14
day adventure: Japan Adventure 2005
June 10--June 22 $1890 (land only)
A Tour of Historic and Contemporary Japan Led by
Dr. Kazue Masuyama, Professor of Japanese Language
& Dr. Thomas Swift, Professor Emeritus, East Asian History
California State University, Sacramento
Japan is a beautiful country with a fascinating society. Too expensive
to visit? This tour is reasonably-priced and comprehensive. Prof.
Swift makes all land arrangements and obtains group discounts—enabling
less cost, greater flexibility, and many more interesting experiences
than commercial tours. Travel by public transportation, including
fast trains, not chartered buses, saves time and msoney and enables
one to feel part of Japanese society as we travel. The program is
designed for active persons seeking an adventure. Your guides are
uniquely qualified and complement each other. Prof. Masuyama is
Japanese. Prof. Swift lived and studied in Japan five years, has
led 19 tours to Japan, and taught Asian and Japanese history at
CSUS for thirty years. Their goal is to help Americans better understand
Japan and the Japanese, their history, culture and contemporary
society.
Price includes: Land transportation (except transfers to and from
hotels on arrival and departure). Accommodations. (Ten nights in
nice hotels, two persons sharing rooms with bath; single rooms $200
extra. Two nights in a Buddhist temple, sleeping on futons, several
persons sharing a room.) Extensive sightseeing, especially in Kyoto
and Nara. All admissions, including tickets to a Japanese culture
program in Kyoto. Most meals. Tour limit 22 persons. Reserve early.
Tour route: Kyoto (5 nights), Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima (one night),
the Inland Sea, Miyajima Island, Takayama (2 nights), the Japan
Alps, Tokyo (4 nights), Kamakura and Nikko.
Tentative
Itinerary (Planning to develop links and upload pictures during
winter break!)
June
9, Thur.
Take
off from the states. More infomation is coming here.
June
10, Fri.
Arrival
in Kyoto Depart U.S. June 2—your air arrange-ments. Arrive
Osaka’s Kansai International Airport June 3 in the afternoon.
Trains depart from the airport basement. Special express trains
direct to Kyoto with luggage space near doors are $28. Normal
fast trains from the airport to Kyoto with one transfer are
$18. Taxi to the hotel is $12. Subway is $2 per person—4
minutes walk from station to hotel. Easy directions will be
provided.
We stay five nights in Kyoto, center of Japan’s traditional
culture, home of Japan’s emperors 794-1868, and headquarters
of the Ashikaga Shoguns 1336-1567. Evening walk-orientation
around our pleasant neighborhood to see its restaurants, old
homes and businesses. Due to time change, you will wake very
early the next few mornings. Get to bed early.
June
11, Sat.
Nara
and Fushimi Attend an early morning Buddhist service at Higashi
Honganji Temple in Kyoto, headquarters of a popular Buddhist
sect, Pure Land, which teaches faith in Amida Buddha. Next we
proceed to Nara. During the 6th to 8th centuries Japan’s
civilization rapidly changed from a tribal society to one highly
developed by borrowing from China. Here we visit: Todaiji Temple,
the world’s largest wooden building with its massive solid
bronze statue of Vairocana, the Cosmic Buddha built in 752,
and its large gate housing two fierce giant Guardian King statues.
Two ancient sub-temples, Nigatsudo and Sangatsudo on a hill
above Todaiji. (Enjoy the view.) Lovely Kasuga Shinto Shrine
and Kofukuji Temple, both constructed by the powerful Fujiwara
clan in the 8th century. The huge 5th century tribal-era tomb
of “Emperor Suinin.” On return toward Kyoto we visit
Fushimi’s colorful Inari Shrine, dedicated to the Rice
God. Shrine maidens will perform a sacred dance for us. (In
English “temple” denotes a Buddhism institution,
“shrine” a Shinto one--“tera” and “jinja”
in Japanese.) Japanese traditionally worship both their native
religion, Shinto, and Buddhism, brought to Japan in the 6th
century. B,L,D Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided today. In
Kyoto and Hiroshima participants will be provided a dinner allowance
for nice meals at restaurants near the hotel.
