japan: kyoto & nara

JJJJAAAAPPPPAAAANNNNTo-ji temple and gardens, Kyoto

Top to bottom:

Nijo Castle, Kyoto, and local womanin traditional kimono

View of Kyoto from the balcony ofKiyomizu-dera temple

Japanese calligraphy and statue ofBuddha, Nara

Cover photo:

Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

SPONSORED BY

APRIL 20-28, 2009

Featuring Professor Mariko TamanoiUCLA Center for Japanese Studies Book by O

ct. 14, 2

and save

$200 per co

A word about your Tour Operator

AHI Travel is the premier operator of deluxe travel programssponsored by alumni associations. Their experienced, professionalstaff has offered the highest level of service in innovative travelprograms since 1962.

In AHI Travel’s care, you can rely on:

•An exceptional travel value. It would be impossible for anindependent traveler to arrange all these unique experiences,inclusions and services at a comparable price.

•Unique access to local sites. Take advantage of their 46 years of travel experience to gain preferred entrance to popular sites and to uncover the region’s hidden treasures.

•Flexibility and customization. Free time during the tripallows you to pursue your own interests. They will also helpyou tailor your dream trip with add-ons and extensions.

•Safety and security. In a country where you might not knowthe language or culture, their professional staff is on hand toease your way and get you any help you need.

•Full endorsement by the USTOA. This professional association safeguards consumers’ deposits and payments with a $1 Million Traveler’s Assistance Program.

800-UCLAlumni (825-2586) www.UCLAlumni.net

“To teach is also

to learn.”

~ Japanese proverb

“[I]n Japan ... the

temple is made of

wood. The divine spirit

inside the building is

eternal so the enclosure

doesn’t have to be.”

~ Tadao Ando, Japanese architect,

b. 1941

“One must learn, if one

is to see the beauty in

Japan, to like an

extraordinarily

restrained and delicate

loveliness.”

~ Miriam Beard, author of Realism in

Romantic Japan, 1930

“I speak of the old

Japan, because out of

the ashes of the old

Japan, there has risen

a new Japan.”

~ Shigeru Yoshida, prime minister of Japan

from 1946-1947 and from 1948-1954

“One kind word can

warm three winter

months.”

~ Japanese proverb

Dear UCLA Alumni and Friends,Whether this will be your first trip to Japan or a much-

anticipated return, there is no better place than Kyoto to immerseyourself in Japanese culture. It was here, more than 1,000 years ago,that Japanese society ended its reliance on Chinese culture and nurtured the development of essential components of its own culture: systems of writing, art, literature and religion.

Visit several of Kyoto's many temples and shrines, explore thefamous Gion district, savor many Japanese meals and visit Nara,another ancient capital and cultural treasure. A special highlight ofthis program is an overnight stay at Koya-san, the heart of ShingonBuddhism. You'll stay overnight in a temple lodge, see the innerworkings of a temple and explore the sacred sites of the mountain.

We are pleased to let you know that UCLAProfessor Mariko Tamanoi will join this tour tooffer expert observations on Japanese societythrough lectures and one-on-one discussions.Associate professor Tamanoi teaches and conducts research in historical anthropology. Sheis the author of two books, Under the Shadow ofNationalism: Politics and Poetics of Rural Japanese Women andCrossed Histories: Manchuria in the Age of Empire. Born and raisedin Japan, Mariko first came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar, and currently is engaged in a research project that examinesthe changing conception of nationality and citizenship in East Asia.

Best of all, in a country notorious for its astronomical cost of living, you'll be traveling in comfort and style at an affordable price.Space is limited, so make your reservations today!

Regards from Westwood,

Christel Pailet Director, Alumni Travel

For more information, please contact us at 310-206-0613 or 800-UCLAlumni (825-2586)

www.UCLAlumni.net

LAND PROGRAMApril 21-28, 2009

Before 10/14/08 After 10/14/08 You Save$3,095* $3,195* $100

VAT is an additional $145 per person.

*All prices quoted are per person, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise stated). Singleaccommodations are an additional $350 (limited availability).

Special Alumni Price

AIR PROGRAMApril 20-28, 2009

For your convenience, AHI offers aflexible Air Program featuring specialair fares available at an additionalcost in conjunction with the LandProgram.

