WEEKLY

Week #1 Saturday, January 27 - Getting Ready for Japan 

Konnichiwa,

We have only three months to get ready. I have placed everything you’ll need to know for our trip on https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/

First question - “What plug do I need for my hair dryer?” Read about electric plugs in Japan,
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18h1t4MO5in2n5qExIi05wEZrGGDiT5oW/view

Your luxury hotels and ships have hair dryers to use for FREE. Read about our luxury ship,
https://us.ponant.com/le-soleal#modal_cabines

“Can we bring our CBD?” NO! CBD is illegal in Japan subject to arrest. Pharmacies outside the US are very different. I couldn’t even get ibuprofen OTC in France.

BRINGING OTC MEDICINE & PRESCRIPTIONS
- IMPORTANT: HTTPS://JP.USEMBASSY.GOV/SERVICES/IMPORTING-MEDICATION/
- Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in
Japan. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which
is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese
authorities.

Read, “What to Pack for Japan – 27 Essentials” (I added a few notes).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18h1t4MO5in2n5qExIi05wEZrGGDiT5oW/view

If you want to speak a little Japanese, check out
https://storylearning.com/learn/japanese/japanese-tips/basic-japanese-phrases

But Duolingo learning is easier and a lot more fun,
https://www.duolingo.com/enroll/ja/en/Learn-Japanese

Other questions? Sorry. More help(?) will follow as you master this email note.
Tom

Week #2 Saturday, February 3

Konnichiwa,

Here are OUR first ten Japanese words to practice to speak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJR5rm9HhTA

That video tells how to SPEAK properly and when to say the words, such as where is the syllable. The video tells how to say the important phrase, “Where is the toilet?” In Japan, toilets can be an experience,
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ipvzxlPdkqepzM0scasDBTPOHRqvCfrr/view

But unlike in Europe (where you are advised to carry a few coins), in Japan public toilets are FREE to use. If you want some YEN, Conrad and the Sumitomo Mitsui Bank (across the street from Conrad) have ATMs. There is also an ATM in the North International lobby of the airport.
Read https://wise.com/us/blog/atms-in-japan

Although Japan is behind the world in the use of credit cards, It is MY best guess in the tourist areas (where we visit), plastic is handled okay. However, outside the main drag or with street vendors, you’ll yen for some paper. I have tagged where we INFREQUENTLY have FREE TIME to roam (e.g. off the main drag) on
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/itinerary.html

If you don’t waste your free time, you’ll need to plan. More later.
Tom
Week #3 Saturday, February 10 - Osaka, maps, and cellphone

Ohayou,

I’m still working on those ten phrases from last week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJR5rm9HhTA
I wrote them on a sheet of paper (attached) to place around the house and in my wallet to review often.

This week, I also researched mentally what we’ll need to know on our first day in Japan and on our own. Such as having a working cell phone (with maps) in case I get lost. It has happened, even in America.

I am sharing these thoughts in this email in case you’re interested.
Warning: YouTube is trashing many of these videos with ads. Be patient for the BS to pass

For me, pronouncing Japanese is more effort than remembering meanings.The translator in my Pixel warns me, “Stick with English.” Nevertheless, I found this pronunciation training --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Irzvrcpf4Q

I am told the most important word to speak is sumimasen. On our first full day in Osaka (on our own), I may have the opportunity to say it.

Likewise, the word gozaimasu, several times in the TEN phrases, caught my attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNpNZkF3Bcw

I found a few more words that I’ll share in future weeks. My brain can only handle a few words weekly.

I detailed our first few cities in this blog: Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html

In Osaka after breakfast, I plan one of “Rosemary’s famous morning walks.”
From Conrad to the Osaka Castle along a greenway next to the Tosahori River,
I included a RideWithGPS link on the blog. While at home, I’ll load the route onto my cell phone (see COMMENT below).

