Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Japan Family Adventure

Japan Family Adventure

Family Adventure

June 26 - July 4, 2018

Tokyo • Hakone •

Post-Tour extension to Nara, & Sensoji Temple Dear Dartmouth and Smith Families 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 , tour the sacred 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 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.

Join our faculty leaders, Dartmouth Associate Professor of Religion Gil Raz and Smith Professor of English Language & Literature and American Studies Floyd Cheung on this incredible journey to Japan. Professor Raz and Cheung’s presence will add an ex- tra dimension and enrichment to our program.

Reserve your place now on this Smith/Dartmouth-exclusive tour.

Warm regards,

Elizabeth Bigwood Director of Travel and Education at Smith College

Robin Albing Director of Lifelong Learning at Dartmouth College Japan Family Adventure ITINERARY

June 26 – June 27 • US to Tokyo stores, boutiques, art galleries, restau- Arrive at Tokyo International Air- rants, night clubs and cafes. port. Transfer to our hotel in the historic The evening is free and dinner is on Asakusa district of Tokyo. (meals aloft) your own. (b,l) • Accommodations: Keio Plaza in Shijuku June 29 • Tokyo June 28 • Tokyo Visit the Take the elevator up to Tokyo City in Ueno Park. The grand museum has View Observatory with a breathtaking a comprehensive collection of art and view of the expansive modern city from antiquities from Japan and other Asian 52 stories high. countries. The museum conducts research on the fine art books, rubbings, and Tour Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto photographs. shrine dedicated to and his wife, Empress Shoken, the great-grand- Visit the nearby Akihabara Electric parents of the present emperor. The grand City (also called Akiba), the fashionable garden ground is covered by a forest of district known for its many electronic 120,000 trees donated by people from all shops, as well as and . over Japan. For many Japanese, the shrine Explore the festive Ameyoko street with is a spiritual home as well as an oasis in colorful vendors selling clothes, bags, the metropolitan Tokyo. cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food and spic- es. The name “Ameyoko” is a short form Walk the fashionable Omotesando for “Ameya Yokocho” (candy store alley), and Aoyama Streets to soak in modern as candies were traditionally sold there. Japanese culture and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and busy districts, packed with Explore the Mitsukoshi Depachika. shopping, dining and nightclubs. It is a In Japanese, department stores are called center for youth fashion and culture, and depato while the basements are chika. its streets are the birthplace to many of Combine the two and you have depachi- Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. ka. Its history goes back to 1673 when it Explore the colorful Edo Museum to was opened as the Echigoya dry goods. discover Japan’s rich history and culture Mitsukoshi’s Ginza branch has one of the through large displays of dioramas, scale city’s best depachika where the highest Travel Dates models and historical items. quality of culinary delights are artistically July 4 • Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto July 5 • Kyoto-Hiroshima crafted and displayed Cook your own Okonomiyaki dinner July 6 • Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima (hotplate pancake) at a local favorite Stroll through Ginza, Tokyo’s most July 7 • Hiroshima-Kobe restaurant. (b,d) July 8 • Kobe--U.S. famous upmarket shopping, dining and Extension tours require a min. two passengers entertainment district with department

June 30 • Tokyo-Hakone Stroll Hakone Suginamiki, also Take fun train and old tram rides known as Old Tokaido Cedar Trees Road. (about 1.5 hour) to Hakone Yumoto. Visit A gorgeous path, lined with towering trees the Hakone Open Air Museum with over and flora. 100 pieces of master in the open In the early afternoon, transfer by air in addition to a special rotating Picasso coach from Suginamiki to Train exhibit (Picasso Museum has a collection Station and take the bullet of over 300 works by Picasso!) Enjoy the train to Kyoto. splendor of art in nature. Lunch at the museum restaurant. In the evening, explore Gion (the Geisha District) in Kyoto. The area is dot- Take a leisurely walk to Hakone Gora ted with old style Japanese houses called Park and Hakone Museum of Art to enjoy . If you are lucky, you may spot beautiful . Relax at the a Geishas or Maikos (apprentice geishas) beautiful tea-house and enjoy a matcha tea with elaborate make-up and hair dressing (green powdered tea) served with home- in gorgeous kimono dress. made sweets. Check in at the traditional Japanese ryokan inn and soak in the hot Enjoy the Japanese cuisine at a local spring. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Kai- restaurant. (b,d) seki dinner with multiple courses served • Accommodations: Tokyu Hotel Kyoto in elegant dishes. (b,d) • Accommodations: Yumoto Fujiya July 2 • Kyoto with hot springs. If desired, you may stay in Stop at Heian-jingu Shrine with its traditional Japanese style room—Ryokan with massive tori gate. The expansive garden tatami mats on the floor behind the shrine features lovely ponds, July 1 • Hakone–Kyoto Chinese inspired bridge and mature cherry Ride to Komagatake ropeway station blossom and Japanese maples trees. and go all the way up to the summit of A few minutes walk is the heart of Komagatake to enjoy a spectacular view of museum district. Stop at Kyoto Museum Mt. Fuji. of Traditional Crafts in the basement of Kyoto International Exhibition Hall. The Enjoy a cruise ride on Lake Ashi. Tour multi-purpose hall has excellent displays Sekisho old station, restored after 140 of the famous Kyoto handicrafts such as years of usage, a key location for commu- wood-block prints, lacquerware, bamboo nication and transportation during the Edo goods, and gold leaf work. Make sure period. to check out the museum store with fine artifacts and souvenirs. Walk the Tokaido historic road, the primary path in the Edo period connecting Tour Kinkakuji Temple—the Golden Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. Unlike Pavilion, an exquisite pavilion surrounded the inland and less heavily travelled Na- by a beautiful pond and gardens. kasendo, the Tōkaidō travelled along the In the afternoon visit the nearby sea coast of eastern Honsu. Kinkakuji Temple

