Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - September 2005 Issue
tips2travel
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
http://tsalerts.freespaces.com
travel...@wowmail.com
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved
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In This Issue:
Cork to New York $299
Sans Souci Resort End of Summer Sale
Alaska Airlines Kids Fly Fr.ee to Mexico
Ohio State Parks Senior Fall Discounts
Rockefeller Center Observation Deck Re-Opens
Discovery Cruise's Reduced Mid-Week Rate
September for Seniors at Emerson Inn
Elk Lover's Package
Fly Fr,ee, $100 Credit, 50% Off on AWSC Cruises
10 Tips for Sailing Through Airport Security
Save up to 50% on Seabourn Holiday Cruises
Malaysia Airlines Deals
Fr,ee Companion Airfare w/Travelers Cheque Card
Kids Fr+ee At Dreams Resorts & Spas
Choice Hotels Stay 2 Times, Earn A Free Night
Kyoto Chronicles by Kay Douglas
Virgin Flings
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A Profusion of Pearls -- AAA Jewelry Outlet reminds us it's not too
early to think holidays or treat yourself to this cultured stunner.
Cultured black freshwater pearls interspersed with sterling silver lend
a lovely luster to this spectacular necklace. To make this the perfect
accessory, the extender chain with a matching pearl drop adjusts the
necklace length from 15 to 18 inches. Unbelievably priced at $129.
A matching 8 inch long bracelet for a mere $109 completes the set.
Order at http://www.3ajewels.biz
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Cork to New York $299 -- Slattery's Travel in Ireland and Ryan
International Airlines will link New York with Ireland's second largest
city. The twice-weekly charter flights to Cork Airport (ORK) from John
F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), begin Oct. 26.
The single-class, 210-seat 757s will depart New York on
Sundays and Wednesdays, returning on Mondays and Thursdays.
Slattery's will sell the flights, starting at $299
roundtrip plus tax (around $89), through its web site and travel
agencies. The web site will not allow you to make the purchase without
purchasing their insurance for $65 or providing information on
insurance purchased from another source. You may be better off
contacting a travel agent as the web site doesn't provide the amount
of the flight, just the amount needed for a deposit.
If the new service catches on, it may expand to three or
four times weekly and include a business-class cabin by next summer.
Slattery's Travel http://www.slatterys.com.
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Sans Souci Resort End of Summer Sale -- The Sans Sourci Resort and Spa
in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offers an end of summer sale through Sep. 30,
2005 with savings of 35 percent.
Prices for the promotion start from $301.60 per couple, per
night, with a three night minimum. Single rates start at $226.20. The
price includes an oceanview suite, all meals, all beverages (alcoholic
and non-alcoholic), 24/7 room service, nightly entertainment, two
private beaches, four pools, fitness center, selected spa services,
golf greens fees, non-motorized water sports (including scuba), fr-ee
tennis on lighted courts, airport transfers and government taxes. If
you decide to marry on property, it will include your wedding ceremony,
flowers, a cake, champagne and witnesses.
The offer is on a first-come, first serve basis for the
adults-only resort (no children under 16), for any arrival until Sep.
30.
Located on Jamaica's north coast, four miles east of Ocho
Rios, Sans Souci Resort & Spa is a "Four-Diamond" property with 27
oceanfront and hillside acres and 148 suites.
Sans Sourci Resort and Spa http://www.sanssoucijamaica.com
click on "Last Minute Specials" or 866/557-6824.
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Give a Jaguar -- An Amber Jaguar
The remarkable face of a jaguar is hand-carved onto a lovely piece of
cherry amber that's 33mm x 20 mm in size. The dramatic pendent hangs on
an ultra-chic 18" natural-colored leather necklace cord with a sterling
silver clasp. Boy will this turn heads.
High-style boutiques and jewelers charge $500 or more for this glam
piece. It's yours for only $125 plus shipping & insurance. Order at:
http://www.3ajewels.biz, click on the amber category.
