Japan Through Jewish Eyes A Timeless Trip to an Ancient Land November 30 – December 11, 2014

From Ninjas to Nintendo, the land of the rising sun is a kaleidoscopic blend of ancient culture and dizzying modernity, of pagodas and skyscrapers, and kimono-clad geishas sitting side by side with fashionable businesswomen in whisper-smooth bullet trains.

Explore Japan through the lens of Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, one of the worldʼs leading authorities on the unknown Jewish experience in Japan. Rabbi Tokayer served as rabbi of the Jewish Community of Japan for many years and was the unofficial representative and ambassador of the Jewish people to the Orient. He is the author of more than 20 books on Judaica and Japan, including The Fugu Plan which describes the heroic escape of Jews to Japan during the Holocaust- which was the subject of an award-winning PBS documentary.

Join us as we explore some of Japanʼs majestic and most important sites – including iconic Mt. Fuji, the unsurpassed natural beauty of Miyajima, and the modern, ancient and feudal capitals of Japan. Additionally, participants will gain fascinating insights into an ancient “Well of Israel,” marvel at and enjoy the world-renowned Japanese-Hebrew choir, and learn of the special relationship between the Japanese Imperial family and the Jews.

Japan Through Jewish Eyes A Timeless Trip to an Ancient Land November 30 – December 11, 2014

*Tentative  Itinerary:  

Sunday, November 30 Mid-day departure to Japan. Cross the International Dateline en-route.

Monday, December 1 Arrival in Japan Upon arrival in Osaka Airport, you will be met and transferred to the 5-star Kyoto Okura Hotel situated near the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Welcome to Japan!

Tuesday, December 2 Kyoto Kyoto is Japanʼs historic and cultural center -the ancient capital of Japan for more than 10 centuries. During WWII, the Allies agreed not to bomb Kyoto - enabling this historic city to preserve its precious heritage sites. This morning we will experience the cityʼs ancient charms and modern developments. Some of the “must-see” sites we will visit today include the Shogunʼs Palace (with its unique “nightingale floor”), the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Zen rock garden, the mysterious “Well of Israel,” colorful and picturesque Heian Shinto Shrine, and the unique 1000 Buddhas temple - Sanjusangendo. This evening, we will be hosted at dinner (included) at “Beit Shalom” where we will also delight in a private concert by their superb Japanese Hebrew choir.

Wednesday, December 3 Kyoto-Nara Today, we will enjoy a day trip to Nara - a fascinating city and the feudal capital of Japan. Among other attributes, Nara contains the largest wooden building in the world- towering above delightful Deer Park where tamed deer roam among visitors. Lunch in Nara (included) with an (optional) cultural experience this evening including an artisans studio visit. Dinner on our own in Kyoto.

Thursday, December 4 Kyoto-Kobe-Hiroshima Departing Kyoto this morning, we will drive to the nearby port city of Kobe for a brief tour. In Kobe, we will meet the Jewish community for lunch (included) at the historic synagogue which played a key role in the rescue of European Jews during the Holocaust. This afternoon, we will resume our travels and board one of Japanʼs famed “bullet trains” as we make our way to Hiroshima and check in to the Sheraton Hiroshima hotel. This evening, there will be a special reception and dinner (included) for our group at the Holocaust Education Center.

Friday, December 5 Hiroshima A former castle town in feudal days, Hiroshima surprisingly emerged from World War II as the cultural and economic center of western Japan. The Peace Memorial Park contains a museum displaying a large collection of photographs and objects relating to the devastation of the atomic bomb. The eternal flame burns in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. Return to our hotel in the afternoon, Shabbat Dinner at our hotel (included). Saturday, December 6 Shabbat in Hiroshima Following a leisurely breakfast, full day at leisure in Hiroshima with available optional sightseeing. Additionally, during the course of today, Rabbi Tokayer will share with us some of the highlights of his soon-to-be published book concerning the unknown Jewish history in Japan. Evening free: dinner on our own.

