GETTING THERE
Experience natural gardens, Disneyland and airplanes in Japan.
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The grace and beauty of the Japanese nation are evident in both the country... and the city.
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ALL ABOUT JAPAN
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Those who were unable to join our April "Study Tour of the Plants and Gardens of Japan", but who still have a hankering to go to the Land of the Rising Sun, may well find the following informat ion helpful in getting to know not only the country, but the Japanese people as well. In fact, the author of this report—H. William Bruce—and his wife stayed in Japanese homes during 19 of the 21 days of their vacation . . . by visiting with Servas hosts.
"Servas is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, interracial, cultural organization, which was founded in 1948, and now operates in about 60 countries," writes Mr. Bruce. "Its philosophy is to create understanding among people of different nations, by allowing them to meet and talk with one another. Members are provided with lists of Servas hosts and their interests, and then it's up to the traveler to write and make arrangements for a two-night visit. After all," he notes, "what better way is there to learn about people of other lands than by sharing their homes, foods, and activities?
"And if you can't afford the time or money for travel yourself," Mr. Bruce adds, "you can be a host to foreign guests. We live just outside San Francisco, and—last year—we had more than a dozen people from all over the world come by for short visits, including a Dutch couple, who had traveled from New York by bike!
"We learned—as both Servas guests and hosts—that all people are really very similar when one gets to know them."
It costs $30 a year to become a Servas traveler, and the organization requests a voluntary donation of $10 a year from folks who want to act as hosts. (After applying for membership, you'll be interviewed by a Servas volunteer.) For more information, write to U.S. Servas, Dept. TMEN, 11 John Street, Room 406, New York, New York 10038.
AN ORIENTAL DISNEYLAND
April 15 marked the gala debut of Tokyo's own Disneyland. Just a scant 20 minutes from downtown, the new attraction will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in July and August. (It'll be closed on Tuesdays, starting in September.) Admission is roughly $15 for adults, $13 for high-school students, and $10 for children. Limousine buses will commute to the site from major hotels, and there's also access by subway and by shuttle bus.
This new Disneyland is the largest park of its kind in the world: The amusement center itself encompasses 115 acres . . . with 92 additional acres for parking. (The local Mickey Mouses, by the way, will speak English as well as Japanese.)
