JAPAN
Introduction
Welcome to a realm where intricate art and vibrant trade flourish, where ancient customs intertwine with breathtaking contemporary marvels. Join the English Department's Steve Arata on this meticulously curated journey that unveils the pinnacle attractions of Tokyo and Kyoto, immerses us in the tapestry of local existence, and leads us to the enchanting hidden gems of Takayama and Kanazawa, captivating us with their timeless allure.
Program Highlights:
- Tokyo, including Imperial Palace District and Meiji Shrine
- Stunning scenery of Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
- Overnight stay in a traditional ryokan
- Takayama’s ancient streets and houses
- Hands-on cooking class
- Culturally rich Kanazawa
- Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital
- Traditional tea ceremony
Stephen has been on the faculty of the Department of English since 1990 and served as department chair 2015-2019. He teaches a broad range of courses on English and world literatures from 1700 to the present day, with specialties in the history and theory of the novel and in contemporary world fiction. The first volume of a two-volume History of the English Novel 1700-2020 is forthcoming in 2024. He is also a general editor of the The New Edinburgh Edition of the Collected Works of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Steve’s teaching has been honored with the Alumni Association Board of Trustees’ Teaching Award and with a three-year appointment (2007-2010) as the Richard A. and Sarah Mayo NEH Distinguished Teaching Professorship. He was also a Fulbright Teaching Scholar in Shillong, India (1999) and twice served on the faculty for the Semester at Sea Program (2011, 2013). With Cavalier Travels, Steve has journeyed to Oxford (2004), Ireland (2014), India (2017) and Iceland (2023)
DAY 2 – Sunday, September 22, 2024
Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival in Japan’s financial, commercial, and political capital, we transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary, we have no scheduled activities or meals planned. Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo
DAY 3 – Monday, September 23, 2024
Tokyo
After a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover a small part of this amazing city that covers a staggering 840 miles. Our sightseeing features the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful enclave of Shinto temples and gardens. We also visit the gallery of preeminent calligrapher Koshun Masunaga, where we learn about this ancient art of artistic writing and browse the collection. Our tour ends in Ginza, Tokyo’s famed shopping, dining, and entertainment district, where we can stay to explore as we wish or return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo
Breakfast, Dinner (B,D)
DAY 4 – Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Tokyo
Our tour of Tokyo continues this morning at the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and ramparts and home of the Imperial Family. Here we visit the East Gardens, part of the innermost circle of defense of the historic Edo Castle that once stood here. We continue on to the Buddhist Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo’s oldest temple (c. 645 CE), and the adjacent Nakamise shopping arcade, dating to the 17th century. Last, we visit the Tokyo National Museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries. This afternoon is free for independent exploration; lunch and dinner are on our own in this city with endless dining options. Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo (B)
DAY 5 – Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park & Hakone
Japan’s pastoral side is on tap as we leave Tokyo for Fuji Hakone-Izu National Park. Here sits imposing Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano (it last erupted in 1707) with a perfectly symmetrical cone that rises to 12,388 feet. We learn about environmental and conservation efforts on the mountain at the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center then enjoy a relaxing cruise on Ashi Lake, with Mt. Fuji in the background. Leaving the park, we travel to the town of Hakone, where we spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn where we take off our shoes upon entering, enjoy a Japanese-style Kaiseki dinner, and sleep on a futon. Hakone Setsugetsuka (ryokan) (B,D)
DAY 6 – Thursday, September 26, 2024
Bullet Train & Takayama
Today we travel first by bullet train then by Wide View Hida express train to lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps, considered one of the country’s most attractive towns with its beautifully preserved Old Town and historic buildings. Our explorations center on three narrow streets in the San-machi-suji district where, in feudal times, merchants lived amidst the authentically preserved small inns, teahouses, and sake breweries. This afternoon we attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony here, an historic ritual of form, grace, and spirituality. Hida Hotel Plaza (B,D)
DAY 7 – Friday, September 27, 2024
Takayama
We pay an early visit to the riverside Miyagawa Morning Market, a blaze of dazzling colors and foodstuffs. Here we’ll gather ingredients for lunch then we will prepare it together at a nearby site. After enjoying the fruits of our labors, we embark on a walking tour, visiting Takayama Jinya, an historic government house; the local sake brewery; and Takayama’s old town, whose well-preserved buildings and homes date to the Edo Period (1600–1868). Hida Hotel Plaza (B,L)
DAY 8 – Saturday, September 28, 2024
Shirakawago and Kanazawa
We leave Takayama this morning for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri Village. Comprising buildings relocated from authentic villages nearby that were razed for a dam, the village is also a vibrant community whose residents work together to preserve the unique traditional architecture here known as Gassho style. Then we visit Gokayama Village to see how traditional Japanese washi paper is made. Late this afternoon we reach the castle town of Kanazawa, an alluring coastal city that survived the ravages of World War II. Hotel Nikko Kanazawah (B,L)
DAY 9 – Sunday, September 29, 2024
Kanazawa
Today’s tour of this culturally rich city features renowned Kenrokuen Garden, a national landmark whose origins date to 1676. We also see Ishikawa Gate, the only remaining section of the town’s original castle; Hakukokan, a museum celebrating the art and craft of gold leaf technology; and the Higashi Chayagai teahouse and geisha area. Last, we visit the Kutani Kosen Kiln, where artists fashion the prized, highly decorated pottery. We dine tonight at a local Japanese restaurant. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (B,D)