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Alaska Airlines Kids Fly Fr-ee to Mexico -- Family vacations to Mexico
will cost fewer pesos with Alaska Airlines "Kids Fly Fr-ee" offer.
That's because each adult who purchases an Alaska Airlines vacation
package to Mexico through Oct. 28, 2005, can take their child between
the ages of two and 11 along for fr-ee. Travel is valid through Nov. 5,
2005.
You can choose from Cancun, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Loreto,
Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Vacation packages include
roundtrip airfare on Alaska Airlines and hotel for the desired number
of nights. Hotel rates are based on off-peak travel and prices vary by
date. In addition, members of Alaska Airlines mileage plan can receive
1,500 bonus miles for booking their vacation online.
Starting prices for one adult and one child (based on
double occupancy for three nights) are: Los Cabos from Los Angeles
$362, Seattle & Portland $528;
Puerto Vallarta from San Francisco $581, Seattle & Portland $588;
Loreto from Los Angeles $354, Seattle & Portland $520;
Mazatlan from Los Angeles $345, Seattle & Portland $517;
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo from San Francisco $642, Seattle & Portland $737;
Cancun from Los Angeles $556, Seattle $676.
Alaska Airlines Vacations http://www.alaskaair.com or
800/468-2248.
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Ohio State Parks Senior Fall Discounts -- Ohio State Park Resorts will
offer a discount for seniors visiting the resorts on weekdays this
fall. With the "Super Senior Discount" you receive a 20 percent savings
on rooms booked Sunday through Thursday nights. The discount is
available at seven Ohio State Park Resorts operated by concessioner
Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
Members of AARP or Ohio's Golden Buckeye program are
eligible to receive the "Super Senior Discount." Seniors also can
receive a 10 percent discount off rooms for weekend nights. Request the
discounts when making reservations and present your Golden Buckeye or
AARP cards upon check-in.
Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates the lodges at Maumee
Bay, Salt Fork, Mohican, Hueston Woods, Punderson Manor, Shawnee and
Burr Oak State Park resorts.
Other packages include a family getaway, available
through Oct. 31, which includes a room for two nights, a $25 meal
coupon and choice of an activity at or near the resort. Prices range
from $249 to $259 plus tax.
Details at http://www.atapark.com or 800/AT-A-Park.
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Rockefeller Center Observation Deck Re-Opens -- Tishman Speyer,
co-owners of Rockefeller Center in New York City, will re-open the
renovated Top of the Rock observation deck Nov. 1, 2005.
The observation deck, which will include three renovated
lower levels and three renovated upper levels, is housed in the
70-story architectural heart of Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller
Plaza. The centerpiece of the project is the reopening of the
observatory some 850 feet above the sidewalk on the 67th to 70th
floors. The observation deck was first opened to the public in 1933.
Top of the Rock will be open daily 8:30 a.m. to midnight.
The sky shuttle will make a final run at 11p.m. each night.
Introductory prices are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $9 for
children six to 11 years old.
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Fun, Fr-ee Things, San Diego -- This savings-packed FR.EE brochure
features almost 40 Fun, Fr-ee Things to do in San Diego. When heading
to Southern California, attend concerts or visit a State Historic Park
and keep that cash in your pocket by knowing what you can see and do
for fr-ee.
To order Fr-ee Fun San Diego for a $1 handling fee, send
an email to in...@onthegopublishing.com with Order Fr-ee Fun San Diego
in the subject line.
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Discovery Cruise Line's Reduced Mid-Week Rate -- Discovery Cruise
Line, a tour operator that sails from South Florida to Grand Bahama
Island, extends it $99.99 per person rate to all weekdays. This was the
same-day, roundtrip rate charged for Wednesday departures. Previously,
the rate for other weekday same-day roundtrip cruises was $119.99 per
person. The price for weekend cruises remains higher than the weekday
rate.
The $99.99 includes the cruise, three meals on the
roundtrip cruise and all entertainment.
