| Come Join Me ~– Bring a Friend !
On an annual basis I “customize” a tour to Japan, allowing those parties interested to travel extensively with me privately and enjoy Japan from the perspective of one highly experienced in both traveling and living there. You can believe me when I say, I turn each unique trip into a real adventure! (This will be my 46th trip to Japan!)
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME! In addition to your top-of-the-line hotel stays I can, at your request, arrange for you to spend a night or two enjoying a RYOKAN – an authentic Japanese hot springs spa resort; many are owned by my personal friends. Ryokans can range from new to well over 400 years old! They are used widely by the Japanese for relaxation getaways. All are superbly appointed and are highly regarded for both their natural Onsens (mineral baths) and their elaborate and exquisite crusine. Prepare to be spoiled!
~~~ As far as dining in general is concerned, I put together “special menus” for each of my groups, in line with their tastes and requests. Typically, I will arrange for a healthy variety of foods: Japanese, Chinese, European and American. Prepare to be impressed!
THE LANGUAGE: Although I speak enough Japanese to get by, we have a professional Interpreter(s) with us start to finish.
THE COST: $5500. Per Person, ALL-INCLUSIVE: No hidden costs! Your Package Fee covers round-trip airfare from San Francisco, hotels/ inns/meals/buses, The Bullet Train, airport transfers, service fees, applicable taxes. (A travel agent friend put a pencil to my customized itinerary and told me, “I would have to price it at $7500. … if I could even duplicate it, which I can’t; I don’t have the connections you do.”)
~~~A deposit of $1500. is required to hold each space; the balance is due in full no later than 60 days prior to departure, and will be refundable after that date only in the event of personal or medical emergency, less a 15% administration fee.
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL: We try to take a minimum of fifteen people on each tour in order to qualify for “group discounts” on airfare/hotels/meals. In my experience, this is a reasonably sized group which still allows for intimacy. I really enjoy small-group travel as it enables me to interact with every guest personally and facilitates easier, more relaxed travel. If your group’s size is smaller than this, the Program Fee may need to be adjusted.
BIO: I have worked with the Japanese since 1972. I’ve personally arranged 6,000 “homestays” for Japanese students, teachers, business men and women, farmers & housewives in some 35 California cities and towns … have orchestrated a “sister city” connection and 2 “Friendship Links” for Soroptimist Clubs in Grass Valley and Oakhurst, CA. Annually, I operate an educational summer camp for international students. I am an author of books and educational materials, published in the Japanese language, on cultural differences. My memberships include California Interscholastic Federation and Soroptimist International. I am president of Jan’s International Association, Inc., a 501c3, non-profit public benefit corporation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT JAN ROTH
TEL (530) 478-0556 FAX (530) 478-0550 EMAIL roth@sti.net
|
- SAMPLE ITINERARY -The tour schedule, shown below, was customized for the Soroptimist Club of Grass Valley, California (my 44th trip to Japan!)
If you plan to travel with like-minded friends, or perhaps club members, I would be happy to tailor a plan to suit your particular business or personal interests . (Of course, you may also choose to join a group I am currently forming.) From your sightseeing to menu details, every aspect of your trip-of-a-lifetime will be handled professionally and to your complete satisfaction.
The cost for a highly customized tour is $5500. per person, all inclusive: Round trip airfare, first class hotels, comfortable vans/buses, gourmet meals, sightseeing costs/entry fees, all taxes, tips, service fees and porterage. Should you elect to "Homestay" during your trip, I will provide complete homestay arrangement with screened and suitable families. (Homestay is optional.)
| DAY 1 |
|
SFO - NRT : JL #001 - DEPART SFO at 13:00 (10 Hr. 40 Min.)
