, ǯǡ Nara. We leave our overnight bags in to tour Arasiyama, a district of Eikando Temple and Garden, our rooms while we tour Osaka western Kyoto, using public Nanzenji Temple and Garden Castle, Sumiyoshi Shrine, transportation. including Tenjuan Stone Garden. Kaitenzushi (conveuor belt sushi), We have a Shabu-Shabu dinner Shinsekai, Minami Osaka (Namba, Our overnight bags are transferred together and Meet a Maiko session Shinsaibashi, Ebisubashi, to the Benkei Ryokan (Japanese at a local restaurant. Dotomburi, Hozneji Temple and style room) while we go on a walking Alley. tour of Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, We have a Okonomiyaki dinner Sagano District, Saga-Torimoto together and free time afterward. Preserved Street, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, Gioji Day 9: Thursday, April 7 Nara Temple/Garden, Arashiyama Today our guide takes us on the Bamboo Garden, Tenryuji express train to Nara where we will Temple/Garden. tour ǯ Deer Park, Todaiji We have lunch together at a local (Diabutsu), Naramachi, Kofukuji restaurant and then a Kaiseki style Temple. We have lunch together at dinner at the ryokan. a local restaurant and stay overnight We have time on our own after Photo: 3KLORVRSKHU·V3DWKLQ.\RWR in Nara at a western style hotel. We have free time for dinner and an dinner to explore Kyoto. evening in Nara. Day 7: Tuesday, April 5 Osaka This morning we meet our guide to transfer our large luggage to Osaka. We drop-off our overnight bags at Kyoto train station and tour ǯǡ-Koji Open Air Market. We enjoy the Tea Ceremony at En and lunch at Kushikura. Then we take the express train to Osaka for two nights
Photo: Kyoto Tenjuan Stone Garden at Hotel Monterey Grasmery. Dinner and evening are on our own. Photo: Japanese Green Tea Ceremony 2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 4
Day 11: Saturday, April 9 Day 10: Friday, April 8 Kamakura Yokohama We meet the sending agent in the We meet our guide in the lobby to lobby to transfer our large luggage taxi to Kamakura Station where we to Narita Airport. We travel for two catch the train to Yokohama and nights with just our overnight bag to drop off our overnight bags at the Kamakura, Yokohama, and Narita New Otami Inn Yokohama with Airport. western-style rooms. We take the express train from We tour ǯ Sankeien Nara to Kyoto and then transfer to Garden, Yamate/Motomachi, the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Chinatown, and Minato Mirai with Odawara. lunch together at a local restaurant. There, we meet our local guide on We get together for the Farewell the train platform to take the Dinner at a local restaurant to talk express train to Kamakura Station. about our favorite parts of the tour We drop off our overnight bags at and say farewell to Japan and the
the station and take a local train ride Photo: Raitei Restaurant + Garden friends we have made during this into Hase Station. in Kamakura first Japan Adventure.
We taxi to the Raitei Restaurant for Day 12: Sunday, April 10 Tokyo a Kaisiki-style lunch and walk in Our sending agent gets us taxis to the their beautiful garden; then taxi to express train station to travel to Kotokuin, the Great Buddha or ǯ Narita Airport for our flights Diabutsu of Kamakura. Afterward, home. we hike through the forested hills around Kamakura, we go back to the An agent meets us on the train Kamakura Station to retrieve our platform at the airport train station to overnight bags. help us retrieve our large luggage that Photo: Sankeien Garden was transported for us from From Kamakura Station we taxi to Kamakura. Sayonara! the Kamakura Park Hotel where Have a great flight home. we have dinner together and spend the night. After dinner you can stroll around the artistic coastal city of Kamakura or take a cab to the Meigetsu-in, or Full Moon, Temple, Thank you for joining the HPSO in the hills above Kamakura. Japan Adventure Group!
