japan - smith college office of alumnae relations land of the rising sun ... ulsan, south korea....
TRANSCRIPT
J A PA NLAN D OF TH E RISING SUN
Featuring TOM ROHLICH,
Professor Emeritus of East Asian Languages and Literatures
BYS EA
APRIL 15–28, 2018
Aboard the Caledonian Sky
Visit two of Japan’s most iconic sights: the dramatic red gate, or torii, of Itsukushima shrine (COVER), which appears to float on the water at high tide; and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (THIS PAGE), which embodies the classical correlation of building and setting characteristic of the Muromachi period of Japanese garden design.
Dear Smith Alumnae,
Cruise through the Inland Sea and the Sea of
Japan on a delightful springtime exploration
of Japan, with deluxe hotel stays in both
Kyoto and Tokyo. This small nation of nearly
7,000 islands is wonderfully suited for
exploration by small ship, and our chartered
vessel, the 114-passenger Caledonian Sky,
conveys us comfortably to a fascinating
variety of tranquil historic towns, artistic
centers, and remote islands.
Experience dramatic coastlines, sacred
temples, celebrated gardens, and cutting-
edge art and architecture. Meet and interact
with a kabuki actor and the owner of a
traditional geisha house, and participate in
a hands-on taiko drum workshop with the
world-famous Kodo drummers at their home
base on remote Sado Island. Take part in a
traditional tea ceremony, attend a specially
arranged performance of sacred bugaku
dance, travel on Japan’s high-speed rail
(the shinkansen, or “bullet train”), and marvel
at the stunning iconic beauty of Miyajima’s
torii gate.
Accompanied by Smith Professor Tom Rohlich,
as well as travelers and lecturers from several
other organizations, explore the culture, art,
architecture, and history of Japan during
an enriching educational program both on
board the ship and during shore excursions.
An optional pre-cruise extension to the Kii
Peninsula and Shikoku Island’s remote Iya
Valley, and an optional post-cruise extension
to Kamakura and Hakone, are also available.
Japan is a perennially favorite destination for
travelers, and this trip will surely fill quickly. To
ensure your place on this voyage, please
call Smith Travel at (800) 225-2029 or go to
http://alumnae.smith.edu/travel.
Best regards,
Elizabeth Bigwood
Director, Smith Travel
Office of Alumnae Relations
TOM ROHLICH, Professor Emeritus of East Asian Languages and Literatures, retired from Smith College in June 2015, but continued his long-standing interest in Japan by serving a fourth term as 2015–16 Resident
Director of the Associated Kyoto Program at Doshisha University. Over the span of his career he has lived in Japan for approxi-mately eight years, mainly in Kyoto, but also a year each in Hiroshima and Nagoya, and has visited each of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures from Okinawa to Hokkaido. His teaching and research have focused on the poetry and prose of the Heian period (794-1185). His favorite courses at Smith College were his first-year seminar “Kyoto Through the Ages,” which included a January term trip to Kyoto with the students, and his advanced courses on Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji and Sei Shonagon’s The Pillow Book, masterpieces written by two women of the Heian Court. This will be his third Smith College Travel Program in Japan.
STUDY LEADERS
MIKAEL ADOLPHSON is the Keidanren Professor and Chair of Japanese Studies at the University of Cam-bridge. A premodernist, he was inspired by the simi-larities between medieval Europe and Japan to focus
his studies on pre-1600 Japan. Professor Adolphson’s cur rent interests and projects center on cultural icons, historical narra-tives, and agency in societal changes. He is presently working on trade and the rise of the Heike family in the 12th century, as well as their poorly known capital of Fukuhara (present-day Kobe).
WILLIAM W. KELLY is Professor of Anthropology and the Sumitomo Profes-sor of Japanese Studies at Yale University. A noted authority on the socio-cultural anthropology of Japan, Kelly focused his
early research on farming life and regional society in northeastern Japan, returning to the same villages for 40 years. Much of his research for the past two decades has explored sport and body culture and their signifi cance in modern Japan. He is finishing a book about a professional baseball team in Osaka and has been writing about the growing influence of soccer and the importance of the Olympic Movement in Japan and East Asia.
JAMES SALZMAN is the Donald Bren Distinguished Professor of Environ mental Law with joint appointments at UCLA Law School and the University of California, Santa Barbara, School of Environment. He regularly
teaches at the Harvard Law School, as the Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Visiting Professor of Law. He is one of the world’s leading experts on drinking water and regularly comments in the media on environmental issues.
