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 2014, 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 4 November 2023 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 5 November 2023 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
MOCA Gallery and the Museum of Art (Kisho Kurokawa). We hope
to visit the Itsukushima Shrine at sunset which is being renovated. If
inaccessible we will visit the small chapel within the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
DAY 3 Monday 6 November 2023 Kurashiki
This morning we visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Afterwards
we travel to Kurashiki with a stop at the Kohtei Pavilion then a traditional
house in Kamitomii (Shin Ohori) (subject to owner’s permission). Wander
the historic town of Kurashiki in the evening.
DAY 4 Tuesday 7 November 2023 Kurashiki
This morning we travel to Naoshima Island, known for its art museums,
architecture and sculpture. We will see the Ferry Terminal before visiting
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.
DAY 5 Wednesday 8 November 2023 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. The afternoon will be free to explore the city.
DAY 6 Thursday 9 November 2023 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. Tadao Ando was also the architect for the
nearby Yumebutai Hotel & Observation Terrace research centre which
we will also visit. 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 10 November 2023 Kyoto
This morning we drive past Ando’s Azuma House. This is a private
residence so will not be able to enter. We continue on to Oyamazaki
Museum (Ando). We then visit Katsura Imperial Villa (completed in 1645),
one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design.
DAY 8 Saturday 11 November 2023 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. Today we explore some of the
outstanding modern works in Kyoto. We begin with a visit to the Garden
of Fine Arts (Ando), followed by 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 12 November 2023 Kyoto
This morning those that wish to do so can attend a service at the
Church of Light (Ibaraki Kasugaoka Church) (Ando) (attendance at
the service is subject to room being available for a group on the day)
followed by 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 the famous Kinkaku Ji (Golden Pavilion),
a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely
covered in gold leaf.
DAY 10 Monday 13 November 2023 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 14 November 2023 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 15 November 2023 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 16 November 2023 Tokyo
This morning we visit the House in Yatsugatake (Kidosaki Architects
– photo above) a minimalist home cantilevered on the top of a hill
overlooking the serene mountainscape and Hakone house (Kidosaki
Architects) (subject to the owner’s permission). We arrive in Tokyo late
afternoon.
DAY 14 Friday 17 November 2023 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. We will visit the Asakusa district, well-known as a region of
Old Tokyo, the Asakusa Kannon Temple, a Buddhist temple also known
as Sensoji, built in 645 A.D with the finest Japanese architecture. In
the afternoon we will visit Tokyo International Forum (Rafael Vinoly),
Mikimoto Ginza 2 Building (Ito) and a special visit to Hirotaka Kidosaki’s
own house (Kidosaki Architects).
DAY 15 Saturday 18 November 2023 Tokyo
A full day of exploring Tokyo’s architectural wonders including the
Architecture Museum Edo W, Sumida Hokusai Museum and the
National Art Museum.
DAY 16 Sunday 19 November 2023 Tokyo
Today we visit Nezu Museum, 2121 Design Sight (Ando), Omotesando
Hills (Ando) and Tod’s Omotesando Building (Ito)
DAY 17 Monday 20 November 2023 Tokyo
Our final day in Tokyo We will see Sky House (Kitutake), St Mary’s
Cathedral (Tange) and the Olympic Stadium (Kuma). The afternoon will
be free for individual sightseeing or last minute shopping. We will have
a farewell dinner this evening to celebrate a wonderful tour.
DAY 18 Tuesday 21 November 2023 Departure
We transfer to the airport for our flights back to Australia and New Zealand.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $9,890 | $11,990 |
Speak to our consultant about great airfare deals to join the group.
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 deposit of $1000 per
passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite
International booking. As soon as the booking is confirmed,
(usually within 24 hours), a confirmation advice will
be posted to the client. A further deposit of $1500 is due
by 4 May 2023. Final payments are due to be paid to
Travelrite International 60 days prior to the commencement
of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be added
to payments by credit card.
CANCELLATION CHARGES: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| 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
Fax: (03) 9836 8068
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel
company which has been operating in the eastern
suburbs of Melbourne for more than 30 years. It is
has two fully accredited (ATAS 10538) IATA offices
in Balwyn and Heathmont. As such, it directly
represents the major airlines of the world and all
major domestic and international tour and transport
operators. It has been operating successful tours for
over 30 years. Travelrite International 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.”
