Directors Notes

Recent News

In January 2009 I returned from a month long trip to Japan. This included a private twelve-day tour for a family of six from the US. On December 23, the Emperor's birthday, we joined thousands of Japanese in greeting the Imperial Family as we stood in front of the Imperial Palace (see photo below). The private portion of the Palace grounds is open to the public only twice a year, so this was a unique privilege. The weather was very kind to us as we visited Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, Yokohama, and Nikko, in addition to six nights in Tokyo. We enjoyed a fantastic sampling of Japanese cuisine, and even welcomed in the New Year at Zojoji Temple, next to Tokyo Tower.

On January 2 my next-door neighbor, who was a pilot in World War II, arrived in Tokyo. He had never met a Japanese pilot face to face. On January 6 at the Royal Oak Hotel on the shores of Lake Biwa he had a three-hour conversation with Honda-san, who flew for the Japanese in World War II. Though they had been enemies in the War, it was deeply gratifying to see these two men in their eighties engaged in a three hour conversation (thanks in large part to the translation efforts of my good friend Makoto) without animosity or rancor. One of the greatest joys in my life is building bridges and dissolving walls between cultures, so this was a high point for me.

Holiday Lights in Shinjuku

Imperial Family on Emperor's Birthday – December 23, 2008

Street Scene in Kyoto

New Year's Day Crowds in Nikko

Regarding Airfare

Please note: all of our small-group tours are Land-only. This means you are responsible for booking your round trip airfare to Japan. Nevertheless, I remain willing to assist potential customers with any challenges they face regarding air travel arrangements. If we are approached by a group wishing to join one of our tours, or to book their own private tour, I am willing to handle the air travel if that would expedite matters.

Note: if you plan to join one of our tours please contact us prior to purchase of your airplane tickets; we require a minimum number of registrations before we can guarantee a tour.

In hopes of traveling with you in Japan,

Steve

steve@adelsmantours.com
office: (928) 254-3997