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Art & Craft Tour of Japan
October 14th – 26th, 2005
Craft Alliance is sponsoring an exciting trip to Japan in the fall
of 2005. It combines the best of both worlds: the contemporary with
the timeless and traditional.
From textile artists, a traditional indigo dyer, a performance at
the historic Kabukiza Theater, a collection of antique bamboo masterworks,
spectacular gardens, and ancient shrines to ultramodern architecture,
contemporary glass and ceramic artists, and contemporary galleries,
our 11-day tour will be a culturally rich journey.
Although the primary focus of our tour will be contemporary craft,
we also will enjoy some of the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The
enclosed itinerary, which is subject to modification, will give you
the flavor of this special travel opportunity.
Our October 2005 trip has been planned by and will be led by Esprit
Travel and Tours of Los Angeles. Experienced specialists in Japan travel,
Esprit has tailored this trip especially for Craft Alliance travelers.
The trip is limited to only 23 people. Esprit Travel will take reservations
using the enclosed reservation form and confirm participation in the
order received. All reservations must be accompanied by two checks:
one for $250 per person payable to Esprit as a non-refundable deposit
to hold your space and the other for $250 per person payable to Craft
Alliance as a donation.
If you are interested in this trip, reserve now. Although the reservation
deadline is December 15, 2004, we anticipate that the trip will sell
out.
The Craft Alliance Travel Committee is pleased to offer this unique
opportunity. We hope you will join us.
Proposed Itinerary
On this culturally rich journey, we'll explore the art and crafts of
Japan, from the ultramodern museums of Tokyo to the tiny galleries
and studios of timeless Kyoto, where master artists and artisans
practice centuries-old crafts among quiet Zen temples, Shinto shrines,
exquisite gardens and ancient Samurai villas. We'll learn firsthand
the importance the Japanese put on the concept of mastery and meet
some of the masters, or sensei, who carry forward Japan's rich artistic
heritage.
Along the way, we'll experience first-hand the sometimes startling
contrast between the traditional and the contemporary that is so common
in Japan, and how each nurtures the other. Because artistry is woven
into the very fabric of Japan's culture, coloring every moment and
gesture, studying Japanese art opens the door to this country's soul,
allowing you to experience it in a very personal, meaningful way.
| Day 1: Oct 14 Thursday |
Depart U.S. |
| Day 2: Oct 15 Friday |
Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport and transfer to our conveniently located
hotel in Tokyo in the early evening. |
| Day 3: October 16 Saturday |
Tokyo
We begin the day with a short train ride to the Shinto Meiji Shrine where we'll
have a private meeting with a Shinto priest for a personal experience of Japanese
spirituality. We'll also have a private performance of sacred kagura dance.
We tour the dramatic modern architecture on lively, trendy Omotesando and enjoy
free time for lunch. Later, we'll see a private collection of antique
bamboo masterworks. Dinner will include a sushi demonstration by a master chef.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner |
| Day 4: October 17 Sunday |
Tokyo
We visit the Mingeikan, the collection of Soetsu Yanagi, where we see the permanent
collection of folk art and the current show. From there, we venture on to the
Ginza district to meet food expert and New York Times columnist Elizabeth Andoh
for a fascinating introduction to the world of Japanese cuisine in the Takashimaya
gourmet market. Later, at the historic Kabukiza Theater, we'll have a private
meeting and informal lecture by a kakegoe, a highly respected Kabuki aficionado.
Afterwards we'll enjoy a full Kabuki performance, including having our traditional
bento dinner during the break.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner |
| Day 5: October 18 Monday |
Tokyo
We begin at the Roppongi Hills 52nd floor Skywalk, with sweeping views of the
entire city and a curator tour of the current show at the adjacent Mori Art
Museum. Continuing in Roppongi, we visit Nuno, featuring innovative
textiles and clothing, where we'll see a presentation by renowned designer Reiko Sudo.
Later, we visit a contemporary art glass gallery for a private reception. Dinner
at a trendy Japanese fusion style restaurant will complete our day. Meals:
Breakfast and dinner |
| Day 6: October 19 Tuesday |
Tokyo to Kyoto
We visit Musee Tomo, to see a collection of Japanese ceramics, then travel by
Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Kyoto, stopping enroute to visit the studio of
a world renowned bamboo artist. The evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast. |
| Day 7: October 20 Wednesday |
Kyoto
We begin the day with a visit to Konchi-in, the 17th century masterpiece garden
within the Nanzenji Zen Temple complex. Afterwards, we walk to the studio of
a renowned carver of Noh masks, a priest who lives within the monastery. In
the afternoon, we visit the studio of a woodblock print artist and walk through
the Gion geisha district. After a break, we meet to walk to dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner |
| Day 8: October 21 Thursday |
Kyoto
Free day to explore, relax and integrate all of the wonderful
visits, sights, meals and arts we've been enjoying during our busy
days up until now. Your tour leader will assist you with directions,
suggestions and helpful tips.
