TOUR ITINERARY

8 MAY (WED) HONOLULU,

Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and Snack will be served aboard the flight. Free Movies and Drinks.

9 MAY (THU) YOKOHAMA,

YOKOHAMA BAY SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS

Arrive at Haneda International Airport and after clearing government formalities, By bus to hotel in Yokohama, 2nd largest city in Japan. We'll stay 2 nights at hotel that is connected to underground shopping mall with department store, 100-yen shop, Big Electronics Store, Supermarket, etc. After hotel check-in, tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel.

10 MAY (FRI) YOKOHAMA / MIURA PENINSULA,

YOKOHAMA BAY SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS

This morning we will visit Yokohama Wholesale Market to enjoy shopping for Japanese traditional food items such as Tsukemono pickles, Umeboshi, etc. at wholesale prices. Then we'll head to a popular day trip destination for Tokyoites "Miura Peninsula" surrounded by the sea, mountains & nature. Have you ever tasted freshly picked sweet Japanese Strawberries? We will enjoy all you can eat Strawberry Picking. Then go to Kurihama Hana-no Kuni Flower Park. We will see the fields covered in colorful Poppies. Enjoy the peaceful landscape of red and orange color blossoms. Then go back to the hotel in Yokohama. In the evening, for those who wish to, we'll take you to see the beautiful Night View of Minato Mirai 21 a seaside urban area in central Yokohama. 

11 MAY (SAT) LAKE KAWAGUCHI,

BREEZBAY LAKE RESORT  KAWAGUCHIKO (ONSEN) ♨

Today we head to an internationally well-known resort area in Hakone filled with abundant natural beauty. We will visit Hakone’s famous seasonal attraction the “Azalea Garden” with over 3,000 Colorful Azaleas carpeting the 36-acre garden. The vivid-colored azaleas, the blue lake of Ashi and white snowcapped Mt. Fuji in the backdrop will leave you breathless. Then proceed to Lake Motosu to see CNN’s 1 out of “36 most stunning places of Japan” to enjoy the Shibazakura (moss phlox) Festival. Over 520,000 bright pink, purple and white flowers blanket the huge park with majestic Mt. Fuji in the background is a truly amazing sight. Then go to Lake Kawaguchi, a very popular resort area where spectacular views of “Symbol of Japan” Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed. Tonight’s hotel is located on a hillside overlooking Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath.

12 MAY (SUN) MATSUMOTO,

MATSUMOTO HOTEL KAGETSU

Today we’ll visit beautiful Shosenkyo Gorge often praised as Japan's most beautiful gorge. You can enjoy a peaceful walk in the cool air while being amazed at the spectacular sceneries with the strength and power of the stream and waterfall that created many interestingly shaped rocks. We also visit the Museum of Shadowgraph World features the fairytale-like works of Shadowgraph art. Using lights, mirrors, and water to create amazing and beautiful art. Then visit Kagome Farm. Kagome is a major manufacturer of tomato and tomato-based foods such as Ketchup, Tonkatsu sauce, etc., those are popular in USA as well. We will visit their large-scale tomato farm and see famous giant tomato tree which yield ten thousand tomatoes. You can enjoy shopping for their original goods and try tomato ice crem at your own expense. Then proceed to the tranquil old castle town “Matsumoto” nestled by the Japan Alps. We will stay 2 nights at a lovely hotel that features Matsumoto’s traditional folk craft furniture for a classic feel. 