Prices do not include port parking fees, transfers, or shipboard
gratuities. A $10 security surcharge and immigration user fee is
collected at pier side, and a $25 per person Bahamian departure fee and
fuel surcharge is added to the purchase price for all junior and adult
fares.
Discovery sails daily from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama
Island and offers Fun Day Cruises and Cruise 'N Stay packages to most
resorts on Grand Bahama. Discovery departs early morning and arrives in
Grand Bahama at 1 p.m.
Discovery also has a special program for military
personnel serving overseas. To thank them for their service, people
who served in Iraq or Afghanistan any time during 2005 receive a fr-ee
Discovery day cruise.
The offer, valid until Dec. 31, 2007, is for a fr-ee
roundtrip cruise to Grand Bahama, including all meals on board, all
service charges, taxes and Bahamian departure fees. There are no
additional costs involved.
To register a family member, friend or loved one for the
fr-ee cruise, send an email to
reserv...@discoverycruise.com. Discovery will mail a receipt and a
holiday card to pass on to the service man or woman. The receipt
entitles the service man or woman to their fr-ee Discovery cruise and
must be presented at the pier at the time of sailing, together with a
Military ID and a letter from their unit confirming the places of
service during 2005. Advanced reservations are required.
Discovery Cruise Line http://www.discoverycruiseline.com or
800/866-8687.
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September for Seniors at Emerson Inn -- The historic Emerson Inn by the
Sea, in Rockport, MA, has a midweek special offer for travelers 55 and
older.
The September is for Seniors package includes a two-night
Sunday through Thursday stay in a "cozy" room or non-ocean view queen
room, breakfast buffet, fr-ee dessert for each person and a $10 gift
certificate good in the gift shop.
Available Sep. 5 to 29, 2005, the package costs $198 for
cozy rooms and $238 for queen ocean front rooms per couple, a 60
percent savings.
Emerson Inn by the Sea http://www.emersoninnbythesea.com or
800/964-5550.
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Elk Lover's Package -- As fall arrives in Wyoming's Grand Teton
National Park, the vibrant colors of fall can be seen in the park's
aspens, willows and foliage. Plus the unique bugling call of the elk -
similar to a flute - can be heard throughout the area.
Experience the sights and sounds of nature in Grand Teton
National Park with the "Elk Lover's Package" at Jackson Lake Lodge.
Available through Oct. 1, the package is priced at $138 per night, on a
space available basis for single or double occupancy. Reservations are
required.
Perched on a bluff overlooking Jackson Lake with the Grand
Tetons as a backdrop, the lodge offers 385 guestrooms, suites and
cottages with spectacular views.
Jackson Lake Lodge http://www.gtlc.com/lodgeJac.aspx or
800/628-9988.
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Face-It Luggage Tags -- Your Face on Your Luggage -- There's no
mistaking your luggage with the Face-It Luggage Tag. The durable,
laminated tag displays your face and the phrase "This Face Belongs With
This Luggage."
A Face-It Luggage tag makes it less likely for a stranger
or thief to walk off with your luggage and helps you recognize your
luggage at a glance in hotels or airports. Face-It Tags are also
available for briefcases, portfolio books, backpacks, sporting
equipment, musical instruments, bicycles and more.
Click here to order Face-It Luggage Tags
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/face-it.shtml
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Fly Fr+ee, $100 Credit, 50% Off on AWSC Cruises -- Cruising the Pacific
Northwest this fall just got easier and cheaper.
In October, American West Steamboat Company offers fr+ee
roundtrip airfare to Portland, OR, from major U.S. gateway cities for
select seven-night "Path of the Explorers" and "Three Great Rivers"
itineraries.
The "Path of the Explorers" itinerary departs Oct. 16 and
23, 2005 aboard the 235-passenger Empress of the North and the "Three
Great Rivers" itinerary departs Oct. 22, 2005, aboard the 150-passenger
Queen of the West. Both itineraries include cruising along the
Columbia, Snake and Willamette Rivers, following in the footsteps of
Lewis & Clark.