DAY 10 – Monday, September 30, 2024
Kyoto
We depart this morning by train for Kyoto, formerly Japan’s Imperial Capital and now the country’s cultural and artistic center, with more than 1,600 temples, hundreds of shrines, artful gardens, and historic architecture. Upon arrival, we visit Kinkaku-ji, the beloved lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion set on pillars suspended over the water. Next: Ryoanji, a Zen Buddhist temple whose acclaimed dry garden epitomizes the simplicity of Zen meditation. Late this afternoon we reach our hotel; dinner tonight is on our own. The Thousand Kyoto (B)
DAY 11 – Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Kyoto
More of Kyoto is on tap today, beginning with a visit to the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (Fureaikan), showcasing all of Kyoto’s 74 different métiers in one place; and Nijo-jo Castle (ca. 1603), the extravagant residence and fortifications of the shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 250 years. Then the remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration in this traditional, yet modern city before we gather for dinner together tonight. The Thousand Kyoto (B,L)
DAY 12 – Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Kyoto
We continue our encounter with Kyoto today, first at the important Fushimi Inari shrine, with its trails straddled by red torii gates; Sanjyusangendo Hall (ca. 1266), an important Buddhist temple housing 1,000 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon deity; and Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s Kitchen” of restaurants, stores, and stalls selling everything food-related. Then this afternoon is at leisure; tonight we toast our Japan adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.The Thousand Kyot (B,D)
DAY 13 – Thursday, October 3, 2024
Depart Kyoto via Osaka for U.S.
This morning we travel by motorcoach to Osaka, where we board our return flight to the United States. Breakfast (B)
Please note: This trip involves full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
October 3-5, 2024
3 days/2 nights $1,195 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $155
Included in Extension Price: Rail transportation Kyoto/Hiroshima, Hiroshima/Osaka; 2 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (First Class); 3 meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch; extensive included sightseeing: excursion to Miyajima Island and Daisho-in Temple; Hiroshima touring by local “Hiroden” train; visit to Peace Memorial Park and Museum; Atomic Bomb Dome; services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; gratuities for dining room servers, hotel porters, and all drivers.
- Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo – 3 nights
- Hakone Setsugetsuka (ryokan) – 1 night
- Hida Hotel Plaza – 2 nights
- Hotel Nikko Kanazawa – 2 nights
- The Thousand Kyoto – 3 nights
Meals
- 19 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
$6,695 per person, double occupancy, land only
$8,095 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $689 airline taxes and fees
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,695 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Business Class upgrade (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Pacific flight from LA: $4,995 per person; from other cities: $8,995
Price includes: Round-trip air transportation from specific cities; 11 nights’ accommodations: 10 nights in Deluxe and First Class hotels, 1 night in traditional Japanese ryokan; extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; services of a professional Tour Director; private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip; rail transportation as described; luggage handling for one bag per person; gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.
Price Does not include: Airfare and airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; airfare from your hometown to your departure city; costs of passports and visas; immunizations and inoculations; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; communication charges; optional sightseeing; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10–$15 per traveler, per day); and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $500 per person (a $200 service fee is non-refundable) is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (June 18, 2024).
Your reservation is not confirmed until your deposit is paid and processed. Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA, or by personal check. If paying by check, please make check payable to our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc.
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a refundable $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and for other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
Payment Schedule: A deposit of $500 per person (a $200 service fee is non-refundable) confirms your reservation. The balance of your invoice is due 95 days (June 18, 2024) before departure.
Cancellation, Refunds, and Changes: If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon the University of Virginia’s receipt of your notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: cancel 95 days or more before departure: $200 charge; cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price; cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price; cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; cancel 29-0 days before departure: no refund. If you make any changes to your reservation from 94 to 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport, as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Responsibility: The liability of the University of Virginia, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, and restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, or of their employees, agents, servants, or representatives. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise lines, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.
Health and Medical Issues: We request that you be in good health to participate in this University of Virginia tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that many of our itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Please call or e-mail us to inquire and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and the University of Virginia assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Air Transportation – Important Information: Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities, and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignment on your international flight is usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.