IATM International Week - Tokyo

Pulse & Peace - A tailored experience to Tokyo and Hakone
Since many of the IATM members have already experienced Tokyo and Japan, this program is carefully designed by our colleague Jane in Taiwan to reveal a different side of the country – leading you beyond the usual tourist paths and into places where authentic culture, nature, and hidden gems come to life.

We are waiting for hotel confirmation and prices from the agent, until we get all we need this program is provisional.

For your info, some of us has already booked flights from Europe on February 3rd that will arrive early in the morning of February 4th. Dates will not change!

Wednesday February 4
Arrival during the day.
If you arrive early in the morning we suggest you join an ordinary sightseeing tour such as the Hop-on, hop-off or if there are many arriving early, we will organize something together during the day. In the evening, get-together for a drink and a meal

Thursday February 5 - Senso Experience
Significance of Kimono Experience 
Experiencing wearing a kimono allows people to deeply understand Japanese traditional culture and feel the respect for history and traditions. To be elegantly dressed in kimonos, showing the unique charm of traditional Japanese clothing. Lunch(on your own) will be at one of the many local food stalls where you can find a variety of snacks, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).

Senso Temple and sightseeing
The architecture of Senso Temple features traditional Japanese style, with large wooden structures and unique roof designs, showing exquisite craftsmanship.

Traveling by rickshaw
A Japanese rickshaw, also known as a jinrikisha , is a two-wheeled vehicle pulled by a person. It was a common form of transportation in Japan and other Asian countries in the past, but is now primarily used for tourism and entertainment. Traveling in a rickshaw allows you to slowly enjoy the street view, feel the local atmosphere, and interact closely with the city.

Dinner with Tokyo Bay Sumida River Cruise
On the cruise, you can enjoy a delicious dinner-beef sukiyaki hot pot , and all you can drink soft drinks. The night view of Tokyo Bay is spectacular, with the glittering lights of skyscrapers reflecting on the water, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Friday February 6 - Hakone Adventure
Hakone is a scenic mountain area in Japan, located not far from Tokyo. Famous for its hot springs, traditional inns, and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is also home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the historic Hakone Shrine by Lake Ashi. Hakone is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for nature, culture, and relaxation.

Boat tours on Lake Ashi
While on the boat tour around Lake Ashinoko, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the calm, clear waters. The boat provides a unique vantage - point to soak in the beauty of the entire lake.

At Lake Ashi, a serene lake surrounded by mountains, a pirate ship cruise runs between the three ports of Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko and Togendai-ko. Three ships with different designs sail on the lake, and the visitors can enjoy the grand view of the ships passing by each other. During the cruise, there will be a spot where the passengers can view Mt. Fuji, the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine and the lake all at once, so have your cameras ready.

Hakone Ropeway
Taking the Hakone Ropeway offers us a bird's - eye view of the surrounding landscape. From above, one can see the vast expanse of forests, mountains, and the glistening Lake Ashinoko.

The black eggs at Owakudani
These eggs are instantly recognizable due to their distinct black shells. This color is a result of being boiled in the area's sulfur - rich hot springs.

Saturday February 7 - Meiji Jingu and AGM

The AGM will be held in the morning.

The shrine is situated in a vast land of a forest (70 ha.), located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo.
Once we step into this precinct, one will forget that one are in the hustle bustle city, and will find Japanese traditional scene amidst greenery nature.
It is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Maiji and his wife Empress Shōken. Emperor Meiji was the firs emperor of modern Japan. He was born in 1852 and ascended to the throne in 1867 at the peak of the Meiji Restoration when Japan's  feudal era came to an end and the emperor was restored to power. During the Meiji Period .  Japan modernized herself to join the world's major powers by the time Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912.

In the evening we will enjoy a festive dinner.

Sunday February 8
At breakfast we are saying goodbye for this time. Some will travel on to Fukuoka to joining WFTGA or if you stay in Tokyo - time to explore more on your own.