First Trip: “ Kyoto, Japan for Fall Foliage”
November 13-24 2008
• Trip length: 12 days, including 2 travel days (9 nights in Kyoto, 1 night in Nara)November 13-24 2008
• Combines both the traditional sites of world famous gardens, shrines, palace and temples with visits to local artisans. And we won't forget great shopping!
• Both Helen and Barbara are “Nipponophiles,” loving all things Japanese and feeling very much at home in that culture. Helen has visited Kyoto many times, including long-term stays and knows the city well, thus offering a unique view of this magical destination. She has also photographed artisans of Kyoto for an upcoming book and has local contacts that we will tap into.
• A unique element of this trip will be several “pre-events” in
Barbara’s home to prepare us for the trip—perhaps a
speaker on Japanese gardens or other aspects of Japanese culture. It will also be an opportunity to meet the women who will be traveling with you.
• Some Highlights of the Trip:
- Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)
- Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
- Daitoku-ji Temple Zen monastery complex
- Philosopher’s Walk
- Zen Monestery Complex of Nanzen-ji
- Zen Temple of Tenryu-ji
- Moss Temple and Bamboo Forest
- Kiyomizu, with its beautiful hillside location and spectacular city views
- Spend time on famous shopping streets Teramachi-dori and Shinmazen
- Ryoan-ji, Zen stone garden
- A day trip to I.M. Pei’s Miho Museum, restored "minkas," (Japanese farmhouses) and the pottery town of Shigaraki, including visit to a potter’s studio
- Meet other artisans, an indigo dyer, a weaver, a visit to a paper maker/artist’s studio, a calligrapher's studio
- A walk through the Gion district, home of the geishas and dinner along famous Pontocho-dori overlooking the Kamo River
- A day of exploring Nara, Japan's first capital, south of Kyoto, established in 710 A.D.
- A traditional kaiseki dinner in a Nara ryokan that engages all the senses
- Traditional dinner at a restored shogun's house
We
believe that after spending all day with a group, some private time and
space to unwind is desirable. (This may not be possible on all future trips,
and at times when it is not economically feasible, participants will
always be able pay a single supplement.)
In Kyoto, we will be staying at the Palaceside Hotel. It is centrally located, very clean (sheets changed daily) and comfortable but not luxurious. The friendly, helpful staff speaks fluent English and there is free Internet, 24/7, telephone in room, wake-up service, tea service. Most importantly, everyone will have their own double room and private bath.
For our last night in Nara, we will have the very special experience of staying in a fine traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) and that will be double occupancy.
In Kyoto, we will be staying at the Palaceside Hotel. It is centrally located, very clean (sheets changed daily) and comfortable but not luxurious. The friendly, helpful staff speaks fluent English and there is free Internet, 24/7, telephone in room, wake-up service, tea service. Most importantly, everyone will have their own double room and private bath.
For our last night in Nara, we will have the very special experience of staying in a fine traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) and that will be double occupancy.
• The Pace:
This
trip will involve a lot of walking. We will, of course, strive to keep
the pace reasonable, taking tea stops and such. We will use both
private van/minibus as well as public transportation, subways and local
buses, when appropriate to avoid traffic. We will begin each day at
around 8:30-9:00 and try to be back at the hotel at about 5 for a short
rest before dinner which will be around 7-7:30. If you are tired and
do not want to go out for dinner, you can eat in the hotel which serves
a variety of Western foods and a four course dinner, including a
delicious onion soup, salad, entree, (good fish and vegetables) and
dessert for $20.
• The Cost: $3,700
Includes
hotels, buffet breakfast at the hotel, and all lunches, (except one on
a shopping day) one dinner in Kyoto and a farewell dinner in Nara,
airport transfers, transportation via minivan/bus, local subway and bus
transit, a local guide where appropriate, entrance fees to all sites
visited, all visits to artisans’ studios. It does not include
transportation to Japan or other dinners besides those specified above.
The maximum
number for the trip is 10. All participants will be required to get
their own medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• The Deadline:
If
you are interested in this trip, we need to know ASAP, even if you are
not definitely able to commit at this time. Please contact Barbara
Goldberg at (310) 476-7318 or researchbg@cs.com
A final decision/commitment of a deposit will be required by July 15.