Japan Guidebook 0304

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The Duke University, The Fuqua School of Business Fuqua School of Business Japan Trip 2011 Spring Break 2011 Japan Trip Guidebook March 11-18, 2011 1 Supported by 濱濱濱 Planned by

Transcript of Japan Guidebook 0304

The Duke University, The Fuqua School of Business

Fuqua School of Business Japan Trip 2011Spring Break 2011

Japan Trip Guidebook

March 11-18, 2011

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Supported by

濱口塾Planned by

INDEX

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE.................................................................................................................................3

THE RULES OF JAPAN TRIP...............................................................................................................................3

HOTEL INFORMATION.....................................................................................................................................4

HOTEL NEW HANKYU OSAKA 大阪新阪急ホテル....................................................................................................4HAKONE SUIMESO 箱根水明荘...............................................................................................................................6HOTEL VILLA FONTAINE ROPPONGI ANNEX ヴィラフォンテーヌ六本木アネックス.........................................7

PARTICIPANTS LIST..........................................................................................................................................8

ROOM ASSIGNMENT....................................................................................................................................13

KYOTO /TOKYO.....................................................................................................................................................13HAKONE..............................................................................................................................................................13

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY.................................................................................................................................14

MARCH 10, THURSDAY..........................................................................................................................................14MARCH 11, FRIDAY (ARRIVE IN OSAKA)....................................................................................................................14MARCH 12, SATURDAY, (NARA TOUR)......................................................................................................................16MARCH 13, SUNDAY (OSAKA TOUR)........................................................................................................................17MARCH 14, MONDAY (KYOTO TOUR).......................................................................................................................19MARCH 15, TUESDAY (TOYOTA VISIT, TRANSFER TO HAKONE).......................................................................................21MARCH 16, WEDNESDAY (TRANSFER TO TOKYO, TOKYO TOUR).....................................................................................23MARCH 17, THURSDAY (OPTIONAL TOURS WITH YOUR TRIP LEADERS).............................................................................26MARCH 18, FRIDAY (LEAVE JAPAN)...........................................................................................................................27

ITEMS TO BRING CHECK LIST.........................................................................................................................29

MONEY.........................................................................................................................................................30

TRANSPORTATION........................................................................................................................................32

ETIQUETTE....................................................................................................................................................34

LANGUAGE...................................................................................................................................................36

EMERGENCY.........................................................................................................................................................37

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Itinerary at a GlanceThis is a simplified version. Please check the timeline in the detailed day schedule.

12-Mar 13-Mar 14-Mar 15-Mar 16-Mar 17-Mar 18-Mar8:00 Depart for Kyoto8:30 Leave for Nagoya Leave for Tokyo Leave for Narita9:00 Depart for Nara Osaka castle Arrive Kyoto Shinkansen9:30 Kimono Rental

10:00 Arrive Nara Rokuonji Arrive Nagoya10:30 Dapa-tika Arrive Tokyo11:00 Todaiji (Ryoanji) Tokyo Tower11:30 Lunch12:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch12:3013:00 Kohukuji Mido-suji Kiyomizudera Toyota Visit Walking tour 313:30 1:00 - 2:10 Imperial Palace14:00 yasaka jinjya14:30 Shopping Head for Hakone15:00 Shopping15:30 Hotel Check in16:00 Walking tour 116:30 Asakusa17:00 Leave for Osaka return kimono17:3018:00 Arrive Osaka Dotonbori Leave for Osaka Arrive Hakone18:30 Hot Spring19:00 Dinner Dinner Onsengai Walk Dinner Dinner19:30 Kushikatsu Dinner Alumni Party20:00 Applicants Party20:30 Kita-shinchi21:00 Karaoke21:3022:00

Stay Hakone Suimeiso

*A wide variety of optional plans organized by Japanese leaders are also available.New Hankyu Hotel in Osaka Villa Fontaine Roppongi

The Rules of Japan Trip1) Be punctual!2) Any trouble? Call any of the J-Trip leaders.

- Nobuhiko Suzuki 090-6039-6030- Yumiko Hashimoto (Travel Consultant, Michi Travel Japan) 090-8347-0794

3) HAVE A LOT OF FUN!

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Hotel Information

Hotel New Hankyu Osaka 大阪新阪急ホテルArrival Date: March 11, 2011 (4 nights)Departure Date: March 15, 2011Address: 1-1-35, Shibata, Kitaku, Osaka, Japan 530-8310住所:〒530-8310大阪府大阪市北区芝田 1-1-35Tel: +81-6-6372-5101 Fax: +81-6-6374-6885Website: http://www.hankyu-hotel.com/cgi-bin2/cms2/index_en.cgi?hid=19osakashhCheck-in: 14:00, Check-out 12:00Internet Access: A LAN cable is available at each room. Free of charge. No WiFi is available.Some laptops can be rented at the front desk at 1,200 yen per night.

Hotel New Hankyu Hotel is located in the center right next to a station. To make your experience with hotel staff even better, the hotel has an array of restaurants and bars, festive party, rooms all in the urban style hotel.

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<Map>

<Map>

-Directly linked with Umeda station, Hankyu Line 阪急梅田駅

-1 min. from Exit (1) of Umeda station, Subway Midosuji Line 地下鉄御堂筋線梅田駅

-3 min. from Midosuji gate 御堂筋口 of JR Osaka station JR大阪駅

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Hotel New Hankyu Osaka

Hankyu UmedaTrain station

Subway Umeda station (Exit1)

JR Osaka station

Yodomashi Camera

Hankyu Department store

HanshinDepartment store

Hankyu Ings

ATM: 8:00-22:001st Flr., Umeda Bld.

Hakone Suimeso 箱根水明荘

Arrival Date: March 15 2011 (1 night)

Departure Date: March 16, 2011

Address: 702, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa-ken, JAPAN 250-0311

住所:〒250-0311 神奈川県箱根町湯本 702

Tel: +81-460-85-5381 Fax: +81-460-85-6628

Website: http://www.suimeisou.com/english/index.htm

Check-in: 14:00, Check-out 11:00

Internet Access: WiFi is available in the lobbi of the main building. Also 2 LAN cables are available for the use

in the lobby.