I also found an inexpensive Japanese restaurant Matsuya Yodoyabashi along the return walk to Conrad. Worth a try? If I am adventuresome and don’t mind a few Japanese staring at me. Check out the pictures on this menu! (It isn’t pizza)
https://www.matsuyafoods.co.jp/english/menu/

I am going to try to figure out what all this stuff is before I start pointing.
And maybe practice a few Japanese words to get seated at a table.

Sounds like time to practice proper Japanese etiquette with chopsticks.
https://www.wikihow.com/Chopstick-Etiquette

Another word to practice is arigatou
Tom

COMMENTS on RideWithGPS
I installed the RideWithGPS app into my Pixel and bought the monthly subscription. I will download and save maps at home.
The cell phone can act as a GPS without needing a phone connection.

As a backup FREEBEE, I also use OSMAnd app. I will download Japan’s maps before leaving.

Regarding the use of cell phones in Japan, see
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel.html#telephone
I already purchased the International Plan with Verizon.

Week #4  Friday, February 16 - How to survive 26 hours.

Ohayou,

On our ten phrases, what does desu ka mean? How to use it.? It is found in several phrases. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJR5rm9HhTA

On my walk back to Conrad, I am going to stop at Matsuya Yodoyabashi restaurant. Here is what I need to say (from the above guys with the ten phrases)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32B2nqss9T4&t=241s

However, before exploring our Japan destinations, my first concern is -- getting there. I have a 26-hour flight before landing in Osaka!
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel.html#air

Uhg! It will be the longest period that I have spent on air. Maybe not. I spent almost a day flying to San Paulo, Brazil. But that was 40 years ago and my memory has pleasantly deleted it. My flight from Atlanta to Seoul Korea takes 16 hours. Smartly, I booked Premium Econo.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/onboard/onboard-experience/delta-premium-economy

I think it is just as good as Business Class for thousands of $’s less.

While on the plane, I plan to use my laptop and in-seat plug-in for 110 AC. Maybe watch a few movies, music, or audiobooks. I know it should work, but the CPAP is a no-go.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel.html#air

I am also packing my extension cord on the plane. Plane connections frequently fail. I can reach across to someone else’s plugs.

I know it is going to be unpleasant. So, I have done some preparation to kill the pain of the long flight,
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/long-flights.html

Then, I sit for 4 hours and 20 minutes in Incheon. I can claim that I have been TWICE to South Korea with Delta and Tauck – Seoul and Busan. In Seoul, I’ll be close enough to North Korea to watch Kim Jong Un launching his missiles. 
However, my bigger concern is – How will I get around Incheon in the Korean language? I’m already struggling with Japanese.

Are all the signs in Korean? What will Incheon be like? How do I get between gates? Through security? Do I want to use the Lounges?
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/incheon.html

Whenever spending more than a couple of hours in an airport, I check out the lounges. Are they worth the cost? Often, First Class and Business Class passengers get in at no charge. Sometimes, I can buy entry with my Econo with my American Express Platinum Card or Priority Pass Card. However, in Incheon, everyone can buy in for $35/person in Terminal #2 - Matina Lounge.
https://www.seoul-airport.com/lounges.php

Nevertheless, check my bearings, roam in the new foreign airport, and then try the lesser expense in one of the general pubs. Arriving in Kansai I’ll say

sumimasen toire wa doko desuka

I have a map for Kansai to get through immigration, customs, and baggage and to find my Tauck transfer to the hotel.
https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/map/t1/1f.html

Tom

FYI: All these links are on my blog. I am tweaking my failing memory multiple times.
I am using these weekly notes to rehearse how to find where I saved everything.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com

Week #5 - February 23 - Sleeping, CPAP, and first day in Japan

Ohayou gozaimasu,

I have been thinking about how to get my body ready for Japan. As I leave Nashville around 11 PM, I’ll want to sleep. At the same time, it will be 2 PM JST in Osaka and I’ll just be finishing lunch. The 14-hour difference is likely to be a shock to my circadian rhythm.

