Fly east for 10 hours and you’ll arrive in a place far removed from Western culture. This summer, why not explore Japan, a country rich in both ancient traditions and up-to-the-minute excitement?

Shop along the Ginza, home to an impressive collection of world-renowned boutiques; drop by the otaku paradise of Akihabara and sip tea at a maid café; take a trip to a local hot-springs inn and dine on the local sashimi and saké; and celebrate Japan’s hot summer with a traditional Japanese festival. On the following pages, we’ll introduce you to companies waiting to make this dream trip become a reality for you.

Plan Your Own Trip with Japan Rail Pass

“The Japan Rail Pass lets travelers ride JR trains, buses and ferries with one simple ticket,” explains Max Hattori, the man in charge of Sankei Travel’s Seattle office. Japan’s public transportation system is safe and punctual, making it a relaxing way for travelers to see the country. The popular ekiben (boxed lunches) feature local delicacies that add to the fun of the trip. For long-term travelers and students, the 21-day pass allows for travel from the southern tip of Kyushu to the northernmost point of Hokkaido. It’s an economical way to see the country. You can enjoy a dip in the ocean along the way or a hike in the Japanese Alps near Nagano, which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Take in the many charms of Japan’s cities and countryside with this pass.

Sankei Travel Seattle Office
1-800-801-4069
www.sankeitravel.com

Furano, Hokkaido	Kyushu, Kagoshima

Tokyo + Onsen Hot Spring

JTB offers a wide range of services, from package tours to hotel reservations, but the one that has been getting the most attention lately has been its Flex service, which allows travelers to select their own destinations and accommodations. “The most popular service is one that combines a stay in Tokyo, a trip to a hot-springs inn, the train ticket to get there and the airline tickets to and from Japan,” says Dan Winters of the JTB Seattle office. Ibuki has featured hot-springs resorts in earlier issues. They’re wonderful for experiencing Japan’s famous cuisine, architecture and exemplary service. Because Japan has plenty of volcanoes, it also is dotted with hot springs. Hakone and Inatori on the Izu Peninsula are close to Tokyo but seem worlds away when you’re soaking in a hot-springs bath and looking out at the ocean or up at Mount Fuji. Or visit Kusatsu, where many Japanese ryokan, or inns, are clustered together, allowing you to sample different public baths as you stroll around the town. This website offers an overview of some of these hot-springs destinations: http://www.japanican.com/special/onsen/. You can start planning the trip of a lifetime today.

JTB USA Seattle Office
1-866-467-8877
www.jtbusa.com

Onsen	Tokyo

Experience Historic Festivals in Tohoku, Northern Japan

Ching Tan, sales manager at Travel Oriented, says there’s one tour that he recommends above all others during the summer months: A trip that includes visits to the Big Three festivals of Japan’s northern region, Tohoku. “Our tour is put together by people very knowledgeable about travel in Japan. The restaurants, hotels and sightseeing spots they select offer a vast view of Japan in a short time. The package tour and the relatively close destinations offer the best option both economically and experientially.”
On the Tokyo & Summer Festival 8-Day tour, travelers gather in Tokyo, then fly to Hakodate on Hokkaido. They take the bullet train to Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Sendai, Nikko and then back to Tokyo. The main destinations along the way are the three great festivals: Nebuta Festival in Aomori, the Kanto Festival in Akita and the Tanabata Festival in Sendai.
The Nebuta Festival dates back to the 9th Century and draws three million sightseers annually. The festival features massive lanterns made of traditional washi paper, and dancers and drummers in traditional Nebuta costumes. It’s a dynamic parade.
The Kanto Festival in Akita started as a way for farmers to gather and pray for an abundant harvest. Today it includes unique performances by people balancing 110-lb. lanterns on their heads, shoulders and chests. The Tanabata Festival features colorful streamers made of traditional washi paper — a beautiful way to celebrate summer in northern Japan.
A trip to Tohoku this summer offers a wonderful way to experience Japan’s rich culture.

Japan Delux Tour
1-888-496-5676
www.japandeluxetour. com

Nebuta Festival, Aomori	Kanto Festival, Akita	Tanabata Festival, Sendai