13 MAY (MON) MATSUMOTO / OKAYA,

MATSUMOTO HOTEL KAGETSU

If timing is right, we will visit Tsurumine Park praised as “Azalea Heaven” with 30,000 azalea bushes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park filled with vibrant colorful Azaleas which is the “Best Azalea Viewing Spot in Central Japan.” Then visit Silkfact Okaya Museum. Here you’ll learn the history of silk industry in Japan making this area one of the largest silk threads producing areas in the world during early 20th century. Learn how they operate the silk reeling machine that they used in the 19th century. Nagano is famous for its Shinshu Miso which is widely loved throughout Japan. We’ll enjoy the Miso Manufacturer's Lunch. Taste delicious dishes using specialty Miso and see the places of making local Shinshu Miso and purchase them. Later visit Japan’s oldest existing castle which was built in the 16th century and National Treasure “Matsumoto Castle” another 1 of CNN’s “Japan's 36 most beautiful places.” For those who wish can walk up inside the 428-years old castle tower. Wisteria and Azalea in the Castle’s Japanese garden should be in bloom. After going back to hotel, you will get a chance to visit Nawate-dori shopping street within walking distance from our hotel. This creates an aura of an old castle town lined with around 40 shops including antique shops, candy stores, senbei shop, etc.

14 MAY (TUE) SHINHOTAKA ONSEN,

HOTAKASO YAMANO HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Visit Kametaya Sake Brewery, producing specialty Sake using water from Japan Alps mountain range since 1869. We will tour the 130-years old main building and sample different Sake from sweet to dry. Then go to south entrance of the Northern Japan Alps to visit Kamikochi Valley surrounded by 10,000 feet mountains. This natural beauty is often compared to Yosemite Valley in California. We will pass by Taisho Pond with its lovely mirror-like surface that reflects towering mountain peaks and calm surrounding scenery. You can cross Kappa Suspension Bridge over its crystal-clear river water. This is the picture-perfect postcard scenery of the Japan Alps. Then go to Okuhida Hot Spring town and a charming Mountain resort hotel surrounded by beautiful forest surroundings. Perfect opportunity for a relaxing soak at Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-Air bath. Private Onsen Bath is available At Your Own Expense. 

15 MAY (WED) TOYAMA,

TOYAMA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

Head to rural Japan of Toyama where you can take in the mountains all the way to the Japan sea. We will visit Owara Kaze-no Bon dance Museum. This nationally known Bon-dance is an enchanting folk festival held in rustic town of Toyama. We will see a demonstration of elegant and graceful dancing using unique melancholic melodies which has been passed down from 300-year ago. Toyama Bay area is best known for firefly squids. There is a Firefly Squid Museum where you can learn about tiny firefly squid that emits pale light that illuminates their body giving a nightly light show along Toyama Bay’s shoreline during March thru May. Then go to Toyama city as we will stay 2 nights at hotel located near Toyama station & connected to a department store with a 100-yen shop. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in!

16 MAY (THU) TOYAMA / MT. TATEYAMA,

TOYAMA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

Today we’ll go to see Snow Wall!! Drive up Mt. Tateyama standing at 9,892 feet is one out of three Holy Mountains in Japan that has been worshipped for over 1,300 years. We will visit Murodo Japan’s highest station at 8,038 feet high and one of the heaviest snowfall areas in the world. We will enjoy driving through accumulation of snow to form the majestic “Snow corridor” upwards of 52ft to create the Great Wall of Snow that’s about 6-stories tall! You’ll also get a chance to walk along the Snow walls. Enjoy this amazing experience only during this time of year! Next visit Sasaraya　Rice Cracker shop producing tasty and crispy rice crackers with the traditional old-style manufacturing method. Their most popular product is a White Shrimp cracker that is a sweet and salty rice cracker with a flavor of locally grown Toyama rice and white shrimp that is only caught in Toyama bay.

17 MAY (FRI) GIFU,

MIYAKO HOTEL GIFU NAGARAGAWA

Visit World Heritage site “Historic Village of Shirakawago” to enjoy strolling the once-isolated rural mountain village with traditional thatched roof houses. It’s one of the “World’s 10 Great Towns, Villages & Neighborhoods for Architecture Buffs” chosen by CNN. Throughout this traditional village homes, and farmhouses standout like a scene of a Japanese fairy tale. Then head to Gujo Hachiman to try your hand at making Wax food sample. This town invented the wax and plastic food samples seen outside virtually every restaurant in Japan. You will also see incredible food samples that you can purchase and display when you get back home. Later visit Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) Museum exhibits information all about “Ukai Cormorant fishing” a traditional fishing method has been passed down for over 1,300 years. You can learn its history, methods, and more about this major cultural tradition that represent Japan through panels, movie, etc. Tonight, we will stay at superb hotel which is next to the Nagara River. In the evening, we will ride a boat to get a firsthand view of Ukai Cormorant fishing on the river. Watch as traditional Japanese fishermen work as one team use a 1,300-year-old method using their trained cormorants and torches to catch Ayu or sweet fish during the hours of darkness. 

