Dear Parents,

I’m pleased to announce that Schaumburg Oyanokai is proceeding with plans for an exciting trip to Japan for 6th graders in June 2017! 

During our tour, we will visit some of Japan’s most famous landmarks.  Please see the proposed itinerary below:

*This trip will be part of a group tour taken with EF (Education First) Tours.  However, the portion of the trip to Namerikawa will not be with EF Tours.  ALL interested participants should be SO members. 

Planned Cities to Visit:
TOKYO
HAKONE
KYOTO (Japan’s former capital)
OSAKA
NAMERIKAWA (Schaumburg’s Sister City & Dooley Penpal Exchange/Visit NOT with EF Tours)

Proposed Itinerary:
Day 1-5: Fly into Tokyo and stay until Day 5 seeing famous sites like Shinto Shrine, Imperial Palace, boat cruise to Asakusa (Tokyo’s amusement center) and a “free” day to do what you’d like (suggestions will be available).
Day 5 & 6: Transfer to Hakone (Just South of Tokyo) and stop in Kamakura to see the Great Buddha (2nd largest in Japan).  Stay in a Japanese style hotel called a “Ryokan”.  See Mt. Fuji.
Day 6: Transfer to Kyoto (old Japan capital)
Day 7: Visit Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, and Kinkakuji (“Golden Temple”)
Day 8: Free time in morning to do what you’d like and afternoon transfer to Osaka
Day 9: Visit Osaka Castle & Transfer to Namerikawa City (in Toyama Prefecture)
Day 10: Visit Japanese School & Stay with Japanese host family
Day 11: Visit Famous Firefly Squid Museum & Hot Springs
Day 12: Transfer to Tokyo to return home

We have chosen to travel EF because they have been in business for over 40 years and have offices around the world (including a new office in Chicago), which makes me feel secure.  Another factor in my choice is that EF guarantees the lowest prices for the highest quality.  The approximate cost of a 12-day ALL INCLUSIVE trip  $4,800 for children and about $5,100 for adults and includes round-trip airfare, insurance, hotel accommodations, a full-time EF Tour Director, daily breakfast and dinner, entrance fees to select attractions and guided sightseeing.  For those wishing to find their own airfare the rates would be about $3,300 for children and about $4,000 for adults (again, no airfare included).   These price estimates DO NOT include any financial assistance from Schaumburg Oyanokai or fundraising (please note:  only Dooley STUDENT participants are eligible to receive SO financial assistance).

Discuss this fantastic opportunity with your child.  For all students, it is an opportunity of a lifetime and it will not only offer an opportunity for them to use their Japanese skills and experience Japan for themselves, but also help their school work and help them mature and grow as young adults and encourage lifelong international learning.  We will also offer an opportunity to ask questions to past Dooley trip participants. 

The $95 enrollment fee is all that is needed to lock in the current program fee.

You may also visit online:  www.eftours.com to check out the company we have chosen and email Robi for a tour number if you are interested in learning more about our tour.

Please fill out the following survey if you are interested in learning more information.