I have had uncomfortable sleepy days traveling a 7-hour difference to/from Europe.
Without executing a sleeping plan in advance, my first days in Japan could be through closed eyes. Here is what I am going to do - https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/long-flights.html#shifting

As a sleeping aid, I am bringing my CPAP. I have found issues, especially with trying to use water. Although I can’t use it on the plane, I will want to use it for fourteen days in Japan.; https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/cpap.html

If all goes well, I’ll be alert at 11:30 AM JST when the plane arrives at Kansai Airport
It probably won’t be until 1 PM until I get through immigration, pick up my luggage, and find my taxi. There is an ATM in the arrival lobby, but I’ll wait for Conrad.

Getting to the Conrad from Kansai Airport is a 37-minute taxi ride.



It has been an entire day before I left Atlanta and walked into Conrad around 2 PM JST. Hopefully, I’ll be awake and anxious to explore.

All the rooms are above the 40th floor with ceiling-to-floor windows looking across Osaka. In my experience, Tauck always books the best rooms. I’ll check out the bedroom, closet my clothes, find a plug for the CPAP near the bed, and read Tauck’s paperwork. Regarding the CPAP water issue, I’ll use tap water for at least one night.

By 4 PM, it’s time to celebrate the start of a great experience. I’ll head for the 40 Sky Bar and Lounge. Phil will want to check the Japanese whisky he had in H’ville.
However, it’s best to go LITE on eating, especially when the whisky and snacks are on my credit card. Tauck tours are always more than overwhelming with food and booze.

Back in my room, I’ll plan for my first day alone in Osaka. It’ll be an adventure.

I’ll rehearse my few Japanese phrases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJR5rm9HhTA
and new restaurant phrases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32B2nqss9T4&t=241s

I’ll memorize the maps on my morning Rosemary Walk to Osaka Castle.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html#walk

In the morning, Tauck will be paying for breakfast on the brasserie Atmos. The menu has typical and cage-free egg meals and Wabisuke style about which I have no clue.
 


After breakfast, I’ll be “on the Osaka road” alongside the Tosahori River heading to Osaka Castle. That walk will be for next week’s report.

My first stop is at the ATM is in the bank just across the street from the hotel. I need some cash for the lunch restaurant and the 7-Eleven during my walk. About 20,000 yen in 2000 and 5000 should be adequate. About 150 YEN (appearance) compares to one DOLLAR. (A 1000 \ is about $7)
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel.html#money

A couple of 7-Eleven convenience stores are near Conrad. Maybe it will have purified water sei-sei-sui (精製水)for my CPAP. Here is my note
CPAP人工呼吸器用の蒸留水又は精製水をお願いします。

Tom
Week #6: March 1 - Important Documents

Ohayou gozaimasu,

Most likely people don’t read what Tauck has on customer accounts. As an alternative this week, Tauck sent a 32-page personal document as a duplication.
Was any of it important/useful?

Yes and No.
My travel blog and these weekly letters have the needed content.

Nevertheless, I checked my Tauck account to be sure all necessary entries are complete
 


Besides Tauck’s contribution, I have three documents that every traveler needs: A Document Checklist, Travel Trouble, and the Visit Japan Web.

This Checklist serves as a Table of Contents that I bring in a small three-ring binder and load my cell phone. I provide a printable Checklist of Documents.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/checklist.html

Hopefully, we don’t have Travel Trouble, but it does. I am ready to respond
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel-trouble.html
I have asked Cynthia/Tauck to confirm what I plan to do is expeditious.

Japan requires all visitors to complete their Visit Japan Web. Their instructions were not clear. Nevertheless, here is what I did.

- On pass 1) I set up my account (email and PW) and scanned my Passport on my cell phone camera,

- on pass 2) I loaded my flight and hotel description (from Tauck’s info in my account), and

- on pass 3) I clicked on Japan’s Custom Lists and got the QR.

Sayonara,
Tom
Week #7: March 8 - A day in Osaka, Google maps, and food.