Suimeiso is located along the Hayakawa river, and with 3-minutes walk from Hakone Yumoto station. Public natural spa baths, Japanese banquet rooms, bar with Karaoke machine, Karaoke room for group, meeting room, souvenir shop are available. The lobby of ryokan offer wired and wireless internet access for free. (We cannot lend PC).<Map>

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<Access>

3 min. walk from Hakone Yumoto station, Odakyu Line 小田急箱根湯本

Hotel Villa Fontaine ROPPONGI ANNEX ヴィラフォンテーヌ六本木アネックス

Arrival Date: Mar. 16 2011 (2 nights)

Departure Date: Mar. 18

Address: 3-2-7 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0032

住所:〒106-0032 東京都港区六本木 3-2-7

Tel: +81-3-3560-5550 Fax: +81-3-3560-5677

Website: http://www.hvf.jp/eng/roppongi_annex.php

Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 11:00

Internet Access: A Lan cable is available in your room for free of charge.

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The hotel is located just 2 minutes walking distance from subway Roppongi 1-chome station, and 7 minutes from

subway Roppongi station. It is conveniently located to go sightseeing in Tokyo, and to enjoy the Tokyo nightlife,

since many bars and clubs are located in Roppongi. The room interior is modern and simple. Complimentary

breakfast (bread, salad, soup, coffee etc.) is included in the plan.

Map & Access

The hotel is located right by Roppongi 1-chome Station of the subway Nanboku Line. From exit #1, there will be

stairs on your right hand side. The hotel will be visible on your left hand side after the stairs.

From Roppongi Station of Hibiya Line or Oedo Line, the hotel can be reached by walking for approx. 7 minutes.

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Participants List

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Villa FontaineROPPONGI ANNEXConvenience Store “Famliy Mart”

Convenience Store “Seven Eleven”Convenience Store “Seven Eleven”Tully’s Coffee, 1F of Izumi Garden Tower

Villa FontaineROPPONGI ANNEXConvenience Store “Famliy Mart”

Convenience Store “Seven Eleven”Tully’s Coffee, 1F of Izumi Garden Tower First Last

Class of/Status

E-mail

Abbey Blume

[email protected]

Adam Barzel

[email protected]

du

Alejandro

Franco-Ugidos

[email protected]

u

Alfonso Olaiz

2012 [email protected]

AlvaroFranco-Ugidos

brother ofAlejandroFranco-Ugidos

[email protected]

Amit Goel

[email protected]

e.eduLook forward to the amazing food!!

I'm looking forward to the food, experiencing a new culture, sumo wrestling, and karaoke!

I believe the best way to experience a country is through native hosts, so I am thrilled to have theopportunity to go on this trip and see Japan through the eyes of our trip organizers!

I am a FY from Spain interested in Japanese culture. I have an atypical background for BusinessSchool (physician), but hopefully nobody will get ill during the trip.

To discover and learn about Japan, its culture and heritage. To make friends. To enjoy Japanesefood. To have fun during the trip, spending time with other Fuqua students in a differentenvironment.

I am a second year student from India. Before coming to Fuqua I worked as a business analyst atBarclays Global Investors, London. I love to travel and experiment different cuisines ( I am avegetarian so the experiment tends to be a little restrictive!)

Photo

Specific interests for the trip

Self-introduction

Born and raised in Mexico. Industrial engineer with 8 years of work experience, 5 of those in consulting.Love food, gourmet food. I like reading, walking and running. I have been married 2.5 year now with awonderful woman, Lara. We have a white dog, miniature Schnauzer, named Gami. We drove fromMexico to Duke. The trip took 45 hours of effective driving.

My wife has already visited, and she is all excited about it. I want to see the architecture, learn moreof the culture, eat new and exciting foods.

Born in Spain and currently working in Madrid as gas trader for utility Endesa. I love basketball,running and good food. Long time thinking about travelling to Japan so we see the incredibleopportunity to join this multicultural group and jump it straight forward. Secont time in Asia but neverso far from home.

Saki is something that I have not explored in depth yet. No seriosuly, visit to Toyota plant.

I'm currently a SY. I am originally from Washington state but spent the last 5 years in Washington,DC. I like to run, bake, and watch reality tv, and I can't wait for this trip (it will be my first time inAsia)!

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Amy Sheth

2011 [email protected]

AntonioDe

Gregorio

2011 [email protected]

Brian Yokley

2012 [email protected]

David Watts

[email protected]

Hide Kondo

[email protected]

u

Jacqueline

Ferris

2011 [email protected]

Jennifer Snook

[email protected]

ke.edu

Joan Marrache

[email protected]

u

I'm looking forward to getting to experience a culture I unfortunately know little about: the people,customs, food & karaoke!

I am a third-year MBA and Master of Environmental Management student, originally from ChapelHill. Prior to grad school, I lived in Portland, OR and will be returning to the Pacific NW post-schoolto work at Deloitte in Seattle. I love traveling and exploring new cultures, so am very excited aboutthis trip!

Good food, learning from my classmates, and a bit of relaxation.

I am a SY student and incredibly excited about this trip. I was born in France, grew up in Jersey,and attended NYU. After NYU I worked for a for-profit education company until I moved to NorthCarolina to attend Fuqua. After school, I'll be moving to Minneapolis to work in finance.

I'm looking forward to everything about Japan! Specifically sushi, the nightlife, the fish market, and"subway smashers". This will be my first time on the continent!

I am most excited about learning about a new culture, eating new foods (I LOVE to eat), checkingout the Toyota plant and getting to know more Fuquans.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce you to Japan. I spent more than 4 years in Kyotowhen I was university stundent, and I worked in Tokyo for 5 years.

I expect to spend fun time with this trip mates. Your satisfaction with Japan will make me happy!

I'm currently a SY student from Washington, DC and planning to move to NJ after graduation. Mycareer is focused in Marketing, but my other personal interests are in art, trying new foods, anyexcuse to go dancing and traveling as much as possible. I'm incredibly excited for this trip as I'vealways wanted to travel to Japan!

I am a second year student, and I love to travel. I am originally from California, and Durham hasbeen my first time living outside of California. I love to travel and am looking forward to exploringAsia this year as I'll be visiting India, Bali and last but not least, Japan!

look forward to the bars in Tokyo, the food and to see a different side of Japan.

Antonio De Gregorio - 26 - Love travelling - Industrial Engineer - Mr. Takamoto has been such agood Japanese host so far! - Consulting -

Get to know the real Japan - Have fun - Get to know more people - Have more fun ;-)

My name is Brian Yokley. I am from Washington DC and I have never been out of the country. Oneof the things that I wanted to make sure I did while in B-School was to take advantage of as manyout-of-the-country trips as possible. This trip will be my first.