AHI has designated specific Group AirSchedules for this departure utilizinground-trip, scheduled jet service fromNorth America to Osaka, Japan.Those participating on these flightswill enjoy round-trip motorcoachtransfers from the Osaka KansaiInternational Airport to the NikkoPrincess Hotel, including baggagehandling. Prices are dependent upondates, air routes and class of servicechosen and will be reflected on yourReservation Confirmation, which willbe sent to you upon receipt of yourreservation. Air schedules will besent with your final invoice approxi-mately 90 days before departure.Prices quoted to you will include allDomestic and Foreign GovernmentalAirport Departure Taxes and Fees andany applicable Fuel Surcharges. AHIticketed passengers will also receiveAutomatic $250,000 Flight Insurance,subject to policy terms.

Calif. Seller of Travel Reg. No. 2028271-40, Fla. ST Reg. No. ST-36196, Iowa ST Reg. No. 520, Nevada ST Reg. No. 2003-0257, Ohio ST Reg. No. 8889139, Wash. State ST Reg. No. 601-820-781. PARTICIPATING AIRLINES-all IATA and ARC member carriers. ©2008 AHI INTERNATIONAL CORP. Printed in the USA.

NOT INCLUDED-Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas; personal gratuities;laundry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters and meals notmentioned in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; all items of astrictly personal nature.MOBILITY AND FITNESS TO TRAVEL-The right is retained to decline to acceptor to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel isunfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger tothemselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion ofthe total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodationsbe refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitationthose who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied bysomeone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible forproviding all required assistance.AIR TRANSPORTATION-The price of this trip is based on an Advance PurchaseExcursion fare. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may belevied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, inwhich case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reserva-tions are changed or cancelled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations arechanged, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TOTHE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TODEPARTURE.CANCELLATION-In addition to airline cancellation penalties, all cancellations forany reason whatsoever will be subject to a $250 per person cancellation fee (AHI-$150, UCLA-$100). Cancellation from 90-61 days prior to departure will result in for-feiture of 10% of the entire cost of the trip per person; 60-31 days, 30%; 30-15 days,50%. Cancellation from 14 days up to the time of departure will result in forfeiture ofthe entire cost of the trip. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLI-CATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted inwriting to AHI International Corporation.BAGGAGE-General airline regulations allow two checked pieces per passenger forwhich the total sum (length+width+height) should not exceed 107 inches. No singlepiece may exceed the three-dimensional sum of 62 inches nor a maximum weight of50 pounds. One piece of carry-on luggage is allowed per passenger for which the totalsum should not exceed 45 inches, nor a maximum weight of 40 pounds and must fitcompletely underneath aircraft seat. More restrictive baggage allowances may apply,depending on program carrier. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carri-er without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweightpieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accord-ingly. Liability is clearly stated on the passenger contract. In no event shall liabilityexceed the actual loss incurred, subject to proof of the amount lost. RESPONSIBILITY- AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association act only as agents forthe suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other service andhave no responsibility for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier con-nections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanicaldefect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with anyaccommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels orof common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expensesoccasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in goodfaith and based on tariffs, exchange rates and other information current at the timeof printing, are subject to change at or before the time of departure. No revisions ofthe printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right isreserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary,with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the indi-vidual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the own-ers at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shallhave no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passengercertifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability thatwould create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms ofthis contract. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not tobe held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are noton board their conveyances. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitutethe sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser ofthis trip.ASSOCIATION DISCLAIMER- Services of a UCLA faculty lecturer are based on aminimum of 15 booked passengers.www.UCLAlumni.net

Send to: UCLA Alumni AssociationAttn: Alumni TravelJames West Alumni CenterLos Angeles, CA 90095-1397Phone: 310-206-0613 E-mail: [email protected]: 310-209-4271

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Optional Two-Night, Post-Trip Tokyo Extension

Please make ________________ reservations for me (us) on the OptionalTokyo Post-Trip extension.

I/we authorize you to make my/our reservations as follows:Land Programr I/we will make my/our own air arrangements and transfers. r Please call me/us to discuss my/our air options.r I prefer single accommodations at an additional $350 (limited availability).r I request assistance in securing a roommate but will accept a single, if one is

available at this time, and pay the single supplement. Should a roommate befound, I understand the supplement will no longer apply.

Land and Air Programr I/We reserve the Land Program and request the Air Program to Kyoto, Japan,

from_____________________________________________________________Departure City

r Please send me information on upgrading my flights.Please note: Air prices will be sent to you with your Reservation Confirmationand air schedule sent at 90 days before departure. International flight arrange-ments can be canceled with no obligation up to 75 days before departure.

Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, firstserved basis. Reservations to be paid in full by Feb. 4, 2009 (75 days prior todeparture). Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full. Final payment may be made by personal check, MasterCard or Visa. Make checks payable to AHI International.

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r Accept my check made payable to AHI International.

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UCLA Alumni Travel is a benefit of membership in the UCLA AlumniAssociation. The Association requires all alumni and friends to join to use ourservices. You may invite one companion to travel with you as a guest on yourmembership.___Yes, I am a member of the UCLA Alumni Association.___No, I am not a member. Please send me an application to join.

Reserve your trip to Kyoto today!

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PSR: ________________Trip #:2-18629

OsakaKyoto

KKKK YY OO TT OOYY OO TT OOTT H EH E HH E A RE A R TT O FO F JJ A PA P A NA N

A flower falls even though we love it , and aweed grows, even though we do not love it .

Dogen, Buddhist monk

and philosopher , 1200-1253

Far left: Heian-jingu shrine, KyotoLeft center: Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto

A C C O M M O D A T I O N SINCLUDED FEATURES

Above left: Prayer incense, Todai-ji temple, NaraIn oval: Koya-san monastery

SHOJOSHIN-IN ~KOYA-SAN

This Buddhist temple, built in1590, is one of the oldest templeson Koya-san. The setting, whichincludes gardens and a pond, provide a tranquil retreat. Yourovernight stay will allow you tofully appreciate this special place.The Japanese-style rooms havefutons and private bathrooms;there also are Japanese-stylebaths. As a guest of the shukubo(temple lodge), you’ll enjoy special vegetarian meals prepared by the monks.

HOTEL NIKKOPRINCESS ~ KYOTO

Located in the heart of Kyoto, theFirst-Class Hotel Nikko Princess isnear fashionable shops and historicsightseeing. In addition to its unique boutiques and excellent restaurants featuring a wide varietyof cuisines, the hotel also offers aspa with a full range of pamperingtreatments. Relax and enjoy yourguestroom, which offers you theutmost in comfort and amenities,including individual climate control,minibar, LCD television, hair dryerand broadband Internet access.

KKYYOOTTOO CUISINECUISINE,, SHOJINSHOJIN RRYYORIORI ANDAND KKAISEKIAISEKI

Like many things in Japan, preparing food is an art form. There is no betterplace than Kyoto to sample the culinary art of Japan and to eat like a local!

It is almost universal in Japan to eat only seasonal foods, and manypeople also prefer to eat locally grown or produced food. Kyoto, like manycities or regions, is famous for certain dishes and ingredients. Highly regarded are several vegetables grown here, including mizuna, mustardgreen; shogoin kabura, turnip; kintoki ninjin, carrot; ebi imo, yam; kujonegi, green onion; and kamo nasu, eggplant. Many believe the high qualityof the water here is the reason behind the delicious vegetables. Kyototofu and other soy products also are thought to be the best in the country.

Kyoto is known for a delicate style of cooking that largely depends onthe natural flavor of the ingredients to elevate a dish. One could say it mirrors the genteel ambience of the city. Synonymous with Kyoto are shojin ryori, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine that developed in the 13th century, and kaiseki, a formal and highly stylized dinner that traces its origin to the meals that were served before a tea ceremony.

You will be amazed at the delicate, but delicious food of Kyoto. At thetemples, even nonvegetarians will appreciate the flavors of the vegetabledishes and other such specialties, such as sesame tofu.

IMPERIAL HOTEL

The Imperial Hotel, the epitome of elegance andJapanese hospitality, features award-winningrestaurants and quiet, elegant guestrooms thatoffer every modern convenience.

*$1,095 per person, double occupancy*$225 per person, single supplement

TOKYOPOST-TRIPEXTENSION*Join this two-nightOptional Extension to explore Japan’s exciting capital. It features transportation toTokyo via bullet train, First-Class accommoda-tions, daily breakfast, a half-day sightseeing tourof Tokyo, a Hospitality Desk offering sightseeingsuggestions, transfer to the Tokyo airport (provided for Air Program participants only), and the services of an AHI Travel Director.

Exploremore of thetemple complex before returning to Kyoto.Take a walking tour of Okuno-in, a cemeterywith more than 200,000 monuments andtombs, including the graves of many famousand powerful figures.Independent Exploration: Return to Kyoto,where the rest of the day, including lunch anddinner, is at your leisure.