June
12, Sun.
Kyoto
Kyoto is surrounded on three sides by mountains. This morning
we explore the lower edge of Kyoto’s lovely Higashiyama
(Eastern Hills), beginning with a taxi ride up to beautiful
Kiyomizu Temple, then walk down along lovely lanes, past pottery
and souvenir shops, antique shops, tea houses, gardens, and
Japanese restaurants, ending at Yasaka Shrine--protector of
the Gion geishas, the Kyoto Craft Center, and the fascinating
old home and kiln of Kawai Kanjiro (d. 1966), a famous potter
and artist. After lunch we visit Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangendo
Temple with its many famous religious statues, including 1001
statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy. If time allows,
we conclude with Toji, an important temple of Shingon, the Buddhist
sect known for its mysticism and lovely art and ceremonies.
Evening option: Trip to huge Daimaru Department Store. B,L,D
June
13, Mon.
Kyoto
This morning we walk through an old residential neighborhood
to a nearby elementary school to observe Japanese children--how
they learn to study and are socialized (learn to be Japanese).
Next is Nijo Castle, sumptuous residential palace of the Tokugawa
shoguns (ruled Japan 1600-1867) when they visited Kyoto. Its
walls are decorated with famous 17th century paintings. Then
Nishijin Hall to observe how patterned silk is woven and see
a kimono fashion show. After lunch we tour the Kyoto Imperial
Palace. Try to imagine court life here at its height in the
mid Heian era (10th and 11th centuries), era of the great novel,
The Tale of Genji. Heian Shrine, our next stop, is a smaller
replica of the original 8th century imperial palace audience
hall. Behind Heian Shrine is one of Japan’s most beautiful
gardens of the “stroll through” type. We also plan
a quick stop at Doshisha, the best private university in this
area, founded by a Japanese Christian in 1875 soon after feudalism
and Japan’s seclusion policy were ended. (This evening
you may wish on your own to visit Kurama in the hills north
of Kyoto and enjoy its hotspring.) B,L,D
June
14, Tues.
Kyoto
Today we travel to Yamashina Valley in Kyoto’s outskirts—to
Daigoji Temple, founded in 874. Its lovely pagoda, built in
974, is Kyoto’s oldest building. Nearby is the lovely
Sampoin, a mansion and garden built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Japan’s
greatest military man, who reunited the country in 1590. Next
we visit three Zen temples of the 15th and 16th centuries: Two
are world-famous: Ryoanji with its amazingly lovely garden constructed
simply of rocks and gravel and Kinkakuji with its Golden Pavilion
overlooking a garden pond. Nearby is rambling Daitokuji with
its many sub-temples. Many were residences of 16th century feudal
lords. We eat lunch at Ritsumeikan University. Later we go downtown
to explore a narrow 5-block-long lane with a multitude of shops
displaying traditional Japanese foods and delicacies.
Tonight we enjoy a cultural program of imperial court dance,
a geisha dance, koto music, tea ceremony, flower arrangement,
a Kyogen comic skit, and Bunraku puppet theater demonstration.
Afterward, a stroll through the Gion and Pontocho geisha districts
on our way back to our hotel. B,L,D
June
15, Wed.
Himeji,
Inland Sea, Miyajima, Hiroshima Today we begin using our convenient
Japan rail pass, traveling by a superfast 185 mph Shinkansen
train past Osaka and Kobe, along the Inland Sea to Himeji to
explore its stunningly beautiful feudal-era castle, largest
and best preserved in Japan. Entraining again, we enjoy a tasty
Japanese bento lunch while traveling past tiny rural farms,
rivers and valleys to Miyajima (“Shrine Island”)
in the Inland Sea, famous for its scenery. We arrive by ferry.