Grand Tour Prices: 10-13 people is $6,150/person 14-16 people is $5,900/person Includes HPSO tax-deductible contribution: $250/person +Single Supplement is $875
Grand Tour includes the Pre-Tour and Main Photo: Yokohama Chinatown Tour for the Japan Adventure
Photo: Motomachi Shopping Street
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 5
Pre-Tour Inclusions: x 4 days/3 nights lodging in a 4-star hotel x All breakfasts and featured meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner) x Services of an English and Japanese-speaking guide x All gratuities for included meals and services, and tour guide x Admission to all featured attractions (7 attractions-entry fees are charged at all attractions) x Public transportation costs in Tokyo
Pre-Tour Price Summary: Per Person/Double $950-$1,000 depending on number of participants Per Person/Single $125
Main Tour Inclusions: x 12 days/11 nights lodging in a 4-star hotel, ryokans, and temples x All breakfasts and featured meals (11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 6 dinners) x Services of an English and Japanese-speaking guide x All gratuities for included meals and services, and tour guide x Admission to all featured attractions (35 attractions Ȃ entry fees are charged at all attractions) x Public transportation costs on bullet trains, express trains, and local trains
Main Tour Price Summary: Per Person/Double $4,950-$5,150 depending on number of participants Per Person/Single $750
Pre-Tour + Main Tour Price Summary: Per Person/Double $5,900-$6,150 depending on number of participants Per Person/Single $875
Additional Inclusions for Pre-Tour and Main Tour: x Meeting service at the airport and ticket for bus limousine to hotel x Accommodations and meals as listed above x All transportation from city to city x Addresses, phone numbers, and maps of all accommodations in Japanese and English x Emergency contact number in Japan x Detailed, easy to follow directions from city to city x Baggage transfer forms and fees
Not included: x Beverages at meals other than tea or water x Desserts at all planned meals x Meals, activities, travel, etc. that are during free times x Airfare to Japan and back home x Please refer to the HPSO Tour Conditions Agreement for additional items not included
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 6
Our Japanese Tour Guides
Dzdz was born in Tokyo will be our guide in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Yokohama. He enjoys meeting clients from all over the world by being a Guide Specialist and he also teaches English to Japanese people. He will help us learn a little Japanese to make our trip more enjoyable. The Japanese truly appreciate Americans who try to speak their language.
Dzdz from Osaka, Japan will be our tour guide through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. Ken wants to make sure tour participants see and experience Japan through the eyes of the locals. This includes taking local trains, walking through interesting alleys, and trying out local food from street vendors and th ǯǤ
Our HPSO Tour Co-Director Team Linda McNeill + Nancy Moore
Linda McNeill has been a member of HPSO since 2003 when she went to Italy and France with HPSO. She loved that trip so much she took her husband on another HPSO tour to Central Italy a few years later. She is a retired architect/urban planner who enjoys gardening, walking, cooking, and experiencing foreign cultures. Linda traveled to Japan as an invited guest with her husband where she had opportunities to experience the Japanese culture, make lasting friendships, and get a strong desire to return and learn more about this exciting country and its people. She wants other HPSO members to have the same opportunities. Linda is a founding member of the HPSO Garden Travel Committee. She is focused on creating Japan Adventures to expand HPSO travel opportunities and provide exciting new opportunities for HPSO members.
Nancy Mooreǡǯǡ k to Oregon in 2013 and got into serious gardening during her semi-retirement last year from business development. She is eager to learn more about gardening in Grants Pass, Oregon from other HPSO members in the area and is hoping to recruit some people from southern Oregon for the Japan Adventure. Nancy has many years of experience in leading tours to coffee farms in South America and on Beverage Industry tours in San Francisco, England, Maderia, and Portugal. Nancy enjoys gardening, walking, cooking, and touring foreign countries. Nancy is looking forward to assisting participants of the Japan Adventure have a memorable experience.
Special Note: Both of our HPSO Co-Directors have done yoga for many years. During the Tour Orientation(s), they will show tour participants the proper moves needed to get up off futons/tatami mats (on the floor) when we stay in Japanese- style rooms. Orientations may be held in Portland and Grants Pass as requested.
Sign-up for the HPSO Japan Adventure Today!