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Joseph Sithole

2011 [email protected]

Karen Luby

2011 [email protected]

Katie Scearce

[email protected]

Kento Ueha

2011 [email protected]

Lara Husary

Alfonso's wife

Lisa Dacey

2011 [email protected]

Lisa Darnell

2011 [email protected]

LorenaMartinGomez

Fiancee ofAlvaro

Franco-Ugidos

[email protected]

SUSHI!!! Seeing all the secret cool spots with the best tour guides ever. Experiencing Japaneseculture from calming gardens to Tokyo nightlife.

Born in loverly city in the north of Spain, Palencia but living in Madrid since I was 18. I work in therenewable energy sector. I love wine & friends.

Get a bit of japanesse culture and food. It has to be so different to anything I have seen so far.Could it be a better opportunity?

Being able to travel with 30+ people from Fuqua. I can't wait to get to know everyone in person!

I'm Alfonso's wife. I was born in Mexico City, but all my family is originally from Lebanon. I have a BAin Management of Tourism, and worked a few years at a large University. I've been happily marriedfor almost 3 years and we have a beautiful dog, Gami.

I love Japan!! I visited a few years ago and I'm again very excited in visiting again!! I love the overallculture, the food, the kindness of its people, the great architecture, modern technology and ofcourse, its very particular fashion and shopping! I think what I'll enjoy the most will be traveling withlocal friends and experiencing it in a deeper way =)

I'm a SY at Fuqua. Originally from Boston, I worked in politics and nonprofit before school and planto go into consulting after school. I love to travel!

Sushi and karaoke!

I am originally from Durham, but lived in San Francisco before school and will be headed to Dallasnext year to do Marketing for Frito Lay. I went on GCP to India and GATE to South Africa, but I knowthe Japan trip will be the best yet!

I look forward to seeing Japanese Gardens and eating sushi. I also look foward to enjoying K

Prior to Fuqua, I lived in Chicago and worked for a venture firm/incubator where I started two new companies. I moved anumber of times growing up but spent the bulk of my childhood in England. After graduation, I will be moving to NewYork to work at Unilever. Some of my good friends in high school were from Japan and I have always wanted to go. I'mexcited to explore with classmates!

Everything! New cities, good sushi, nice pens, fast trains…

I'm a second year student who spent the first 9 years of my life in Germany and then lived in Virginia through college.Before Fuqua I lived in Charlotte, NC and worked in strategy for a healthcare IT company. After Fuqua I'll be headingto NYC to work for Accenture in their strategy practice. I love traveling anywhere and everywhere and exploring new

things!

I love love love food so I'm excited to eat the freshest sushi on earth at the Tsukiji Market! I'm also excited about experiencingthe culture, seeing the beautiful architecture, going to the hot springs and hopefully seeing some pretty blooming cherry

blossom trees! If you don't see me, you can find me with Luby buying all the Japanese pens we can get our hands on! I'mreally happy to be exploring Japan with so many awesome classmates and have great Japanese peers guide us around their

country!

I spent my childhood in the States, but was back in Japan before coming to business school. I loveto travel and experience new things. While we'll be travelling in my home country this time, I'm sureI'll get to learn and see new things with you all! Let's have fun.

A housemate once called me the jolly black man. When asked to describe me, most of my friends wouldnote my contagious laugh that emanates from my gut, my positive attitude, and my joyful spirit. Indeed,my joy has been a source of strength that allows me to press on through hard trials and encourage myteammates to succeed, especially in times of stress and crisis.

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Mami Kondo

Hide'swife

Marc Reiners

2011 [email protected]

Neeti Ardeshna

2011 [email protected]

Neil Advani

[email protected]

ke.edu

Neil Ardeshna

2011 [email protected]

Nikhil Sharma

2011 [email protected]

Nobuhiko

Suzuki

[email protected]

du

Sadia Hasan

[email protected]

uLearning about Japan through friends who know the country well.

Eating sushi. Learning more about Japanese culture and history. Visiting Tokyo.

I grew up in South Carolina and went to college at UC Berkeley. Afterward, I worked in productmarketing before pursuing grad school at Duke. Big fan of music, football, and Wicker Man.

The "3 S's": Sushi, Sumo Wrestling, and Saki

Before Fuqua, I was a banker covering Chemical and Pharma industry. I am sponsored by Bank ofTokyo-Mitsubishi, one of the biggest financial conglomerate in Japan, and thus will pursue financecareer after graduation as well. I am married and have two children (4-year-old boy and 1-year-girl).

Enjoy my spring break with my friends and make a great memory!!

I'm a second year from Houston, Texas and was a consultant prior to business school. At Fuqua, Iam doing dual concentration in Strategy and Operations, and will be moving to San Francisco nextyear to work for Apple.

Food (especially sushi), culture, electronic gadgets.

I was born in India and grew up in Canada and California. I did my undergrad in Carnegie Mellonand subsequently worked in IT consulting for 4.5 years. My interests include Indian classicaldancing, singing, and reading fiction books.

I look forward to eating sushi, learning about the history of the areas we visit, and experiencingJapanese culture. I am also looking forward to seeing the differences in the culture of the differentareas we visit.

I grew up in NJ and went to school at Rochester Institute of Technology, studying computer science.After undergrad, I spent 6 years in NYC working in the technology division within a few financialinstitutions. I did an internship at UBS, and will be working full-time for them in Hong Kong.

Looking forward to the food, culture, and catching up with my fellow Fuquans.

I grew up in New Jersey and went to Carnegie Mellon University as an undergrad. I enjoy runningand traveling. I spent 5 years consulting prior to Fuqua and interned at Apple over the summer.

I'm from Japan. I came to live in Durham in September this year, because my husband is a first yearstudent. As I was born and grew up in Japan, I'd happy to help other participants understandingJapanese culture.

I hope all participants in this trip can have meaningful experience, and have more and more interestin Japan. As for me, I'd like to make many friends through the trip,and hopefully, get a different pointof view from them.

I am a second year student from Seattle and my pre-MBA experience involved working as aproduct manager in the wireless software industry.

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ShawnSaparama

du

2011 [email protected]

StellaGonzales

VigilMohme

2012

[email protected]

e.edu

Suma Prasad

2011 [email protected]

Sajid Prasad

WE 2011 [email protected]

Sara Godwin

2011 [email protected]

Angel Estrada

2011 [email protected]

Taku Aoki

2011 [email protected]

I am excited about the… Sushi! Nightlife! Cities! Exploring with my fellow Fuquans!

I am a SY student from Mexico. Before Fuqua, I worked in Corporate Finance and InvestorRelations back in Monterrey, Mexico for 7 years. I love to learn new things through traveling. This isgoing to be my sencond time in Asia, last year I joined the GATE trip to Vietnam, Singapore andThailand.

