Touring Japanese Culture
JPS2140 JPS3140
8–29 January 2008
An eclectic Japanese cultural experience for those who want to experience more than just one face of Japan: the modern, the picturesque, the kitsch, the elegant and the profound.
This three-week tour of Japan is grounded within a learning framework and encapsulates a wide spectrum of cultural events and experiences, from Buddhist sacred sites to the post-modern hybrid that is Tokyo.
Travel along the rugged coastline of the Kii peninsula into the cradle of Japan's ancient civilisation. Visit Shinto's holiest shrine, Ise and the World Heritage listed sacred mountain sites of Kumano steeped in snow.
The itinerary emphasises the performing and visual arts, as well as popular culture. Attend performances of traditional and contemporary theatre and music, and visit temples, shrines and gardens. View museums, art galleries and prominent examples of traditional and contemporary architecture. There will, of course, be opportunities for indulging in Japanese food, nightlife, and shopping in Japan's wondrous department stores, as well as in older shopping precincts that retain the atmosphere of the Asian market place.
Conducted by Associate Professor Alison Tokita (Convenor, Japanese Studies Program, Monash University), an established researcher and teacher in Japanese culture, particularly the performing arts. This tour is for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture, art and religion. A critical appraisal of cultural sites will be an integral part of this program.
The daily activities described in this itinerary may be rotated and/or modified in order to accommodate changes in museum opening hours, flight schedules etc.
Tour Cost: $4900.00
Deposit of $2,000 payable by 14 September 2007.
Balance payable in full by 31 October, 2007.
What is included
- All accommodation (twin share)
- All entrance fees and charges for scheduled visits to theatres, museums, temples, gardens
- Two meals per day (breakfast, and either lunch or dinner)
- Return Qantas airfare to Japan, 21-day Japan rail-pass to cover internal train travel between cities; transport to and from airports in Japan
- Australian & Japanese departure taxes
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
What is not included
- Suburban transport (train, subway, bus) will be covered by individual participants.
- One meal a day at own expense (either lunch or dinner); drinks
- Entrance fees for sites marked Optional.
Changes in tour price
The price of the tour may change with currency fluctuations, airfare increases, or changes in the group size. We shall, however, do all in our power to maintain the published price.
Tour price will be set three weeks prior to departure
Cancellation fees
Cancellations will be subject to the following charges:
- cancellations made between 1/11/07 and 30/11/07 – 50% of the tour cost;
- cancellations made between 1/12/07 and 31/12/07 – 70% of the tour cost;
- cancellations made one week prior to departure – 90% of the tour cost.
Note: Travel insurance would generally cover cancellations due to ill health.
Notice of cancellation must be made in writing. We take the day on which we receive written confirmation of cancellation as the day of cancellation.
University accreditation
Students may be eligible for a travel grant of $500.00. Application forms are available from the unit co-ordinator.
The tour can earn you 6 credit points towards your degree in the Faculty of Arts, Monash University. (Cross-institutional accreditation may also be possible.)
Prerequisites
First-year Japanese language or or other Asian language or Japanese or other Asian studies sequence or combination.
Prerequisites
First-year Japanese language or or other Asian language or Japanese or other Asian studies sequence or combination.
Assessment requirement for credit
- Oral presentation
- two critiques
- 2,500 word essay (to be submitted by end of February 2008)
See the University Handbook for further information about JPS2140 / JPS3140.
Normal HECS payment will apply for participants seeking credit.
Resources
You will receive:
- A compendium of reading material to provide context and an educational dimension to the places to be visited
- Aaps and general information about Japan
- 'On site' background information from tour leaders on all the attractions that form part of the tour.
Bookings
Bookings and expressions of interest can be made now through:
Japanese Studies Centre
Building 54
Monash University, Clayton 3800
T (03) 9905 2260
F (03) 9905 3874
japanese.studies.centre@arts.monash.edu.au
- Download Booking Form:
Confirmation of Your Booking
When we have received your booking form, together with deposit for the tour, we will send you confirmation of your booking and relevant travel details, together with a travel insurance form. If a place is not available we will return your payment.
Further information
For further information, please contact the unit coordinator:
Associate Professor Alison Tokita
T (& voicemail): (03)
9905 2275
Email: Alison.Tokita@arts.monash.edu.au