[ POSTPONED ] Japan Trip 2024

Last Updated:

01 August 2023

Do NOT book flights or accommodations without discussion with Chief Instructor.

Introduction:

On this trip we will visit Osaka and Kobe for karate and jujutsu practice, and also Kyoto for sightseeing. You may RSVP right now if you are INTERESTED in going. However, it is important that you observe the booking deadline here. Anyone not booked by the deadline will be removed from the RSVP list.

See cost estimates and other important factors to consider below.

Independent Minors:

Minors not accompanied by parents will have to travel with an appointed guardian such as Sensei or another parent. It is recommended that the parents write a letter of consent naming a chosen individual as the guardian. Parents should also consult with airlines about regulations for a child travelling with a guardian and not make any assumptions. The parent and appointed guardian should agree to a Care Plan with all relevant information for the child's health and well-being on the trip. Basics of such a plan should include finances, discipline, medication, bedtimes and contact details in addition to any other matter of relevance. This Care Plan may be included in the Letter of Consent.

Term Dates:

Easter holiday is from Friday 29 March - Sunday 14 April, 2024. You can confirm the Waltham Forest school term dates here..

Flights & Relevant Dates:

For the full experience you should aim to arrive in Tokyo city centre by 12 noon, Saturday 30th March, 2024. The intention is to meet in Shibuya and travel to accommodations in the city of Osaka using the bullet train by the Sunday afternoon. If you are finding it difficult to arrive on this weekend, you may opt to arrive a few days later, or a few days earlier. Just keep in mind the following proposed Core Dates (subject to availability of our host dojos).

Core Dates:

• Karate keiko, 1st - 4th April in Kobe: Jujutsu-ka are welcome
• Kyoto adventure weekend, 6th & 7th April, Kyoto: Everyone invited
• Jujutsu keiko, 8th - 12th April, Osaka: Karate-ka are welcome

You are invited to this training trip as a GROUP event. You are free to have your own agenda, and tourism plans, but we ask that you try to schedule this around the core dates above, as its good for group morale and simplifies the task of booking activities in advance, such as tours, restaurants, dojo rental etc.

Training Costs:

TBC - Budget approximately £250 for training and our group translator. This must be paid in advance of the trip. A deadline and payment link will be provided here in the coming months.

Personal Expenses and Travel Costs:

TBC - After flights you can estimate roughly £1500 - £3000 per person for a 2 week trip in Japan. A detail breakdown of anticipated expenses will be given in the coming months. However, rest assured, event planners will be looking for the most cost effective options for this trip, which is during the the cherry blossom (sakura), the most costly season of the year in Japan.

Accommodations:

TBC - Accommodations will be booked after flights are confirmed. Venues and locations will be discussed and you will be given the choice to book accommodations with the group (recommended), or independently. 

The primary choice for the group accommodation will be a Backpacker Hostels or Guest Houses (almost the same) within 45 minutes of the dojos, possibly much closer. In these accommodations around Sakura, you can expect private dorms, £22 -£35 per night, per person, for our group. These accommodations also have private rooms, £45 - £70 per night. The standards are typically very high in Japan, and we'll only be booking accommodations with top reviews! Backpacker hostels and guest houses tend to be very clean and hospitable, and are usually far more social environments than hotels. 

If you still feel disatisfied with this option, you can attempt to independently book your own accommodations, but being away from the group could lead to serious logistical challenges when planning activities, especially with travel. If you really want to book your own accommodations separately, then it would help if you were find somewhere near to where the group will be staying.

Deadlines:

Please close attention to deadlines.

• RSVP deadline - 30th September
• Accommodations - Link for deposit provided in October. This is anticipated to be 10-15% of the Core Dates mentioned above.
• Training & Translator fees - Link for payment provided in March.

Itinerary:

Please pay close attention to the trip itinerary/schedule on this page (below) and check back regularly for updates!