(Cross the International Dateline; arrive in Japan the next day) |
| DAY 2 |
15:40 |
Arrive at Narita International Airport;
complete entry procedures
Meeting Service by English-speaking Guide
Transfer to Hotel by Private Minibus
BUS: Kyoritsu Jidosha Kanko 03-5635-9311 Office
GUIDE: Mr. Takahiro Yonekawa 090-6028-6328 Cell |
| |
18:00 |
Check into Hotel in Tokyo |
| |
19:00 |
DINNER: STAR ROAD RESTAURANT (French)
on the 30th floor of Hotel
*MENU: Appetizer, Soup, Salmon, Filet of Beef, Dessert, Coffee
*Japanese Food is rich in sauces & too hard on your system the first two days in Jet Lag;
we will alternate cuisines throughout the tour
BRIEF GROUP ORIENTATION
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Hotel Grand Pacific Meridien
2-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091
TEL 03-5500-6711 |
| DAY 3 |
|
TOKYO |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
MENU: Japanese and Western Buffet |
| |
08:00 |
Leave Hotel by Taxis for Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal |
| |
09:00 |
Leave by Hato Bus for "All-Day Tokyo City Tour"
HATO BUS: 03-3435-6081
SIGHTSEEING IN TOKYO:- Tokyo Tower
- Happoen Garden - "Tea Ceremony"
- Imperial Palace Plaza
|
| |
|
LUNCH: CHINZANSO GARDEN RESTAURANT (at The Four Seasons Hotel)
MENU: BBQ SET
- National Diet Building
- Sumida River Cruise
- Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise
- Ginza
|
| |
17:00 |
Tour terminates at Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal |
| |
17:45 |
Return by two Taxis to Hotel |
| |
18:30 |
DINNER: ARCOBALENO (Italian) on the 2nd floor of Hotel
MENU: Carciofi Farcie con Frutti di Mare, Tagliatini con Pesce e
Shungiku, Marinata di Merluzzo con Spinaci e Pasticci,
Medaillons de Veau in Salsa di Noci, Torta de Castagne |
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Hotel Grand Pacific Meridien |
| DAY 4 |
|
TOKYO - KOMAE (Komae-shi is a suburb of Toyko) |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
MENU: Japanese and Western Buffet |
| |
|
Check out of Hotel |
| |
10:00 |
Leave for Komae by Private Minibus, without Guide
BUS: Kyoritsu Jidosha Kanko 03-5635-9311 Office |
| |
11:30 |
Arrive at Komae Station |
| |
12:30 |
LUNCH: with SI Tokyo-Komae members |
| |
14:30 |
Meet Host Families at Ecolma Lecture Hall;
Travel to Host Homes |
| |
15:00 |
Shower; change clothes; rest
SOROPTIMIST RECEPTION EVENING
By special arrangement of Ms. Hiroko Seki and SI Tokyo-Komae members, we will be received during a special evening of festivities |
| |
17:00 |
SI members - go with their Hosts to prepare for the Reception |
| |
18:15 |
Non-members - arrive at the Reception with their Hosts |
| |
18:30 |
Commemoration Ceremony |
| |
18:45 |
Kampai & Dinner |
| |
19:00 |
Charity Auction |
| |
20:00 |
Raffle |
| |
20:30 |
Closing |
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
HOST HOMES
(Once tour is scheduled, a listing of the host
families, their telephone numbers,
and their tour guests will be posted here) |
| DAY 5 |
|
KOMAE |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: with Host Families
FREE MORNING |
| |
12:00 |
LUNCH: with Tokyo SI members at the lecture hall |
| |
13:00 |
LECTURE: "The Status of Domestic Violence in Japan & America"
SPEAKERS:- Ms. Fumiyo Kanda, Tokyo Metropolitan Gov. Staff Counselor, Women/Child Welfare
- Ms. Fran Grattan, Past Pres. SIGV, Past Pres. Board of DVC, Proj. Mgr. KARE Crisis Nursery
|
| |
15:15 |
Regular Meeting of SI Tokyo-Komae |
| |
16:30 |
Closing |
| |
|
RETURN TO HOST HOMES / DINNER with Host Families
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Host Homes |
| DAY 6 |
|
KOMAE - KAMAKURA - YOKOHAMA |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: with Host Families |
| |
09:00 |
Leave for Yokohama
by Private Minibus with English-speaking Guide