DAY SEVENKYOTOCultural Event: Washoku in a KyotoHome. Visit a Japanese home to learn howto make tempura and sushi, two staples ofwashoku, Japanese cuisine. Then, taste your creations!Independent Exploration: The rest of theday, including lunch and dinner, is at leisure.

DAY EIGHTThe day is yours to enjoy as you wish.A local resident will be available inthe lobby of the hotel to offer sightseeing and shopping information

and to provide directions.

Local Flavor: A special GraduationCeremony, Farewell Reception and Dinner

will be held at a Kyoto restaurant.

DAY NINEAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport forthe return flight to your gateway city.(Provided for Air Program participants only.)

NOTE Itinerary may change due to local condi-tions. Many excursions in this program involve anelement of walking as some of the finest attrac-tions are not closely accessible by motorcoach.

U N E S C OHistoric Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (1994) andNara (1998) and the Sacred Sites and PilgrimageRoutes in the Kii Mountain Range (2004) areUNESCO World Heritage List sites featured in this program. These sites are distinguished due to universalscenic, historic, artistic or scientific value.

CULTURAL EVENTSThe tea ceremony is an intrinsically Japanese (and Zen) ritual. During the ceremony, it is important to appreciate themoment and the setting as they represent a moment in timethat can never be recaptured. Today, it is most common tosee a kimono-clad woman conducting the ceremony, but itwas the samurai of the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) who

created this ritual. You, too, can enjoy this tradition on Day Four.On Day Seven, visit a Japanese home to learn how to make sushi and tempura, two

popular Japanese dishes, and taste the results! This also is a wonderful opportunity toengage local people in conversation and to see an authentic Japanese home.

After a Western-style lunch in Nara, continueto Koya-san in the Kii Mountains. This is apopular pilgrimage destination because it isthe center of Shingon Buddhism. There are123 temples on the mountain. Koya-san isbest experienced with an overnight stay inone of the temple lodges because you canobserve the daily life of the monks.Upon arrival, check in at the Shojoshin-intemple lodge.Local Flavor: Enjoy a traditional shojin-ryoridinner served by the monks.In the evening, learn more about monastic life during a question-and-answer session with the monks.

DAY SIXKOYA-SAN AND KYOTOBefore breakfast, see the monks light thedaily fire and conduct prayers.Local Flavor: Back at the inn, monks willserve you a delicious breakfast.

DAY FOURKYOTOExcursion: Nijo Castle and the Heian-jingu. Nijo Castle, built in 1603, is considered to be the best example of theopulent architecture and décor of theMomoyama period. Notice the nightingalefloors, which emit a distinctive squeak as youwalk on them; they served as a 17th-centuryalarm system, alerting the residents of intruders! The Chinese-style Heian-jingushrine was built in 1895 to commemorateKyoto’s 1,100th birthday.Local Flavor: Enjoy a Western-style lunch ata restaurant in Kyoto.Cultural Event: Chado, the Way of Tea.Witness a traditional tea ceremony atHakusason-so, a villa built in 1916 by Japanesepainter Kansetsu Hashimoto.Excursion: Kyoto Handicraft Center.This is an opportunity to see the many traditional arts and crafts of Japan, such asbeautiful Kyoto dolls, woodblock prints andfans. You may also see artisans at work.

DAY FIVENARA AND KOYA-SANPack an overnight bag for a unique, Japaneseexperience! Today, you’ll visit Nara on yourway to Koya-san, a mountaintop complex ofBuddhist temples.Nara was the first ancient capital (710-784) of Japan. Nara Park is famous for its templesand four-legged residents, deer that are considered to be messengers of the gods inthe Shinto religion. Todai-ji temple is home toone of the largest statues of Buddha in Japan.Kasuga Taisha shrine is best known for the3,000 lanterns lining the paths to the shrine.

The soul of Japan lives in Kyoto, an ancientcapital founded in the late eighth century.Originally called Heian-kyo, which meanscity of tranquility, Kyoto lives up to its name.Its temples, castles and gardens are Japan’strue treasures. Visit Nara, another special cityin Japanese history and culture; it was thecountry’s first capital and has many jewels ofits own. Then it’s on to Koya-san, center ofShingon Buddhism and a pilgrimage site for1,200 years. Here, spend the night in a templelodge and observe the inner workings of aBuddhist temple.

DAY ONEDepart your gateway city for Osaka, Japan,aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided forAir Program participants only.)