Meals: Breakfast |
| Day 9: October 22 Friday |
Kyoto
Early risers may join your tour leader for a full Buddhist
service performed by 40 chanting monks, including a fire ceremony.
After breakfast, we visit to the workshop of a traditional
brush maker. Our sampler of Kyoto's vast depth of
traditional arts continues with a visit to Gallery Gallery, showcasing
the best in contemporary
textile art. This afternoon, we view the Jidai Matsuri
Festival, a pageant celebrating the history of Kyoto through costumes.
After
dinner on your own, meet for a dessert reception at Café David
and viewing of a spectacular Asian art collection.
Meals: Breakfast and dessert |
| Day 10: October 23 Saturday |
Kyoto
Travel out of town by train to Okayama and Osaka to visit the studio of a contemporary
glass artist (to be decided) and a contemporary glass
gallery.
Meals: Breakfast
|
| Day 11: October 24 Sunday |
Kyoto
Midmorning, we'll head to the Miho Museum, which was designed
by I.M. Pei in a spectacular mountain setting and is home to a
noted private collection of Asian antiquities. We continue to Shigaraki
to visit the studio of a ceramic artist and traditional
indigo dyer. We return to Kyoto in the late afternoon, and the evening
is free.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
|
| |
Note: We will plan some optional activities and make reservations
for hands on art experiences and special gardens on this day for
people to optionally choose from. |
| Day 12: October 25 Monday |
Kyoto
We begin the day at the home and studio of an internationally known, contemporary
artist who does dynamic performance calligraphy with a giant brush. Lunch of
Kyoto cuisine is at an old riverside inn, surrounded by lovely gardens and
views, where we have arranged for performance of shakuhachi flute. After a
walking tour of the galleries and antique shops on pedestrian friendly Teramachi
Street, the remainder of the last afternoon is free. Our farewell dinner will
be a wonderful array of Kyoto-style cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. |
| Day 13: October 26 Tuesday |
Depart for U.S.
You'll have the morning free. We will have an early afternoon transfer for our
return flight, which departs from Osaka's Kansai International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast |
| |
Note: Actual visits and events will be finalized approximately
30 days prior to departure to allow for the inclusion of special
exhibitions, visits and events, and are dependent on the schedules
of our Japanese colleagues. A final itinerary will be sent to group
members about three weeks prior to tour departure. |
Tour Costs
Tour Price (20+ Participants): $4,100.00
Tour Price (15-19 Participants): $4,425.00
Single Supplement: $450.00
Deposit: $250 per person (due by December 15, 2004)
Donation to Craft Alliance: $250 per person (separate check payable
to Craft Alliance and due with deposit) Add $55 per household if
you are not a member of Craft Alliance.
Trip cost includes:
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11 nights accommodations based on twin occupancy at Keio Plaza Hotel
(Tokyo) and Sanjo Karasuma Hotel (Kyoto)
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All necessary internal transportation and airport transfers, via a
combination of trains in standard class cars, private taxis and coaches
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Breakfast daily and seven additional meals as set forth in the itinerary
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Full program of informative commentary by an Esprit tour leader fluent
in Japanese
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Admission fees to special events
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Baggage shipping for one suitcase per person
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Digital Walkmans provided for use while on tour
Trip cost does not include:
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International airfare (Call 800-377-7481 for roundtrip group airfare
from Los Angeles)
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Domestic airfare
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Per person donation to Craft Alliance
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Drinks, laundry, phone calls and faxes, room service, and meals not
included as part of the tour itinerary
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Transportation, admissions and fees for activities not specified as
part of the tour itinerary
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Tip for Esprit Travel tour leader
Cancellation Policy
Deposit is non-refundable. Thereafter the following cancellation fees
apply:
- 59-45 days prior to departure 25% of the tour cost
- 44-30 days prior to departure 50% of the tour cost
- 29-15 days prior to departure 75% of the tour cost
- From 14 days prior to trip departure 100% of the tour cost
There will be no refund for unused services, early departures,
late arrivals, or missed days on the tour.
Tour Operator
Esprit Travel & Tours
200 South San Pedro Street, Suite 506
Los Angeles, CA 90012-5306 |
Toll free: 800-377-7481
Phone: 213-346-9100
Fax: 213-346-9120 |
www.esprittravel.com
E-mail: info@esprittravel.com
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CST # 1020919-40
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