Select Tours that maybe of Interest to PICMET’14 Participants
The following tours offered by JTB (Japan Travel bureau) have been selected as a sample of tours that may be of particular interest to PICMET participants. Tour details and registration forms are available at the URL given under each tour. Reservations must be made directly with JTB
Please note that JTB offers many more tours and travel options. Click here
for contact information about JTB offices in Japan and around the world
Pre-Conference: HOKKAIDO THREE-DAY TOUR FROM TOKYO
DATE: Thursday, July 24
TIME: (Starts at the Airline check-in counter (SKY871) at Narita Airport at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, ends at the Kanazawa Station across from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel In Kanazawa on Saturday, July 26)
COST: ¥190,000 (about $1,900) per person
The price includes transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fees, two nights at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Sapporo, breakfast on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on all three days.
Description: https://amarys-jtb.jp/NOZData/Img/FileUp/Honban/Upload/4351/amarys_Hokkaidotour.pdf
Registration: https://amarys-jtb.jp/picmetcentral/
Minimum 6 people required. Maximum: 40 people
This pre-conference tour will take you from Tokyo to beautiful Hokkaido, and to Kanazawa from there before PICMET’14 starts. You will visit the following sites.
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
This hill is located in Sapporo, the biggest city and the Prefectural city in Hokkaido. You can see the Pastoral field from top of the hill.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito is the name of the famous souvenir cookies. In this park, you join the factory tour.
Furano and Biei Areas
The beautiful scenery area in Hokkaido. You can see the seasonal flowers and plants.
Otaru Area
Beautiful Canal and classical building and shopping area.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Plant
The major Whisky plant in Japan, you will see the whisky making process and enjoy the meal.
The Old Aoyama Villa
The historical Mansion in Hokkaido, you will see the gorgeous Japanese style building.
Notes:
1. The itinerary is subject to change due to possible traffic complications.
2. The tour is canceled if less than 6 participants sign up for it. In that case, JTB notifies the participants who have signed up.
3. If he number of participants reaches 40, no new participants are accepted.
During Conference: KANAZAWA HALF-DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR
DATE: July 27 and July 28
TIME: 13:00—16:30 (Starts and end at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel)
COST: ¥8,000 (about $80) per person
The price includes transportation, English guide, and entrance fees.
Registration: https://amarys-jtb.jp/picmetKanazawatour/
Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture located in the central part of the mainland of Japan, is a leading tourist city attracting about seven million visitors every year. This half-day tour will take you to three historical sites.
Temple (Ninja Temple)
While not actually associated with ninjas, the temple earned its nickname, Ninja Temple, because of its many deceptive defenses. Built in 1643, the temple looks like a simple building with two floors from the outside. But once you enter the temple, you will discover that it has four floors, seven tiers, and a very complex architecture with 23 chambers and 29 staircases aimed to guard against intruders or attack. There are a total of 29 different contrivances to fool the enemy such as hidden chambers and stairs, completely unexpected and reversible trap-like doors and floor, and escape pits.
Nagamachi Samurai Houses
Nagamachi is the samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous.
Tentokuin Temple
Tentokuin Temple was erected in 1623 during the Kaga Region Reign by Maeda Toshitsune, the third Lord of the Maeda family, who had this temple built after his wife Tamahime’s untimely death. Her marriage was promised at the age of just three, and she died at the age of 24, leaving behind three sons and five daughters. In 1693 a gateway was built inside the grounds. Once inside the garden, the gateway sits before the temple at the center of the grounds. Inside the temple visitors can view an ancient paper doll, which was a treasured toy of Tamahime, and also enjoy a performance of Karakuri dolls which tells the story of Tamahime.
During and Post-Conference: HIDA-TAKAYAMA AND SHIRAKAWA-GO FULL-DAY TOUR FROM KANAZAWA
DATE: July 27 and August 1
TIME: (Starts and ends at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel)
COST: ¥13,000 (about $130) per person
The price includes transportation, English guide, entrance fees, and a buffet-style lunch at a hotel in Takayama.
Registration: https://amarys-jtb.jp/picmethida/
You will visit the following sites.
Hida-Takayama
A short distance from Kanazawa, Hida-Takayama is located in Gifu Prefecture, almost at the center of the Japanese archipelago, where narrow valleys stretch between countless steep mountains dotted with villages. One of the widest basins here is the Takayama Basin. A peculiarity of the climate is the vast difference in temperature between night and day during the winter. With a heavy snowfall, the winter is extremely cold, and temperatures have been known to reach 15 degrees below freezing. On summer days, the dazzling sunlight is often potent, but because the humidity is low, you can savor a sense of refreshment, and nights are cool. There are beautiful views of nature everywhere, with mountains in the 3,000-meter class.
The town village still stands on the east side of the Miyagawa River flowing through Takayama, and in the middle of it is Sanmachi, where Edo period (1603-1868) houses remain. The rich atmosphere of Takayama castle town still lingers, and you can see sake breweries and merchants’ houses with latticed bay windows standing in a row. This district was designated as an area of important traditional buildings by the Japanese Government.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go, situated at the foot of Mt. Haku-san in northwestern Gifu Prefecture, is a quiet mountain village with rice fields and a river running through it. The village, which has 114 thatched roof buildings, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer," as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amount of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter.
Near the village, the Gassho-zukuri Minka-en outdoor museum is made up of 27 thatched roof houses that have been relocated from various areas in Shirakawa-go. A temple, a coalhouse, and a horse paddock have been built, preserving the old scenery. There are live performances of traditional industrial arts like dyeing and weaving, and visitors can even try making these crafts themselves.
