202412 TA-486

TOHOKU TRAVEL’S NOMBIRI WEST JAPAN CRAFT TOUR with YAMAGUCHI, HIROSHIMA & SHIKOKU #12 

Departure date: 12 June (Wed) 2024

Return date: 24 June (Mon) 2024


COST OF GROUND TOUR (12 DAYS): $6,390.00

***ESTIMATED ECONOMY AIRFARE PRICE: $1,700.00***

If requiring Business Class or Premium economy please request these as early as possible. These seats sell out fast!

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT, PLEASE ADD $1,228.00

THE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT CHARGE IS FOR HOTELS ROOMS ONLY.

BUS SEATING IS ASSIGNED TO ONE SEAT PER CUSTOMER.

IF EMPTY SEATS ARE AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

*Price is Based on ¥100 Yens to a U.S. Dollar rate*

Please call for current pricing thank you.

TOUR ITINERARY


12 JUN (WED) HONOLULU,

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


13 JUN (THU) HAKATA,

HAKATA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

Arrive at Narita Int’l Airport and after clearing government formalities, transfer to domestic flight to Fukuoka largest city in Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is located near downtown Nakasu area, Kyushu’s largest entertainment district. It’s good for shopping and strolling along the Naka River where you will see "Yatai", traditional Japanese street food stalls in the evening. 


14 JUN (FRI) HAKATA,

HAKATA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

We will enjoy one of Fukuoka’s most famous traditional arts and crafts at the Hakata Doll Painting Experience. For over 400 years “Hakata Ningyo (doll)” making has been handed down by local craftsmen. You can hand paint your own Hakata doll as a souvenir. Afterwards, we will go to Kurume Kasuri Museum one of the most famous woven fabrics for work clothes which is designated as National Traditional Craftwork. Here we will see displays of quintessential example of Japanese dyed patterns of fabric created over 220 years. Also enjoy shopping for their products. Then visit Yame Traditional Craftwork Center, displaying traditional handicrafts in the area. We will see live demonstration by local craftsmen making traditional craftworks. You can purchase these fine crafts that are original and make excellent gifts. After going back to the hotel tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” to Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Hakata’s oldest shopping street filled with about 100 shops carrying Japanese tea, Hakata doll, Kimono wear, Traditional souvenir, etc. 


15 JUN (SAT) YAMAGUCHI,

OYADO ONN YUDAONSEN (ONSEN) ♨

Go to Ashiyagama-no Sato to experience Japanese Tea Ceremony. We will be served Matcha green tea and a Wagashi (traditional Japanese confection) to taste genuine Matcha in a casual way. Afterwards you can visit the beautiful Japanese garden. Later we will cross Kanmon Straits, a well-known scenic place which separates Honshu (Main island of Japan) and Kyushu island. We will visit famous Karato fish Market a lively environment with a lot to see from today’s fresh caught seafood to shops that sell dried seafood items, seaweed, etc. This will be the perfect opportunity to eat the freshest Sushi at this famous fish market (You can buy 1 piece at a time or several at your own expense). Then visit Kirara Glass Miraikan Museum. You can experience making a kaleidoscope with original glass parts and beads. Then go to Yuda in Yamaguchi prefecture. A hot spring town called “Kyoto in the West” because of its long history dating back to 14th century. We’ll stay 2 nights at newly opened in 2022 hotel with Onsen Hot Spring bath & Open Air bath. This hot spring is known as "Bijin-no yu" or "Hot spring for beauty." 


16 JUN (SUN) YAMAGUCHI,

OYADO ONN YUDAONSEN (ONSEN) ♨

Head to Akiyoshidai Safari Land. We will see 60 different species of 600 animals living in their recreated natural habitat within Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park. Here you can get an up close view of many large animals like Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Giraffe, Black bear, etc, from the bus. Then go to Motonosumi Shrine, picked by CNN as "1 of 36 Japan’s most stunning places." The shrine’s remarkable location makes for a striking contrast with 123 red shrine gates with the blue ocean below. Later go to Hagi, a former castle town since 1604 and best known for Hagi-yaki pottery which is designated as National Traditional Craftwork. It’s been highly prized as most beautiful tea wares for nearly 400 years. The color of the vessels changes over time with use. You can buy such a famous Hagi-yaki pottery at factory shop.


17 JUN (MON) HIROSHIMA,

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL HIROSHIMA

In the morning, visit Jyoei Temple. Its 500-years old Sesshu Garden is nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. You can see different three views of the garden among stones, pond and water-fall surrounded the forests. Later head to Tsuwano called “little Kyoto” where you can see the original scenery of Japan. We will visit former Samurai district exceptionally well-preserved with earthen walls, historic buildings and a carp filled canals along the streets with white and purple irises in bloom. Also, visit quite unique Tsuwano Catholic Church that features a tatami mat floor instead of pews. At one time Tsuwano made its fortune producing “Sekishu Washi” during the Edo period and now it has been designated as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. You will be given a chance to use your creativity making traditional Washi Paper (Japanese hand-made paper). Then proceed to Hiroshima, the metropolis in the west of Japan's main island. We will stay 2 nights at this hotel in the center of downtown and next to department store. After hotel check-in, tour guides will take you to shopping area near the hotel. 