Sunday, December 7 Miyajima ~ Tokyo Morning visit to Miyajima Island- an hourʼs drive from Hiroshima - famous for its exquisite red torii gate which at high tide seems to float on the water. Miyajima, Japanese for “shrine Island,” is considered as having one of Japanʼs three most impressive views with the shrineʼs main buildings, like the torii gate, built over water. Our visit here will provide a tranquil and refreshing balance to our Hiroshima visit. Lunch (included) in Miyajima before we depart for Tokyo where we will check in to the deluxe Imperial Hotel – located in the upscale Ginza district. Dinner on our own at our hotel or at one of the many exotic restaurants in Tokyo.

Monday, December 8 Tokyo Tokyo is the bustling capital of Japan and a global center of culture, business and the arts. Our sightseeing today will include the historic Imperial Palace where we will learn of the secret relationship between the Imperial family and the Jewish people of Japan; a visit to the Meiji Shinto Shrine where we will see Japanese priests wearing a tallit; the Asakusa district with its famous temple and even more famous shopping lanes, and the glittering Ginza – Japanʼs version of 5th Avenue and Rodeo Drive rolled into one. Later today, we will be treated to a rare event – a live Sumo practice – and learn of its ancient Jewish origins! before we return to our hotel with time to relax. This evening, we will enjoy tasting traditional Japanese delicacies as we experience a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Tuesday, December 9 Lake Hakone & Mt Fuji A brief bullet train ride will take us to Fuji-Hakone National Park, where we will see Japanʼs most recognizable symbol - snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Our visit here will feature a boat ride on mirror-like Lake Hakone and lunch (included) at a lakeside resort where we will witness a fascinating demonstration of Ikebana (flower arranging)- one of Japanʼs ancient and beautiful arts. We will return to Tokyo by early evening. Dinner on our own in Tokyo.

Wednesday, December 10 Yokohama This morning, our last day in Japan, we will drive to the port city of Yokohama - closed to the outside world until 1854 when Commodore Perry helped establish the “Open Door Policy” and a protected area for foreigners - including Jews who played a major role in the development of modern Japan. During World War II, the city was almost entirely destroyed. Today, it is Japanʼs second largest city. In Yokohama, we will visit the waterfront, Yamashita Park and the Jewish cemetery where we will learn more about the Jewish pioneers of Japan. After lunch (included), we will return to Tokyo - with time to rest, relax or for last minute shopping. This evening, a farewell dinner (included) at the Jewish Community Center in Tokyo where we will meet long-time Jewish residents of Japan and learn of life in Japan – today and tomorrow - from a Jewish perspective.

Thursday, December 11 Sayonara Return to the U.S. …OR…. (optional) extension to Hong Kong (call our office for more details).

                                                                                                               Fuji-­‐Hakone  National  Park  

Trip Scholar:

©George Kalinsky Tour Leader:

Rabbi Marvin Tokayer served as rabbi of the Jewish Community of Japan from 1968 to 1976. Since returning to the USA from Japan, Rabbi Tokayer has been lecturing on the unknown Jewish experience in the Far East and each year, he has led pioneering tours of discovery and exploration to China, India, Japan and other places on the periphery of the Diaspora. He served as Vice President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Southeast Asia and the Far East and was a Founding Board Member of the Sino-Judaic Institute. A widely published and highly respected author, among his numerous publications are seven articles on “Rabbinics and the Orient” for the Encyclopedia Judaica, and 20 books written on Judaica and Japan. Rabbi Tokayer is one of the worldʼs foremost authorities on the exotic Jewish experience. His book, The Fugu Plan – The Untold Story of the Japanese and the Jews During World War II - is currently in paperback and has been translated into several languages. He has also appeared in, and was historical consultant to, the award-winning PBS documentary “Conspiracy of Kindness” – the story of the Lithuanian Consul, Chiune Sugihara, who many refer to as “the Japanese Schindler.”