JAPAN
Sea of Japan
Pacif ic Ocean
Tokyo
Niigata
Kyoto
Osaka
SHIKOKU
KYUSHU
HONSHUSOUTHKOREA
Matsue
Ulsan
Kanazawa
SadoIsland
Naoshima
MiyajimaHagi
In
land Sea
Gyeongju
AIRLAND
CRUISE
Kobe
Note: Several days offer optional excursions from which to choose.
SUNDAY & MONDAY, APRIL 15 & 16
Home / Kyoto, JapanDepart home on an overnight flight to Osaka and transfer to the Kyoto Hotel Okura in the heart of Kyoto. KYOTO HOTEL OKURA
TUESDAY, APRIL 17
KyotoVisit Tenryu-ji, a Rinzai Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage site; the atmospheric Arashiyama bamboo grove; and UNESCO World Heritage–designated Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), whose shimmering central pavilion is covered in bright gold leaf. This evening, enjoy a private presentation by a former geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) and a festive welcome reception and dinner. KYOTO HOTEL OKURA (B,L,R,D)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
KyotoALL: Travel east of Kyoto to the Miho Museum, built into a moun-tain slope and considered one of
the master achievements of architect I.M. Pei. Return to Kyoto for afternoon options. OPTION 1: Visit Sanjusan-
gendo temple, part of the Tendai school of Buddhism and famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple’s name means “Hall with
Thirty-three Spaces between Columns,” which describes the architecture of Japan’s longest wooden structure. OPTION 2: Participate in an ikebana (flower-arranging) workshop (additional $40 per person). KYOTO HOTEL OKURA (B,L)
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
Kyoto / Kobe (Embark)Depart Kyoto this morning and drive to nearby Nara. During the short time that Nara was the capital of Japan (710–784), Buddhism became firmly established and some of the country’s most magnificent temples and works of art were created. Visit the National Museum and two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Todai-ji, famous for its monolithic statue of the Great Buddha, and Horyu-ji, Japan’s oldest surviv-ing Buddhist temple and the world’s oldest wooden structure. Embark the Caledonian Sky in Kobe. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
FRIDAY, APRIL 20
NaoshimaDisembark in Uno Ko and take a ferry to Naoshima, an island in the Inland Sea that has become a mecca for cutting-edge art and contemporary architecture. Explore the world-class Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum, both designed by Tadao Ando.CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
MiyajimaAnchor offshore of Miyajima Island this morning and board Zodiacs to access the island. Visit the 6th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, with its iconic vermilion torii, a grand wooden gateway that appears to float on the sea at high tide. Enjoy ample free time for hikes, visits to tiny temples, and strolling the picturesque streets of the town. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
ITINERARY
While geishas, pottery, and exquisite gardens are traditionally associated with Japanese culture, cutting-edge architecture and technology are a testament to the forward-looking spirit of the Japanese people.
MIHO MUSEUM BULGUKSATEMPLE
JAPAN
Sea of Japan
Pacif ic Ocean
Tokyo
Niigata
Kyoto
Osaka
SHIKOKU
KYUSHU
HONSHUSOUTHKOREA
Matsue
Ulsan
Kanazawa
SadoIsland
Naoshima
MiyajimaHagi
In
land Sea
Gyeongju
AIRLAND
CRUISE
Kobe
KENROKU-EN GARDENS
JAPANESEFANS
HAGI POTTERY
BULLETTRAIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 22
HagiExplore Japan’s medieval heritage at Hagi, which boasts one of the best-preserved samurai and merchant quarters in Japan as well as a ceramics tradition nearly 400 years old. Stop at the kiln of a master artisan to observe how the highly acclaimed Hagi-yaki pottery is made. Walk the grounds of Toko-ji temple, where hundreds of moss-covered stone lanterns guard the graves of five Mori lords. Cruise overnight across the Korea Strait. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
MONDAY, APRIL 23
Ulsan, South KoreaFrom the South Korean port of Ulsan, drive inland to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, which ruled for 1,000 years. Visit Bulguksa, one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in South Korea, with intricate paintings inside and out and two original 6th-century pagodas. After a lunch of Korean specialties and a performance of Korean folkloric music, choose an afternoon option.OPTION 1: Explore the royal tombs, shaped like domes, gourds, or half-moons, in Tumuli Park. Also visit the Sokkuram Grotto, part of the Bulguksa temple complex. A Korean National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site, the grotto contains a large Buddha sculpture, an acclaimed piece of Buddhist art.OPTION 2: Visit the world’s largest automobile assembly plant, operated by Hyundai Motor Company. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
Matsue, JapanDrive through lush countryside to the Adachi Museum of Art to explore its collection of modern Japanese works, set in exquisite gardens. Continue to charming Matsue and visit one of the few surviving castles in Japan, built in 1611. Enjoy free time to stroll through Matsue’s historic samurai quarter. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
