“Finding the Hidden School” – Dan Millman
Tour Speaker : Dan Millman
Tour Dates : March 9-20, 2015
Join Dan on the journey of a lifetime! Experience the simplicity of Zen, the spirit of the Samurai, and the soul of Japan. The same culture that refined flower arrangement, ink-brush painting, and haiku poetry also produced the finest blade ever made by human hand. You too will be forged and tempered as you travel the peaceful warrior’s way. Together we’ll explore selected sites on our journey to the hidden school within…
Highlights of your time with Dan will include:
• Find the heart of the spiritual journey
• Practice Zen meditation in a sacred site
• Experience kendo, way of the sword
• Use mindfulness in each moment
• Learn a powerful 4-minute warrior meditation
• Discover Naikan: 3 questions that change lives
• Enjoy discussions, dialogues, Q&A with Dan
Power Places® participants in the last Japan trip enjoying experiential exercises with Dan
Your journey will take you to:
• Shikoku, island site of samurai legend
• Kyoto, gateway to Japanese culture and ancient tradition
• Kinkakuji gardens and the Golden Pavilion
• Nijo Castle of Shogun Tokugawa
• Kiyomizu Temple, a World Heritage site
Our group will travel by bullet train to the foothills of Mt. Fuji, the soul of Japan. In this verdant lake and forest region, you’ll:
• view waterfalls on beautiful forest trails
• appreciate the Zen tea ceremony
• cultivate the samurai ideal of artful serenity
• luxuriate in revitalizing mineral springs
• explore Ritsuri, one of Japan’s finest gardens
• And much more!
[su_heading style=”1″]Itinerary[/su_heading]
[su_spoiler title=”Day 1/Mar. 9″ open=”yes” style=”2″] Depart for Osaka Kansai International Airport, Japan from the West Coast of the U.S.. [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Day 2/Mar. 10″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
Medieval samurai village in Shikoku island
Takamatsu castle
Arrive at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. Upon arrival into the international terminal, be met by Dan Millman and your English speaking Japanese tour manager/guide who will be with you throughout the tour and will assist in the transfer to the shinkansen, the streamlined “bullet-train,” speed train to Shikoku Island, specifically Takamatsu, for the beginning of your journey. Check in to the hotel. Later today meet for an orientation and welcome gathering with Dan.*
(Land-Only Participants: Your travel program begins today at the arrivals terminal at Kansai Osaka International Airport.)[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Day 3/Mar. 11″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
Ritsuri Park
Visit Ritsuri Park, designated as one of the 5 most beautiful historical gardens in Japan, a living culture that transcends time. A visit to a reproduction of a medieval village conveying rural life is our next stop. Walking through these pathways it is easy to imagine the samurai (or bushi), warriors of premodern Japan, walking through the village. While Samurai employed a range of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and guns, their main weapon, symbol, and very soul was the sword.
Enjoy the serenity that are the gardens of Japan
Like the English knights of legend, the samurai lived according to their own code of bushido — “the way of the warrior”. Confucian in nature, bushido placed high value on loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Many were naturally drawn to the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism.
After 700 years as a warrior class answering only to the daimyo or feudal lords, the samurai began educating themselves not only in the martial arts, but also in literature and arts like calligraphy and the tea ceremony. Adapting to more peaceful times in the Edo period, samurai evolved into warrior-poets and philosophers intimate with the ephemeral beauty of life.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Day 4/Mar. 12″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
Vine bridges on Iya valley
Today visit Iya Valley and the Kazura Bridge, a vine-made suspension bridge over the Iya River Iya Valley is true wild country in the west of Tokushima used in ancient times for ronin, or masterless samurai to find sanctuary from their enemies. Vine bridges were originally strung across the valley so a warrior could escape across cutting the bridge down so that nobody could follow him as he disappeared into the mountains. Then visit Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s twelve ”original castles” and an excellent example of a feudal castle guarded by samurai.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Day 5/Mar. 13″ open=”yes” style=”2″] Travel by bullet-train and express train to Kyoto, the ancient government and spiritual capital. Check-in to your well-located hotel.