Ryoanji, an important symbol of Kyoto. Tour the Fushimi Inari Shrine, found- The lovely temple is famed for the rock ed in 711 AD and one of the most revered garden, an oblong of sand with an austere Shinto shrines. Fushimi Inari serves as collection of 15 carefully placed rocks. The the headquarters for all the 40,000 shrines intricate is surround- dedicated to Inari across Japan. Original- ed by beautifully landscaped grounds ly the god of rice, Inari now governs the around the lake. modern equivalent: success and prosperity in business. The Shrine draws thousands Explore the Grand Nijo Castle built of businessmen and tradespeople seeking for the first shogun from 1603 in the heart blessings for their enterprises, especially at of the city. In 1939, the Imperial Family the first prayers of the New Year. Fushimi donated it to the city of Kyoto. The famous Inari is noted for its remarkable sight of movie by Tom Cruise “the Last Samurai” 10,000 small torii (shrine gates) that arch was shot here. over a long path up the hill behind the Tonight explore the fine restaurants shrine. and bars in Ponto-cho along the Kamo Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at Ka- Gawa River. Few streets in Asia rival this gonoya Restaurant featuring Shabu Shabu narrow pedestrian-only walkway for at- menu. (b,l,d) mosphere. The place comes alive by night with colorful lanterns, traditional wooden July 4 • Kyoto–US exteriors, and delicate entryways disap- Transfer by coach to Osaka Airport to pearing into the doorways of elite dining catch your return flight home. (b) and bars (b,l)

July 3 • 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 nearby the Nishiki Market. Study Leaders Gil Raz Floyd Cheung

Gil Raz is a Professor of Chinese Floyd Cheung is a Professor of Religion at Dartmouth College. English Language and American His works have a particular Studies at Smith College. interest in Daoism, and the inter- In addition to teaching English action between Daoism, popular language and literature and Amer- religious practices, and Buddhism. ican studies, he is also a member Between studies in History and of the Five College Asian/Pacific/ Religious Studies in Hebrew Uni- American Studies Certificate Pro- versity (B.A., 1992) and Chinese gram, for which he served as the Religions in Indiana University founding chair. In 2012, he was (M.A., 1996; Ph.D., 2004), he awarded Smith’s Sherrerd Prize spent some six years in China and for Distinguished Teaching. From Taiwan. He conducted three years 2014 to the present, Cheung has of field work in Taiwan, working been serving as the director of the closely with a Daoist priest. Sherrerd Center for Teaching and He is currently completing a Learning. book that examines the formation Born in Hong Kong, Cheung of the Daoist religious tradition grew up in Las Vegas. At Smith he between the second and fifth teaches courses in American liter- centuries C.E. ature, American studies and Asian His research interests include American literature and culture. Daoist ritual, both historical and In each of these fields, Cheung contemporary, Daoist sacred has published articles in academic geography and mythology, tra- journals. He is particularly inter- ditional divination systems, and ested in the recovery of early Asian concepts of the body in Chinese American texts. religions. Customize your Japan experience

July 4 - July 8, 2018

The Sublime and Eternal Cities of Nara, PostHiroshima Tour Extension & Kobe

July 4 • Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto July 6 •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 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 7 • 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 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 5 • Kyoto - Hiroshima July 8 • 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 4 • Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto destroyed in the bombing, but it was one July 5 • Kyoto-Hiroshima July 6 • Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima of the few structures in the area to remain July 7 • Hiroshima-Kobe upright. (b) July 8 • Kobe-Osaka-U.S. Accommodations at Sheraton Grand Hotel • Extension tours require a min. two passengers Hiroshima (2 nights) 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 , 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. • 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 in Shanghai are recommended and available through Asia Sublime Travel, Inc. Call 1-888-333-2585Tour Cost or email [email protected]. 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 Smith College & Dartmouth College Japan Family Adventure ~ June 26 - July 4, 2018