Tour reservations for Travel Club Members will be accepted beginning March, 7, 2015 at noon Tour reservations for other HPSO members will be accepted beginning March 13, 2015 at noon Register online to: Download the Reservation Form Download the Tour Conditions agreement Download the Tour Waiver & Release
HARDY PLANT SOCIETY OF OREGON 828 NW 19TH AVENUE, PORTLAND, OR 97209 503.224.5718 WWW.HARDYPLANTSOCIETY.ORG EMAIL: [email protected]
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 7
Tips for Visiting Japan
Here is some general information to help you prepare for your Japan Adventure:
Weather ǯȋ Ȃ May) and the autumn (September Ȃ November). Spring, for the famous Cherry blossoms that reach their peak around the end of March to the beginning of April (in Tokyo usually from the end of March to the beginning of April, in Kyoto usually in the first to second weeks of April). Autumn, when the Maple trees are turning into fiery colors and attract many domestic tourists too. Other than that Ȃ the winter can be very cold. The summer can be very hot and humid but has the advantage of many festivals all over the country from small local ones to impressive crowded festivals like the famous Gion Festival in Kyoto in mid-July which attracts hundreds of thousands of people. June has the rainy season which in recent yeaǯ Ǥ Also please note that there are different climates in different parts of the country. For up-to-date weather information please visit. http://weat
March City Maximum Temp Minimum Temp Rainfall Sapporo 38 4 26 -4 3.1 80 Tokyo 55 13 41 5 4.5 115 Osaka 58 13 41 5 3.9 100 Fukuoka 57 14 43 6 4.3 109 April City Maximum Temp Minimum Temp Rainfall Sapporo 52 11 37 3 2.4 61 Tokyo 65 18 51 11 5.1 130 Osaka 67 20 51 11 4.8 121 Fukuoka 67 19 51 11 4.9 125
Dress Japanese pay great attention to the way a person dresses. Even taxi drivers wear suits and usually white gloves. We, as travelers, do not need to dress to that extent, unless planning a business meeting while in Japan. Elegant sporty wear, comfortable for strolling, easy for laundry and ironing is reccommended for certain events such as a special dinner, social gathering, etc. The clean look of clothes is very important to the Japanese so I do not recommend white shirts etc. which are easy to get dirty. Comfortable walking shoes are very important. We do not recommended coming to Japan with ǯǤǡ temples, traditional houses, and so on you need to take of your shoes, so easy slip on shoes are useful.
Electricity The electricity in Japan is 100V 50/60Hz. The plug should be of the 2 flat pin type. To check the plug needed, please visit: http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 8
Currency and Payments The Japanese currency is YEN. US $ or any other currency is not acceptable. ǡ ǯǡ especially when it comes to small restaurants, shops, etc. Moreover, not every ATM will accept non-Japanese credit cards, so you will need to find an international ATM. Japanese post office ATMs are usually good for non-Japanese cards. We recommend you bring a certain amount of Japanese Yen to be on the safe side (Japan is very safe so ǯ ȌǤ ǡ money or T/C (not budget hotels though) as well Japanese banks, but the banks are only open until 15:00 and are closed on weekends and usually it takes quite a long time to do. For checking the exchange rate please go to: http://www.xe.com/ucc/ Please Note: In many restaurants credit cards are not accepted.
Health and Personal Security Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so it is pleasant and safe to travel around, although we still recommend that you use common sense while traveling. Packed trains, crowded streets, and festivals are places where a bit more caution is advisable, but there is no need to panic. Medical insurance - Medical treatment in Japan can be costly, we highly recommend you purchase adequate travel insurance before coming to Japan. The responsibility of covering medical expenses if needed is ǯǤ It is also advisable to check recommended vaccinations for Japan as advised by the health department in your home country. Water - generally speaking, tap water in Japan is drinkable but, as in many countries, Japanese too, prefer to buy mineral water which is available in the many convenient stores all over the country.
Phone Except for third generation phones, foreign mobile phones usually do not work in Japan. You can, however, rent a mobile phone for a reasonable price from some Japanese telecom company counters at the airport and return it upon departure, even if you depart from a different airport than the one via which you entered Japan. Note that if you arrive in Japan in the early morning or late at night the counters will be closed. There is also the option to rent phones using CMS cards so your original phone number can be used. International calls can be made easily from hotels as well from public phones by using international phone cards which can be purchased in any convenience store (usually 3000 or 5000 yen cards are sold).
Business Cards For those of you who have them, we recommend you bring some for casual meetings with the Japanese
Time Difference For Japan time please go to http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Tipping Individual tipping is not common in Japan, not even to waitresses, taxi drivers, or bellboys. Rather, in lieu of tipping, a 10 to 15 percent service charge is added to bills. Many times when a tip is offered, it will be returned. Generally speaking, good service is a duty Japanese take seriously. However - in the tourism business it is the custom to tip, specially, guides, drivers (if you have a personal driver - not tips for taxi drivers!) In any case Ȃ a tip should be given only if you are happy with the service Ȃ it is not compulsory. 2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 9
Bowing ǯ ǤJapanese bow upon meeting, departing and to express gratitude. The Japanese believe the head is the most important part of the body, and by ǡ Ǥǡǯ quite complicated, with everything from the depth of the bow, the number of bows and its duration determined by the people involved and their status in relation to each other. The proper form for the bow is to bend from the waist, keeping a straight back and arms held stiffly to the side of the body. For foreigners, a simple nod of the head is sufficient. Japanese who have traveled abroad or have ǡǯ be able to stop from giving a slight bow as well.
