Brinkman Travel
Presents
...
Japan's
Hidden Treasures
with
Optional Two Night Hiroshima Post Tour Extension
October 23 – November 4, 2008
Discover a place where ancient traditions exist side by side with modern civilization and the historic cornerstones of Japanese culture, the Samurai and Geisha, are still revered today. See how Japan has undergone centuries of transformation, from its first ancient capital, Nara, to its present day capital, Tokyo. From Nagano to Kyoto, from original temples to stunning Japanese gardens, this exclusive tour will leave you with a better understanding and appreciation for this East Asian land. Three guest lecturers provide fascinating background on the history of Japan, the life of a Geisha, and the restoration of the Byodoin Temple.
Day
1: Thursday, October 23, 2008
Overnight Flight
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Tokyo, the seat of
Japanese government and home to the Imperial Palace.
Lose a day en route as you cross the International Dateline.
Arrive in Japan's vibrant and energetic capital of Tokyo.
Welcome to "The Land of the Rising Sun" where you are
about to embark on a journey unlike any other.
Day
2: Friday, October 24, 2008
Tokyo
Intertwining
ancient Japanese culture with modern society, Tokyo encompasses centuries
of art, culture and history.
Visit the Tokyo Tower, the world's largest self supporting iron
structure, edging out the Eiffel Tower by 13 meters.
At the Meiji Shrine, honoring both Emperor Meiji and his wife,
Empress Shoken, who ruled from 1867 – 1912, learn why he is recognized
as the central figure in Japan's rapid modernization.
Later, stroll through Nakamise Shopping Arcade, one of the oldest
shopping streets in Japan, followed by a visit to Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's
oldest Buddhist Temple.
A brief stop is made outside the gates of the Imperial Palace
before returning to the hotel.
In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)
Day
3: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tokyo – Hakone – Tokyo
Leave Tokyo and travel to Hakone, part of a magnificent national park,
and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, well known for its reflection of Mt. Fuji
(weather permitting).
A ride on the Komagatake Ropeway cable car provides spectacular
views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi and Mt. Futago.
The valley contains clear lakes, volcanic peaks, steaming hot
springs and shady valleys.
Legend says that eating just one black egg that has been boiled in
the healthy sulfur springs of the valley can add five to seven years to a
person's life!
See the treasures contained at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where
the artist uses kimonos as his paper and silk thread as his paint to
create the most outstanding tie dye kimonos in the world. (B)
Day
4: Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tokyo – Nagano
This morning you will travel via the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet
train," to Nagano, home of the 1998 winter Olympics.
Continue to Jigokudani Yaen Koen, the only place on earth where
wild monkeys bathe in hot springs.
Enjoy some leisure time in Obuse Town, an historical site and home
to three major museums all linked to the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai
who spent his latter years living here.
Your lunch features local beef delicacies allowing you to sample
the amazing flavors of this region. (B, L)
Day
5: Monday, October 27, 2008
Nagano
This
morning you will take a walking tour to the Zenkoji Temple.
One of the most visited temples in Japan, Zenkoji was founded 1,400
years ago and stores what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue
ever brought into Japan.
A replica of this statue is displayed to the public every seven
years. The
remainder of your day is at leisure to explore on your own. (B)
Day
6: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Nagano – Takayama
This morning make a brief stop at Matsumoto Castle, built in 1504 and
designated a national treasure.
Next, visit the Ukiyoe Museum, which showcases fine wood block
prints of Japanese customs and history.
A special experience awaits you with a visit to Daio Wasabi Nojo
Farm, where pungent wasabi is grown.
Here you will make pickles and enjoy a local lunch of soba noodles
and tempura. In
the late afternoon, arrive at a traditional Japanese inn where you will
spend the night and have a complete Japanese experience.
This evening, dressed in a time honored kimono, you will savor a
traditional dinner.
Later, you may enjoy the luxurious hot spring baths at your hotel.
(B, L, D)
Day
7: Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Takayama
- Kanazawa
Begin
the day with a stroll to the morning market and then visit Takayama Jinya,
the regional headquarters during the Edo period and host to one of Japan's
greatest festivals.
See many of the floats and marionettes during a visit to Matsuri-no-Mori.
Later, a drive through Shirakawago and Gokayama showcases
farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, a style called "gassho-zukuri",
which translates into "hands-clasped in prayer."
Learn how to make Japanese paper at Gokayama Washi-no-Sato.
Washi is usually made from bark but can also be formed from bamboo
or grains. (B, D)
Day
8: Thursday, October 30, 2008
Kanazawa
Return to the days of the samurai when you visit Nomura Family House,
the traditional residence of Nagamachi Samurai. Continuing your tour,
stroll through the Oumicho Fish Market, which has been providing food for
feudal lords and citizens for about 270 years.