18 MAY (SAT) HAMAMATSU,

OKURA ACT CITY HOTEL HAMAMATSU

Head to Seki with an historic 800-year-old tradition of blacksmithing in this area. Visit Cutler Sanshu producer of the finest kitchen knives using the same techniques used to create legendary Samurai swords. You will get a chance to buy Seki’s durable and incredibly sharp knives, scissors, garden tools, etc. Later visit Arimatsu Shibori Tie Dyeing Museum. Intricate Shibori dyeing is used to produce colorful designs for kimono fabric. Watch interesting English video about the process of making these Handmade Heritage. Here you can also enjoy shopping for a kimono, fabrics, and bags. When you stroll through the narrow street lined with old houses, shops and warehouses will make you feel like you have traveled back during the Samurai period. Then proceed to Hamamatsu. We’ll stay 2 nights at hotel that is part of the exclusively high-rise tower located within walking distance to Hamamatsu station, Supermarket, etc. Tour guide take you shopping area after hotel check in. 

19 MAY (SUN) HAMAMATSU,

OKURA ACT CITY HOTEL HAMAMATSU

Today we will visit Kamo Garden hopefully with mother nature’s help the park should be at its best to visit with many different varieties and types of Irises and Hydrangea in bloom. With the 16th century-built Residence for the lord with its white walls and warehouses creates a perfect backdrop for the colorful fields of irises would make an amazing photo opportunity. Shizuoka is the best place for a tea-growing district in Japan. Do you know the best season for Japanese tea? It is the spring harvest season that start producing the most prized teas called “Shincha” or “New tea”. We will visit Tea factory to sample and purchase those valued Japanese tea. Later enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall. After going back to the hotel, Free time to continue shopping and packing. (Lunch / dinner will be at your own expense.) 

20 MAY (MON)  HAMAMATSU / HONOLULU,

At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up your boxes and take your baggage to be checked in down. We will leave the hotel by bus to Chubu Centrair International Airport to catch our flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arriving in Honolulu the same morning, 20 May (MON) After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch / dinner will be at your own expense.) 

Clients remaining back will be assisted in obtaining plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually, but no later than 90 days from day of departure. Weekend returns will cost more per person. Please call our office if you are extending your stay. MAHALO!

*Itinerary and Meals are subject to change at anytime.

*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***

AIR: Estimated airfare and May be more or May be less at time of ticket purchased. Airline tickets are Non-refundable once purchased unless you request a refundable ticket is usually charged by the airlines. 

INCLUDES: Land Transportation included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, and all sightseeing listed, all transfer of passenger and baggage, souvenir picture and tour tax.

DOES NOT INCLUDE: AIRFARES, Individual expenses after termination of tour as stated in itinerary. Also, wine, liquor, mineral water, laundry and other items of personal nature, cost of obtaining passport and visa or other necessary documents.

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY PER-PERSON:

69 DAYS - 46 DAYS --- $800.00*

45 DAYS - 22 DAYS --- $1,000.00*

21 DAYS - 01 DAY ----- $1,500.00*

*No refund once tour starts. *May have extra cancellation charges along with the preordered event tickets for Miyako Odori show tickets, Tokyo Disney Sea tickets, Shinkansen ticket fee, etc. If Yen was already purchase to pay for this tour, Then the Yen exchange rate at time of refund will affect the refund since we have to convert the Yen back to U.S. dollars again.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: TOHOKU TRAVEL SERVICE, INC. 

TOLL FREE PH: 1-888-966-3666

PH: 808-536-8618

EMAIL:contactus@tohokutravel.com 

JAPAN TOUR ARRANGED & GUIDED BY: YOKOHAMA TRAVEL, INC.

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