JAPAN

Departures

Japan, long the economic powerhouse of Asia, is for many outsiders a complete mystery. Seen as the dominant force in electronics, automobiles and heavy industry, we know relatively little of its history, culture, architecture and arts. Images of ancient temples and of the Buddha are often overshadowed by those of crowded cities and of masses of people as they rush from place to place. Of course, Japan is much more - it is alpine villages tucked away in mountain regions that appear untouched by the modern world, it is magnificent alpine and pastoral scenery and it is relics of an imperial and feudal past, retained for all to see.

Join us next spring as we explore the many worlds of Japan from bustling cites like Tokyo and Kyoto to mountain retreats like Hakone, Takayama and Suwa. Discover the historic and religious relics of Kyoto, Japan’s Imperial capital for almost 1000 years, the temples of Nara and the feudal remains of the warrior Samurai in Kanazawa. Enjoy the timeless traditions of a Ryokan (country inn) and experience the delights of a Japanese garden. With some luck we will find Japan’s many flowering cherry trees still in blossom (weather permitting). We have carefully selected comfortable hotels and have included most meals and sightseeing, to ensure a carefree and enjoyable holiday.

Please read on but don't delay - our group size will be strictly limited. Send your enrolment today.

Itinerary

May 6, Thursday: DEPART CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Vancouver for the direct Air Canada flight to Tokyo.

May 7, Friday: TOKYO
Arriving in Tokyo this afternoon, we will be met and transferred to the Grand Palace Hotel, our home for the next three nights. Balance of day at leisure.
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May 8, Saturday: TOKYO
During our morning excursion, we will visit the Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza and the famous Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating from the Edo period. During the morning we hope to enjoy a unique experience - the Kagura, a traditional Japanese dance. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure or take a ride on the subway system.
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May 9, Sunday: KAMAKURA / TOKYO
Today we journey by local train to Kamakura, a former capital and an artistic centre, home to countless poets and artists. Highlight of the day will be visits to three historic sites; the Kotoku-in Temple, the Hase Kannon Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Later stroll along colourful Komachi Street before returning to our hotel by train.
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May 10, Monday: HAKONE / Mt FUJI / SUWA
Departing Tokyo, we drive south skirting the Japanese Alps, for views of Mt Fuji, with its perfect volcanic cone. Passing Hakone, we travel inland, surrounded by 10,000 foot peaks, to the pretty village of Suwa, where we spend the night in Nunohan Ryokan, a 400 year old Japanese country inn. For this one night, we step into another world, relaxing in a cotton yukata (dressing gown), enjoying a meal in our traditional Tatami-matted room and sleeping on a colourful Futon.
[BD]

May 11, Tuesday: MATSUMOTO / TAKAYAMA
Enjoy a stroll in the hotel’s gardens or the invigorating hot baths before continuing our journey via Matsumoto, noted for its majestic six storey castle, to the mountain village of Takayama. Visit the Matsuri-No-Mori Museum, to learn about the art of tea and to enjoy a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. The museum has a collection of massive yatai or parade floats, created for the annual harvest festival. Our next two nights will be spent at the Hotel Takayama.
[BD]

May 12, Wednesday: TAKAYAMA
Much of our morning will be spent exploring the city, visiting the colourful local market and Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, formerly the residence of the Kusakabe family, which has been designated an important cultural property. We’ll visit Takayama Jinya, the regional headquarters of the Tokugawa Shogunate (province) and the Hida Folk Village which is a living museum of rural homes and barns, where we can experience the traditional lifestyles of a bygone era.
[BD]

May 13, Thursday: TAKAYAMA / KANAZAWA
First stop today will be to the mountain village of Shirakawago, a World Heritage Site noted for its unique thatch roofed houses, where we will visit the old residence of the Toyama Family. Later we visit Gokayama to observe the intricate and involved process to create traditional Japanese paper (Washi). Castle Inn Hotel Kanazawa (2 nights)
[BD]

May 14, Friday: KANAZAWA
Noted for its textile industry, colourful silks (we will visit Saihitsuan to see the art of silk dying) and historic residential areas, the city’s most important site is Kenrokuen -The Garden of Six Qualities. Covering a 26 acre hill, it features magnificent landscaping, trees, lakes and views of the region. Other highlights will include the remains of Kanazawa Castle, the residence of Nagamachi Samurai, the ancestral home of the Nomura family and a stroll through the historic city centre, noted for its samurai homes and quaint shops.
[BD]

May 15, Saturday: KANAZAWA / KYOTO
Travel by express train to historic Kyoto, the capital of Japan for almost 1000 years (until 1868). This magnificent city is noted for its wealth of historic sites, from grand temples to tranquil gardens. After settling into our hotel, located close to the central rail station and many of the city’s sites, we will have the balance of the afternoon to explore on our own. Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
(4 nights)
[BD]

May 16, Sunday: KYOTO
Highlights of our morning tour will include the Nijo Castle (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, noted for the great Ninomaru Wing (Audience Hall), Kinkakuji Temple (or the “Golden Pavilion” - the three-storey pagoda covered in gold foil by a reflecting pond) and the Heian Jingu Shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto as capital. The 79 foot vermilion-hued Torii gate is the biggest in Japan. Balance of day at leisure.
[BD]

May 17, Monday: KYOTO / NARA
Nara, one of the most sacred centres in all Japan, is our destination today. Kasuga Shinto Shrine, founded in the 8th century, was built to protect the capital and, by tradition, it is rebuilt every 20 years. In the temple grounds we will find some 3,000 stone lanterns which are lit twice a year, during festivals. At Todaiji Temple, we visit Daibutsuden Hall, the largest wooden building in the world, enshrining a great bronze sitting image of Buddha. After a stroll in the Deer Park, we will have lunch before returning to Kyoto.
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May 18, Tuesday: KYOTO
Most of this day has been left free allowing you an opportunity to visit the huge shopping complex attached to the Central Station, the city centre or the Kyoto Handicraft Centre. Later this afternoon we will attend the Gion Centre where we can experience a number of traditional Japanese arts and performances followed by our Farewell Dinner to be enjoyed in a selected local restaurant.
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May 19, Wednesday: TOKYO / CANADA
Following a leisurely morning, we will experience the Shinkansen (the Bullet Train), travelling at speeds of up to 300 km per hour as we return to Tokyo and Narita airport. This evening, we will catch our Air Canada flight to Vancouver, with connections to our homes across Canada.
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TOUR COSTS (CDN$/ person)

Rates from other cities are available on request.

CT RATING THREE: This tour will involve members in considerable walking at a number of sites plus we will spend an overnight at a traditional Japanese Ryokan.

Prices are based on airfares and exchange rates effective June 2009 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and on a minimum of twenty passengers in the group. Single rooms are available at the supplement indicated. Hotels used will be those listed or hotels of similar quality.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($285 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to February 5, 2010 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on March 5, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $900 per person to Craig Travel's office.