I'm very excited to spend the spring break with friends and lean more about the Japanese culture! Ialso look forward to eat a lot of new food and enjoy the Tokyo's nighlife.

Experiencing Japanese culture, seeing the sights, celebrating my birthday in Tokyo and pettingdeer!

I am Taku and SY. I was born and grew up in Osaka, Japan. Before Fuqua, I had worked for plasticdistributors as sales. My main responsibility was to streamline the supply chains of my clients. Inaddition, entertaining my clients was also significant part of my job. I hope that my experience in thisarea help you enjoy Japan Trip.

I would like all participant to challenge and enjoy new experience, such as traditional Japanesefoods, public bath at hot spring, and unique practice in japan . All in all, I wanna see your surprisingface.

Looking forward to a very exciting trip with everyone! Like Nikhil said above… the "3 S's" it will be.

I grew up in Charlotte, NC, and went to Virginia Tech for undergrad. My time at Tech led to my loveof college football. Prior to Fuqua, I worked as a consultant on contracts based in Louisiana, NYC,Colorado, and Oregon, while primarily living in DC. I love adventures of all kinds, especiallytraveling!

I am a second year at Fuqua, who is savoring every opportunity to travel before starting work post-graduation.

An opportunity to see the country of my dear friend, Nobuhiko (with my dear friend, Nobuhiko).

Hi! My name is Stella and I am from Peru. Before coming to Fuqua I worked 5 years at a Bank inthe Commercial Banking Division.

Get to know a lot about the Japanese Culture!

I grew up in India, studied and worked in Miami before starting grad school at Duke. Working forMotorola and a startup, it has been technolgy for me so far. But after an equity research internship,I'm heading for banking post Fuqua. Love music, motorbikes, traveling and am also a bit of a moviebuff!

I am a second-year student and will be studying abroad in Thailand during Spring 1. I am excited tofinish my time in Asia in Japan.

Room Assignment

Kyoto /Tokyo

Male Female MixFirst Name Last Name Gender First Name Last Name Gender First Name Last Name Gender

1 Marc Reiners Male 1 Rubaba Hasan Female 1 StellaGonzalesVigil Mohme

Female

Neil Advani Male Karen Luby Female AlejandroFranco-Ugidos

Male

2 AntonioDeGregorio

Male 2 Lisa Dacey Female 2 AlvaroFranco-Ugidos

Male

Adam Barzel Male Abbey Blume Female Lorena Martin Female3 Joseph Sithole Male 3 Jacqueline Ferris Female 3 Alfonso Olaiz Male

Kento Ueha Male Jennifer Snook Female Lara Husary Female4 David Watts Male 4 Katie Scearce Female 4 Suma Prasad Female

Taku Aoki Male Liza Darnell Female Shawn Saparamadu Male5 Amit Goel Male 5 Joan Marrache Female 5 Amy Sheth Female

Brian Yokley Male Sara Godwin Female Nikhil Sharma Male6 Angel Estrada Male 6 Neil Ardeshna Male

Sajid Khan Male Neeti Ardeshna Female7 Nobuhiko Suzuki Male 7 Mami Kondo Female

Hide Kondo Male

Hakone

Male Female Mix

First Name Last Name Gender First Name Last Name Gender First Name Last Name Gender

1 Antonio De Gregorio Male 1 Rubaba Hasan Female 1 Alfonso Olaiz MaleAdam Barzel Male Karen Luby Female Lara Husary FemaleNeil Advani Male Lisa Dacey FemaleNobuhiko Suzuki Male Abbey Blume Female

2 Marc Reiners Male 2 Jacqueline Ferris FemaleJoseph Sithole Male Jennifer Snook FemaleKento Ueha Male Katie Scearce FemaleDavid Watts Male Liza Darnell Female

3 Taku Aoki Male 3 Joan Marrache Female

Amit Goel Male StellaGonzales VigilMohme

Female

Neil Ardeshna Male Lorena Martin Gomez FemaleSajid Khan Male Sara Godwin Female

4 Shawn Saparamadu Male 4 Suma Prasad FemaleNikhil Sharma Male Amy Sheth FemaleBrian Yokley Male Neeti Ardeshna FemaleAngel Estrada Male Mami Kondo Female

5 AlejandroFranco-Ugidos

Male

AlvaroFranco-Ugidos

Male

Hide Kondo Male

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Day-to-day Itinerary

March 10, ThursdayLeave Durham

March 11, Friday (Arrive in Osaka)

Transfer to Kyoto on your ownTransfer to your hotel in Kyoto by airport bus or train on your own. Please refer to below.

1) From Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka (Umeda)

Kansai Airport Limousine Bus 関西空港リムジンバス Departure time: 6:35 ~ 23:15 (Operated every 15 to 30 minutes)Duration: approx. 50-95 min.Cost: 1,500yen/adult, one-wayTicket: Available at limousine bus ticket counter or vending machines located on the 1 st floor, outside of the airport buildingBus stop # at airport: # 5Stop to get off: “Hotel New Hankyu” 大阪新阪急ホテルhttp://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_osaka_sta.html

2) From Osaka Airport (Itami) to Osaka(Umeda)

Osaka (Itami) Airport Limousine Bus 大阪(伊丹)空港リムジンバス Departure time: 8:10 ~ 20:14 (Operated every 30 minutes) Duration: approx. 30min.Cost: 1,280yen/adult, one-wayTicket: Available at limousine bus ticket counter or vending machines located on the 1 st floor, outside of the airport buildingBus stop # at airport: #14 for South terminal, #4 for North terminalStop to get off: “Hotel New Hankyu” 大阪新阪急ホテル*Some buses skip your hotel so that please make sure if your bus stops at the hotel.http://www.okkbus.co.jp/timetable/unchin.cgi?mode=en&rosen=itm_umd

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To rent a mobile phone

A mobile phone can be rented at Kansai Airport or Narita airport (when you make a transit for Osaka

International Airport), and returned to Narita Airport. Here are a few rental companies that you can

choose from. Make sure that you book through their website before you leave your country.

1) SoftBank Global Rental: http://www.softbank-rental.jp/en/index.php

2) Pururu: http://www.pupuru.com/en/service/basic/

3) JAL ABC http://www.jalabc.com/rental/domestic_eng/index.html

From Narita Airport (NRT) to Osaka

It takes 4 hours in total by trains from Narita to Tokyo via Tokyo and costs 16,840 yen. Thus, we recommend flying into Kansai International airport (KIX) or Osaka airport (Itami).

However, if your international flight arrives at Narita and you cannot book domestic flight from Narita to KIX or Itami, you must move to Kyoto by trains. Please refer to below.