Dan and Raj enjoying some great Japanese cuisine
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[su_spoiler title=”Day 6/Mar. 14″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
Experience the beautiful Golden Pavilion
Experience Zen Meditation at Kounji Temple, steeped in sacred traditions. Tour Kiyomizu-dera – Clear Water Temple, founded in 798 by a great samurai, Tamamaro.
View Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, steeped in history and mystery. Then visit the Nijo Castle of Shogun Tokugawa, with the “nightingale floor” designed to ward off ninja assassins.
Kyomizu-dera
Nijo Castle of Shogun Tokugawa
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[su_spoiler title=”Day 7/Mar. 15″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
A moment in Japan
Experience a morning service at Nishi Hongwanji to hear the monks chanting (optional for those who wish.) Later, with special permission, we visit a Kendo school to view Kendo training, one of the Zen arts of bushido—and (if permission is granted) you may have a chance to heft the shinai (bamboo sword) yourself.
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[su_spoiler title=”Day 8/Mar. 16″ open=”yes” style=”2″]Journey by bullet-train to the foothills of Mt. Fuji and transfer to Hakone. Check into your ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.
Experience the harmony when nature elements are brought together in authentic beauty
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[su_spoiler title=”Day 9/Mar. 17″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
Enjoy a traditional authentic tea ceremony
Visit the Hakone Shrine with its Treasure Museum. Experience a specially arranged Zen Tea Ceremony at Hakone Museum for just our group.
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[su_spoiler title=”Day 10/Mar. 18″ open=”yes” style=”2″]
Shiraito no Taki
In the foothills of Mt. Fuji, enjoy a gentle hike along a centuries old Tokaido stone pebbled path through the forest. Some of the original best preserved stone pavement remain here, where you and Dan can imagine yourselves as samurai warriors on a forest pilgrimage.
Otodome Waterfall
In this lake and forest region you’ll have time to enjoy peaceful warrior teachings, revitalizing mineral hot springs – a traditional Japanese bath, quiet meditation in a beautiful setting, and shopping for mementos of your journey.
Some of the delectable delicacies enjoy by the group at the final celebration dinner!
Experience the incredible energies of Shiraito no Taki and Otodome Waterfalls. Shiraito Waterfall is named the white thread fall. Thousands of small streams from Mt. Fuji trickle in a large arch from the rocks between the main flows, creating a vast white cascade.
Farewell private dinner tonight.
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[su_spoiler title=”Day 11/Mar. 19″ open=”yes” style=”2″]Late afternoon train back to Osaka to overnight at a hotel near the airport. [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Day 12/Mar. 20″ open=”yes” style=”2″]Depart for your flight from Osaka Kansai International Airport back to the U.S. arriving back the same day.
(Land-Only Participants: Your travel program ends today at the hotel in Osaka with check-out by 12 noon.)
Dan having fun during his last Japan tour!
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[su_label style=”important”]*Note:[/su_label] Special seminars, experiential exercises and meditations with Dan Millman will take place throughout this program. Exact times to be announced on site.
[su_label style=”important”]Note:[/su_label] Itinerary, including the order of the sightseeing, subject to change.