BUS: Kyoritsu Jidosha Kanko 03-5635-9311 Office
GUIDE: Mr. Takahiro Yonekawa 045-301-8959 Home |
| |
|
SIGHTSEEING IN KAMAKURA:
- Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Kenchoji Temple
|
| |
13:00 |
LUNCH: KAMAKURA KANKO KAIKAN (Japanese)
MENU: Taimeshi Gozen
- Kamakura Daibutsu
- Hasedera Temple
|
| |
17:00 |
Check into Hotel in Yokohama
| |
18:00 |
DINNER: HEICHINRO RESTAURANT (Chinese)
045-681-3001
149 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku (a 5-min. walk)
MENU: (Private Room) Appetizers, Shark Fin Soup, Bamboo Shoots with Fish,
Asparagus and Jelly Fish, Steamed Fish, Chicken, Fried Rice, Dessert
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Hotel New Grand
10 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken 231-0023
TEL 045-681-1841 |
| DAY 7 |
|
YOKOHAMA - ATAMI |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
MENU: Japanese and Western Buffet
Check out of Hotel |
| |
09:00 |
Leave for Atami by Private Minibus with English-speaking Guide
BUS: Kyoritsu Jidosha Kanko 03-5635-9311 Office
GUIDE: Mr. Takahiro Yonekawa 045-301-8959 Home
SIGHTSEEING IN YOKOHAMA:- Yamashita Koen Park
- Bay Bridge
- Sankei En Garden
|
| |
12:30 |
LUNCH: MATSUMI SHOKUDO, in Atami (Japanese)
MENU: Wa-Teishoku "Lunch Set"
SIGHTSEEING IN ATAMI: MOA Museum |
| |
16:00 |
Check into Hotel in Atami |
| |
19:00 |
DINNER: BONHEUR RESTAURANT (French/Italian)
MENU: Salad, Mushroom Soup, Penne Pasta with Chilled Tomato Cream Sauce, Sorbet, White Fish, Steak, Greens, Cake, Coffee or Tea
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Hotel New Akao Royal Wing
1993-250 Atami, Atami-shi
Shizuoka-ken 413-0033
TEL 0557-82-5151 |
| DAY 8 |
|
ATAMI - MISHIMA - NIRAYAMA |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
Menu: Japanese and Western Buffet
***Ms. Horii and Ms. Yamada will pick up our luggage at the Hotel and take it to Honryuji Temple. Ms. Sugimoto and Ms. Tamura will go with us to the Atami Station and we will travel together to Nirayama. Some SI Izu-Amagi members will then transport us from Nirayama Station to the temple.
| |
|
SOROPTIMIST RECEPTION LUNCHEON AT TEMPLE |
| |
13:00 |
By special arrangement of Ms. Hitoe Hada & SI Izu Amagi members, we will be received at a POT LUCK LUNCHEON
It will be casual, simple and relaxed.
(This is not a dressy affair - but no jeans or shorts, please.)
AGENDA:
Opening Address - Ms. Mitsuyo Fujio, President of SI Izu-Amagi
Short Greeting - Ms. Jan Roth, Pres. Jan's Int'l. Assn., Inc.
Kampai - Ms. Yoko Miyake, Board Member
Walking Tour of Honryuji Temple.
15:30 Return home with Host Families
(Once tour is scheduled, a listing of the host
families, their telephone numbers,
and their tour guests will be posted here.) |
| DAY 9 |
|
THE IZU PENINSULA: Nirayama - Ohito - Heda |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: with Host Families |
| |
10:45 |
Arrive at Ohito Hotel |
| |
|
11:30 Club Award Ceremony
| |
12:00 |
LUNCH:
MENU: Japanese Lunch Set |
| |
13:30 |
Business Meeting
(We will each have one minute in which to introduce
ourselves & our club affiliations/hobbies & interests.) |
| |
16:00 |
Depart by Private Minibus for Heda
Check into RYOKAN: Ms. Owashi's Traditional Japanese Inn
(Ms. Owashi is an SI member.)
DINNER:
MENU: Traditional Ryokan Cuisine
OVERNIGHT: Tokiwa-Ya
TEL 0558-94-3333
(Six SI Izu-Amagi members will stay overnight with us) |
| DAY 10 |
|
THE IZU PENINSULA: Heda - Shuzenji |
| |
08:00 |
BREAKFAST: at Ryokan
MENU: Traditional Ryokan Cuisine |
| |
10:00 |
We will ship our heavy luggage to Kyoto by truck,
and carry only light hand luggage for one night. |
| |
11:00 |
Visit Heda Nursery School |
| |
12:30 |
Depart for SHUZENJI
LUNCH: en route |
| |
15:00 |
Check into RYOKAN: Ms. Noda's Traditional Japanese Inn (Ms. Noda is an SI member) |
| |
16:00 |
WELCOME PARTY!