1) Narita Express from Narita to Tokyo(or Shinagawa)At Narita Airport, walk to JR Narita Airport Terminal station (easy), buy the Narita Express tickets (to Tokyo or Shinagawa) and Shinkansen (bullet train, from either Tokyo or Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka) ticket at the Foreign Travelers Center (English-speaking counter).

Shinkansen has two kinds of cars, one is reserved seat, the other one is non-reserved seats. Since it is more than 2 hour ride, choosing “reserved” seat is highly recommended. Please also specify if you want to choose non-smoking. Smoking cars are only for very heavy smokers.

2) Shinkansen from Tokyo(or Shinagawa) to Shin-OsakaChange to Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka.

3) Rapid train from Shin-Osaka to OsakaChange to a train to Osaka station. All types of trains either “new rapid 新快速”, “rapid 快速” or ”regular 普通” stop at Osaka station. Please refer to map in page 5 for the detailed direction to the hotel.

Below is just a sample schedule. Both Narita express and Shinkansen are in service very frequently. When you buy ticket at the Narita station, the staff will advise appropriate tickets considering transfer time for you.

<Example of train schedule>15:15 Take the JR Narita Express train to Tokyo/Shinagawa Station16:15 Arrive at Tokyo/Shinagawa Station, walk to the bullet train (Shinkansen, in Japanese) terminal 16:50 Take the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station19:24 Arrive at Shin-Osaka station19:37 Take a train to Osaka19:41 Arrive at Osaka stationWalk to your hotel

Check-in at Osaka Hotel New Hankyu

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March 12, Saturday, (Nara Tour)

9:00 Meeting at the lobby9:15 Leave the hotel9:30 Depart from JR Osaka station for NaraTake a JR yamatoji Rapid train to Nara (51min.)

In Nara, we will explore the town on foot. 11:00 Todaji Temple

Constructed in 752, Todaiji Temple is the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple building that houses the Great Buddha is the largest wooden construction in the world. Walk up to the temple’s building on the small hill, to have a nice view of Nara city.

12:00 Lunch

13:00 Kofukuji TempleOriginally built in 730, Kofukuji used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful family of this period. The five-storied pagoda, 50.8 m high, is a symbol of Nara. The landscape around Sarusawaike Pond, including the five-storied pagoda, is one of the typical photogenic sceneries representing Nara.

14:30 Shopping (Naramachi)

<Suggested sites to visit>

Kasuga ShrineNara’s most celebrated shrine was established at the same time as the capital, and was dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. The shrine is famous for its many lanterns donated by worshippers.

17:00 Move back to Osaka18:00 Arrive in Osaka19:00 Dinner (TBD) お好み焼・焼き肉, カラオケ(北新地)Accommodation Hotel New Hankyu (with breakfast)

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March 13, Sunday (Osaka Tour)

Osaka Tour

9:00 Meeting at the lobby9:15 Leave the hotel

Move to Osaka castleTake JR Kanjo sen loop line train to Osakajo Koen (Park) 大阪城公園 9:30 Osaka Castle 大阪城When you climb up to the top of Osaka Castle, you feel like as if you were top of the Samurai with an unobstructed 360-degree view!

10:30 Depachika (Basement of department store) デパ地下Depachika is an abbreviation of Depart chick meaning basement floor of a department store. You can find a wide variety kind of foodstuff! Some stores provide you with food samples.

12:00 Lunch

13:00 Midosuji 御堂筋Midosuji-street is the busiest one in Osaka with big shopping malls, department stores, and various restaurants. You can visit Amemura アメ村(America-mura village), young casual fashion area, and Minami Semba 南船場 with many fashionable small shops.

<Suggested sites to visit> Kuromon IchibaEnjoy walking through Kuromon-market, where a variety of fish shop, meat shop and grocery stores are lined. You can take a glimpse of Japanese food culture.

Doguya-suji This is where Osaka’s finest cooks come to purchase their cooking utensils and restaurant supplies. The shops sell everything needed to equip a restaurant—cutlery, tableware, pots and pans, knives, and even the intricately made miniature plastic food samples used in restaurant window displays.

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18:00 Dotonbori 道頓堀This street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district, and is also known as a food destination.

Dinner

Vegetarian restaurant in Osaka

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Area Sort Name o restaurant Address Contact HPOsaka

Umeda 梅田 Organic Dear. SoupB2F, Hankyu 3bangai, 1-1- 3 Shibata Kita- kuOsaka

06- 6485- 5635 http:/ / www.dearsoup.co.jp/

Organic Solviva

1F, Umeda Arts Theater,Chayamachi 19- 1Kita- kuOsaka

06- 6377- 1333 http:/ / www.solviva.net/ shop/ solviva/ index.html

Indian AshokaB2F, Maru building, 1- 9-20 Umeda

06- 6346- 0333 http:/ / www.ashoka-jp.com/

VegetrarianVegetarian CafeRestaurant MINTO

1- 5- 26 Ukida- cho Kita- kuOsaka

06- 6450- 8722 http:/ / amanto.jp/ groups/ minto

Organic &Vegetrarian

Babel Café

2F, Passage Nakazaki- cho5- 2 Naniwa- cho Kita- kuOsaka

http:/ / babelcafe.exblog.jp/

Indian Nataraj5F, 2- 4- 9 Umeda Kita- kuOsaka

06- 6343- 6477http:/ / www.nataraj.co.jp/jp/ Umeda/ UmedaTop.shtml

東梅田Higashiumeda

Organic Org1F, 7- 7 Doyama- choKita- ku Osaka

06- 6312- 0529 http:/ / r.gnavi.co.jp/ k482300/

Honmachi 本町 Nepalese Kathmandu café2F, 1- 13- 1 Utsubohonmachi

06- 6444- 3121http:/ / r.tabelog.com/ osaka/ A2701/ A270106/ 27005111/

Organic Le- Coccole3- 4- 1 Kita Kyuhouji- machiChuo- ku Osaka

06- 6245- 5556 http:/ / le-coccole.jp/ index.html

Shinsaibashi心斎橋

Nepalese Yak & Yeti4F, The Atrium 1- 5- 30Shinsaibashi suji Chuo- kuOsaka

06- 6243- 6611 http:/ / www.bento.com/ kansai/ revj/ 8244.html

March 14, Monday (Kyoto Tour)

Transfer by a chartered motor coach for the day.

7:45 Meet at the lobby 8:00 Depart from the hotel

9:30-10:30 Kimono Studio “Yume Yakata” Experience the sensation of the first time wearing kimono in Kyoto! Staff will get you

dressed in Kimono. You will be clad in Kimoto during the tour until evening.

