The 2004 World Exposition will be held March 25 to Sept. 25 in Seto City and Nagakute Town in Aichi prefecture. From Toyko Station, take the bullet train to Nagoya, about two hours south, then catch another train or shuttle bus to the various sites (the Expo's Web site has detailed travel info). The Expo's theme is Nature's Wisdom, featuring a pastiche of environmental exhibits, art displays and techno esoterica. For lighter fare, there will be nightly theater at the koi pond and international musical acts. Ticket options vary; one-day admission, for example, is about $44.
Lodging near the sites are either booked by tour groups or pricey, says Marian Goldberg of the Japan National Tourist Organization. Her suggestion is to look for hotels in neighboring towns that are near train stations. For example, the Hotel Nikko Toyohashi (011-81-532-48-3132, www.nikkotoyohashi.com/english/top/e_top.html; doubles from $186) is in Toyohashi City, 20 minutes from Nagoya by train. Also consider Okazaki City and Gifu.
The tourist office also lists travel agencies and tours, such as Jalpak's World Expo Flex Tour. The cost (from $1,613) covers round-trip air from New York, six nights' hotel, transfers, one-day admission to the Expo, and Tokyo and Kyoto tours. Info: 800-926-7274, www.jalpak.com.
For Expo info: www-1.expo2005.or.jp/en, or JNTO, 212-757-5640, www.jnto.go.jp.
I'm looking for a safari for single folks. My daughter turns 40 this year, and it would be a great gift. Any ideas?
A. Doyle
Bethesda
Travelers on safari are as varied as the African game, with singles, couples, marrieds, etc., all gazing at the wild beasts. But safaris that cater to singles are rare, says Alana Hayden, president of Born Free Safaris. Yet, "East Africa seems to be a haven for single travelers," she says, "women and men."
Hayden suggests calling safari companies and asking if they have specific departures for which singles have already booked. Often, June is low season in Africa, but high season among singles -- when single supplements are waived. Born Free (800-4-SAFARI, www.bornfreesafaris.com), for one, has a 15-day, $3,900 Kenya and Tanzania trip in June that some singles have already signed up for.
You could also contact companies that specialize in women's trips or solo travelers, such as Going Solo Travel Club (800-475-3755, www.goingsolotravel.com), and see if they have any African trips planned. Be warned: Many of these groups attract younger singles, which "can be as uncomfortable as being with a lot of married couples," says Hayden.
Send queries by e-mail (travelqa@ washpost.com), fax (202-912-3609) or U.S. mail (Travel Q&A, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071).