At highest tide the shrine seems floating on water. This was
the clan shrine of the Heike, defeated in a series of wars,
1156 to 1185, which ushered in Japan’s feudal age and
rule by the samurai warrior class. Suggestion: Eat at Okonomi
Mura, a 4-storey building with 30 mini-restaurants cooking tasty,
inexpensive Okonomiyaki in front of you. B,L,D
June
16, Thurs.
Hiroshima and Takayama In Hiroshima we visit its Peace Park
with its Atomic Bomb Museum. Hiroshima citizens dedicated it
to peace and the wish that neither atomic nor nuclear weapons
will ever again be used in war. We ride another superfast Shinkansen
train past Sekigahara, a mountain pass dividing eastern and
western Japan and site of a great battle in 1600. Won by Tokugawa
Ieyasu, it enabled him to become shogun—Japan’s
military ruler. At Nagoya, Japan’s fourth largest city,
we transfer to a slower express train into the scenic Japan
Alps to quaint Takayama, a rural handicraft center. Two nights
in a Buddhist temple sleeping Japanese-style in futon quilts
on tatami mat floors. Early morning religious service is optional.
B,L
June
17, Fri.
Takayama
The Takayama region was part of the 1⁄4 of Japan ruled
directly by the Tokugawa shogunal government. This morning we
explore the old office buildings of the Tokugawa administrator
and his staff rebuilt in 1816, the farmers’ market nearby,
and “Hida Village,” an outdoor museum of traditional
farm houses, large and small. Here one can also see artisans
making local handicraft products. Afternoon free for wandering
in this lovely old town with its many traditional shops, museums,
restaurants and private homes. B
June
18, Sat.
Matsumoto,
Tokyo Today we travel by bus through scenic mountains to Matsumoto
City to visit its charming castle, then board an express train
for Tokyo through magnificent mountain scenery, including a
stunning view of Mt. Fuji (if not hidden in clouds). The Tokyo
region is the world’s most populous--34 million people.
Its excellent transportation network includes twelve subway
and thirty train lines. Our hotel is on a quiet street in a
pleasant residential and business area 12 minutes by subway
from downtown Ginza by subway. Evening walk-tour around our
neighborhood, its shops and restaurants. B,L
June
19, Sun.
Tokyo
This morning we visit Yasukuni Shrine, built in 1869 to deify
those who died in Japan’s wars, beginning with the civil
war over-throwing the Tokugawa shogunate. Next is a walk-tour
to see the moats, walls, blockhouses and gates of the shoguns’
castle (now the imperial palace), the National Diet Building
(parliament), government ministry buildings, and headquarters
of Japan’s great corporations--all within cozy proximity
of each other. Lunchtime at Mitsukoshi Department Store, founded
in 1673. Two wonderful museums, the Fukugawa Edo Museum and
the Edo-Tokyo Museum vividly portray life in Edo 1600-1867 (pre-modern
Tokyo), and growth and changes in modernizing Tokyo 1868-1964.
B
June
20, Mon.
Kamakura
Early morning option: A visit to Tokyo’s massive wholesale
fish market to view countless varieties of fish and seafoods.
Octopus anyone? Today we tour Kamakura, site of the first shogunate,
established by the Minamoto samurai clan. They and their successors
ruled Japan 1185-1333. Here we explore ancient Engakuji Zen
Temple. Kamakura’s rulers were patrons of Zen, believing
it provided their samurai warriors with the values of discipline.
Next, Hachiman Shrine, family shrine and protector of the Minamoto
clan. After lunch and browsing in stores displaying famous Kamakura
lacquer ware, we visit the large Kamakura Daibutsu (“Great
Buddha”), a lovely statue in an outdoor setting, and Hase
Temple with its 28 foot high statue of Kannon, carved from one
great log and believed to date from the 8th century. We begin
our journey back to Tokyo on a local trolley line along an ocean
beach, past a famous Nichiren temple, and through interesting
residential areas. B,L
June
21, Tues.