11:00 Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)Move to Kinkakuji, known as the golden pavilion. In 1397, construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408. The Golden Pavilion functions as a shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf.

12:00 Lunch

13:00 Kiyomizu Temple & exploration around Gion Higashiyama area by walking through picturesque stone paved pathsKiyomizu temple is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan founded in 780, and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. The city of Kyoto can be overlooked from the elevated terrace. Walk through beautiful stone paved streets line with traditional houses. Here, you will find many craft shops, pottery shops, souvenir shops, and cafes. You will visit Yasaka shrine dedicated to business gods with your trip leader.

ShoppingEnjoy shopping in Shijo and Sanjo area

<Suggested sites to visit>Shijo &Sanjo Kawaramachi 四条河原町/三条河原町

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The area, which lies between Karasuma and Kawaramachi, is Kyoto’s largest and most prestigious downtown shopping area. Everything from traditional craft shops and modern stylish shops to large department stores and international name brand businesses line both side of the street. The eastern end of Shijo Street passes through the heart of Kyoto's most prestigious geiko and maiko flower town, Gion. Opening hours 10:00-19:00 (Most stores)

Nishiki Market 錦市場Visit a local market place known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. It extends about 400 meters with over 100 stores that sell various foods unique in Kyoto such as Kyoto-brand vegetables, pickles, Japanese sweets, and more. Open hours: 9:00-18:00 (Most stores)

17:00 Kimono Return

18:00 Leave for Osaka by a chartered bus19:30 DinnerTBD(串カツ)

Accommodation Hotel New Hankyu (with breakfast)

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Takashimaya dpt store Cocon Karasuma Nishiki market

Yojiya (2nd Flr)

ATM(24hrs)

March 15, Tuesday (Toyota Visit, Transfer to Hakone)

Please bring your baggage to the reception desk by 08:00amYour large luggage is delivered to Tokyo. (One suitcase/person) Please bring an overnight bag for your stay in Hakone. There is not enough space for big luggage in bullet train.

08:15Meet in the lobby

Walk to JR Osaka station to take a train to Shin Osaka station

09:17 Leave Shin Osaka for Nagoya

10:09 Arrive at Nagoya

Transfer to Toyota by a chartered bus

LunchTBD

13:00-14:10 Toyota Museum & Plant Visit

14:30 Transfer to Hakone by a chartered bus (approx. 4.5 hours)

19:00 Check-in at your ryokan

20:00 Dinner at the Japanese banquet room in the ryokan

A Japanese course dinner will be served in a large Japanese tatami (straw mat) room in your ryokan. Seasonal ingredients will be cooked and placed beautifully in each dish. Wear the yukata (casual cotton kimono) which is available in your room to dinner, and enjoy a Japanese style “enkai” (banquet)!

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Train time schedule

9:17 Shin-Osaka 10:09 NagoyaBy Shinkansen, Nozomi super express #6, のぞみ6号

Accommodation: Hakone Suimeiso (Hakone Yumoto), with Kaiseki dinner and breakfastRoom: Japanese Style Room with bath and toiletSuimeiso is located along the Hayakawa river, and with 3-minutes walk from Hakone Yumoto station. Public natural spa baths, Japanese banquet rooms, bar with Karaoke machine, Karaoke room for group, meeting room, souvenir shop are available. The lobby of ryokan offer wired and wireless internet access for free. (We cannot lend PC).

March 16, Wednesday (Transfer to Tokyo, Tokyo Tour)

07:30 Breakfast in a dining room

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Japanese style hot spring (Onsen) experience

Generally, ryokan has large baths partitioned into two sections, one for women and another for men.

When you enter your section, there is a large changing room. There are either big baskets or lockers to place your removed clothes in. You may not wear your underwear or swimming suits into the bath.

When you go into the bath area, here are the steps to take. (1) Put hot water on your body to rinse before getting into the bathtub, since the hot water in the bathtub is shared among many people. (2) Immerse yourselves in the bathtub to warm your body and relax. (3) Get out of the bath tub and wash yourself with soap. Do not wash in the bathtub. (4) Get into the bath once again fully to warm up. (5) Wipe your body with a small towel before entering the changing room.

08:15 Meet in the lobbyWalk to Hakone Yumoto station (5 min.)

Transfer to Shinjuku by Odakyu Express train (Romance car)

10:21 Arrive at Shinjuku

Transfer to Akabanebashi, subway Oedo line (approx. 15min)Walk to Tokyo tower (approx. 10min.)

Tokyo TowerTokyo Tower was completed in 1958 amid the rapid growth of Japanese economy. It is 333m (1,100f) high.There are two observation decks, 150meters high and 250 meters high.

Lunch

Imperial Palace PlazaImperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor family, is located in a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls. It used to be Edo Castle, where Tokugawa Shoguns who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867 lived. From Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds.

Head for your hotel to check-inArrive at your hotel

Walking Tour with your trip leaders<Suggested sites to visit>Asakusa Sensoji Temple 浅草、浅草寺

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Train time schedule

09:17 Hakone Yumoto 10:21 ShinjukuBy Odakyu Express car, Hakone #2, 箱根2号

Visit the oldest temple in Tokyo, Sensoji, located in the heart of downtown Tokyo. The shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from Kaminarimon to the temple's second gate. Besides typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise.

Akihabara (Electronics & sub culture town) 秋葉原Visit a huge electronics store in Akihabara to see the latest electronic goods. For those who would like to buy souvenirs, there is also a floor with a variety of games and toys.

Akihabara area is famous for otaku (geek) culture. At maid cafes, staffs dress up in maid costumes and serve food and drinks. Be adventurous and take a peek into the world of otaku. Moe~~

Ginza 銀座Ginza is one of the most popular shopping districts. Your guide will take you to a basement of department store where you can see a wide variety kind of foods from Japanese sake to sweets.

Harajuku / Omotesando 原宿/表参道Takeshita-dori is a street with youth clothing shops, fast food shops, and cafes. It is fun to see what is “in” for Japanese teenagers, and youth in extreme fashion. Harajuku is also an area with young people’s clothing shops. Many shops carry street fashion clothing that the shop owner has personally selected. Continue walking to Omotesando, a high fashion street with international designers’ brand shops and a new shopping center called Omotesando hills. Many of the buildings on Omotesando are designed by famous architects such as Tadao Ando.

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Shibuya 渋谷Visit Shibuya, the center of youth culture, especially for high school students. “Hachiko” dog statue is in front of famous crossing. There are department stores, restaurants and boutiques.