DAY TWOKYOTOUpon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to theHotel Nikko Princess in Kyoto. (Providedfor Air Program participants only.)The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY THREEKYOTOExcursion: Zen Gardens. During a tour of Kyoto, visit Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, two ofJapan’s most famous Zen temples. On thegrounds of Ryoan-ji is a famous rock gardenbuilt in the late 1500s. Its anonymous designer arranged 15 rocks over carefullyraked, white gravel. Centuries later, visitorsstill flock to the garden for a moment ofreflection. Then see Kinkaku-ji, the GoldenPavilion. Covered in gold leaf, it originally wasbuilt in 1397 as a villa for a shogun before itbecame a temple.Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch at the Daitoku-jitemple complex, where the specialty is shojin ryori, vegetarian temple cuisine.Excursion: Gion and Kiyomizu-dera.Take a walking tour through Gion, the geishaquarter, famous for its teahouses and theaters. Continue to Kiyomizu-dera. Thisspectacular wooden temple was constructedwithout the use of nails. The terrace offersexpansive views of the city.This evening, gather at the hotel for aWelcome Reception and Dinner.

EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS

•Explore the cities of Kyoto and Nara,both recognized by UNESCO for theirsplendid collections of historic monuments and temples.

•Discover life in a Buddhist temple duringan overnight visit to Koya-san, center ofShingon Buddhism for more than 12 centuries and a traditional pilgrimagesite. This experience will allow you to get a closer look at an important part ofJapanese Buddhist culture.

•Visit a Japanese villa to see a traditionaltea ceremony.

•Wander through Nijo Castle, built in1603 and an excellent example of thearchitecture and opulent décor of theMomoyama period.

•Spend a morning in a Japanese homelearning to cook traditional Japanesedishes. Then enjoy the results!

Alumni Campus Abroad®

Advantages This program offers unique value-added features that promise you an outstanding educational experience in a very special environment:

• Settle into Japan for a stay ofseven nights and the opportunity toimmerse yourself in the provincialculture and lifestyles of two locales.

• Comfortable accommodationsprovide the perfect base from whichto explore the region’s renownedlandmarks and off-the-beaten-pathtreasures.

• An extensive meal plan is seasoned with traditional specialties.

• Meet the people during a speciallyarranged home visit with area residents to gain personal insight intoeveryday life in their community.

• Local experts and knowledge-able guides offer their insightsabout life in and the culture of Japan.

• An experienced CampusDirector ensures attentive servicesfor the duration of your stay.

yoto, refined and elegant, is theessence of Japanese culture. The

city still retains the genteel ambience thatdeveloped when it was the imperial capitalfrom 794-1185. This period was a golden agefor the arts, especially painting and literature. Today, Kyoto still is seen as thecultural capital of Japan and home of manythings travelers consider to be intrinsicallyJapanese. In Kyoto, experience the best ofJapan, from the city’s delicious culinary specialties to serene Buddhist temples andShinto shrines to the traditional arts.

Accommodations•Spend six nights at the First-Class

Hotel Nikko Princess in Kyoto. •Spend one night at Shojoshin-in

temple lodge at Koya-san.

Meals•Enjoy an extensive meal plan,

including seven breakfasts, threelunches and four dinners. Coffee ortea is included with all meals. Takeadvantage of leisure time to try localcuisine independently.

•Sample authentic regional specialtiesfeatured at local restaurants.

•Gather with fellow travelers at aWelcome Reception and Dinnerat the Hotel Nikko Princess.

•Attend a Graduation Ceremony,Farewell Reception and Dinner at a restaurant in Kyoto.

Your Exciting Travel Program(For full details, please refer to the Day-by-Day Itinerary.)

•Informative educational programspresented by local experts to enhanceyour insight into the region.

•All excursions:– See the highlights of Kyoto,

including Gion; Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-jiand Kiyomizu-dera temples; NijoCastle; and the Heian-jingu shrine.

– Witness a tea ceremony.– Tour historic Nara.– Journey to Koya-san and spend

a night at the temple complex.– Visit a Japanese home and learn to

cook popular Japanese cuisine.

Many Included Extras•Consultation services of a Passenger

Service Representative prior to departure.

•Services of a professional CampusDirector and expert English-speaking local guides throughoutyour stay.

•Tipping of all guides and drivers. •Services of an AHI Hospitality Desk

to help you plan your leisure time.•Detailed travel and destination infor-

mation to assist you in your planning.•Deluxe travel wallet.