Enclosed is a deposit for $ ______($700.00 per person) to hold ______place(s). Please make checks payable to Asia Sublime Travel, Inc. and mail to the address below. Final payment is due on March 27, 2018 Passport Name/s ______Birth date ______

Passport Name/s ______Birth date ______

Passport Name/s ______Birth date ______

School Affiliation(s) ______Class Year(s) ______

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 Travel, Inc. 3843 Brickway Blvd • Suite 210 • Santa Rosa, CA 95403 tel: 888-333-2585 • fax: 415-841-1790 • email: [email protected] Visa: jurisdiction oftheCountyNevadaCity, California. California. All legalquestionswillbesettledwithinthe of traveldoesnotconstituteapprovalby theStateof of thecarrier. CST 2064278-40.Registrationasaseller tickets maybeonlyinaccordancewith theregulations amounts willberefunded.Refundsfor unused carrier for thetours.Insuchinstances,fullorequitable decline toacceptorretainanypassengersasmembers draw anyoralltoursshouldconditionswarrant,alsoto penalty totheoperators. The rightisreservedtowith or arrangements,suchalterationsmaybemadewithout sengers, orforanyreasonwhatsoever, toalter itinerary or advisableforthecomfortwellbeingofpas coupons areissued.Intheeventitbecomesnecessary engaged incarryingoutthepurposeforwhichticketsor hotel serviceorrestaurant,foranyotherperson in conveyingthepassenger, orforanyhotelproprietor, neglect ordefaultofanycompanypersonengaged by areasonofanydefectinvehicles,orthrough accident, delayorirregularitywhichmaybeoccasioned for anyact,error, oromissionforanyinjury, loss, duty tothepassenger. Neitherwilltheyberesponsible either whollyorinpart,theperformanceoftheir motor vehicleorotherconveyancewhichmaybeused with theserviceofanytrain,vessel,carriage,aircraft, and assumesnoresponsibilityorliabilityinconnection for thevariouscarrierswhichticketsareprovided mouth CollegeandSmith 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 days prior todeparture, norefund ismade. days prior todeparture, $2,500per person; 30-0 days prior todeparture, $1,500per person; 45-31 cancellation feeof$500per personisretained; 90-46 are asfollows: penalties basedonthedateofreceiptwrittennotice Smith CollegeandDartmouth received inwritingby Asia SublimeTravel, Inc.and Cancellations: penalties incurredduetoairchangesorcancellations. their Officeof AlumniRelations,isresponsibleforany nor before purchasingair. Neither Asia Sublime Travel, Inc. 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 DartmouthCollegeandSmith Air cancellationsandpenaltiesarebasedoneach U.S.passportholdersdonotneedtoapply for perpersonisrequired. 91or more days prior todeparture, a Bookings aresubjecttothetermsand No cancellationisvaliduntilit Asia Sublime Travel, Inc.and , actonlyasagents . Cancellation , through Dart ------College opportunities forthe ators tomakeavailableinterestingandenrichingtravel Smith College for itsalumniandfriends. provide thisserviceoffacilitatingtravelopportunities Smith CollegeandDartmouth reservation. is availableandwillbemaileduponreceiptofyour baggage coverage.Informationonadditionalinsurance coverage, aswelltripcancellation/interruptionor ment thisbasicprotectionwithyourownadditional Insurance: Japan visa,youwillrecieve30dayvisauponarrival. All pricequotesare basedonprevailing fuelprices, paying passengers.Itineraryissubject to modification. Pricing andinclusionsare basedonaminimum15 expenses resultingfromtravel. to tripsortravelarrangements,forlosses oradditional insurance. The Universityisnotresponsibleforchanges investigate availableservicessuchastrip cancellation operator’s cancellationandrefund policies,andalsoto age youtofamiliarizeyourselfthoroughlywiththetour tour. or concernsthatmayarisebefore,during,afteryour with touroperatorsshouldyouhaveanyquestions completing travel,andispleasedtoactasaliaison tors, withwhomtourparticipantsmakearrangementsfor Dartmouth College agent forguestsinterestedintours. College Please notethat

Dartmouth CollegeandSmith Asia Subline Travel, Inc. Presorted Standard , families. , donotconducttours,northeyactasan 3843 Brickway Blvd., Suite 210 U.S. Potage

Itishighlyrecommendedthatyousupple Santa Rosa, CA 95403 PAID

, strivetoworkwiththebesttouroper Oakland, CA Dartmouth CollegeandSmith Permit No. 379 , actasafacilitatorwithtouropera Smith CollegeandDartmouth Dartmouth Collegeand Smith Collegeand , arepleasedto ,

encour - - - -

Top View