Dinner Alumni Party

Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo

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Area Sort Name o restaurant Address Contact HP

Shinjuku 新宿 MacrobioticChayamacrobi (IsetanShinjuku Store)

Shinjyuku Isetan Honkan7F3- 14- 1 Shinjyuku,Shinjyuku- ku

03- 3357- 0014http: / /www.chayam.jp/restaurant/shinjuku.html

Indian Rajmahal (Shinjyuku Store)

Peace Building 5F3- 34- 11 Shinjyuku,Shinjyuku- ku

03- 5379- 2525 http: / /www.rajmahal.gr.jp/

Akasaka 赤坂 IndianMoti (Akasaka MitsukeStore)

Akasaka Floral Plaza 2F3- 8- 8 Akasaka, Minato- ku 03- 3584- 3760

http: / /www.yogainfo.jp/ restaurant_guide/2007/05/post_152.html

Vegetarian Pita the greatATT Shinkan 2F2- 11- 7 Akasaka,Minato- ku

03- 5563- 0851http: / /witz.jh.net/ tomo/shops/PITATHEGREAT.html

Roppongi 六本木 Indian Moti (Roppongi Store)

Hama Building 3F6- 2- 35 Roppongi, Minato-ku

03- 3479- 1939http: / /www.yogainfo.jp/ restaurant_guide/2007/05/post_150.html

Indian Rajmahal (Roppongi Store)Urban Building 4FRoppongi, Minato- ku

03- 5411- 2525 http: / /www.rajmahal.gr.jp/

March 17, Thursday (Optional Tours with your trip leaders)

Tsukiji fish marketIf you are interested in sushi and Tsukiji fish market, visit Tsukiji fish market on your own (5 min. by taxi). Though it is impossible to visit there as a large group tour due to regulation and congestion, it is possible to visit there on your own. Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the largest fish markets in the world. By visiting in the morning, you will see a vibrant market with many buyers of seafood. Stroll around the outer market where you will see more than 1,000 specialty shops with fish, seaweed, dried beans, vegetables, Japanese kitchen utensils and more. Try one of the freshest sushi ever for a light morning snack.

<Tuna Auction Rule>1. Number of Visitors:

Up to 140 visitors per day (On a first-come, first-served basis)2. Visitors Registration (1)Registration Place:1st Floor of "The Fish Information Center" (By the            Kachidoki Bridge entrance).  (2)Registration Time: From 4:30AM. 3. Tour Times

Visitors are divided up into two groups of 70 according to their order of arrival.   (1)The first group visits the tuna auction area from 5:00AM to 5:40AM.  (2)The second group visits the area from 5:40AM to 6:15AM.

<Inner Marker Visit Rule>You are not allowed to visit the inner market before 9:00.

Lunch

Dinner

Accommodation Hotel Villa Fontaine Roopongi Annex (with breakfast)

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March 18, Friday (Leave Japan)

Leave TokyoTake the airport bus from ANA Intercontinental Hotel (5 min. taxi ride or 10 min. walk from you hotel)Airport bus costs 3,000 yen/person, cash onlyPlease refer to a map in next page about the direction to ANA Intercontinental hotel.

Note 1) Advanced Reservation by day before is needed.

If you would like to book, please call the bus Reservation Center at (03-3665-7220) or ask the hotel staff at Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi ANNEX to make necessary arrangements.

Note 2) Only Yen in cash is acceptable.

<Time Table to Narita Airport from ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo >http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/platform_searches/index/1/57

<Map of ANA Intercontinental Hotel: Nearest airport limousine bus stop>

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ANA Intercontinental Hotel

Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi Annex

Arc Mori BuildingHighway

Izumi Garden Tower

Items to Bring Check List

Documents:

PassportAirplane TicketsVisa or other documents if applicableTraveler's checks (Not a must)Japanese yen in cashCredit cardsPhotocopy of all important documentsTelephone numbers of any Japanese contacts/hotel

Clothing: casual clothes at all times

* See the historical temperature data in March in Japan. Pack your clothing accordingly.Average High Temperature is 57 F (Historical range 44 F to 71 F)Average Low Temperature is 44 F (Historical range 33 F to 57 F)Other:SuitcaseExtra bag Business cards Prescription / over the counter medicineCameraDictionary/phrase bookGuidebook/mapsPen / note padCosmetics and your amenitiesUmbrella

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MONEY(http://www.japan-zone.com/new/money.shtml)

Bills:

Coins:

Tax: There is a 5 percent sales tax (shohizei) levied on most products.

Exchange Rate: Approximately 90 yen to a dollar, or roughly 1000 yen to $11

Currency exchange & ATM’s

Need for cashJapan is a cash society, so be sure to carry Japanese yen in cash while you are in Japan. US dollars cannot be used in Japan. Many Japanese local stores don't accept credit cards and traveler's checks, especially in small cities. (Major hotels, department stores, and large restaurants will accept credit cards) It's usually safe to carry cash in Japan.

Here are a few ways to exchange or to withdraw Japanese yen.

CashIf you bring cash, you can exchange it in commercial banks or hotels. The exchange rates at banks are better than hotels. The banks at the airports can offer the same rate as the ones in the cities.

About Traveler CheckTraveler Checks will give you a better exchange rate when exchanging than dollar bills for yen. However, traveler’s checks cannot be used at many shops or restaurants.

How to exchangeSince it is usually difficult to find time to go to banks during group tours, we strongly recommend exchanging money needed for several days at the arrival airport.

At Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, you can exchange it at the reception desk, but the rate is slightly less favorable than banks.

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At Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome(your hotel in Tokyo), the hotel can exchange dollar (cash only) in yen.

ATMCiti BankIf you would like to withdraw money from CITI Bank, they are conveniently located from your hotel in Kyoto. Please see the map that is attached on the Hotel Information section.

Post OfficeYou can withdraw money with the credit card or cash card published by the overseas institution in Japan Post Bank ATMs. Japan Post Bank provides cash withdrawal services for credit cards and cash cards issued by overseas financial institutions.Cards bearing the VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China Unionpay and DISCOVER can make withdrawals at Japan Post Bank ATMs.* Refer to the sign for each brand mark below. * DISCOVER cards are acceptable from January 25th, 2010.

Post offices (yu-binkyoku or yu-cho, in Japanese) are located even in small villages.

<Basic operating hours of the ATM> Mon-Sat: 0:05am-11:40pmSun & Holidays: 0:05am-8:00pm *Operating hours vary with ATMs.For further information, please seehttp://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html

Seven Bank ATMS at Seven ElevenATMs are available 24 hours a day in English, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese.

