2028 VISIONS OF JAPAN LAND ADVENTURE

Connect with credit union professionals and volunteers for an inspiring leadership development experience set against the extraordinary backdrop of Japan. Designed to spark new ideas, strengthen connections, and expand your perspective, this unique conference blends meaningful professional development with the rich culture, traditions, and innovation of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Join CU EduCruises and Globus Vacations for an unforgettable journey through Japan’s most iconic destinations. Forget everything your mother taught you about table manners—in Japan, slurping your noodles isn’t just acceptable, it’s part of the experience! Sip traditional hot sake and green tea, savor steaming bowls of flavorful noodles, and drink in the spectacular sights from neon-lit Tokyo to historic Kyoto.

Peaks, palaces, pavilions, and pagodas create picture-perfect backdrops at every turn, but you won’t be standing still for long on this captivating tour. Try your hand at traditional calligraphy, create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, browse fresh produce at a Takayama farmers market, and stroll through Kanazawa’s renowned Kenrokuen Garden. Then experience Japan at full speed with an exhilarating ride aboard the famous bullet train.

From centuries-old traditions to dazzling modern cities, this incredible adventure offers a taste of Japan you’ll remember long after you return home.

• Receive free consultation with our industry leaders
• Participate in timely educational sessions & several nightly networking discussions
• Take home examples of proven credit union strategies that can make a difference
• Discuss how an effective Board/Management Team equals future success
• Learn from others about their credit union's strategic plans
• Discover how your credit union can thrive in times of fast paced change
• Create a game-plan for future survival during rough times
• Find solutions to problems your CU is facing today, and will soon be encountering
• Share with other CU volunteers and management staff from across the country

Tony Robinson

Tony Robinson is President & Founder of Credit Union EduCruises, an international destination conference and training organization located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tony has presented credit union educational sessions in numerous states across America, and also in 24 countries. His sessions include such topics as Credit Union Leadership, Board/CEO Communication, Creating World Class Member Service, Understanding Why Some Credit Unions Fail, Credit Union Board/Management Succession Planning, and much more.

KATHY ROBINSON

Kathy Robinson has been involved in the credit union industry for over 35 years. Kathy is the President/CEO of EduQuest LLC, a training and consulting firm specializing in Credit Union leadership development. Kathy has presented programs for the World Council of Credit Unions, CUNA, CUES, numerous credit union leagues across the country and in over 15 countries. In addition, she has served on multiple non-profit boards in a position of leadership. In addition, Kathy is a Certified John Maxwell Leadership speaker.

• Restaurants – Each hotel includes a nice restaurant offering delicious local cuisine, international favorites and unbelievable views. Dining rooms are large and spacious, allowing for frequent networking.
• Lounges – Bar service is available in all hotels.
• Entertainment - Every day offers an immersive educational experience throughout the heart of Japan.
• Accommodations - 3-Nights Tokyo, 1-Night Fujikawaguchiko, 2- Nights Takayama, 1-Night Kanazawa, 3-Nights Kyoto

Activity Level 2 – Moderate

Designed for travelers who prefer a balanced blend of sightseeing and downtime. Expect days that include up to two–three miles of walking on a mix of paved paths, small hills, cobblestone streets, and occasional uneven ground. There may be one to two days on this tour when walking tours can cover three to four miles over uneven terrain. Travelers should be comfortable standing for up to two hours during guided activities and climbing two flights of stairs, sometimes without handrails. Daily touring may include early departures or longer coach rides.

Mobility Guidance: You are welcome to travel with mobility aids; however, there will be portions of touring that may be more difficult to accommodate, and you may need to navigate short stretches without assistance. Please share your needs with us in advance so we can plan appropriately.

Day 1: Monday, November 6th – Welcome to Japan - Tokyo

Arrive Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo
Meals: N/A

Day 2: Tuesday, November 7 - Tokyo - Monumental Metropolis

Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. At an artist’s studio, learn to write like a local during a calligraphy lesson with a master calligrapher, have the opportunity to try on a traditional kimono, and partake in a tea ceremony. The last stop is the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, November 8th - Tokyo Exploration

Enjoy a full day at your leisure exploring the city.
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Thursday, November 9th - Mount Fuji

Travel south to the beautiful Five Lakes region. From a bullet train ride to dizzying views of Mount Fuji, to a cruise on Lake Ashi, your day is a feast for the eyes.
Hotel: Hotel Regina Kawaguchiko
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Friday, November 10th - Matsumoto-Takayama

Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps. Visit a local wasabi farm and learn more about how it’s grown and the importance of wasabi in Japanese culture and cuisine. Eat lunch at the farm and sample wasabi ice cream. Visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan dating back to the 16th Century. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Hilton Takayama Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Saturday, November 11th - Takayama Treasures

Today begins at the morning market, where farmers display locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office during the Edo Period from 1692-1868. This well-preserved building is a national historic site and the only remaining building of its kind in Japan. End with a fun sake tasting. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Hotel: Hilton Takayama Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Sunday, November 12th - Takayama-Shirakawa-Kanazawa

This morning, enjoy a drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa; a remote region of Japan home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri-style (joined hands) thatched houses that can only be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Explore Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens that dates from the 1670’s. One of the garden’s most stunning attractions is Kasumigaike pond with its island called Horai which is meant to symbolize long life and eternal prosperity. Take part in a gold leaf class, where you will learn about this ancient craft and make your own bento box.
Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Monday, November 13th - Kanazawa- Kyoto

This morning, travel south to Kyoto. On arrival, visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Next, visit Yuzen Handmade Corner to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly on the cloth. Make your own souvenir using this traditional method. End the day at Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms believed to have the power to save 25 worlds!
Hotel: Hilton Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Tuesday, November 14th - Kyoto

Today's sightseeing starts with the city's most important sites: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Japan is known for its cuisine, which is deeply engrained into the culture. What better way to gain insights into the local way of life than through a special cooking class by a local chef. Learn to make miso soup, teriyaki chicken and makizushi, more commonly known as a sushi roll, and feast on them when done! After lunch you will have the opportunity to try on a traditional kimono!
Hotel: Hilton Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Wednesday, November 15th - Kyoto - Nara Excursion

Travel to nearby Nara to visit Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan.
Hotel: Hilton Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Thursday, November 16th - Kyoto

Your EduCruise Symposium and Land Tour ends with breakfast today.
Meals: Breakfast

Hotels, activities, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Tour Package Pricing: Based on double occupancy $7,527.00 per person
• Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person
• Final Payment: no later than July 7, 2028

Single Occupancy: $9,387.00 (single occupancies are limited)

Requirements: A valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return

Cancellation Penalties:
• Date of deposit to July 7, 2028 Initial deposit of $400.00 per person plus Fox Cancellation Fee

• July 8 – August 8, 2028 - 50% package price cancellation fee
• August 9 – September 7, 2028 - 75% package price cancellation fee
• September 8, 2028 to 0 days prior to travel - No refunds
• Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any vendor cancellation penalties.

Travel Insurance:

For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Transfers:
Tokyo (TYO) - $97 per person and time parameters are 7:30am – 7:30pm
Osaka (OSA) - $88 per person and time parameters are 11am – 11:59pm

Symposium Registration Fee:
• $1,950.00 per Forum attendee - if paid by credit card
• $1,750.00 per Forum attendee - if paid by check

Symposium Fee Discounts:
• Before 6/1/27 - $200.00 pp
• 6/2/27 - 3/1/28 - $100.00 pp

This Private Small Group Symposium/Tour is limited to 20 Couples! To attend conference and/or to take advantage of these low group rates, all reservations must be booked through our travel affiliate - Fox World Travel. The Japan trip deposit and Symposium registration fee are immediately payable upon first booking this conference.

Meeting times and locations throughout this trip are subject to change. The EduCruise Group Leader will notify conference participants of any changes encountered throughout the trip.

WHAT YOUR RATE INCLUDES:

Package Inclusions:
• Daily Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
• Hotel accommodations including 3-Nights Tokyo, 1-Night Fujikawaguchiko, 2-Nights Takayama, 1-Night Kanazawa, 3-Nights Kyoto
• Headset for guided sightseeing visits and walking tours
• Escorted by a professional, local Tour Director from Globus
• Customized, informative travel documents containing trip details with helpful packing and planning information
• All hotel taxes, fees, and luggage handling for one bag per person Signature Tour Experiences Include:
• Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea
• Learn to write like a local during a calligraphy lesson with a master calligrapher
• Visit a local wasabi farm & Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure dating back to the 16th Century
• Explore Kasuga Shrine, the most celebrated in Nara, is a Shinto shrine with some 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. On the opposite end of the park is Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant temples.
• Visit Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf.

Not Included: Airline flights to destination, airline luggage fees, gratuities for airport porters, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance, and any items of a personal nature.

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