[su_heading style=”1″ size=”18″]YOUR FACILITATOR[/su_heading]
Dan Millman
Dan Millman — a former world champion gymnast, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor — is author of 16 books, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior (adapted to film in 2006). Dan’s books are published in 29 languages,and his teachings have influenced people from all walks of life, including leaders in the fields of health, psychology, education, business, politics, sports and the arts. More info: www.peacefulwarrior.com
[su_spoiler title=”TOUR CONDITIONS” open=”no” style=”2″]
I. WHAT’S INCLUDED: $9,979 per person includes international airfare from the West coast of the U.S. to Kansai Osaka International Airport round trip, meet and greet at Osaka Kansai International airport by your English speaking Japanese tour manager/guide who will assist in the transfer to the shinkansen, the streamlined “bullet-train,” speed train with tourist first class seating, to Shikoku Island, hotel accommodations (double occupancy) in deluxe hotels and a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), hotel taxes and service charges, breakfast daily, (with option for Japanese breakfast or more American type of breakfast, your choice at most hotels), dinners during your stay at the ryokan in Mt. Fuji area, transportation within Japan on first class buses, bullet speed train with tourist first class seating, and express trains from Osaka Kansai International Airport/Shikoku Island/Kyoto/Mt. Fuji area roundtrip, extensive sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking Japanese guide/tour manager sensitive to the spiritual focus of this group, entrance fees to the sites visited, a visit to a special hot springs/spa, authentic private tea ceremony just for our group, special intensive seminars, experiential exercises and meditations with Dan Millman throughout the tour, plus much more. Price is per person based on two people sharing a room. For a single room, if available, add $1,999. (Price is based on a minimum of 10 passengers. In the unlikely event there are less than 10 people there will be a surcharge of $300 to $550 per person, the exact amount depending on exact number of travelers; travelers will be advised of surcharge about 30 days before departure, and if it is required, please be advised that cancellation fees still apply.)
NOTE CONCERNING ROOMMATES: Please let us know if you would like us to match you with a roommate. While we cannot guarantee that we can find you a roommate, we usually are successful in doing so. In the event we are unable to find a roommate for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement cost.
II. NOT INCLUDED: Visa and passport fees where required, airline baggage fees, meals not mentioned above, optional tours; foreign cities’ and countries’ departure taxes; airport/airline/government taxes, fees, fuel and other surcharges (currently estimated at $499), tips to guides, and items of a personal nature such as laundry and beverages, air deviation fees for travel on other than group departure or return dates, where allowed by airlines (minimum $125 fee; the airline may also charge an additional fee of $100 or more), plus change fee where applicable ($100 per change made within 45 days of departure, where changes are possible), and other items not included above.
III. DEPOSIT & PAYMENT: A $3,350 deposit secures your reservation. Interim payment of $3,000 is due on November 9, 2014. SPACE IS LIMITED. Reservations are accepted on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS according to date of registration. Your registration will be held for seven calendar days pending receipt of your deposit by check, money order, or wire transfer, after which you will be sent a confirmation of receipt of your deposit. (If you wish to pay by wire transfer, please contact our office for wire details.) Final payment due by
January 9, 2015. If the interim and final payments are not received 10 days after the payment due dates, and required documents are not returned on time, reservations are subject to a $100 late fee, and may be subject to cancellation. For payment by credit card, the tour price is $10,377. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Tour price of $9,979 is the price when both interim and final payments are made by check, money order, or wire transfer. Personal checks from a U.S. bank are accepted if received 90 days prior to departure. Within 90 days, payments are due by wire transfer or U.S. bank cashier’s check or money order.
NOTE ABOUT TRAVELER’S VITAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT (TVID): In order to coordinate your travel arrangements and complete your registration it is essential that this signed document (TVID) be received by mail, email, or faxed to Power Places® Tours within 10 days of receipt. This document is included in your registration packet with a self addressed stamped envelope for your convenience. International participants may fax, or scan and email the signed document to us.
IV. CANCELLATION & REFUNDS: Deposits are refundable, except for a $450 processing fee per person, if cancellation is received by October 10, 2014. Within six months of trip departure, a cancellation fee of 25% of the total cost of the trip shall apply. Within four months of departure, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total cost of the trip shall apply. No refunds within three months of departure. All cancellations must be in writing, and reach our office by the applicable cancellation date above. Since the cancellation terms must be strictly applied no matter the reason for cancellation, travel insurance/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended; this insurance includes coverage for cancellation in case of illness or death in the family. Check with Power Places® Tours for insurance information and a free brochure. For International Travelers: Contact a local travel agency in your area for costs and details about the right travel insurance for you.