Visit the traditional Geisha district of Higashi and a Shima (tea
house). An
afternoon spent at Kanazawa Castle, built in 1583, and Kenrokuen Garden,
constructed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, will
certainly offer the time and environment for reflection. (B)
Day
9: Friday, October 31, 2008
Kanazawa – Otsu
The morning drive brings you to Miho Museum, also known as the
"Museum in the Mountains."
The museum was the dream of Mihoko Koyama, the heiress to the
Toyobo textile business and houses a private collection of Asian and
Western antiques.
Continue to Otsu, once briefly the capital of Japan, where your
hotel is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest fresh water lake
in Japan. (B, D)
Day
10: Saturday, November 1, 2008
Otsu – Kyoto
In Kyoto visit two temples considered national treasures, Kiyomizu
Temple, with its panoramic views of this former Imperial capital and
Sanjusangen-do Temple, which houses more than 1,030 standing Buddhist
statues in its main hall.
At Nijo Castle, built in 1626, see elaborate wood carvings and wall
paintings. With
two concentric fortifications, this unique castle also features the
Ninomaru Garden designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master
Kobori Enshu. Visit
the Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, originally
built in 1397, and dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.
You will also enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto during the
afternoon. This
evening you may take an optional excursion to Gion Corner, a popular night
spot where you can experience an overview of seven kinds of Japanese
traditional arts and entertainment. (B)
Day
11: Sunday, November 2, 2008
Kyoto
– Nara –
Kyoto
Today,
travel to Nara, Japan's first capital.
Todaiji Temple, completed in 1752, houses one of the largest bronze
statues in the world.
The Great Buddha Hall, dating from 1709, is the world's largest
wooden structure and a national treasure.
Kasuguga Taisha Shrine, situated in a forest, is one of the most
important Shinto shrines in Nara and one of the "Three Great
Shrines" in Japan, known for its thousands of lanterns.
Your day concludes with a visit to Byodoin Temple, with its
remarkable Phoenix Hall, dating back 950 years.
Join your fellow travelers this evening for a special farewell
dinner. (B, D)
Day
12: Monday, November 3, 2008
Kyoto
– Osaka – Flight
Home
As
you depart this fascinating land, take a moment to reflect on all you have
learned about the rich history and traditional culture of this country.
On your return home, you will cross the International Dateline and
gain a day, arriving in North America the same day you departed Japan. (B)
Educational Highlights in Japan
Local historians and an archaeologist enhance your journey with discussions that explore the history, culture and modern life of this fascinating region of the world.
-
-
Learn about the history, restoration and preservation of the Byodoin Temple, one of the few surviving examples of Heian-era (794 – 1185) architecture left in Japan.
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Learn about the role of a Geisha throughout Japanese history until modern times and the skills necessary to become a Geisha including performance of music, singing and dancing.
-
Learn about the fascinating history of Japan from the first contact with the West in 1542 to the transition from a medieval to a modern power during a lecture in Tokyo by a local historian.
Extend Your Vacation with Optional Hiroshima Post Tour Extension ...
Day
12: Monday, November 3, 2008
Kyoto – Hiroshima
Travel by bullet train
this morning to Hiroshima, continuing to Miyajima.
This small island is home to the Itsukushima Shrine with its famed
"floating" torri gate. The
shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress
Suiko. This World Heritage site
floats in the sea at high tide. After
leisure time, return to Hiroshima to visit the Atomic Bomb dome (a World
Heritage site) and Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Hiroshima was the first
city on Earth to suffer an atomic bomb attack.
The park and museum encourages its visitors to make a vow for
universal peace.
Day
13:
Tuesday,
November 4,
2008
Hiroshima
– Okayama – Kurachiki –
Hiroshima
Begin the day visiting
Korakuen Gardens, "Garden of Pleasure After", one of Japan's
official Three Great Gardens. The
garden's name is a reference to a famous Confucian quote stating that a
wise ruler must attend to the needs of his subjects first and only then
attend to his own. Travel next to
Kurashiki, a riverport from the Edo period and home to the Ohara Art
Museum, the first Western art museum in Japan.
Dinner this evening is a traditional dish found only in Hiroshima.
(B, D)
Day
14: Monday,
November 3, 2008
Hiroshima
– Osaka – Flight Home
You depart Hiroshima
by bullet train, returning to Osaka and the airport. Then you board your flight home, crossing the International
Dateline, arriving in North America the same day.
Package price in US dollars
-
$5,299 per person based on double occupancy
-
$900 single supplement
The
price of the optional Hiroshima post tour extension is $1,599 per person
based on double occupancy.