Post-Conference: NARA-KYOTO TWO-DAY TOUR FROM KANAZAWA TO TOKYO
DATE: August 1
TIME: (Starts at 6:50 a.m. on Friday, August 1 at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel In Kanazawa; ends at 7:36 p.m. on Saturday, August 2 at Shinagawa Station near Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo)
COST: ¥110,000 (about $1,110) per person
The price includes transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fees, one night at the Kokusai Hotel in Kyoto, breakfast on Saturday, and lunch on both days.
Description: https://amarys-jtb.jp/NOZData/Img/FileUp/Honban/Upload/4349/amarys_Narakyototour.pdf
Registration: https://amarys-jtb.jp/picmetKyotoNara/
Minimum 6 people required. Maximum: 40 people
This is an ideal tour at the end of the PICMET’14 Conference. It shows you the beauty of Nara and Kyoto and takes you to the following sites.
Todaiji Temple/Nara Park
Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara. Its Great Buddha Hall, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with seven other temples and shrines in the city of Nara, as part of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara",
KasugaTaisha Shrine in Nara
Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest near it, are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".
Nara Nagomikan
Located at a 15-minute walk from Todaiji Temple, Nara Nagomikan was built in the traditional Japanese style. You can buy souvenirs and enjoy lunch there. (Lunch is on your own)
Nijo Castle in Kyoto
The Tokugawa shougun's Kyoto home stands in stark contrast to most of Japan's other remaining castles, which were constructed purely for defense. Ironically, it was from Nijo Castle that Emperor Meiji issued his 1868 decree abolishing the shogunate form of government.
Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto
Officially named Rokuon-ji.It is designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape as one of 17 locations comprising the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. It is also one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually.
Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto
Officially, Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, and part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. The main hall has a large veranda, supported by tall pillars, that juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the city. Large verandas and main halls were constructed at many popular sites during the Edo period to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims
Notes:
1. The itinerary is subject to change due to possible traffic complications.
2. The tour is canceled if less than 6 participants sign up for it. In that case, JTB notifies the participants who have signed up.
3. If he number of participants reaches 40, no new participants are accepted.
Anytime: DYNAMIC TOKYO – One-day tour in Tokyo
DATE: Any day (subject to availability)
TIME: 09:00 – 17:10 Starts at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, ends at Tokyo station
COST: ¥12,000 (about $120) per person
The price includes English-speaking guide, lunch, admissions and transportation.
Description and registration: http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/A100_/?aff=GMT
Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Tokyo Tower before participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Happoen Japanese gardens. Savor lunch at the beautiful former manor, the Chinzanso restaurant, then take a stroll along the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace Plaza.
Board a cruise at Hinode Pier for a 40-minute trip up the Sumida River to Asakusa.
Browse the many colorful stores lining the Nakamise walkway leading up to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous
Buddhist temple, before passing through Ginza, Japan's world-renowned shopping and entertainment district
Anytime: MT. FUJI & HAKONE ONE-DAY TOUR FROM TOKYO
DATE: Any day (subject to availability)
TIME: 09:00 – 20:30 Starts at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, ends at Ginza
COST: ¥13,000 (about $130) per person
The price includes a Japanese style lunch, and unlimited Wi-Fi on the bus tour.
Description and registration: http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/F880_/
This guided one-day tour takes you to majestic Mt. Fuji and Hakone. It includes a stop at the Fuji Visitor Center, a trip up to Mt. Fuji's 5th station at an elevation of 2,300 meters, a cruise on pristine Lake Ashi, and a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway which boasts great views of the surrounding Hakone National Park.
The tour includes transportation to/from Mt. Fuji and Hakone by chartered bus and lunch. However, there is a variety of transportation and meal options available, including return by Shinkansen (a more expensive choice).
Anytime: NIKKO WORLD HERITAGE ONE-DAY TOUR FROM TOKYO
DATE: July 23, 25, August 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 (subject to availability)
TIME: 09:00 – 20:00 Starts at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, ends at Ginza (Sukibayashi intersection)
COST: ¥14,000 (about $140) per person
The price includes lunch, and unlimited Wi-Fi on the bus tour.
Description and registration: http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/F300/?typecd=TOU&deptcd=TYO&destcd=M06&pn=1&cpn=0
This 1-day guided tour from Tokyo takes you to some of Nikko's most popular sightseeing spots like World Heritage-registered Tosho-gu Shrine and beautiful Kirifuri Falls.
The tour also visits Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa, a national important cultural property, which boasts its beautiful structure.
Anytime: TOKYO SKYTREE OBSERVATION DECK & ASAKUSA - Half-day tour in Tokyo
DATE: Any day (subject to availability)
TIME: 13:40 – 19:30 Starts at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, ends at Tokyo Station
COST: ¥6,500 (about $65) per person
The price includes English-speaking guide, admission fees and transportation
Description and registration: http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/A050_/?typecd=TOU&deptcd=TYO&destcd=M03&pn=1&cpn=0
This is a half-day, afternoon Tokyo tour that includes a visit to the observatory of Tokyo Skytree - a new Tokyo landmark - and sightseeing in Asakusa
Anytime: SUNRISE EXPRESS KYOTO TOUR – One-day Kyoto tour from Tokyo (Standard Class)
DATE: Any day (subject to availability)
TIME: 09:00 – 22:00 Starts at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, ends at Tokyo Station
COST: ¥39,900 (about $399) per person
The price includes English guide, lunch, admission fees and transportation
Description and registration: http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/QT1A/?typecd=TOU&deptcd=TYO&destcd=M19&pn=1&cpn=0
Ride the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train, to Kyoto to experience its 1,200 years of rich history.
Have lunch after arriving, and then spend the afternoon visiting some of the ancient capital's most famous places including Sanjusangen-do Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Return to Tokyo by bullet train in the evening.
Recommended to those who cannot miss Kyoto with no time to spare.
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