Gift-giving The Japanese are among the most avid gift-givers in the world, and guests invited to a private home should always bring a gift. A present that has a connection to your country is the best - a small photo book of your country or the area where you live, a key ring with a special fob, a pen, or best of all any kind of food like dry foods or sweets (not too sweet, Japanese do not like very sweet food!) Ȃ in fact, anything which will remind your new friends of the place you come from. Items readily available in Japan also make good gifts and include flowers, candy, fruit, or alcohol. In any case, gifts should be wrapped or presented in an attractive bag. During your tour you will find that many Japanese are very helpful and kind. It is not a bad idea to have some small presents to give to some people on the way to show your appreciation - the OMIYAGE or souvenir, culture in Japan is very popular. Please note that it is equally important not to have too big or fancy presents, as this will put a pressure on the Japanese recipient.
Bathing ǡǯ socializing as it is cleanliness. Even though most Japanese homes today have private bathrooms, neighborhood public baths still play an important role in the society, especially for the older generation. ǯ-spring spas (onsens), which can range from simple outdoor baths to huge, state-of-the-art spas with numerous baths boasting various kinds of water and thermal treatments. Whether large or small, humble or grand, the procedure for bathing in a public bath is the same all over Japan. After completely disrobing and placing clothes in a locker or basket, bathers enter the bath area and head to the faucets with basins and stools, where they should then soap down and wash off all traces of soap. Only then are you ready to enter the bath, as the baths are for soaking, not washing. The bath may be so hot that it takes some time getting used to, especially for novice bathers. But with time, the hot water fades away all cares and tension, making the ritual of bathing the perfect end to a day of travel.
Dining ǡǯ Ǩȋ ǨȌ ȋǯ ȌǤ a table, a place at the counter, or a tatami room. As soon as guests are seated, they are handed a wet 2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 10
ȋȌǤǡǯ Ǥǯ done with it, just roll it up and leave it next to your place. Diners in Japanese restaurants are also given chopsticks. There are some rules of etiquette involving chopsticks. When given wooden chopsticks in the US, it is normal to rub the two together to scrape off any slivers before using them. This is considered impolite in Japan. Never insert chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice and never pass anything from chopstick to chopstick. Both of these practices have associations with death. You will be recognized as a foreigner, and will be given an English menu if one exists. To ask for one say, Dzǫdzȋ ǫȌ ǯǡ phrasebooks will have a section with the symbols most commonly used for food items you can use to try to compare. Or you can look around at what other people are eating and point. Or you can ask Dzǫdzȋ ǫȌǤ window (as many restaurants in Japan have), you can take the waitperson outside and point. By asking for a teishoku or seto (set meal), you will get the main course with miso soup, rice and pickles for usually ȋ ǯ ǤȌǤ served for free, and water (mizu) will be served if you ask. ǯǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡDzdzȋ please.). Remember, there is no tipping. When leaving, it is polite to say to the restaurant staff, Dz -dzȋ ȌǤ Here are some things to keep in mind while dining out in Japan: x Japanese soup and noodle broth can be sipped directly from the bowl instead of with a spoon. x Rice bowls should be passed with both hands. x ǯ Ǥǡ should wait until someone notices his cup needs refilling then hold it up to make pouring easier. ǯǤ ǡǯ the cup to receive more. x ǯ Ǥ ǯ appreciation of the meal. x ǯ while they do so. Ice cream cones are an exception to this rule. Iǯ to abide by this custom: no-ǯ the street munching on a sandwich.
Shoes Shoes are never worn inside private homes or ryokans. Some restaurants, temples, and shrines also require patrons to remove shoes. Shoes will normally be taken off where a step-up is provided. When entering many temples, you may be requested to remove your shoes. The shoes should remain on the concrete, and you should only step on the wooden platforms provided with your socks or bare feet Stepping on the concrete with your socks will track dirt inside. Normally there will be a place provided to store your shoes. Slippers are usually provided, but even these should be removed for walking on tatami (straw mats), so travelers should be sure to pack warm socks in winter. In establishments that do not allow shoes, special restroom slippers are provided inside such facilities. These slippers are to remain in the restroom; though more than one foreigner has worn them throughout the establishment, blissfully unaware of their slipper faux pas.
