Information Itinerary Tour cost Food Safety Communication Preparation How to apply
Itinerary Departure Day, Sunday 4th October – Qantas Night flight Melbourne - Sydney, Sydney to Narita (Tokyo)
Day 1, Monday 5th October – Arrive in Japan early in the morning. Private transfer to Tokyo Hotel (Hotel Edoya Ryokan). Train and Monorail to Odaiba Visit Gundam Robot Statue, Miraikan science centre, see Asimo the Robot, mega web, look at the latest futuristic cars and see the rainbow bridge.
Itinerary Day 2, Tuesday 6th October – Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Tour with English speaking guide
Day 3 – Wednesday 7th October – Spend the day at Akasaka Elementary School in Minato Ku Day 4 – Thursday 8th October – Explore Tokyo Asakusa – Explore Sensoji Temple and enjoy souvenir shopping at famous nearby shopping street View Tokyo Sky Tree Ikebukuro Life safety training centre – experience earthquake training, fire drills, etc. Shibuya – famous Shibuya crossing
Itinerary Day 5 – Friday 9th October – Bullet train to Kyoto, check in at Kyoto Station West Hotel and explore surroundings Kiyomizudera – the water temple Shabu Shabu dinner
Day 6 – Saturday 10th October – Kyoto City Tour of Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Imperial Palace Handicraft centre for a hands on activity Ninja theme dinner
Itinerary
Day 7 – Sunday 11th October – Arashiyama Hozugawa River Cruise Monkey Mountain – climb to the top of the mountain and feed monkeys Bamboo Groves – walk through the famous bamboo groves
Day 8 – Monday 12th October – Koka Ninja Village – complete ninja tasks to obtain a Ninja License Fishimi Inari – famous for its thousands of tori gates which lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mt Inari
Itinerary Day 9 – Tuesday 13th October - View Kyoto Tower Observation Deck and then bullet train to Tokyo Train to Narita Airport Night Flight - Depart Narita (Tokyo)
Wednesday 14th October - Arrive in Melbourne in the morning
Tour cost Approx $4000 INCLUDES
Return flights with Qantas 8 x nights accommodation 7 day JR (Japan Rail) Pass Transportation ALL Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Admission fees Fresh water and fruit daily Travel Insurance Tour T-shirt & Jacket - TBA Printed Photobook - TBA
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE Spending money! It is recommended that students bring a maximum of ¥20,000 (approx. $250) Students money will be evenly distributed daily to the student so all is not blown in one day shopping!
Food Students will experience eating traditional Japanese food (high rice diet) as well as Western food Students will have choices (e.g. breakfast buffet, food court) Fresh fruit each night Fresh bottled water each day
Safety
Japan is a peaceful nation and has some of the safest cities in the world to live in Students will wear bright tour polo tops and/or jackets Students will be accompanied by a teacher at all times and teachers will carry mobile phones Department ratio 1:10 we will have 1:5 A staff member will have a phone that can make international calls
Safety
All travelling staff are First Aid trained Medical centres are located at every train station Visiting the Earthquake Life Safety Learning Centre Lanyards with info – including name, contact information, hotel and any emergency info in Japanese e.g. No peanuts Epipens/medication will be carried by teachers on a needs basis Do not need vaccinations to visit Japan (general vaccinations should be up to date)
Communication Private blog site from teachers and students for parents to view with information and photos uploaded regularly Circle time each night to de-brief with students Each teacher will carry a mobile phone for emergencies only
Student Pre-tour Orientation Program Students participating in the tour will meet regularly in the lead up to: - Extend Japanese language skills (order food, everyday language, directions etc.) - Discuss excitement about tour and any concerns - Learn about Japanese money & exchange rate - Practise using chopsticks!
- Learn useful kanji symbols - Understand cultural do’s and don’ts - Learn useful body language for travelling
Before / After
Alongside the student preparation at school, we will also celebrate the tour with a dinner before we leave with all the families Upon our return we will organise another dinner with all the families to share stories
What to bring Suitcase Day Backpack (with spare set of clothes, toothbrush for plane) Camera only (optional) – no phones, ipad, kindle etc. Comfortable shoes / runners for walking around during the day Spending money (collected by the teacher and distributed daily to each student)
Educational Benefits Encourage students to participate in Japanese language learning with a real purpose Assist students to become responsible local and global citizens Broaden our students personal horizons and give access to a deeper understanding of others Involve students in learning about and engaging with diverse cultures Allow students to experience independent living away from home (self responsibility) Provide students with leadership skills when travelling Create valuable friendships and experiences for a lifetime
How to Apply Invitation to Apply (including behavioural contract) – Due back ASAP (no later than Wednesday 25th March) Deposit – ASAP or no later than Wednesday 15th April 2015 Passport – details required ASAP Regular payments - TBA