Inclusions
-
Round trip air fare from Buffalo to Tokyo/Osaka
-
Air taxes and fees/surcharges of $330 (subject to increase until paid in full)
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Land program as described. Note: the days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.
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Meals as indicated: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner
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Hotels (mainly 4 to 5 star): Park Hotel Tokyo (2 nights), Metropolitan Nagano Hotel (2 nights), Takayama Jinya (1 night), Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (2 nights), Otsu Prince Hotel (1 night), Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto (2 nights). On some nights alternate hotels may be used.
-
Hotel transfers
Reservations
Complete
the booking form and return with
the required
deposit to Brinkman Travel Inc.
Important
to Know
Identification
Passports are required for this tour at your expense.
Japan requires a minimum of 6 months passport validity. We
recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their
passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your
actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with
your emergency contact.
Cancellation Charges for this tour
After your deposit due date has passed, a non-refundable deposit will be
retained. For Cancellation between
60 to 16 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 20% of total price. For
cancellation between 15 to 1 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 40%
of total price. For cancellation on
the day of departure and after: 100% of total price. Cancellation
protection is highly recommended and must be purchased at time of deposit.
Air rates are subject to change until tour is paid in full.
Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for
"pre" and "post" night accommodations.
Purchase of Waiver and Insurance guarantees a full refund of all
payments (including deposit), except the Waiver and insurance fee itself,
made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation
of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure.
The Waiver and Insurance does not cover any single supplement
charges which arise from an individual's Traveling companion electing to
cancel for any reason prior to departure. Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you,
the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the
terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our
brochure for details.
Consumer Protection Plans
Collette Travel Service holds membership in the following highly reputable
industry organizations: the United States Tour Operators Association and
the American Society of Travel Agents. Each
association operates a consumer protection plan to cover deposits made by
travelers. Full details are
available from the organizations or Collette Travel Service. Collette is
pleased to give this additional protection to our clients.
Our California Sellers of Travel registration number is 2006766-20.
Our State of Washington Unified Business Number is 601220855. Our Nevada
Sellers of Travel registration number is 2003-0279.
Responsibilities
Neither Collette Travel Services, Inc., its affiliated entities and its
and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors,
agents, and assigns (collectively "Collette"), Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures its affiliated entities and its and their
employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and
assigns (collectively "Smithsonian") own or operate any person
or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. Because neither maintains any control over the personnel,
equipment, or operations of these suppliers, Collette and Smithsonian
assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal
injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay,
inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1)
any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or
omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or
agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or
instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or
(3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any
other party not under the supervision and control of Collette or
Smithsonian.
Additionally,
responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness,
lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes,
theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other
such causes. All services and
accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are
provided. Collette and
Smithsonian reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary
whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it
necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour.
They reserve the right to withdraw any tour announced.
Both parties reserve the right to decline to accept any person as a
member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the
tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be
in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the
tour group or of the individual participant.
Neither Collette nor Smithsonian accepts liability for any
carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a
non-refundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and
return or otherwise. Baggage
and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all
times. Participants may be
photographed for the educational and promotional purposes of Collette
and/or Smithsonian.
Payment
of the deposit to Collette Vacations, travel partner of Smithsonian
Journeys-Travel Adventures, constitutes acceptance of these terms and
conditions.
Do I need to be a member of Smithsonian to take a tour?
Yes,
all Smithsonian Associates are invited to join our tours. If you are not
currently an Associate you will be mailed the Smithsonian membership form
with your pre-departure information packet.
The membership fee is $29.00 USD per family. In addition to unique
travel opportunities, Associates also receive the following benefits:
-
12 issues of Smithsonian Magazine.
-
Discount of 10% at Museum shops and on catalog purchases.
-
Personalized membership card.
-
Advance notice for seminars and events in your area.
-
Free admission to The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in NY.
Cancellation
waiver and insurance are included in the tour price. Payment of a Per Person Waiver Fee guarantees a full refund
of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver Fee itself, made to
Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your
travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver and Insurance does not cover any single supplement
charges which arise from an individual's traveling companion electing to
cancel for any reason prior to departure.
Air rates are subject to change until tour is paid in full.
Please see your sales agent for more information, or review
our brochure for details.
Medical
Each client is responsible for proper medical documentation and
inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on
this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician
for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from.
Comfort
Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking
on uneven terrain or significant walking at times.
Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations
that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes.
Brinkman Travel Inc, 3 Mountainview Drive, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
L2T 3H3
Phone: 905.988.9100 Fax: 905.988.9400 Email: mail@brinkmantravel.com
Website: brinkmantravel.com
© 2008 Brinkman Travel Inc.
All rights reserved.