Tokyo American Club Women's Group: tours

The tours and events we have listed below often repeat every year near or on the dates posted and are some of the "must-do" during your time in Japan.�� We hope you find this a good resource for yourself and when you are taking guests around or looking for something to do.

At the bottom of the page are past tours with the factsheets that you can reference though the dates are past the destinations are current.

April - Cherry blossom viewing
Come view the spectacular display of sakura (cherry blossoms) at Chidorigofuchi moat, one of the prime sakura viewing locations in Tokyo, and explore the history and features of the Imperial Palace East Garden, site of the former Edo Castle. Viewing the sakura has become a national sport, where photographers wait patiently to capture the very first bloom and sitters stake out prime time viewing areas in the wee hours of the morning for parties to take place later in the day. Grab you camera and walking shoes as we enjoy the beautiful sakura. You do not want to miss this. It only happens once a year!!!!

Touring Kamakura
The following information is taken from the 'Kamakura Today' website:� http://www.kamakuratoday.com/e/

Getting there:� The best way is to go by train on the Yokosuka Line of East JR (Japan Railway Co.) from Tokyo Central Station. Cars and buses are not recommended, particularly on weekends, due to traffic jams. The trains leave Tokyo every 10 to 15 minutes from Track 1, 2 or sometimes 3 in the underground of Marunouchi side (northwest to be exact) of the Station, and it takes 55 minutes to Kamakura (51 kilometers from Tokyo) for a fare of 890 yen. If you cannot locate the right trucks, follow the blue line, which is the symbol color of the Yokosuka Line and appears on the sign post here and there in the Station. Most of the trains come from the Chiba area while some start from Tokyo. In the busy hours of the day or on weekends, you may not be able to get a seat. Generally, rear cars are less crowded. If you want to have a seat for sure, buy a green ticket (additional 930 yen) together with an ordinary one. In all trains running on the Yokosuka Line, there are two green-cars located in the middle of the train with comfortable seats. You can sit anywhere�in the green-cars with the ticket (no reserved seat) . Be sure to buy it in advance. Conductors may not sell them on the train since they have to give priority to the passengers who are on board with the ticket.

After leaving Tokyo, trains stop at Shinbashi, Shinagawa, Nishi-Oi, Shin-Kawasaki, Yokohama, Hodogaya, Higashi-Totsuka, Totsuka, Ofuna, Kita-Kamakura, and Kamakura. Usually the trains are bound for Ofuna, Zushi, Yokosuka or Kurihama. If your train is for Ofuna, you can go down to Ofuna first and wait for another train going beyond Ofuna.

Trains of the Tokaido Line which start from Track 7 to 10 of Tokyo Station will also bring you to Ofuna, where you can transfer for Kamakura on the Yokosuka Line.

At the southeast corner of Kamakura Station building on the ground floor, east exit, there is an information office run by the Kamakura Tourist Association. Staff can speak English, though not fluent. A 14-page English booklet for Kamakura is available for 200 yen.� They have many free pamphlets as well.

For further information, call the following offices:
0467-22-3350 : Tourist Information Center (English is spoken)
0467-23-3000 : Tourist Section of the Kamakura City Office
0467-23-3050 : Kamakura Tourist Association

A popular route to follow in Kamakura takes you to the most famous sites in the city.

1)� Take the train from Tokyo and get off at Kita Kamakura Station.
2)� Visit Engakuji Temple, which is located just behind the station.
3)� Reboard the train to Kamakura.
4)� Take a bus or the Enoden train to Hase Station.�
5)� Visit Hase-dera Temple.
6)� Walk up the street and visit the Daibutsu (Great Buddha).
7)� Take a bus, or re-board the train back to Kamakura Station.
8)� Visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and end the day shopping on the famous Komachi-dori Street.

For more information on things to do in Kamakura, check this official website:

Kanagawa Now Japan Tourist Guide International Website
http://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/english/area/kamakura.html

The history of Kamakura��
*Taken from� http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2133.html

In 1185, the Minamoto family took over the control over Japan after defeating the Taira clan in the Gempei�war.�Minamoto Yoritomo was appointed shogun in the year 1192 and established a new government, the Kamakura Bakufu. The new feudal government was organized in a simpler way than the one in Kyoto and worked much more efficient under Japanese conditions.
After Yoritomo's death in 1199, quarrels for supremacy started between the Bakufu of Kamakura�and the Imperial court in Kyoto�Those quarrels for supremacy found an end in the Jokyu disturbance in 1221 when Kamakura defeated the Imperial army in Kyoto, and the Hojo regents in Kamakura achieved complete control over Japan. By redistributing the land gained during the Jokyu disturbance, they were able to achieve loyalty among all the powerful people throughout the country. The emperor and the remaining governmental offices in Kyoto lost practically all effective power.