The per person brochure rates for the Oct. 16 and 23
departures start at $2,629 and rates for the Oct. 22 tour start at
$2,149. In addition to fr+ee airfare, passengers will receive a $100
shipboard credit per stateroom which can be used onboard for souvenirs
and alcoholic beverages (excluding gratuity). All rates are per person
and based on double occupancy.
Travelers can save an additional $400 with the Very Best
Buy (VBB) offer on the Oct. 22 "Three Great Rivers" cruise and the Oct.
23 "Path of the Explorers" cruise. The savings code for these offers
is CRT.
In November, AWSC offers 50% off per person on the "Path
of the Explorers" tours aboard the Empress of the North on Nov. 13 and
20, 2005, (Thanksgiving cruise), or the "Three Great Rivers" voyages on
Nov. 12 and 19, 2005, (Thanksgiving cruise) aboard the Queen of the
West. Per person brochure rates for "Path of the Explorers" cruises
start at $2,269 and rates for the "Three Great Rivers" itinerary start
from $1,799. The promotional code for these offers is CRS.
Motorcoach trips to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic
Monument and a whitewater jet boat ride in Hells Canyon National
Recreation Area, are just a couple of the shore tours that are included
in each port of call. Onboard historians make daily presentations about
the history along the cruise route. In the evenings, the showrooms
host live showboat-style entertainment and different musical themes
each night.
American West Steamboat Company
http://www.AmericanWestSteamboat.com or 800/434-1232.
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10 Tips for Sailing Through Airport Security -- In an era of heightened
security awareness, it is more important than ever to be a savvy and
prepared traveler to efficiently navigate airport security checkpoints.
Airport security personnel pull people aside for further screening on a
random basis. If this happens to you, don't panic or become upset.
Instead, be prepared with this travelers' checklist developed by
Travelers Advantage.
1. Check the Permitted and Prohibited Items list on the
TSA web site.
2. As you head toward the security area, take a deep
breath and remain calm. Check and be sure you have your boarding pass
and a government-issued photo identification card ready for security
personnel.
3. Keep valuables (jewelry, cash, laptop computers, and
cash) in carry-on baggage.
4. Before you get to the screening checkpoint, place
your mobile phones, keys, loose change, money clips, PDAs, lighters and
metal hair accessories in your carry-on bag. Understand that TSAs at
some airports will confiscate lighters.
5. At the screening station, remove your laptop from its
case and send it through the X-ray machine in its own plastic tray.
Don't forget to label your laptop computer with your name, address and
telephone number. These are one of the most frequently forgotten items
at screening checkpoints.
6. Store all undeveloped film and cameras containing film
in your carry-on baggage. Ask for a hand inspection if you want to
ensure the X-ray machine does not damage your film.
7. If you are bringing a gift to friends or relatives,
wrap it after you arrive at your destination. You may have to unwrap it
to pass through security -- even if it is in checked luggage.
8. Avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening
checkpoint.
9. Take your time unpacking and repacking your belongings
-- or you may leave your laptop, keys, or wallet behind.
10. Be prepared to remove your shoes and belt; many contain
small pieces of metal.
Travelers Advantage http://www.travelersadvantage.com/ or
877/841-1335.
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Save up to 50% on Seabourn Holiday Cruises -- This year, Seabourn Pride
and Seabourn Legend offer three holiday options: a traditional 16-day
Caribbean holiday cruise that includes Christmas and New Year's at 50
percent savings. Or celebrate Christmas or New Year's separately, on
one of two eight-day segments at savings of up to 34 percent. Both
ships offer shorter cruises that begin or end at Caribbean island ports
on Dec. 26, 2005.
Both all-suite ships will be sailing 16 days roundtrip
from Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean island destinations. Seabourn Pride's
itinerary will include visits to Cruz Bay, St. John and Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas; Charlestown, Nevis; Fort de France, Martinique; and
Castries, St. Lucia where you may disembark. If you wish to celebrate
only New Year's on board, embark at Castries and continue to Antigua;
Virgin Gorda; St. Barts; St. Martin and San Juan, ending the cruise at
Ft. Lauderdale on January 3, 2006.