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 11
Miscellaneous One of the most enduring Western notions about Japan is that of Japanese courtesy and rigid social etiquette. However, with a little sensitivity, there is almost no chance of offending anyone, and the visitor to Japan should rest easy in the knowledge that the Japanese are very forgiving when it comes to the little slip-ups of foreign visitors, but here are a few items that can only help in your travels through Japan.
Though casual attire is acceptable in resort and tourist destinations, skimpy or revealing clothing is improper when visiting temples or shrines or in crowded downtown areas. As in other parts of Asia, the respectful way to indicate that someone should approach you is to wave your fingers with palm downwards. Also, when referring to yourself, point to your nose. Blowing your nose in public is definitely frowned upon, especially in restaurants. The polite thing to do if you have a cold in public is to keep sniffing until you can get to a private place to blow your nose. When sitting on the floor, the formal way to sit is with your legs tucked directly beneath you in what is known as the sieza position. However, in ordinary situations it is perfectly acceptable to sit in whatever ǡǯǤ someone the bottom of your feet is considered rude. ǡǯDzdzȋ ǤȌǯ Dzdz yourself.
When riding on trains or subways, conversations should be carried out in a hushed manner. It is considered rude to talk loudly or carry on conversations across the car. When handing something to somebody or receiving something from somebody it is considered more polite to use two hands. When paying for something whether in a store or restaurant, there will usually be a tray where you can place your cash or credit cards. The cashier will place the change or receipts on this tray and hand it to you. It is considered more polite to use the tray instead of handing the money directly to the cashier. There are no rules for behavior while in temples and shrines. Just keep in mind they are places of worship, and act accordingly. The Japanese will certainly not mind if you observe. Some temples and shrines do not allow flash photography, and some do not allow photographs at all. This will be posted in English at the entrance to the temple or shrine.
Jaywalking and crossing streets against the crosswalk sign is rarely seen in Japan. There may not be cars for miles, but the Japanese will normally wait for the crosswalk signs to change before crossing the street. While no one will get upset with you if you did cross against the signs, when in Rome do as the ǡǥǡǤ
When riding on escalators, it is common and polite for everyone to stand on one side of the escalator, allowing those who wish to walk up or down the escalator the room to do so. There is no rule which side of the escalator to stand on, just simply follow the lead of everyone in front of you. When exiting a train, it is considered good manners to return your seat to its normal, upright position.
2016 HPSO JAPAN ADVENTURE: 12
Staying in Ryokans
Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offer the best in food, service, and traditional atmosphere. These unique, Japanese-style inns allow guests to appreciate the traditional culture of Japan and follow the same traditions that have been practiced for hundreds of years. Some of the earliest ryokans were located on the Tokaido Highway, which connected the military capital in Tokyo and the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. It was a very busy highway as daimyos (feudal lords), samurai, traders, and others made their way between these two cities. Ryokans began to appear along this and other highways beginning early in the 17th century to welcome these weary travelers who needed rest before continuing on their long journey.
Upon your arrival at a ryokan you will be provided with a Yukata (cotton kimonos) for use in your room and around the ryokan. It is even acceptable to wear these outside of the ryokan at some locations. Changing into these comfortable garments allows guests to start to enjoy the ryokan character. During the day, guest rooms serve as the living room where you may enjoy chatting over tea and a Japanese sweet (both of which you will normally find in your room), or just relaxing in your yukata. Some ryokans have legless chairs that allow comfortable seating. A pair of regular chairs and a small table are typically found in your room as well. At bedtime, your guest room undergoes a transformation into a bedroom. Your warm and comfortable futon mattress is spread out on the tatami floor by a maid.
Many ryokans include a hot springs for guests to enjoy. In some cases, the hot springs are used without any clothing. Your HPSO Tour Directors will orient you on the ryokans you will be visiting. Traditional Japanese food, featured at ryokans, has a well-earned reputation for being healthy, delicious, and served with a wonderful presentation. During your ryokan visit, your palate Ȃ as well as your senses Ȃ are in for a treat. Meals of local Dzdzǡ dishes with smaller portions instead of one main entree.