For further information, please see http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.htmlIt's still convenient to bring a major credit card, such as MasterCard or Visa. You can use them when you shop at major department stores, hotels, and restaurants(http://gojapan.about.com/cs/traveltools/a/packing.htm)

Typical commodity prices (January 2010. Some prices are approximate)3-minute telephone call 10 Pet bottle of coke/tea (500ml) 150Minimum train fare (JR lines) 120 1-bedroom apartment (Tokyo) 90,000/montlyLunch set 750 Domestic mail (letter) 80Bottle of beer (330ml - store) 250 Expressway toll (Tokyo-Osaka) 11,150

Pint of Guinness (bar) 900 Economy class bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo (one way) 13,500

Man's wool suit 50,000 Gasoline (1 liter) 125Movie ticket 1,800 Haircut (lady's) 6,0001-hour private English lesson 5,000

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Useful Sources:http://www.japantravelinfo.com/traveltips/http://www.japan-guide.com/http://www.japan.com/living/money/banks/index.php

TRANSPORTATION

TaxisWith few exceptions, fares are by the meter. There is no need to tip the driver.

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Train in Tokyo http://www.tokyometro.jp/rosen/rosenzu/pdf/rosen_eng.pdf#search='subway%20in%20Tokyo'

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H04, E23Roppongi station, subway Hibiya line and Oedo line, 7 min. walk to your hotel

H04, E23Roppongi station, subway Hibiya line and Oedo line, 7 min. walk to your hotel

N05Roppongi Itchome station, subway Nanboku line, 1 min. walk to your hotel

N05Roppongi Itchome station, subway Nanboku line, 1 min. walk to your hotel

Etiquettehttp://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.htmlJapanese Bath:The typical Japanese bathroom consists of two rooms, an entrance room where you undress and which is equipped with a sink, and the actual bathroom which is equipped with a shower and a deep bath tub. The toilet is almost always located in a completely separate room.

Most Japanese style inns (ryokan) has private bath attached to your room. Japanese people love common large bath. Most Japanese style inn has such common large baths, one for lady, the other for men.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when using common large bath (Dai-Yokujo, in Japanese) .

1. Enter the right one (For Ladies and For Men)The entrance usually has Noren (half long curtain). Most often blue (or green) color indicates men’s place and red color indicates ladies’ place. If you are not sure, watch which Japanese guest enter.

2. After getting undressed, when bathing Japanese style, you are supposed to first rinse your body outside the bath tub with some water from the tub, using a washbowl. Afterwards, you enter the tub, which is used for soaking only. The bath water tends to be relatively hot for Western bathing standards. If you can barely enter, try not to move much, since moving around makes the water appears even hotter. After soaking for a while, leave the tub and clean your body with soap. Make sure that no soap gets into the bathing water. Once you finished cleaning yourself and rinsed all the soap off your body, enter the bath tub once more for some more soaking.

Japanese Style Toilets:There are two types of toilets in Japan: "Japanese style" toilets and "Western style" toilets. Public washrooms are usually equipped with Japanese style toilets, but the number of public washrooms with Western style toilets has been increasing

especially in tourist areas. Public washrooms with both, Japanese and Western style toilets, are also commonly found. Because toilet paper is sometimes not provided in public washrooms, it is recommended to always carry a small package of tissues with you. Similarly, because paper towels or dryers are not always provided to dry your hands, it is recommended to carry a handkerchief.

Toilets in private homes / hotels are mostly Western style. Many of them feature

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Traditional Japanese style High-tech western (modern Japanese) style

Bath in the western style hotel room

Large bath in the Japanese style ryokan

Blue is usually for men, red is usually for ladies.

luxury gadgets such as heated seats and small, built-in showers (bidet).

How to use (OLD) Japanese style toilets: 1) Face the hood of the toilet. 2) Pull down your trousers completely below your knees. 3) Squat down as closely to the hood as possible. In case of

elevated toilets (see picture), you need to stand on the raised platform while squatting.

When using the washroom in a private home, minshuku or ryokan, you will find toilet slippers for exclusive usage inside the washroom. Leave your usual slippers outside the washroom, and don't forget to change back into them, afterwards.

On the other hand, Japan is recognized for it's extremely high tech toilets. In upscale hotels and ryokans (high-end Japanese inns), and even many upscale restaurants, you will find toilets with heated seats -- a blessing on a cool day -- along with an array of other buttons that spray water to wash you, air to dry you, etc. There is a good chance you will miss these when you return to the USA. (http://www.japantravelinfo.com/traveltips/travel_tips.html#)

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LANGUAGEUseful Japanese Phrases (Japanese < > English)http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/GJ/

GreetingsGood morning o-hayou gozai masuGood afternoon/Hello kon-nichiwaGood evening konban waGood night O-yasumi NasaiHow do you do Hajime Mashite

THANK YOUThank You domo arigatouThank you very much domo arigatou gozai mashitaThanks (informal) domoThankyou for your kindness domo go-shinsetsu niThank you, it was delicious gochiso sama deshita

Reply: It's a pleasure dou itashi mashite

APOLOGIESSorry sumi masen 

or go-men nasaiI'm very sorry hontouni sumi masen

OthersYes HiNo iieExcuse me sumi masen Delicious OishiiVery Delicious Totemo Oishii

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EMERGENCY

Embassies and consulatesThe word for embassy is taishikan. The U.S. Embassy is America taishikan. The word for consulate is ryoujikan.The phone number (dial 03 first) is 3224-5000.

EmergenciesMost public phones have a red button. Lift the receiver, push it, and dial.Police = 110 (can set up conference call with translator).Fire, ambulance = 119 (calls must be in Japanese).

English-language AssistanceThe following phone services provide aid to English-speaking travelersJapan Travel Phone (0088-224-800 or 03-3201-3331)Tokyo English Lifeline (03-3968-4099)American Pharmacy (03-3271-4034)AMDA International Medical Information Center (03-5285-8088) International Catholic Hospital (03-3951-1111)Japan Baptist hospital(Kyoto, 075-781-5191)Japanese Red Cross Medical Center (03-3400-1311)

Other numbers (when phoning from Outside Tokyo, first dial 03):Japan Railways (03-3423-0111)Immigration Office (03-3213-8523)American Airlines (03-3214-2121)Police: 110Medical Emergency: 119Fire Emergency: 119

US Consulate Tokyo: 03-3224-5000 (from Japan)011-81-3-3224-5000 (from US)

Trip Leader, Nobuhio Suzuki: 090-6039-6030Michi Travel Japan, Your travel agent in Japan: 03-5213-5040 / 090-8347-0794 (Yumiko)

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