Our tour includes the top six destinations in Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Mount Fuji and Hiroshima. Japan in autumn is more than just spectacular colour, it’s full of intrigue, with fascinating variety and a land of contrasts. We will visit not only significant modern and contemporary work in Japan but also traditional architecture, all with outstanding landscape design.
Timeless and traditional design has been the leading inspiration for the modernists worldwide through the influence of Japanese design principles. So following the success of several Travelrite tours of the USA we will visit a few of Frank Lloyd Wright’s projects outside of America. Japanese architects have now won the prestigious Pritzker Prize for Architecture seven times since 1979 with four being in this past decade. We will not only focus on eminent Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, but also view exciting projects of ten other significant, internationally acclaimed architects. The best, most popular sites from our guest feedback of our 2014 tour are included plus 25 more memorable contemporary buildings and priceless temples. We are delighted that Yasuko, our wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide from 2023, who also arranged many memorable authentic Japanese lunches, will also be joining our team to make this the ‘tour of a lifetime’.
A professional development opportunity. Limit of 32 participants, so book early.
Malcolm Carver (AIA AWI) is an Architect and former Principal of Scott Carver Architects, a highly successful Sydney-based practice which has won numerous awards for their work including the RAIA National Environment Award. Over the past 40 years Malcolm has travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and the Americas having led over 14 Travelrite Tours. His passion for architecture is only matched by a keen interest in sketching and painting and he has many solo exhibitions of his work. His sketches appear online at www.carverstudio.com
DAY 1 Saturday 2 November 2024 Osaka, Japan
Arrival day in Osaka. Check in is available after 3:00pm (Flight and pre
tour accommodation options are available). This evening join Malcolm
for welcome drinks.
DAY 2 Sunday 3 November 2024 Hiroshima
The tour begins this morning with a transfer to Osaka Train Station for
a high speed Shinkasen train to Hiroshima. On arrival we will explore
some of Hirsohima’s fascinating contemporary buildings including the
Museum of Art (Kisho Kurokawa), ANA Chapel, Simone Art Museum
and Itsukushima Shrine.
DAY 3 Monday 4 November 2024 Kurashiki
This morning we visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the
Ribbon Chapel (Nakamura). A beautiful wedding venue with a panoramic
view of Seto Inland Sea. Afterwards we travel to Kurashiki with a stop
at the Kohtei Pavilion gardens then Ohashis House in Kurashiki, a 1796
traditional merchant’s house’. Wander the historic town of Kurashiki in
the evening.
DAY 4 Tuesday 5 November 2024 Kurashiki
This morning we travel to Naoshima Island, known for its art museums,
architecture and sculpture. We will visit the spectacular Chichu Art
Museum, Benesse House and Ando Museum all by Tadao Ando. Chichu
Art Museum has paintings from Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. Benesse
House Museum shows contemporary sculpture. We will also see the
iconic Yayoi Kusama yellow pumpkin sculpture.
DAY 5 Wednesday 6 November 2024 Kobe
This morning we travel to Tazaemon Yamamura House (Yodoka Guest
House), the first of two Frank Lloyd Wright buildings we will see in
Japan. After lunch we arrive in Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture
and one of Japan’s ten largest cities. Located between the sea and the
Rokko mountain range, Kobe is also considered one of Japan’s most
attractive cities. We visit the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art – Ando
Gallery and then see the Chapel of the Wind (Mount Rokko Church) one
of three churches Ando designed.
DAY 6 Thursday 7 November 2024 Osaka
This morning we visit another of Tadao Ando’s spectacular works – the
Water Temple, Awaji Island. This is a modern Buddhist temple built of
concrete and located underground, with a circular pool of water planted
above the prayer space. We then continue on to Koshino Hiroko House.
Ando designed the Koshino House for fashion designer Hiroko Koshino
and her family during 1979 - 1984.
DAY 7 Friday 8 November 2024 Kyoto
This morning we visit to Asahi Oyamazaki Museum of Art (Ando). We
then visit the Garden of Fine Arts (Ando) followed by the Shugakuin
Imperial Villa and the Apple Store, Kyoto.
DAY 8 Saturday 9 November 2024 Kyoto
Kyoto is old Japan with atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, traditional
teahouses and is the heart of Japan’s geisha world. It is most well known
in Japanese history for being the former Imperial capital of Japan for
more than one thousand years. We begin with a visit to the spectacular
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove one of most photographed sights in Kyoto.
We continue on to Ryoan-ji Temple. Originally an aristocrat’s villa during
the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and
belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It
is popular for its rock garden. After lunch we visit Kyoto Concert Hall
(Isozaki) (external view only unless attending a concert) and Nishjin
Lifestyle Museum. We the visit Shisendo Temple. Former samurai,
Chinese classics scholar, and landscape architect Ishikawa Jozan built
the shrine in 1641 as a retirement villa. We conclude the day with a visit
to Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, with a spectacular view over Kyoto.
DAY 9 Sunday 10 November 2024 Kyoto
This morning we visit the famous Kinkaku Ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. After lunch, we will visit Katsura Imperial Villa (completed in 1645), for a guided tour of one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design.
