The Japan Society is proposing to form a party of around a dozen members who will travel to Kyoto in early April 2011 at cherry blossom season. If you have never visited the ancient capital in spring, one of the most beautiful times of year, this is your opportunity to do so! Planning has started and firm commitments from participants will be sought in September 2010. At this stage, you are simply asked to register your interest.

Draft Itinerary (dates tbc)

Arrival of all participants in Kyoto by approx. 31st March

Day 1  Hanami in the grounds of the Kyoto Gosho, with a brief background about the city, past & present

Day 2  Kinkakuji and optional kaiseki group supper

Day 3  Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Pontocho and Kiyamachi areas

Day 4  Ginkakuji, Tetsugaku-no-michi, Nanzenji, Yojiya, Okazaki, Heian Shrine, Fureaikan

Day 5  Arashiyama, possibly with a visit to a dying factory

Day 6  Kiyomizudera, Sannenzaka, Kodaiji, Machiya Tour #1

Day 7  Shugakuin Villa, possibly karakami workshop with a visit to Manshuin

Day 8  Toji Temple with brief talk about Japanese religions, Fushimi-Inari Shrine

Day 9  Machiya Tour #2, Shopping in Shijo and free time.

Day 10 Hirano shrine cherry blossom festival

We expect this visit to be over-subscribed. Please note that bookings will be taken on a “first-come, first-served” basis. As yet we cannot guarantee a fixed price due to such variables as the exchange rate and differences in participants’ budgets, however, you should anticipate a cost of approximately £2,000 per head.

Anyone interested in this trip is asked to email Miss Pauline Chakmakjian (on spyglass8@aol.com or c/o ai.takahashi@japansociety.org.uk ) no later than 15th May 2010. Please include your name, address, contact telephone number.  We will then get in touch with you with a more detailed programme and costing as soon as these are ready

Anyone interested in the Springtime in Kyoto trip may also wish to attend a special Travellers’ Social Club event featuring Kyoto on Monday, 12th April from 7.00pm.  More info