V. Responsibility: Power Places® Tours, Inc., with its place of business in Colorado, and its associates act only as agent for the Tour Operator(s) and the various hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, ship lines (called Travel Suppliers) providing accommodations, transportation or other services described in this itinerary. By acceptance of travel program membership/registration and/or such coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets, the travel program member agrees to the foregoing and acknowledges that:
All such coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by Power Places® Tours, Inc. are issued or delivered subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which any such Travel Suppliers, their owners or contractors or any persons in their employ may have established;
Neither Power Places® Tours, Inc. nor any of its associates, agents, officers, employees or consultants shall be liable for any delay, change in schedule, loss, damage, or injury to property or persons including death caused by reason of the negligence, wrongful or intentional acts, acts of God, terrorist acts, governmental or political actions, civil unrest or hostilities, notwithstanding any travel advisories or warnings; or for defects of equipment of any Travel Supplier, for any expense or inconvenience caused by late arrivals of any conveyances of such Travel Suppliers or any changes of schedules, conveyances or accommodations determined by any Tour Operator, or for any cancellation or disruption of any such services provided by any such Travel Suppliers; or for any failure on the part of any such Tour Operator or Travel Supplier to perform by reason of financial difficulty or default, suspension of operation, or other reason; or for any refunds for travel accommodations not provided by any such Tour Operators or Travel Supplier in excess of amounts actually received by way of refund from any such Tour Operator or Travel Supplier, or not paid over to Power Places® Tours, Inc. by any such Tour Operator or Travel Supplier;
Travel Supplier(s)/Tour Operator(s) provide the travel services identified with this travel program, and the travel program member agrees to look solely to such Travel Supplier(s)/Tour Operator(s) for the provision to such travel services; the travel program member agrees to participate in the seminar on site unless other arrangements have been made previously prior to departure; the Tour Operator or Tour Director/Manager/Escort shall have the right to decline to accept or to retain any person as a travel program member should such travel program member’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation of the travel program or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other travel program members, and no refund can be given in such cases. The right is reserved to substitute hotels or alter itineraries, and either the Tour Operator or Power Places® Tours, Inc. shall have the right to cancel any travel program prior to departure or to increase prices where the costs shall rise.
Neither Power Places® Tours, Inc. nor any of its associates, agents, officers, employees or consultants shall be financially responsible for refunds in the event of cancellation of all or part of any tour due to acts of nature, governmental actions, travel advisories or warnings, civil unrest or hostilities, or acts of terrorism, or for the default of any Tour Operator or Travel Supplier, or for any reason beyond control of Power Places® Tours, Inc. Power Places® Tours, Inc. is not responsible for any refunds should a presenter/speaker advertised as attending/speaking or leading a tour or conference cancel for any reason whatsoever. Power Places Tours, Inc. is not responsible for any physical, mental, emotional, or other reaction, trauma, or ailment during the trip or occurring afterwards, that participants may experience at the sites or from any lecturers, workshops, or sessions of any kind, including private sessions with presenters;
In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between the tour member/traveler (or person registered to travel) and Power Places® Tours, Inc. the tour member/traveler/person registered to travel also agrees that the dispute will be governed by Colorado law and the venue for any legal action will be in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and agrees that under any and all circumstances the cost of the trip is a fair and reasonable limitation on damages, of any sort whatsoever, and that no refunds or damages can be given greater than the amount actually paid to Power Places® Tours, Inc. Costs incurred due to credit card or other fees accessed to Power Places Tours, Inc. are not subject to refund.
Power Places® Tours, Inc. has recommended the purchase of appropriate travel accident insurance, baggage insurance, tour operator/carrier default protection insurance, and trip cancellation insurance, and has made available explanatory information and policies, and the travel program member has had the opportunity to purchase such insurance as protection against certain risks of travel to the planned destination. Travel program members are advised that travel insurance covers only what is included as stated as covered in the travel insurance brochure.
The airline or transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts, omissions or events during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline or transportation companies and the purchaser of this travel program and/or passengers. This brochure represents the entire agreement between the passenger(s) and Power Places® Tours, Inc.
© Entire write up, 2014 Power Places® Tours, Inc. All rights reserved
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You may pay by bank wire, and also by check (from a U.S. bank in US dollars.)