Ohayou gozaimasu,

Last week, Tauck sent a 32-page personal document which already is mostly on my account on their website. Our next task is to complete the Visit Japan Web. I needed Conrad’s address. What’s a prefecture? (see below).
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel.html#vjw

I have an extra day in Osaka. Our tour doesn’t start until 5:30 PM until their welcoming dinner.
I watched a touristy YouTube video and asked ChatGPT, “What best should a tourist do?”
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/osaka.html

The AI suggested I visit Osaka Castle and Dotonbori. Both are within a three-mile walk from the Conrad. Tauck is going to have a bus ride around the city. I don’t want to duplicate that.
I chose to walk to Osaka Castle.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html#castle

The route is a greenway trail along the Tosabori River and Nakanoshima Rose Garden. During my excursion, I plan to stop at an ATM. To avoid getting lost, I printed a detailed picture map

For those trying to use Google Maps, they are going to get lost. The Japanese don’t use road names! What is a prefecture? What is a chome, dori, suji, etc.?
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/history.html#addresses

I did find several restaurants on my returm walk. If I am really adventurous, I can try one. The problem is -- I know nothing about Japanese food and don’t like sushi rolls. (I also go past a McDonald’s as a known eatery.)

I did some research and learned about nigiri, sashimi, maki, ramen, sabo, udon, and a dozen other popular dishes.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/food.html

Konbawa,

During Tauck’s Welcoming Dinner, we may get an opportunity to experiment with Japanese foods. Maybe Matsusaka beef – maybe not. We will get an introduction to Geisha
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2102.html

Sayonara,
Tom

Week #8: March 15 - Japanese Religion

Ohayou gozaimasu,

Without a doubt, visiting Japan is on most tourist’s “bucket list,” including me. After having visited almost every country in Europe with dozens of similar cathedrals, palaces, buildings, and museums, I didn’t want to tour “more of the same.”  I would be bored with tedious versions of a similar history and culture. That sentiment included all my trips to the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Canada, and the States.

The Far East, on the other hand, was intriguing. Everything was so different. Japan appeared to be the most unique and - - I had an opportunity to explore it.

I'm (Cory Varga) so excited you're planning your trip to Japan. It's one of the most incredible countries you'll ever visit.

Google search the best highlights for Japan and learn that Tauck’s Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun has it all. It’s the best (and most luxurious) Japanese tour I have found. I also found that the most meaningful way to get full trip value is to do my homework in advance.

In preparation, I purchased and watched a 12-hour video lecture course about the history of Japan. Understanding Japan: a Cultural History That study helps explain why Japan’s customs and practices are so exclusive.

My Japan blog also collects and organizes documents and videos with what every American needs to know to visit Japan. https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/history.html

Aside from the Western popularization of Shoguns and Samaris, Japanese religion is the highlight. 80% of the people simultaneously practice the same two religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. (Although less than 3% admit to be Shintoists) Their society is hugely monolithic with little intellectual diversity. Syncretic combinations shinbutsu-shūgō are common. Buddhist temples often maintain Shinto shrines.

Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan. Tourists flock to the city for the chance to see its numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Japan has 100,000 shrines and most of them are in Kyoto. Japan has 158 temples and over a third are in Kyoto and Nara. Much religious and political focus has happened in these two past capital cities. We will visit them on our first two days. https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html#kyoto

Some of the biggest attractions in Kyoto include the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine with its famous red tori gates and the Sagano Bamboo Forest and maybe see the Geisha and Maiko. We aren’t going there, but Geisha will be at our Welcoming Dinner.

We are touring three of the most famous Japanese Buddhist temples: the Kinkaku-ji, the Sanjusangen-do, the Todai-ji, and the grandest Shinto shrine Kasuga-Taisha (I have a couple dozen photos below). https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/kasuga-taisha.html

While Shintoism is similar to 50,000-year-old faith practices and Buddhism grew 2600 years ago during written Hinduism, neither are alike to the world’s dominant Abrahamic religions.

The US has people from all faiths. Debates over faith-related issues occur and are accepted
(e.g. same-sex marriage, teaching creationism in schools, etc.). In Japan, however, such discussions seldom happen.