Chinese influence continued to be relatively strong during the Kamakura period. New Buddhist sects were introduced: the�Zen sect (introduced 1191) found large numbers of followers among the samurai, which were now the leading social class. Another new Buddhist sect,�the radical and intolerant Lotus Sutra sect was founded in 1253 by Nichiren.

In 1232 a legal code, the Joei Shikimoku was promulgated. It stressed Confucian�values such as the importance of loyalty to the master, and generally attempted to suppress a decline of morals and discipline. Tight control was maintained by the Hojo clan, and any signs of rebellions were destroyed immediately.

The shogun stayed in Kamakura without much power while deputies of him were located in Kyoto and Western Japan. Stewards and constables controlled the provinces tightly and loyally. Indeed, the Hojo regents were able to bring several decades of peace and economic expansion to the country until an external power began to threaten Japan.

By 1259, the Mongols had conquered China and became also interested in Japan. Several threatening messages of the powerful Mongols were ignored by Kamakura. This resulted in the first Mongol invasion attempt in 1274 on the island of Kyushu. After only a few hours of fighting, however, the large naval invasion fleet, was forced to pull back because of bad weather conditions. This was very fortunate for the Japanese since their odds against the large and modern Mongol force were not favourable at all.

Due to good preparations, the Japanese were able to maintain a strong defence for several weeks during a second invasion attempt which occurred in 1281. But again, the Mongols were finally forced to withdraw mainly because of bad weather. Kyushu remained in alert for a possible third invasion attempt, but the Mongols soon had too many problems on the mainland in order to care about Japan.

The consequences of the many years of war preparations against the Mongols were fatal to the Kamakura government since they resulted only in expenditures and no profits. Many of the loyal men who were fighting for Kamakura, were now waiting for rewards that the government could not pay. Hence, financial problems and decreasing loyalty among the powerful lords were some of the reasons for the fall of the Kamakura government.

By 1333 the power of the Hojo regents had declined to such a degree that the emperor Go-Daigo was able to restore imperial power and overthrow the Kamakura Bakufu.

The following information-only tours are usually repeated every year. Please note that these dates are not current for 2010. Further information can be found on the internet.

Sept 18, 19, 20 - Heiwajima Antique Festival
Enjoy indoor bargain hunting at Japan's biggest antique market! With over 200 dealers from across Japan, Heiwajima is the place for quality antiques, interior d�cor items, jewelry, and is an excellent opportunity for gift shopping.

Oct 9 & 10 - Takayama Festival
Come and enjoy one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. It has a long tradition dating back to the Kanamon family and is celebrated in great splendor. The floats reflect the magnificence of this festival which welcomes autumn.

Oct 16 & 17 - Autumn Festival of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine
A great way to see the World Heritage Site of Nikko and its temples. Includes a fantastic parade of a thousand samurai, a reenactment of the parade during the Tokugawa leyasu era.
Spring: May 17, 18 Fall: October 16, 17 (these dates do not change, they are the same every year).

Dec 2-3 - Chichibu Yomatsuri
The small town of Chichibu, near Tokyo, is the annual venue for fireworks, traditional performing arts and a gorgeous action-packed parade of huge, illuminated floats in one of Japan�s most spectacular yomatsuri (night festivals).

Dec 15 & 16 - Setagaya Boro-ichi (Antique Fair).
Where: Setagaya Dori Avenue. Time: 9:00am - 9:00pm
Closest stations are Setagaya and Kamimachi station on the Setagaya Line.

The Setagaya Line can be reached from Shinjuku (take the Keio Line and change at Shimo-takaido) or Shibuya (take the Shin-Tamagawa Line and change trains at Sangenjaya).

This antique fair is regarded as the most symbolic and traditional events of Setagaya Ward, it has a history dating back over 400 years. It started as a local flea market in 1578 by Uijimasa Hojo, lord of Odawara Castle.

It was named "Boro-ichi" because people brought in used clothing and farming tools, in addition to rice and vegetables from their farm, to sell. Boro literally means "worn out" in Japanese.

Street stalls sell a variety of items: toys, secondhand books, game software, food, used clothing, plants, and of course, various kinds of antiques. Over 700 stalls line the avenue, a popular shopping opportunity for thousands of customers each year

Dec 23 � Emperor�s Birthday
Join flag-waving crowds to wish the emperor well and exchange greetings with the imperial family, who will appear on their balcony.

