Prices and options

Our current pricing figures are below; until we actually purchase all the parts of the trip, prices are subject to change. So these prices are a best estimate.

For this trip, with travelers coming from multiple starting points and some arriving early or staying longer, one size does not fit all. Still, the prices listed here should be accurate for most travelers.

Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Osaka

Price: Land portion only: $3,975. We expect airfare on the suggested route to run around $1,200 - $2,500 per person, depending on how and when you book. (See our page on Shopping for air travel.)

Here's what's included for those on the core itinerary:

• 14 days and 13 nights in Japan
• Standard class (3 star) or better hotels most nights
• Three nights at a pension in the Japanese alps
• One night in a Buddhist temple
• Transportation to and from lodgings
• Transportation between cities by bus or rail
• A SUICA card for local transportation in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanazawa
• One or more segments on shinkansen (bullet trains)
• Admissions to various venues (museums, temples, etc.)
• 11 breakfasts and eight dinners
• Membership in and donation to Denver Takayama Sister City Committee (tax deductible)
  Note that emergency medical evacuation is included in the trip package!
  (Still, you may want to consider an inexpensive short term travel medical insurance policy)

 

• Creation and maintenance of this website as an information source and communication tool
• Information about the trip (Prices, Itinerary)
• Information about the travelers
• Information about each destination
• Discussions of issues that concern trip members
• Tips and tools (currency conversion, weather, time zones, etc.)
• Information about other resources, either on the web or locally available (public library, personal libraries of trip members, etc.)

 

• Services of two tour escorts from Denver
Pre-trip
• Interface with travel agent to coordinate itinerary requirements and negotiate best prices comensurate with desired quality
• Run one or two orientation meetings to discuss detailed tailored itineraries and provide language and cultural background
• Provide information about local (Denver area) events that may be of interest to members of the trip
• Spearhead promotion of trip
• Provide focal point for completing paperwork

During trip
• Lead group through all connections from original departure through final return
• Provide support (communication, direction, other assitance) throughout the trip

Post trip
• Provide focal point for coordinating exchange of digital pictures in a common trip digital photo album

 

Note: there is no tipping in Japan

 

Other options:

• Single supplement (if you don't want to share a hotel room) is additional: $571
• During our stay in Osaka, there might be the option of a day trip to Kyoto, which would carry an added charge
• Additional trip extensions at front or back: contact Kay Fahlberg, our travel advisor
• Air cabin upgrade (fly on same flights but business class - if available): check with your carrier or our travel agent

Critical dates:

• Latest date to sign up for trip: Thursday, August 22 - but sooner is better. We expect this trip to fill quickly.
• Note: There is a 4% surcharge on payments made using credit card
• Payments should be made by checks made out to "DSCI" with a memo field of "2019 Journey Into Japan"
• You can bring payments to any group orientation session or mail to:
  
     DSCI
     2650 E. 40th Ave.
     Denver, CO 80205
  
  
• 50% deposit on or before August 26
• Balance due on or before September 4
• ** Final payment of airfare cost and any single supplement cost on or before September 4.

** - if you are coming from outside Colorado, or arranging your own air travel, we modify this, of course, to reflect your reality

Cancellation policy:

• Cancellation up to 45 days before departure date: land portion fully refundable
• Cancellation 45 days or less before departure, only $300 is refundable