Fares for the 16-day roundtrip cruises feature savings
of 50 percent off brochure fares, and start from $6,538 per person,
based on double occupancy. With Early Booking Savings of up to 34
percent, fares for the eight-day holiday cruises start from $ 4,795 per
person, double.
Seabourn http://www.seabourn.com or 800/929-9391.
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Protect Luggage with Baggage Guard Seals -- The pre-numbered, one-time
use plastic padlocks are the perfect way to protect your luggage since
they cannot be reinstalled once removed. That feature lets you
instantly know if someone tampered with your luggage. Yet when TSAs at
airports need to inspect your luggage, Baggage Guard Seals can be
easily removed. A package of 10 Baggage Guard Seals is still only
$9.95.
Click Here to Order
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/products.shtml#seals
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Malaysia Airlines Deals -- The Los Angeles to Taipei special starts
from $499 roundtrip for economy fares. HURRY! BOOK BY SEP 15, 2005. The
fares are valid to Nov. 30, 2005 and Jan. 16 to Mar. 31, 2006. Travel
must originate from Los Angeles with no minimum stay and a maximum stay
of 30 days.
The Newark to Stockholm-Arlanda special starts at $269
roundtrip for economy fares for travel through Mar. 27, 2006. Tickets
must be purchased online by Sep. 30, 2005. Travel originates from
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and the maximum stay is 30
days. Specials on first- and business-class travel also available.
Special companion fares to Southeast Asia from Los
Angeles and Newark. To Kuala Lumpur: first class first passenger
$9,788, companion $99; business class - first passenger $4,988,
companion $99; economy class - first passenger $899, companion $449.
To Bali, Bangkok or Saigon: economy class only - first
passenger $943, companion $472.
To Singapore: economy class only - first passenger
$899, companion $449.
The companion offer is good until Nov. 30, 2005. Tickets
must be purchased by Sep. 15, 2005. Only one accompanied passenger per
ticket purchase is allowed and travel must be reserved and ticketed for
the same flights throughout the entire itinerary. Both passengers must
travel together throughout the trip. No more than one companion
passenger per full fare passenger. Standby travel is not permitted.
Neither passenger of this promotion is eligible for frequent flyer
miles. This offer is not combinable with any other promotion or
discount.
Tickets are non-refundable and changes are not permitted
Fares do not include applicable taxes and surcharges which are about
$100 to $180 per ticket, depending on the flight. Seats are limited and
may not be available on all flights.
Malaysia Airlines http://www.malaysiaairlines.com or
800/552-9264.
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Fr+ee Companion Airfare w/Travelers Cheque Card -- Order the Travelers
Cheque card online from American Express before Oct. 15, 2005 and
you'll receive fr+ee companion airfare. The Travelers Cheque card is a
prepaid, reloadable card that isn't linked to your bank account. Like
Travelers Cheques, if it's lost or stolen, your balance is replaced
within 24 hours.
To qualify for the fr+ee companion airfare, you must
purchase one roundtrip airline ticket from Airline Promotions, Inc.
(API) at a published fare more than $349 before taxes. Fares before
taxes that are less than the minimum do not qualify. You are
responsible for all taxes, fees and surcharges for both tickets. Both
travelers must have identical itineraries.
The fr+ee companion airfare can be used between most
major airports within the 48 continental United States, on American,
Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways.
Seasonal/holiday blackouts apply. Availability may be limited during
peak times to certain destinations.
Once you order your card, you'll receive a registration
form with your card purchase. Fill it out and mail to the address
printed on the form within 60 days of purchase. Once your form is
received, a Companion Activation Certificate will be sent to you in 14
to 21 days. Call the toll-fr+ee number on that certificate to make
reservations.
American Express http://www.americanexpress.com
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Kids Fr+ee At Dreams Resorts & Spas -- Dreams Resorts & Spas in Puerto
Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico launch their "kids fr-ee"'
promotion. Families that book before Oct. 31, 2005 save if they travel
before Nov. 5, 2005. The offer allows two children up to age 12 to
stay, eat and play free when sharing a room with two paying adults, a
savings of $50 per child, per night.