DINNER:
MENU: Traditional Ryokan Cuisine |
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Kiku-Ya
TEL 0558-72-2086
(Four SI Izu-Amagi members will stay overnight with us) |
| DAY 11 |
|
SHUZENJI - MISHIMA - KYOTO |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Ryokan
MENU: Traditional Ryokan Crusine
LUNCH:
MENU: Pizza or Sandwiches while shopping |
| |
13:30 |
Arrive at Shinkansen Station |
| |
14:14 |
Leave Mishima by Bullet Train:
KODAMA #421 CAR # 12
SEATS: # 8-A,B,C,D,E and # 9-A,B,C |
| |
14:39 |
Arrive in Shizuoka and change trains |
| |
14:51 |
Leave for Kyoto by Bullet Train:
HIKARI #157 CAR # 6 SEATS: # 13-D,E # 14-A,B,C,D,E # 15-A |
| |
16:29 |
Arrive in Kyoto
Meeting Service and transfer to Hotel by
Private Minibus with English-speaking Guide
BUS: Senriyama, 06-6340-1177
GUIDE: Ms. Yumi Masaki, 06-6852-7372 - Home 090-5671-3541 - Cell |
| |
17:15 |
Check into Hotel in Kyoto |
| |
19:00 |
DINNER: HORIKAWA RESTAURANT (Japanese)
on the 1st floor of Hotel
MENU: Smoked Salmon, Sashimi, Chawanmushi, Tempura,
Salad, Akadashi Soup, Gohan, Tsukemono, Fruit |
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Kyoto Kokusai Hotel
Nijo-jo Mae, Horikawa
Nagagyo-ku, Kyoto
TEL 075-222-1111 |
| DAY 12 |
|
KYOTO |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
MENU: Japanese and Western Buffet |
| |
08:45 |
Check in at the Information Desk of the Hotel for
"Kyoto All-Day Tour" - operated by Sunrise Tours |
| |
08:55 |
Depart Hotel
SIGHTSEEING IN KYOTO:- Nijo-jo Castle
- Kinkakuji Temple
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
LUNCH: KYOTO HANDICRAFT CENTER, with Shopping
MENU: "The Shopper's Buffet" - Japanese and Western
Board different BUS for Afternoon Tour- Heian Jingu Shrine
- Sanju Sangendo Temple
- Kiyomizu Temple
|
| |
17:00 |
Return to Hotel |
| |
18:15 |
Take Taxis to KOMAI RESTAURANT:
075-251-0351
Sanjo Agaru, Kiyamachi Dori, Nakagyo-ku |
| |
18:30 |
DINNER SHOW WITH "MAIKO"
MENU: (Japanese) Shabu-Shabu |
| |
20:30 |
Return to Hotel by two Taxis |
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:
Kyoto Kokusai Hotel |
| DAY 13 |
|
KYOT0 - OSAKA (Guide will meet us on Train Platform) |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
MENU: Japanese & American Buffet |
| |
09:00 |
Leave for Osaka by Private Minibus with English-speaking Guide
BUS: Senriyama 06-6340-1177
GUIDE: Ms. Mayumi Toyoda 0797-89-4111 - Home, 090-9161-4125 - Cell
SIGHTSEEING IN OSAKA: Osaka Jo Castle |
| |
12:30 |
LUNCH: KUIDAORE RESTAURANT (Japanese)
MENU: Udon
| |
13:30 |
CONTINUE SIGHTSEEING
Tsutenkaku Tower
Continue sightseeing:
Tsutenkaku Tower |
| |
17:00 |
Check into Hotel in Osaka |
| |
19:00 |
"SAYONARA DINNER:" RESTAURANT YU (International)
on the 2nd floor of Hotel - Private Room
MENU: Mosiac of Chicken, Taro, Fois Gras, Potato-Leek Cold
Cream Soup, Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Herbed Oil
Sauce, Grapefruit Sorbet, Tenderloin Steak, Rice or Bread,
Chef's Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, Coffee or Tea |
| |
|
OVERNIGHT:Miyako Hotel Osaka
1-8-25 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku
Osaka 542-0071
TEL 06-6211-5300 |
| DAY 14 |
|
OSAKA-KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - SFO |
| |
|
BREAKFAST: at Hotel
MENU: Japanese and Western Buffet
Free until departure
(Store Luggage at Bell Desk by 10:45) |
| |
11:45 |
Check out of Hotel |
| |
13:00 |
Leave for Airport by Private Minibus, without Guide
BUS: Senriyama, 06-6340-1177 |
| |
14:00 |
Arrive at Osaka-Kansai International Airport
AFTER CHECK-IN = Time for DUTY FREE SHOPPING
NOTE: Lunch "On Own" at Airport |
| |
|
FLIGHT SCHEDULE |
| |
|
OSAKA - SFO: JL #060 - DEPART OSAKA at 17:30
(10 hours, 20 Minutes flight time - we will cross International Dateline;
Arriving back in The U.S. the same day)
Arrive LAX 10:50
Depart LAX AA #1936 13:09
Arrive SFO 14:31
|
 |
Join us for our next exciting trip to Japan!
|
| | | | | | | |
|