DAY 10 Monday 11 November 2024 Kyoto
A free day in Kyoto to visit some of its historic sites. You may wish to visit Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district made famous from the novel and film Memoirs of a Geisha. It is filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices) entertain.
DAY 11 Tuesday 12 November 2024 Nagoya
We depart Kyoto and travel to Nagoya today. Along the way we will visit Miho Museum (I M Pei) and Ise Grand Shrine, Naiku. Ise Grand Shrine is Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine and dates back to the 3rd Century. It is considered to be the spiritual home of the Japanese and its national religion Shinto.
DAY 12 Wednesday 13 November 2024 Chino
Today we visit GC Prostho Museum Research Centre (Kuma) and the Imperial Hotel Foyer (photo below) at Museum Meiji-Mura (Wright). Meiji-Mura is an open-air architectural museum near Nagoya. The museum preserves historic buildings from Japan’s Meiji (1867–1912), Taisho (1912–1926), and early Shōwa (1926–1989) periods. Over 60 historical buildings have been moved and reconstructed. The most noteworthy being the main entrance and lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark Imperial Hotel, which originally stood in Tokyo from 1923 to 1967, when the main structure was demolished to make way for a new, larger version of the hotel.
DAY 13 Thursday 14 November 2024 Tokyo
This morning we visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre (Ban). Opened in 2017 to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site four years prior. The building has an inverted conical form that reflects in the pond outside to reveal the shape of the iconic mountain. We continue onto Tokyo and arrive late afternoon.
DAY 14 Friday 15 November 2024 Tokyo
There aren’t many places on Earth that blend ancient tradition and the ultra-modern quite like Tokyo. Centuries-old gardens and cobblestone laneways live in perfect harmony with soaring skyscrapers and dazzling neon lights. Following a free morning, we will visit the Tokyo International Forum, followed by a coach and walking tour of 12 of Tokyo’s architect-designed Flag Stores, including Apple, Gucci and Hugo Boss. We conclude the evening with a trip to Shinjuku, famous for its neon lights.
DAY 15 Saturday 16 November 2024 Tokyo
A full day of exploring Tokyo’s architectural wonders starting with the Architecture Museum Edo W, the Olympic Stadium (Kuma), Nezu Museum and Sumida Hokusai Museum.
DAY 16 Sunday 17 November 2024 Tokyo
A free day in Tokyo to visit some of its wonderful sights – historic and modern. You might want to go up the Tokyo Skytree for an impressive view of the city.
DAY 17 Monday 18 November 2024 Tokyo
Our final day in Tokyo We will see Sky House (Kitutake), St Mary’s Cathedral (Tange), National Art Centre and Sunny Hill cake shop. We will have a farewell dinner this evening to celebrate a wonderful tour.
DAY 18 Tuesday 19 November 2024 Departure
After breakfast the tour concludes.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $10,790 | $12,890 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN
64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. All passengers must
complete and sign a Travelrite International booking form.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A non-refundable deposit of
$1000 per passenger should be sent with a completed
Travelrite International booking. As soon as the booking
is confirm-ed, (usually within 24 hours), a confirmation
advice will be posted to the client. A further deposit of
$1500 is due by 19 April 2024. Final payments are due
to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the
commence-ment of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee
will be added to payments by credit card.
CANCELLATION CHARGES: Number of days before departure.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 180 days | $1000 per person |
| 180 - 91 days | $2500 per person |
| 90 days or less | 100% of full fare |
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not
allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation,
meals, airfare or other services not utilised after
the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a
valid passport. If you hold another passport please check
with Travelrite International.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is
highly recommended to cover tour members for the
consequences of unforeseen events during the tour and
for cancellation fees which could result from events such
as illness, accident, death etc.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage
allowance.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS:
The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number
of passengers having booked 90 days prior to departure.
Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a
full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to
proceed with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite International
reserves the right to change advertised entrances
if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd.
(ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite
acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for
hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service
and does not assume any liability whatsoever for any
injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person
or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any
hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering
any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further
no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay
due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery
break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather,
terrorism or other causes beyond their control.
No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense,
omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government
authority. The passage contract between the carriers
concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract
between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/
or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw
any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may
be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of
the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This
contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of
the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must
be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage
Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf
and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as
your agent for the purpose of making contracts between
you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour.
Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make
available to you, or may as your agent engage any third
party to provide or make available to you, any good or
service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary
for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate
you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you
in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or
partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International
your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite
any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of
any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to
obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the
risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by sending full
names and addresses of intending tour members with a
deposit of $1000 to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by contacting
Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817
078) is a well-established travel company which has
been marketing throughout Australia for over 40
years. It has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538)
office at Balwyn. As such it directly represents the
major airlines of the world and all major domestic
and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the
Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“Many thanks to you both (and Travelrite) for a fantastic US tour! A very memorable experience indeed…and nice to meet all the Tour group as well!”
“What a delight and privilege it was for me to spend that time soaking in amazing architecture with such a lovely, interesting group of people. I enjoyed meeting all of you.”