Jan 2008 - Tokyo Sumo Tournament.
Sumo is one of Japan's most popular sports, steeped in legend, history and ceremony. To the outsider it can seem like a mere battle of strength and power but, it should be remembered, this is a sport with over 70 different throws, trips, forms and tricks. Only when these are mastered will the wrestler stand a chance of becoming a Yokuzuna (a grand champion).

Feb 3 Setsubun or Bean -Throwing Festival
According to the lunar calendar, Setsubun (Bean-Throwing) marks the last day of winter. People crowd temple grounds to participate in the traditional ceremony of throwing beans to drive away imaginary devils, shouting �Fortune in, Devils out!�

March 9 - Mt. Takao Fire Walking Festival
For a long time, Mt. Takao was believed to be a sacred mountain where shugendo trained themselves under severe conditions to harden their physical abilities and mental spirits. Those who wish to participate in fire walking can do so, including foreigners.
Catch the Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Mt. Takao approx. 50 minutes for 690yen. Go early in order to hike Mt. Takao before the festival, but be sure to get to the base of the mountain to watch the fire walking at 12:30.

April 14-15 - Takayama Festival
Come and enjoy one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. It has a long tradition dating back to the Kanamon family and is celebrated in great splendor.The floats reflect the magnificence of this festival which welcomes autumn.

May - Tokyo Sumo Tournament
Sumo is one of Japan's most popular sports, steeped in legend, history and ceremony. To the outsider it can seem like a mere battle of strength and power but, it should be remembered, this is a sport with over 70 different throws, trips, forms and tricks. Only when these are mastered will the wrestler stand a chance of becoming a Yokuzuna (a grand champion).

May 17 & 18 - Nikko Toshogu Shrine
A great way to see the World Heritage Site of Nikko and its temples. Includes a fantastic parade of a thousand samurai, a reenactment of the parade during the Tokugawa leyasu era.

Kawagoe is a gem of a place to visit, just an hour's drive from Tokyo, yet a world away.� We will visit the Toyama muse Kawagoe bus

um to enjoy its traditional architecture and gardens as well as the beautiful collection of hina dolls.� In Kawagoe, known as little Edo for the array of fine remnants of history as an Edo-period castle town we will walk the streets and visit historic sites.� The last Tuesday of the month is the Kawagoe flea market at Narita-san Betsu-in Temple where antique seekers can have a scavenge for treasures. This was a bus tour but Kawagoe is easily accessivle via train.

A perfect two-day getaway into the mountains, into the trees, into the fresh air!� Linking Kyoto with Edo, the Nakasendo was a popular alternative to the Tokaido Highway, from which it diverged at Nagoya. � At one of the best times of the year, we will follow�this route that cuts through the Kiso Valley in what is now Nagano Prefecture, a beautiful area of old villages and forested mountains.�The wild birds are singing at their finest, the trees are luscious green, and the forests yield a delightful array of wild vegetables that will be skillfully prepared by our country innkeepers. �

We drive to the postal village of Narai, visit the neighboring villages and the local craftsman along the trails the samurai used to use on their way to and from Kyoto and Edo. In the afternoon, we drive to the post town Tsumago, a village that, without us tourists, looks much as it did during the Edo Period.�We stay at an old ryokan with beautiful gardens and dine on traditional food.

The next morning we hike to Magome, the southern most postal town in the valley with�a commanding view of Mt. Ena. We will pass old houses, see waterfalls and�hike through bamboo and cedar forests.� Follow the link to JNTO Travel Guides and download the one for the Kiso Valley.

We will spend the day walking around the northern district of Kamakura.� Enjoy the beauty of Kamakura as we explore hidden art museums, Zen temples, and more!� Learn the history of Kamakura while wandering its back alleys.� Discover secret hideaways that foreigners (and many Japanese) are unaware of.� Join us for a Kamakura you never knew existed!

We will visit three temples on this tour, two famous Zen temples and another very unique 'Divorce' temple.� The grounds of all these temples are quite impressive and so are their history.�

We will also visit two facinating mini-museums.��One is dedicated to Yoh Shomei; a Japanese painter, illustrator, and author.� He is an international figure famous for his wonderful children's books and their illustrations.� Another�exhibits the work of Setsudo Onoda, an accomplished calligrapher.� The view from this museum is quite unexpected and we'll enjoy it over a cup of coffee or tea.

'Kenchin jiru' is named after a Zen monk, from Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura, who lived 500 years ago and who was thought to have created this dish of tofu, daikon, carrots, yam cake, burdock root, shiitake mushroom�and bamboo shoots steeped in�delicious miso soup�broth.