KanazawaCall at the artistic center of Kanazawa for a visit to Kenroku-en, considered by many to be the finest landscape garden in Japan. Also visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, whose collections are focused on works produced since 1980, and enjoy time to explore Kanazawa’s historic neighbor-hoods. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Sado IslandArrive at remote Sado Island, once a place of exile for intel-lectuals and political dissidents and now the home base of the taiko drumming group Kodo (“heartbeat”). Enjoy a hands-on drumming workshop and short performance by several of the resident drummers, as well as a guest lecture on this ancient art form. Also explore the picturesque fishing village of Shukunegi, where more than one hundred traditional Edo-period houses line the narrow streets. Ride aboard one of the unusual local boats called tarai-bune, circular wooden tubs rowed with a single oar that are used
to collect shellfish and seaweed. Conclude with a tour and tasting at a local sake brewery. This evening enjoy a farewell recep-tion on board the ship. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D)
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Niigata (Disembark) / TokyoDisembark the Caledonian Sky in Niigata port and board a high-speed “bullet train” for Tokyo. OPTION 1: Explore the Nezu Museum’s impressive collections of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean calligraphy, painting, sculpture, and ceramics, and its lovely traditional gardens dotted with waterfalls, ponds, and teahouses.OPTION 2: Visit the Toto show-room in Shinjuku, where the company’s innovative lavatory products are on display.ALL: Gather this evening for a special farewell dinner with a private demonstration of kabuki, followed by an optional Tokyo-by-Night motor coach tour. IMPERIAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Tokyo / HomeTransfer to Narita or Haneda Airport for flights home (arriving the same day). (B)
OPTIONAL
EXTENSIONS
PRE-TOUR EXTENSION APRIL 10–16, 2018
Kii Peninsula & Iya ValleyAfter an initial night near Osaka, travel to the remote and peaceful Kii Peninsula. Weather permitting, delight in the gorgeous blooms of the cherry trees. Continue to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands, for a two-night stay in the remote Iya Valley (above), where vine suspension bridges, thatched-roof farmhouses, and village traditions date back to the Edo period. En route to Kyoto to start the main tour, stop in Takamatsu to stroll through Ritsurin Park’s 17th-century gardens, with graceful bridges arcing over ponds, then continue by coach and high-speed train to Kyoto. Hotels in the Kii Peninsula and the Iya Valley are traditional Japanese inns, or ryokans.
POST-TOUR EXTENSIONAPRIL 28–MAY 1, 2018
Kamakura & HakoneTravel outside Tokyo for a two-night stay in the hot springs resort of Hakone. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring renowned sculpture and artwork; enjoy the Lalique Museum’s collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco objects; cruise along Lake Ashi; and ride the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Also visit the historic center of Kamakura, with its Zen temples and famous Daibutsu, a giant bronze statue of Buddha (above).
Additional details and pricing for both optional extensions will be sent to confirmed participants.
PROGRAM RATES INCLUDE All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary
Niigata/Tokyo bullet train
Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations
Arrival and departure trans- fers by airport limousine bus or shared shuttle van
Baggage handling
Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, drivers, and shipboard personnel
Port charges
Entrance fees
Welcome and farewell wine receptions
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with welcome and farewell dinners and with lunches and dinners on board the Caledonian Sky
Bottled water on motor coaches
Professional tour manager
WHAT TO EXPECTWe consider this a moder-ately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Daily excursions involve up to one mile of walking at a time, often on uneven terrain. In some instances, elevators are unavailable and stairs may not have handrails. You will be required to remove your shoes while visiting temples, shrines, and a number of other sites. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for one excursion ashore (there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist). Partici-pants must be physically fit, active, and in good health.
AIR ARRANGEMENTSValerie Wilson Travel, Inc., can help with airline arrange-ments for this trip and can be reached at (877) 376-1754. You are also welcome to book your air transporta-tion through your local travel agent, an online travel site, or the airline of your choice. PLEASE NOTE: U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Round-trip economy-class airfare from New York to Osaka, Japan, with return from Tokyo, is approximately $1,489 per person as of April 2017 and is subject to change without notice.
