Pre-Trip in Tokyo
October 12-16
Feel free to join the Pre-Trip on any day.You will fly into one of two Tokyo-area airports: Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). Please let us know hen you have made your plane reservations and we will have your room ready for you.
Human activity on the Japanese archipelago has been traced back to 30,000 BCE. It was not, however, until the 4th Century AD that Japan’s many tribes and kingdoms started to unify under one ruler. From 794-1868, the capital of all Japan was Kyoto, the locale of our Main Trip. In 1868, the Emperor moved his court to a coastal town named Edo and re-named it Tokyo (an anagram of Kyoto).
On Wednesday, October 12, we will meet you for our Pre-Trip in Tokyo, one of the most populous cities in the world. And even though we aren’t really into following the crowds, we just had to see what 14 million people do everyday. As we found out during our reconaissance, they have a lot of great options. As we walk through this now quintessential modern metropolis, we are constantly reminded of the rich and ancient history of Japan.
The venerable Imperial Hotel is our Pre-Trip home — and is, incidentally, a sort of homecoming for Tom & Matt. Tom & Georgia spent every December for nearly 20 years at the Imperial Hotel, performing every night in their own showcase; Matt grew up thinking Christmas was Japanese. Our hotel was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is located very near the Imperial Palace and Gardens, where the Emperor still lives to this day. It is wonderfully close to many restaurants, shops and historical/cultural landmarks.
As is our custom, we will form smaller groups for our activities during the day; and all come together in the evening for a concert and dinner. We will make a morning visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market where we will walk alongside the local restauranteurs and shop owners as they purchase their fresh seafood and produce. While the wholesale fish market and world-famous Tuna Auction have moved to a different location, the Outer Market is still a must- see spot for anyone who loves food (which is all of us). Speaking of which, after our visit to the Outer Market, we will go to a Japanese Cooking Class where we will learn about sushi and noodles and literally make our own lunch.
On another day we will visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. As the legend goes, the Emperor and Empress loved to visit the gardens in this location; and for the past 100 years this 170-acre park is an evergreen oasis in the middle of the city. We will have lunch at a wonderful yakitori restaurant that served as the inspiration for one of the iconic fight scenes in the movie, Kill Bill.
We will all visit Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town to get a sense of Tokyo hundreds of years ago. Lunch will be taken at a restaurant that has tables placed around a Sumo Ring. We will enjoy a meal that a sumo wrestler in training would typically eat; though most of us won’t eat it in the same quantities! We have even invited a few retired sumo wrestlers to give us a demonstration in the ring. Any volunteers?
Tokyo has some of the best food in the world, from coin- operated Noodle Shops to Michelin-Starred Restaurants (and everything in between). On Saturday Night, we encourage you to go out on your own and enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants that just cannot accommodate a group as large as ours. We’ll meet you at a local Jazz Club after you’ve had your meal.
Main Trip - Kyoto
Sunday, October 16
On Sunday, October 16 we will start our Main Trip by boarding the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for the scenic and fast-moving ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. The morning before we leave Tokyo, however, some of you may want to take a final walk around the neighborhood or go back to pick-up that last Tokyo souvenir. After we arrive in Kyoto, we will have plenty of time to move into our rooms and get settled. We will gather that evening for our first Main Trip Dinner and Concert to celebrate being together for our adventures in and around Kyoto.
We will travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) on Sunday, October 16. For those of you joining us in Kyoto, we will meet you on Saturday, October 15.
Kyoto - Nijo Castle & Fushimi Shrine
Monday, October 17
On Monday, October 17, we begin our tours in and around Kyoto. Our first tour is a visit to the Fushimi Shrine. The Japanese visit this shrine often because its animal talisman, the Fox, is known as the patron of business. The many thousands of red-orange gates (each sponsored by a business) form a path up and down the mountain and has been featured in many stories based in/about Japan, including in the recent book and film, Memoirs of a Geisha.
We will then visit the nearby Nijo Castle. From the 16th-19th centuries, the real power in Japan was held by military warlords and their soldiers, the Samurai. The commander-in-chief of these warriors was not the Emperor, by this time a figurehead, but rather, the Shogun. And no Shogun is more revered than the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (and builder of Nijo Castle), Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nijo Castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walking through its well-preserved grounds are like taking a step-back in time.
As is our custom, we will form smaller groups for our activities during the day; and all come together in the evening for a concert and dinner. We provide our tours as a starting point to your adventure, so do as much or
as little with the group as you would like.
A Brief Timeline of Japanese History
32,000 years ago - First evidence of Inhabitants on the Japanese Archipelago
16,000 years ago - The Jomon Period begins. Oldest pottery style in the world.
4th Century BCE - The Yayoi Period begins. The Yayoi immigrated from East Asia bringing rice cultivation.
The modern-day Japanese are descended from the Jomon and Yayoi peoples.
3rd Century AD - The oldest Shinto shrines are founded.
6th Century AD - Introduction of Buddhism in Japan.
7th Century AD - Tenmu becomes the First Emperor of Japan.
8th Century AD - Otomaro becomes first Shogun. Kyoto becomes capital of Japan.
16th Century AD - First Europeans arrive. Himeji Castle built.
17th Century AD - Tokugawa becomes Shogun. Edo Period begins. Isolation begins.
19th Century AD - Admiral Perry arrives. Isolation ends. Shogunate ends. Tokyo becomes capital of Japan.