Nikko
and Asakusa This morning we travel north to Nikko and Toshogu
Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous sights, dedicated to
the spirit of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. After a fast Shinkansen
ride we transfer to a scenic one-track local line. We alight
at Nikko’s train station, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
in 1915, then proceed to Toshogu. 15,000 artisans spent two
years building this gorgeous shrine complex set in a majestic
hillside forest. On return to Tokyo we visit Asakusa Kannon
Temple, destination for pilgrims for over 1000 years. Dinner
party at a Japanese restaurant. B,L,D
June 15, Wed. Tokyo and U.S. Today we visit the serene Shinto
shrine of Emperor Meiji--who reigned 1868-1912, when Japan’s
leaders began rapidly modernizing their country--set in a quiet
forest not far from our hotel. Our last stops will be the modest
late 19th century home of General Nogi (Japan’s army commander
in the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905), Nogi Shrine, dedicated
to his spirit, and Sogetsu Kaikan. At 1:00 PM those who wish
to go as one group will be escorted to Tokyo’s International
Airport. Taxi to the train station is $30. 3 or 4 can share.
Subway is $1.70. Train options to the airport cost $19 or $9.
B
June
22, Tues.
Arrive
in US on the same day or you can continue your journey to other
Japanese cities.
For more information and an application form contact Prof. Thomas
Swift at (916) 453-8707 or tswift@csus.edu.
$100 reservation deposit. Suggestion: Japanese home stay after the
tour ends. Join SERVAS, dedicated to international understanding
via two-night home visits. Interview and recommendations required
to join. SERVAS provides a host list for each country. Necessary
to contact prospective host(s) well before departure. Begin process
several months before departure. Contact SERVAS: (212) 267-0252
or see www.servas.org.
Fees
$1890 (land only). $100 reservation deposit. Price includes: Land
transportation (except transfers to and from hotels on arrival and
departure). Accommodations. (Ten nights in nice hotels, two persons
sharing rooms with bath; single rooms $200 extra. Two nights in
a Buddhist temple, sleeping on futons, several persons sharing a
room.) Extensive sightseeing, especially in Kyoto and Nara. All
admissions, including tickets to a Japanese culture program in Kyoto.
Most meals. Tour limit 22 persons. Reserve early.
Applications
Contact Professor Thomas Swift at (916) 453-8707 or tswift@csus.edu.
Contacts
Contact Professor Thomas Swift at (916) 453-8707 or tswift@csus.edu.
Orientation
schedule : Mark
the following dates & times!
1.
To get to know Old Japan - Japanese Movie Night 1
Facilitator: Professor Thomas Swift
Movie: Shadow Warrior
When : 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Friday, March 4
Where : Riverside Hall (RVR) 1015
For more information on this movie: Click
here.
*
Japanese animation movie - Japanese Movie Night 2
Facilitator: CSUS Japan-Club
Movie: TBA
When : 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Friday, March 11
Where: Riverside Hall (RVR) 1015
My Neighbor Totoro
For more information on this movie: Click
here.
2.
To get to know Contemporary Japan - Japanese Movie Night
3
Facilitator: Professor Kazue Masuyama
Movie: Shall we dansu?
When: 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Friday, March 18
Where : Riverside Hall (RVR) 1015
For more information on this movie: Click
here.
3.
Are you going with us? Japan Trip Orientation - 1
When: 3 :00 – 5:00 pm, Saturday, April 16
Where: Mariposa 1000
4.
Do you want to know more about Japan? - Japanese Slide Shows
at the World
Language Day
When: 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Saturday, April 30
Where: TBA
5.
Let’s get ready! Japan Trip Orientation - 2
When: 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Saturday, May 14
Where: Mariposa 1000
6.
Let’s look back our trip together - Post Trip Meeting
When: 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Saturday, August 27
Where: TBA