A NOTE ABOUT COSTSTour costs are based upon current fuel prices, currency values, taxes, tariffs, and a minimum number of participants. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. If there are significant changes, details and costs will be advised prior to departure.
CASTLE DECK CABIN
DININGROOM
PANORAMA LOUNGE
SUN DECK
PANORAMA DECK
BRIDGE DECK
PROMENADE DECK
CALEDONIAN DECK
CASTLE DECK
Lido Deck
Lounge
DiningRoom
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
PROGRAM RATES, per person CATEGORY DOUBLE SINGLE*
CASTLE DECK 244 sq. ft. $9,990 –––with two portholes, shower
CASTLE DECK 244 sq. ft. $11,490 $18,490with two, three, or four portholes, shower
CALEDONIAN DECK 232 sq. ft. with $12,990 $19,990large window, bathtub, shower (except 329, 330, and 331, shower only)
PROMENADE DECK 217 sq. ft. with $13,490 –––large window, shower (except 431 and 432, with bathtub, shower)
BRIDGE DECK 215 sq. ft. plus 45 sq. ft. $13,990 –––private balcony, sliding glass doors, walk-in wardrobe, bathtub, shower
PROMENADE DECK 217 sq. ft. plus 60 sq. ft. $14,990 –––private balcony, sliding glass door, walk-in wardrobe, shower
PROMENADE DECK 243 sq. ft. plus 60 sq. ft. $15,990 –––private balcony, sliding glass door, two portholes, walk-in wardrobe, shower
*Limited
The Caledonian Sky is a 114- passenger premier expedition ship refurbished in 2012. All cabins have an ocean view, en suite bath-room with walk-in shower and/or bathtub, spacious wardrobe or walk-in closet, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air- conditioning, flat-screen television, and sitting area with sofa. Twenty-three of the suites feature private balconies. The ship’s amenities include a dining room, two lounges with bar service, small library and gym, sun deck with comfortable lounge chairs, hairdresser, laundry service, and gift shop. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Caledonian Sky’s chefs prepare quality international meals, predominantly Western-style, served in a single open seating. A friendly crew provides exceptional, personalized service, with more than a 1:2 crew-to-passenger ratio. The ship features advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers, and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft.
C A L E D O N I A N S K Y
R E S E R V A T I O N F O R M To reserve your space, please make your deposit check payable to Criterion Travel and mail it, along with the completed reservation form, to Smith Travel, 33 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01063. You may fax credit card information to (413) 585-2015. For questions, call Smith Travel at (800) 225-2029.
PAYMENT
Enclosed is my check for $ __________ ($1,000 per person, payable to Criterion Travel), to reserve _______ place(s) on Japan by Sea, or
Please charge my deposit to my: VISA MC AmEx Discover
CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXP. DATE
CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE SECURITY CODE
I/we understand that final payment is due December 16, 2017, 120 days prior to departure. Registrations after December 16, 2017: full payment is due at registra-tion.
NAME #1 (as on passport) SMITH AFFILIATION
NAME #2 (as on passport) SMITH AFFILIATION
STREET ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP
HOME PHONE WORK PHONE
FAX E-MAIL
SINGLE TRAVELERS
I prefer to have single accommodations.
I plan to share accommodations with _____________________________________
I’d like to know about roommates. I am a smoker / non-smoker.
I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final payment deadline of December 16, 2017, I will pay the single rate.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Cabin category preference: 1st ___________________ 2nd ___________________
Bed preference at hotels (not guaranteed): Two beds One bed
I/we have read the tour information section of the brochure and agree to the Terms and Conditions stated therein.
SIGNATURE DATE
SIGNATURE DATE
General InformationPROGRAM RATES DO NOT INCLUDE U.S. domestic and international airfare Pass-port/visa expenses Medical expenses and immunizations Private airport transfers
Travel insurance Deviations from the scheduled tour Excess baggage charges Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and bever-ages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted Laundry or dry cleaning Telephone, fax, Internet and email charges Room service Other items of a personal nature
INSURANCE A trip protec-tion plan is available at extra cost. Upon receiving your reservation, Smith Travel will send you information on this policy. This comprehensive guest protection plan covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost baggage, and medical evacuation.