Aryeh Maidenbaum, Ph.D., with a strong background in the fields of History, Psychology and Jewish Studies, and more than 25 years experience in organizing and leading educational tours, serves as Special Consultant to the Jewish Museum for its Travel Program. Director of the N.Y. Center for Jungian Studies, Dr. Maidenbaum received his Ph.D. from the Hebrew University. Former faculty member at N.Y.U. for over 18 years, he is a contributing author to Current Theories of Psychoanalysis and has edited several books and articles, including Jung and the Shadow of Anti-Semitism.

Our Accommodations The hotels reserved were selected for their locations, comfort and excellent service.

Kyoto Hotel Okura Originally built in the 1880s but recently modernized and expanded, the Kyoto Hotel Okura offers a convenient central location near businesses, shops, and historic attractions. The main lobby gives expression to a uniquely Japanese style of hospitality in an atmosphere of restful serenity that crystallizes the traditional and timeless charm of Wa (harmony). Additionally, its fine food, spa facilities, and high standard guest rooms make this hotel a perfect base for our time in Kyoto.

Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel The Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel is conveniently located in the city center in the middle of the energy and excitement of Hiroshima – nearby the historic sites and interesting architecture of the city. Its spacious guest rooms are designed with contemporary western furnishings and many of the amenities one would expect from a Starwoods hotel.

Imperial Hotel Founded in the year 1890 at the direction of the imperial palace, Tokyo's legendary Imperial Hotel boasts a history as colorful and dramatic as contemporary Japan itself. From its very first days, the Imperial set the stage for the introduction into Japan of the latest in western technologies, culture and traditions of hospitality, featuring beautifully appointed rooms and many different dining options.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Red  Torii  Gate  

 

Program Details: Participation: Limited to 26 participants, this program is open to members of The Jewish Museum. Non-members are welcome to join the Museum and participate. Designed for people of all ages, Museum travel programs entail walking moderate distances and may include uneven or slightly hilly terrain and/or stairs. Participants need to be in active good health and able to keep up with the group, and ready to travel as part of a group and experience cultural differences with grace. Land Program Cost: $9800* (plus $75 Jewish Museum membership fee for non-members). Based on minimum enrollment of 15 participants. *Program Cost Includes: -10 nights at 5-star deluxe hotels - Breakfast daily; six lunches and five dinners including dinner-cruise on Tokyo Bay - All group transportation within Japan, including internal flight to Tokyo and reserved seating on bullet train - All Museum entrance fees and tours - Exclusive Concert by Japanese Hebrew Choir, Kyoto - Private Flower arranging demonstration at Lake Hakone - All hotel porterage, taxes and service charges *Per person, based on double occupancy, for registration by March 1, 2014. Cost after March 1: $10,050. Single supplement ($2500) and gratuities ($150) additional. Based on minimum enrollment of 15 participants. To Register: To reserve your place, complete the reservation form and return with a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Second deposit of $1000 per person due: March 31, 2014 Balance due: 120 days prior to departure Changes: All rights are reserved by the Program Directors to make faculty substitutions and/or to modify the itinerary (including hotels) as needed. Insurance: For losses necessitated by you having to cancel your participation, we strongly urge all participants to take out trip insurance. For your convenience, trip cancellation insurance forms will be sent upon registration or consult your own insurance agent. Cancellations: All cancellations must be received by the Jewish Museum Travel Program in writing. Cancellations received 120 days prior to departure: full refund less $2000 deposits per person; 119 - 90 days prior to departure: 50% refund per person after nonrefundable deposits. 89-60 days prior to departure: 25% refund per person after non-refundable deposits of $2,000 No refunds after this date.

Please  complete,  include  a  non-­refundable  deposit  of  $1,000  per  person,  and  mail  or  fax  to:  The  Jewish  Museum  Travel  Program  Tel.  (845)  256-­0194  /  Fax  (845)  256-­0196  27  North  Chestnut  Street  New  Paltz,  NY  12561  

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accident  or  death  incurred  by  any  person  in  connection  with  this  tour.  The  Jewish  Museum  and  its  respective  employees  assume  no  responsibility  or  liability  in  connection  with  the  service  of  any  train,  vessel,  carriage,  aircraft  or  other  conveyance  which  may  be  used  wholly  or  in  part  in  the  performance  of  their  duty  to  the  

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