Rates start from $170 per person, per night, in Los Cabos
and include all meals, accommodations, beverages and cocktails, resort
activities, twice daily maid service, mini bar refreshed daily,
entertainment, taxes and tips.
The children's program entertain kids ages three to 12. The
nature- and science-based Explorer's Club offers activities including
guided nature walks, iguana safaris, organized snorkeling trips,
kayaking tours, horseback rides, sandcastle competitions, beach
volleyball and museum trips. Activities differ based on resort
location.
Parents rest easy with children at the Explorers' Club as
they receive pagers to ensure instant communication. High safety
standards such as non-lockable doors, padded floors and rounded corners
create a comfortable environment.
Activities for the entire family abound with tennis,
entertainment, fitness center, aerobics, hiking trails, mountain
biking, volleyball, rock climbing wall and a host of water sports.
Dreams Resorts & Spas http://www.dreamsresorts.com or
866/2-DREAMS.
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Cheap Tix Chart -- Buy Tickets at a Discount -- Special ticket outlets
sell discounted day-of-performance tickets to theater productions,
films, and sporting events. Discounts can be 50 percent or more. On The
Go Publishing's Cheap Tix Chart, still only $14, lists outlets in the
U.S. and eight foreign cities that sell discounted, day-of-performance
tickets.
Click here to order
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/products.shtml#tix
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Choice Hotels Stay 2 Times, Earn A Free Night -- Choice Hotels bring
back their "Stay 2 Times, Earn A Free Nigh." promotion where you
qualify for a free night's lodging after two separate stays at any
Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion or MainStay
Suites brand hotels in the U.S.
To participate in the promotion, which runs through Nov.
30, you must be a member of the Choice Privileges guest rewards
program, which you may join on check in or check out and your stay will
count toward the promotional free night. Consecutive nights at one
hotel, regardless of check-ins or check-outs, count as one stay. There
is no limit on the number of free nights you can earn. The Choice
Privileges rewards program also offers special benefits such as express
reservations, express check-in, free room upgrade when available, free
local phone calls and incoming faxes, free newspaper and extended
check-out.
Stay on two separate occasions at any mid-scale Choice
Hotels' brand in the U.S. and you will receive a minimum of 6,500
bonus points. Along with the points earned from the original two
qualifying stays, the bonus will give you enough points to redeem a
free night on a future stay at most mid-scale Choice brand hotels
throughout the U.S.
With a Choice Privileges Visa Platinum credit card, you can
earn free nights even faster. Every time and everywhere you use your
Choice Privileges Visa card, you earn additional points, which can be
redeemed for room nights, airline miles or gift certificates from
national and regional retailers and restaurants.
Stay 2 Times, Earn A Free Night
http://www.choiceprivileges.com or 888/770-6800.
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Kyoto Chronicles -- Photos and article by Kay Douglas
Since the first Imperial Palace was built at Kyoto in 794
AD, the city has been one of the most important cultural centers in
Japan. In many ways the history and culture of Kyoto are the history
and culture of Japan itself. It was one of the few major Japanese
cities not bombed during World War II, and thus its ancient temples,
palaces, and shrines still stand as they did centuries ago. The
time-honored traditions of craftsmanship and ceremony still hold sway
here, Kyoto being famous for its elegant tea ceremonies, colorful
festivals, serene gardens, and refined cuisine. It is said that to
truly experience Japan, one must visit Kyoto, and while perhaps this an
overstatement, it is no exaggeration to say that Kyoto is a very
special place, a fascinating blend of the old and the new.