20th Century AD - Tom & Georgia Montgomery start their annual residency at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
21st Century AD - Castles & Concerts goes to Japan with You!
Kyoto - Nara, Uji & Byodoin Temple
Tuesday, October 18
We will visit Nara — the imperial capital before Kyoto—to see the Todai-ji Temple, home of the largest Bronze Buddh in the world and then go to Uji, to see the magnificent Phoenix Hall.
We will venture away from Kyoto proper and visit the charming villages of Nara and Uji. For most of the 8th Century, Nara was the capital of Japan, and during that time the Emperor ordered that the Todai-ji Temple be constructed to contain a large Bronze Buddha. It was (and remains to this day) the largest Bronze Buddha in the world. From the time it was completed, this Buddha has been on the “can’t miss list” of any traveler to the region; and from our own experience, it is well-worth it.
On our way back, we will visit the town of Uji, known as the first—and perhaps best—place to cultivate green tea in Japan. Tea is such a part of the identity of this village that “Uji Matcha” is rumored to run from faucets in the local schools. This village is also home to the Byodoin Temple Complex, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of the world-famous Phoenix Hall. Regarded as the most beautiful building in Japan, the Phoenix Hall is depicted on Japan’s currency and, as the preeminent example of Buddhist Pure Land Architecture, has been (and continues to be) a major influence on Buddhist temples all over the world.
Kyoto - Himeji Castle
Wednesday, October 19-21
Useful Phrases in Japanese
Hello - Kon nichi wa
Excuse Me - Su mi ma sen
Thank You - Dou mo Ari ga tou
You're welcome - Dou itashi mashi te
Goodbye - Sa you na ra
We will visit, by Shinkansen, the town of Himeji, best known for the hilltop castle complex, the Himeji Castle. This castle is the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms with advanced (for its time) defensive systems. It is frequently called the “White Heron Castle” because of its brilliant white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight. Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kyoto - Kinkakuji (Golden) Temple & Ryuanji Temple
Thursday, October 17-21
We will visit another Japanese landmark, Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion or Golden Temple). This iconic building was originally a villa and was converted to a Zen Temple in the 14th Century. Though it has burned several times, it remains such a trea- sure to the Japanese people that it has always been re-built on the spot, complete with its brilliant gold-leaf exterior. From there, we take a short drive to Japan’s most famous rock garden, located in the Ryuanji Temple. There are many learned theories as to what the rock formations are supposed to mean, but we like to think that it is a lot like a painting—take from it what you see on that day. When we’re there, tell us how many rocks you can find in the formation…
Weather & Clothing in Tokyo & Kyoto
We are traveling in the middle of Fall, which means the air will be
cleaner, the colors in the trees may be changing and the temperature should be moderate. For the days, bring layers with light, breathable clothing for your base layers and a sweatshirt or jacket to put on in case it gets chilly or a stray rain cloud passes while we are outside. The temples, homes and many restaurants will require us to take our shoes off before entering, so slip-on styles are most convenient and comfortable. For the evenings, we will be smart casual. There will be one night where it will be particularly appropriate to dress more formally.
The Entertainment:
We are assembling another all-star cast that includes many of your favorites from past trips. Our trip to Japan will be highlighed by the soulful stylings of Billy Valentine. We are working on the full cast, but are blessed to announce that we will have Angie Byrd on board, as well as the equally talented the equally talented and dynamic Scott Thompson on bass and Vince Littleton on drums. In addition, Tom, Matt and Chip will join the fun as often as possible. Every evening on our trip, we will play for your entertainment and for the joy of making music with our friends.
Pre-Trip Arrival in Tokyo:
We will gather for our first event of the Pre-Trip at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, on the evening of Wednesday, October 12. We are working with a wonderful tour company. During the days, we will tour the City and in the evenings, we will have some wonderful dinner parties and entertainment. You will most likely fly into one of the two Tokyo-area airports: Haneda International Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). We are all required to have an English- speaking driver. More details to come.
Main Trip Arrival in Kyoto:
We will take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto on Sunday, October 16. For those of you who are meeting us in Kyoto, we have made arrangements for you to stay at our hotel (the Okura Hotel) in Kyoto starting on Saturday, October 15. You will have most of that Sunday to get acclimated and/or explore the City. We will gather that evening for a banquet and concert. You will most likely arrive into Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
Departure:
The closest airport to Kyoto is Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Most of us will fly home from KIX. Accordingly, we will have motor coaches to KIX leaving from the hotel in the mid to late morning. We DO NOT recommend getting an early (before 3 pm) flight out of KIX.
What’s Included:
We’ve tried to make this as all-inclusive as possible.
Transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Shinkansen is included. All group meals are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
All tours and excursions are included. Furthermore, we have
prepaid generous gratuities to all of our tour operators, wait staff and hotel staff. As always, though, the most important inclusion is the pleasure of being with great folks in beautiful surroundings full of music, fellowship, nature and culture.
Costs:
The cost for the
Main Trip in Kyoto is $6,950 per person; and the cost for the
Pre-Trip in Tokyo is $2,950 per person.
Deposits, Reservations & Cancellations:
As always, your deposit is
fully transferable to someone else at any time. If you need to cancel, you will
receive a full refund if either you or Castles & Concerts can't find a
substitute traveler to take your place. We highly recommend purchasing Trip Insurance.