It will be interesting to learn how Japan remains so unique.

Bai Bai
Tom

Next Week: Shopping (and onsen?) in Osaka (and a few additional Japanese words)
Week #9: March 22 - Markets

Ohayou gozaimasu,

On tour, almost everyone asks, “Will we have any free time on our own?”

Travelers are kept busy almost all the time. That’s what we paid for. So, “What does anyone want to do with their free time?”

I’ve been on over twenty tours and all my free time has been wasted! Most people just “killed their free time.” Why?

Nobody ever planned meaningful stuff to do. Almost always, guys followed behind the ladies aimlessly roaming through shops. So, in both Osaka and Tokyo, we have a few FREE hours in the afternoon, and in the evening can select a dinner restaurant. Does anyone have a plan for this recess?

I asked ChatGPT and YouTube Tourist Guidebooks for recommendations for Osaka and Tokyo. For Osaka, they said, “Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Shinsekai, Universal Studios, Aquarium Kaiyukan, historical districts, and local cuisine.” For Tokyo, their ideas included, “Tsukiji Outer Market, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando, Takeshita Street, and Shinjuku.”

Okay, on our first day, my plan is – to hike to/from Osaka Castle, buy a few yen at an ATM, and explore a Japanese convenience store. On our fourth day, Tauck’s plan before leaving Osaka is – to sightsee the historic districts by motorcoach.
Both Tauck and ChatGPT suggest – roam Osaka Markets (Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Shinsekai)
Local Markets in Osaka: Something for Everyone

After lunch, before we leave Osaka, Tauck drops us at some market to roam by ourselves for a couple of hours. I am not sure where that will be, but my best guess is Dotonbori. https://en.japantravel.com/places/osaka/dotonbori/93

To get the best out of that opportunity, here are a few tips:
- Cash is King: Many shops or stalls and local shops in these markets prefer cash transactions.
- Local Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs and business operations
- Don't haggling
- Put all cash on their tray, not in their hand.
- Don’t count your change
- Street food
- A few words: When walking into a store, the sales staff will greet irasshaimase (welcome, please come in.)
- Customers are not expected to respond.
- Here are a few Japanese words to know/say
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F5RStF8LA4

For dinner, we can select three or four restaurants within walking distance of our hotels. Here are a few useful words,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32B2nqss9T4&t=241s

WARNING: While in Tokyo we need to expect huge crowds. It’s Golden Week.

Bai Bai
Tom

Next on Week #10 – Experience on Le Soleal
Week #10 - Experience on Le Soleal (Delta change)

Ohayou gozaimasu,

After everyone has their full of takoyaki, we head for Le Soleal from Osaka.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/ship.html

Tauck’s staff will be waiting for us with a glass of champagne. We’ll queue for our photo key card, scan our credit card, and visit our staterooms. Then before dinner, we’ll practice the required-for-all-passengers muster instruction.

Our staterooms with a balcony are on level 3 (324 & 328) near the main lounge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIW8ULzT0Ko&t=33s

A previous Tauck traveler to Japan (on our blog and Tauck forum) highlighted
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/recommendations.html

…on the ship, you will be with NON-Tauck travelers, mostly French, and they typically dress for dinner.

So I’d suggest at the least a sports jacket for the men…..and a tie if you are feeling dressy. You will NOT be the only one.

…This ship for our tour is one of a set of ships that are quite similar…about 250 to 260 travelers and about five to six different size cabins or suites. Yes, these tours are expensive, but to us, well worth it in terms of “surprises” that Tauck will pleasantly offer to you,

plus the tour directors and tour guides in each city. Tauck does not skimp and you’ll be thankful for that.

What’s to do on the ship? Not much. During most of the day, we’ll be ashore. Le Soleal has an SPA and an outdoor pool, but no casino. Nevertheless, as the Tauck traveler said, “Expect pleasant surprises.”