What may surprise Western visitors is that contrary to
popular belief, one need not spend a fortune visiting Kyoto. While it
is true that the very best restaurants, ryokan (traditional inns), and
entertainments are indeed expensive, there are many alternatives which
are well within the budget of a traveler of more modest means. I spent
10 days in the city in May, having taken advantage of a United airlines
sale fare to the new Centrair Airport at Nagoya, which has easy rail
links to Kyoto. I stayed in three different areas of the city, in
accommodations ranging from moderately luxurious hotel to modest
minshuku (pension), and traveled throughout the city and outlying areas
by train, bus, subway, taxi, and on foot.
Most visitors come into the city by train to gleaming,
futuristic Kyoto Station. This is a good place to get oriented and pick
up maps and other helpful information. (Just next to the train station
is the central post office, one of the few places in Kyoto with
machines which accept foreign ATM cards.) Confusingly, there are two
Visitor's Information Centers at Kyoto Station, one geared towards
Japanese visitors and the other toward foreigners. While there are
English-speaking staff members at the information center on the second
floor of the main terminal building, more information and help are
available at the new Kyoto Tourist Information Center located on the
ninth floor of the Isetan Department Store. This may seem an odd place
for a tourist information center - and it is - but the staff there can
help visitors with everything from accommodations to setting up
excursions with "goodwill guides." This fr+ee service pairs
visitors with English-speaking guides, and it's one of the more
interesting ways to see the city. It's a good way to venture to
off-the-beaten track sights or excursions on the periphery of the city,
for example, for the guides can help with the sometimes confusing
transportation system and can provide background information at places
where no English signs are available.
I set up just such an excursion with a university
student named Gaku. We went to the Fushimi district south of Kyoto, to
view the hundreds of bright red tori (gates) at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Gaku explained the religious significance of the shrine, instructed me
on the proper Buddhist ritual for approaching a shrine, and even
translated the fortune paper given to me by a Buddhist monk in return
for an offering. Later, after finding an excellent restaurant for
lunch, Gaku led me through winding streets to the Gekkeikkan Sake Omura
Museum, housed in a traditional sake warehouse and containing displays
on traditional sake brewing and a sake tasting room. To cap off the
day, we sampled traditional foods such as pickles and smoked fish at
the Nishiki-koji Food Market in the center of town, a bustling place
where chefs from Kyoto's best restaurants come to select the freshest
ingredients for their dishes.
Of course, most visitors wish to see Kyoto's famous
temples and shrines as many are UNESCO World Heritage sites. With
literally hundreds of temples and shrines throughout the city, it's
easy to become overwhelmed by the choices. Most of these places charge
entry fees, too, so a day's sightseeing to four or five temples can
quickly become a costly affair. The other danger is "temple
burnout." After half a dozen temples, they all begin to blur. It's
important to be selective - and it's also advisable to go as early in
the day as possible to the most popular temples, such as Ginkaku-ji,
which becomes utterly swamped with visitors. Some of the temples and
shrines that I found particularly worthwhile included the Heian Shrine,
with its massive orange tori; Nanzen-ji Temple, with its lovely grounds
and impressive painted screens depicting tigers and leopards (the
artists of that period thought the tigers were the male of the species
and leopards the female); and Ryoan-ji Temple, which features the most
famous Zen rock garden in the world.
Kyoto is a veritable feast for garden lovers, and in
addition to the gardens found at most of the temples, there are several
gardens worth seeking out. On a quiet, rainy afternoon, I found the
koi pond and carefully tended greenery of the newly-restored Kaiuso
Garden to be a pleasant retreat. In northern Kyoto, the garden was
built by a samurai who gave up his warrior status to become a poet.
Also in northern Kyoto are the grounds of the extensive Kyoto Botanical
Garden. While the gardens at temples contain few flowering plants,
this botanical garden alone more than compensates, with vast plantings
of annuals and perennials. It's an enjoyable place to spend a sunny
afternoon, and it's also extremely popular with the townsfolk, who set
up easels to paint the roses or, armed with cameras, stalk along the
rows of heavily-scented peony bushes in search of the perfect shot.