GROUP SIZE This program is limited to 94 participants, in-cluding travelers from Smith, the Archaeological Institute of America, MIT, Harvard, Yale, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Terms & ConditionsRESERVATIONS & PAYMENTSTo reserve space, return the completed reservation form with your $1,000 per person deposit to: Smith Travel, 33 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01063, or fax to (413) 585-2015. Balance of payment is due December 16, 2017. We accept personal checks, payable to Criterion Travel, as well as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Upon payment of a deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by Smith Travel. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person adminis-tration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Cancella-tions after the final payment deadline of December 16, 2017: All payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. For this reason we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If the program is cancelled by Smith Travel or the tour operator, you will receive a full refund, without further obligation on our part. No refunds will be made for any part of this program on which you choose not to
participate. NOTE: Neither Smith College nor Criterion Travel, Inc., the tour opera-tor, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in conjunction with this tour.
ITINERARY CHANGES The itinerary presented for this tour is subject to modifica-tion and change by Smith Travel and Criterion Travel. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the pro- gram as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require the itinerary to be altered, Smith Travel and the tour operator reserve the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the respon-sibility of the participant.
RESPONSIBILITY Complete Terms & Conditions will be sent to participants upon confirmation and are avail-able to prospective travelers upon request. As a condi-tion of participation, each passenger will be re-quired to sign a Release of Liability, which will be sent along with the Terms & Conditions.
DISCLAIMER Smith Travel is pleased to provide this service of facilitating travel opportunities for its Alumnae and Friends. Smith Travel strives to work with the best tour operators to make available interesting and enriching travel opportunities for the Smith family. Please note that Smith Travel does not conduct tours, nor does it act as an agent for guests interested in tours. Smith Travel acts as a facilitator with tour operators, with whom tour participants make arrangements for completing travel, and is pleased to act as a liaison with tour op-erators should you have any questions or concerns that may arise before, during, or after your tour. Smith Travel encourages you to familiar-ize yourself thoroughly with the tour operator’s cancella-tion and refund policies, and also to investigate avail-able services such as trip cancellation insurance. Smith College is not responsible for changes to trips or travel arrangements or for losses or additional expenses resulting from travel.
California Seller of Travel Program CST #2088800-40
PHOTO CREDITS (From Dreamstime.com): MIYAJIMA TORII ©Eskimo71; LANTERNS ©Chris McCooey; KINKAKU-JI (GOLDEN PAVILION) ©Julija Nikerina; MAIKO ©Irfan Nurdiansyah; MIHO MUSEUM ©Kam Lung Kong; BULGUKSA TEMPLE ©Zzyatlund; KENROKU-EN GARDEN ©Tktktk; POTTERY©Rozenn Leard; BULLET TRAIN ©Dorregaray; DRAGON ©Xvaldes; IYA VALLEY ©Paul Ashton; BRONZE BUDDHA ©Anyaiva-nova; TAIKO DRUMMER ©Zepherwind; CHERRY BLOSSOMS ©Willy Setiadi. (From Shutterstock.com): TOKYO TOWER ©Serika; FANS ©Can Balcioglu; LADLES ©Patrick Lin; BAMBOO GROVE ©buena009. (From Wikipedia): MAIKOS ©David Bachler.
JAPAN
by SeaLAND OF THE RISING SUN aboard the Caledonian SkyApri l 15 –28 , 2018
J A PA NLAN D OF TH E RISING SU N
Featuring TOM ROHLICH,
Professor Emeritus of East Asian Languages and Literatures
JAPAN
by Sea
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 604
Sacramento, CA
A pr i l 15–28, 2018 aboard the Caledonian Sky
H I G H L I G H T SCRUISE Japan’s Inland Sea and beyond for 8 nights, including a day ashore in South Korea, aboard the spacious and comfortable expedition ship Caledonian Sky.
ENJOY a special presentation about the life and training of a geisha, and watch a kabuki actor transform himself into character during a private make-up and dressing demonstration.
TRY your hand at taiko drumming at the remote Sado Island home of the world-famous Kodo drummers and thrill to their exhilarating music.
ENGAGE with local people during several interactive experiences including an ikebana lesson in Kyoto, a tea ceremony in Miyajima, and a visit to an artisan’s kiln in Hagi.
LEARN about some of the products and processes for which Japan and Korea are renowned, from traditional ceramics and landscape design to robotically assembled automobiles and high-tech lavatories.
33 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01063