19:00 Chairman's Reception at the Kyoto Train Museum

We commence proceedings at the home of the famous Bullet Train. Japan’s high-speed rail network is universally regarded as a triumph of technical engineering. The journey, from a 1903 steam locomotive to the 300km per hour 500 Series Shinkansen, provides a fascinating insight into the country’s steps toward modernisation through its railway history.

10:00 Spouse Tour

On the Monday spouses will be immersed in ancient Japanese culture, visiting one of the city’s most beautiful districts, Arashiyama.

On arrival spouses will be guided through the enchanting Bamboo Grove, where they may take a moment to stand in the swaying realm of green bamboo before visiting the highlight of the tour - Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its triumphantly designed Zen garden and surrounded by breath taking mountain views.

Once spouses have taken in the temple surroundings they will be treated to a truly unique zen lunch within the grounds of the Buddhist temple, at the famous Shigetsu.  As spouses enter they will slip off their shoes and take their seats to experience a Shojin Ryori menu; a vegetarian Zen cuisine highly regarded for its form of spiritual practice.

19:00 Gala Dinner at the Okura Hotel

Enjoy an extravagant evening of entertainment and witness the 'breaking of the saké barrel'; this 300-year-old ceremony is often performed at celebratory events. The lid of the saké barrel is cracked opened with a wooden mallet before the rice wine is served – “Kanpai”.

11:00 Spouse Tour

On Tuesday morning, there is an optional visit to the iconic and picturesque Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (as pictured). At noon the afternoon spouse tour commences with a fine dining lunch in the beautiful setting of Kotowa.   Following lunch, there is an opportunity to tour the Sanjūsangen-dō temple - famed for its 1,000 life-size statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon – the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, an awesome sight, which will surely impress with its scale and beauty. 

11:00 All Delegates Tour

A day dedicated to exploring the Imperial capital’s best preserved historic attractions in the Higashiyama region, along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains. We will visit the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), resplendently gilded both outside and in. A Zen temple since 1408, the pavilion is enveloped by serene gardens and peaceful ponds – a tranquil haven, which transports you a million miles away from the urban hustle of the city.

This will be followed by lunch at The Sodoh – a gloriously secluded, elegant compound with immaculate gardens. After enjoying the restaurant’s exquisite food and setting, it’s time to make the most of a leisurely afternoon.

Unwind at The Sodoh’s open bar, venture to the local area visiting the Jisho-ji temple, or simply soak up the ambience of the district’s narrow, cobble-stone lanes. Lined with wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops and cafes, Higashiyama has been catering for tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Seek out local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets, pickles, crafts and other souvenirs.

13:15 After(noon) party! At the Fortune Garden

To mark the end of 2018’s conference, we invite you to relax, unwind and reflect in a nostalgic and hospitable venue! Designed in the 1920’s, Fortune Garden is a much-loved, iconic landmark. With its bamboo filled courtyard and beautiful terraces, there are three floors where elements of East and West exist harmoniously together. The perfect place to conclude our time in Kyoto.