Tucked among the hills on the western side of the city,
the Arashiyama district is another peaceful haven, with its famous
groves of bamboo and poetic "moon-crossing bridge" (Togetsu-kyo)
spanning the Katsura River. The adventurous might wish to hike up to
the Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to some 60 Japanese monkeys, or take
the "Romantic Train" (Tokkoro) along a scenic river gorge. Not far from
the end point of the Romantic Train ride, it's possible to return to
Arashiyama by running the mild river rapids of the Hozu River on
traditional boats tended by sturdy oarsmen. This hour-and-a-half long
river excursion, known as the Hozugawa Kudari, is run multiple times
each day throughout the year with the exception of January and
February.
Having worked up an appetite with long rambling walks
and fresh-air outings, I enjoyed sampling some of Kyoto's famous
regional dishes. The cuisine is noted for its delicate, refined
flavors, and perhaps the best example of this is yudofu (bean curd
hot-pot), best enjoyed at one of the traditional restaurants often
found just outside the grounds of temples. This vegetarian cuisine
was developed by Buddhist monks and features a silky tofu that is one
of Kyoto's signature foods. Just outside Ryoan-ji temple, Saigen'in
restaurant offers reasonably priced yudofu meals in a spectacular
setting. Patrons are seated on tatami mats before low tables, with
views out over a serene garden. This is indeed an experience not to be
missed.
Kyoto is noted for its fine craftsmen and exquisite
hand-made goods. Dolls, lacquerware, fans, ceramics, and woven silk
are some of the best native crafts. Shopping here is a delight, for the
shop assistants, even those with no or little English, go out of their
way to assist patrons. Near the bustling shopping arcades of
Kawaramchi-dori, I found a quaint bookshop specializing in antique
prints and maps, and after an hour's perusal, I came away with a
half-dozen interesting botanical and zoological prints. An even bigger
bonanza awaited me at the biggest monthly market, held on the 21st of
each month at Toji Temple. On that day, the grounds of this large
temple complex and the surrounding streets become one vast flea market,
with hundreds of booths selling everything from used kimonos (which
often go for under $20) to complete sets of sake cups. This is one of
the best places both to find a bargain and to soak up local atmosphere.
Another distinct aspect of the city comes to the fore
when the sun goes down. The Gion entertainment district, famed for its
geishas (the preferred local term is geiko) and maiko (apprentice
geisha), comes to life after sundown, with traditional lanterns
lighting the streets and temples and the quiet clippity-clop of geiko's
wooden clogs (geta) on the pavement as they make their way to their
evening appointments. Perhaps the most colorful street is narrow
Ponto-cho, once a red-light district but now filled with fashionable
restaurants and tea-houses, any of which have verandas looking out over
the Kamo-gawa River.
At the end of a long day, the weary visitor can repair
to a traditional inn or ryokan. While the most famous of these are
almost prohibitively expensive - with prices upward of $500 a night -
there are many lower-priced ryokan and minshuku (similar to a pension)
which offer the same warm traditional hospitality at a fraction of the
price. I found one at Hirota Guest House, run by Harumi Hirota, who is
fluent in English (she was once an interpreter). Mrs. Hirota welcomed
me warmly with a cup of tea and biscuits, seating me in a lovely room
overlooking her garden. Afterward, I was taken to a traditional
tatami-matted room with sliding doors, again overlooking the garden.
This tranquil retreat seemed far from the bustle and hustle of the
city, yet was in fact only a few blocks away from one of Kyoto's
busiest thoroughfares. Those concerned with the sleeping arrangements
"on the floor" (but in fact on very comfortable padded mattresses) need
not be alarmed. I slept better here than in either of the
western-style rooms I'd stayed in elsewhere in the city.
Can't get to Kyoto in the near future? Buy any of
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For information on Kyoto, consult the following
websites:
Kyoto Visitor's Guide (updated monthly with list of
events): http://www.kyotoguide.com/
Kyoto Tourist Information Centers:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/bkk/ktic/index2.html
International Tourism Center for Japan:
http://www.itcj.or.jp/en/index.html
Hirota Guest House e-mail h-hi...@msi.biglobe.ne.jp
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