Sunday, June 6

Morning (e.g. 9 am - 1 pm):

Nara walking tour. English-speaking volunteer guide will guide you around the historic/scenic places in Nara city and its outskirts at a minimum cost for the transportation and lunch for your own and your guide. Please contact the Nara S.G.G. Club at http://narashikanko.jp/sgg/index.html well in advance for further information and pre-arrangement.
6 pm: Get together will be held in the garden of the conference venue, if the weather permits, or in the exhibition hall on the 2nd floor. Light meals and drinks will be served.

Monday, June 7

Herding Deer at "Tobihino" (8 - 8:30 am):

In Nara, deer is believed to be a holly messenger of the Shinto deities of Kasuga Grand Shrine, and strictly protected. This is why they are relaxing and roaming around the park near the conference venue. In this special event, by blowing a horn, many deer will flock together at "Tobihino" field, which is in a walking distance from the conference venue. It would be a good exercise before the morning session.

Tuesday, June 8

Excursion is planned to visit two of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nara (12:30 - 5 pm): "Horyuji Temple," the world oldest surviving wooden architecture with five storied pagoda and central gate remained as original (built in the 7th century), and "Kasuga Grand Shrine," the largest and most archetypal Shinto shrine in Nara (founded in 768), enshrining four Shinto deities. At Kasuga Shrine, a traditional ritual dance called “Kagura” will be performed by Shinto maidens of the Shrine. "Kagura" is a religious form of dance and music to delight and entertain the Shinto gods.
Transportation: Bus will leave the conference venue at 12:30 pm.
Fare: JPY 7,000 per person (including box lunch). Please register via web.

Wednesday, June 9

Banquet will be held at Hotel Nikko Nara ( http://www.jalhotels.com/domestic/kansai/nara/index.html) near the JR Nara station (7 - 9 pm):
Transportation: Bus will leave the conference venue at 6:30 pm.
Fee: JPY 10,000 per person. Please register via web.