Cocktails will be an hour before dinner. After dinner, we’ll have a 
- night cape at the lounge or
- maybe a two-hour show in the theater, or
- some may dance in the lounge, or
- lay on deck 6 with a night cape next to the bar and view the stars.

Here are a few FAQs from Ponant Tours,
https://us.ponant.com/frequently-asked-questions
- French and English spoken
- Can BUY (24 to 48 hr) laundry service (I have not found self-service laundry.)
- Spotty WiFi service (my experience on all ships)
- 110 VAC in staterooms; hair irons not permitted.
- Heated sea-water outdoor pool (closest we’ll get to an onsen, but with swimsuits)
- Elegant, casual clothes at discretion. Shorts/Bermudas are not permitted in the evening in the gastronomic restaurants.
- For the gala evenings, a cocktail dress for ladies and a shirt and tie for gentlemen, For the Officers' evening White or black-and-white outfit.

Bai Bai,
Tom

NOTE: Change of airlines https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/flight-schedule.html

Week #11: Count Down

Konbanwa,

We are now on a countdown – 14 days until we leave on April 21st. The first bit of good news – I am hearing cherry blossoms are late this year. Our walk along Nakanoshima to Osaka Castle should be special.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zytnjlj_0WjtBVGXHLx_2lQXrbAZ-CHF/view

The Nishinomaru Garden near the castle is a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, the former Osaka Guest House and nice views of the castle tower. We might need a 200 yen ticket to the Garden. 

Inside the castle tower is houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. We’ll need a 600 yen ticket. (preferably in advance). We can get Free ENGLISH rental of audio guide devices.

Next week, I will start my long flight preparation.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/long-flights.html

and packing my suitcase and trying not to overpack, But including the horrible jacket, white shirt, and tie as recommended by Tauck. I have already bought easy on/off and comfortable Sketters for the excursions and walking.

It is also a good time to study the detailed Itinerary I have prepared. Especially check the many hyperlinks for each destination. I have recommendations from ChatGPT and a video for each town.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html

Some may even try the heated sea-water pool on our ship. Me? Probably not. We have the afternoon and evening on our own on the ship leaving Kagoshima to Nagasaki. Here is the weather forecast
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/travel.html#weather

We still have to plan our transportation to/from Nashville airport. We can leave a car at a nearby Sheraton. Our new earlier flight from Atlanta will help our selection.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/flight-schedule.html

Bai bai,
Tom
Week #12: Getting Ready

Oahyou,

As the last week before departure, I have attached a few important docs, actions, and links:
- My Checklist, Luggage List, Carryon List, and Contact List for Families
- Cynthia’s Japan notes (abridged)
- Reservation for Airport parking (we chose Executive Travel and Parking)
- FREE Cellphone Maps for Osaka & Tokyo Japan https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/maps.html
- Our final, final Flight Schedule HXDBLU (with links for all our airports) https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/flight-schedule.html
- Planning for a Long Flight (and sleeping schedule) https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/long-flights.html

Tauck directors will have handouts for each of our daily trips. They won’t be as good as my extensive website which has everything you want to know.
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html

In Tokyo, we have free time in the afternoon of May 6 and in the morning and early afternoon of May 7. https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/destinations.html#tokyo
If you have some specifics, let me.

Lastly, a week ago, my Japanese friend Jeanne Tsukuda called me to talk about our past travels and our plans for Japan. Like most of my traveling buddies, she selects only Tauck.

She said, “Yes, Tauck is very expensive, but we get what we pay for. We love the extras that Tauck includes.”

Also, read this note from another frequent Tauck traveler
https://24sjapan.blogspot.com/p/recommendations.html

My nephew sent me this Takoyaki picture this week in Osaka.
Make sure WE try it. He hasn’t tried eel, yet.



Our hotels, the Ponant ship, and itinerary are the best that we have found for Japan. I hope Tauck exceeds your expectations.

I don’t think I have missed anything. If so, let me know. I’ll pick you up on Sunday at 3:30 PM.

Bai bai,
Tom

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