18 JUN (TUE) HIROSHIMA,

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL HIROSHIMA

Head to the “Capital of Brushes” Kumano which produce over 80% of them made in Japan. Visit Fude-no sato Kobo to look at exhibits and demonstrations of this high-quality handmade makeup “Kumano Brush” these are a favorite of Hollywood Stars and world-renowned! Next, enjoy a Hiroshima specialty food Okonomiyaki Making Experience. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake packed full of vegetables. Here you will learn how to cook and enjoy tasting the Okonomiyaki that you made for lunch. For those who wish to, can visit Hondori Shopping Arcade. Stroll along this bustling main street in downtown Hiroshima that is lined with local product shops, 100-Yen shop, drugstore, etc. 


19 JUN (WED) NIIHAMA,

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL NIIHAMA

Visit the 1000-year-old picturesque port town of Tomonoura which has been chosen as a filming location for “The Wolverine” starring Hugh Jackman, “White Camellia” & “Ponyo.” This old-fashioned fishing village creates an attractive backdrop with a laid-back and calming atmosphere. Then enjoy driving on spectacular 37-mile road and bridge network connecting Hiroshima and Ehime prefecture “Shimanami Kaido (Island, Wave, Sea road)” toward Shikoku island. It offers magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Upon arrival at the city of Imabari, best known for production of world’s highest quality towels using only the premier raw materials. We will visit Imabari Towel Flagship Store. You can find the best products suited for your needs from over 100 different types of “high quality Imabari Towel” which is highly praised for Comfort, Reliability and First-rate Towel. We will also visit Sakurai Lacquerware Hall. Imabari is home to some of Japan’s top lacquerware. See various beautiful lacquerware pieces on display and for sale. Those have been received numerous awards for traditional arts and crafts. We will stay 2 nights at our hotel that is located close to big Aeon Shopping Mall. You can enjoy shopping after hotel check in.


20 JUN (THU) NIIHAMA,

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL NIIHAMA

Head to Marugame, where the biggest production of Uchiwa (rounded paper fans) is produced in Japan. With over 400-year history has been designated as a National Traditional Craft. You can try your hand at making your own Japanese fan with your design. Choose your favorite paper and make your own one of a kind Uchiwa. You can also buy a traditional handcrafted fan that highly praised as light, comfortable and ergonomic. After enjoying famous local food in Shikoku Sanuki Udon noodle lunch, go to Kiri-no-Mori, a secluded confectionery shop famous among locals nestled in the mountains. You can purchase the well-known Shingu Tea and sweets made with the precious Shingu Tea that is very famous with the locals and often sold out early time. 


21 JUN (FRI) NARUTO,

AOAWO NARUTO RESORT (ONSEN) ♨

Head to Tokushima to visit Awa Japanese handmade paper hall. Awa Washi Paper is designated as National Traditional Craft which has a long history dated back to some 1300 years ago. It features an expressive surface and impressive character has unique beauty. Soft, supple, and surprisingly strong which is resistant against water. Here, we will enjoy Traditional Indigo Dyeing experience. You can make your own unique handkerchief using organically made indigo dye. Tokushima produces almost all the natural indigo used for dyeing in Japan, as well as a rich variety of finished indigo textiles. Tokushima's Indigo Weaving is also designated as National Traditional Craft. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of old kimono and textiles that have been dyed with indigo. Later visit Hallelujah Sweets Kitchen that produce the “Kincho Manju” one of Tokushima’s most famous confectionaries. We’ll have a Tea break at the café where you can enjoy fresh cake with your drink. We will stay at a nice Onsen resort hotel located right on Naruto strait. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath with a beautiful ocean view. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner featuring local seafood, seaweed, vegetables, famous sweet potato "Naruto Kintoki" etc. 


22 JUN (SAT) KOBE,

HOTEL CROWN PALAIS KOBE

Incense has been a long important element of Japan’s culture a way of life. It originated back in 595 on Awaji Island that still produces 70% of all incense made in Japan. We will enjoy an incense making experience. You can make your own scented incense of your own choice. Those can create a warm and relaxing ambiance back at home. There are many types of high-quality products made of incense such as room fragrance, fragrance oil, souvenirs for purchase. Then go to Miki, a major production area of blades since ancient times. You will get a chance to buy Miki’s durable and incredibly sharp knives, scissors, nail clippers, and hardware at Miki Cutlery Center. Then head to a monthly open-air Handcraft market held at the Minatogawa Park in Kobe where about 160 vendor’s stalls selling handmade crafts, arts, foods, clothes, and trinkets that you may find interesting. We will stay 2 nights at hotel conveniently located close to Kobe’s popular shopping and amusement area where you can enjoy shopping as well as the lovely sights and tastes of Kobe. 


23 JUN (SUN) KOBE,

HOTEL CROWN PALAIS KOBE

Ride Ropeway to visit Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. Enjoy the elegant “walk-in-the-sky” ride up to the mountaintop (1,300 feet high). You can enjoy colorful Herb flowers in bloom as well as the panoramic view of Kobe city and Osaka bay. It is the perfect spot to sit, relax and feel peaceful atmosphere of Kobe. Later visit Nishinomiya Shrine, head shrine of Ebisu-Shrines which enshrine the god of wealth and fortune. Monthly Hand Craft market should be held on this day. The market is pleasant offering handmade jewelries, ornaments, clothes, etc. We will also enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall before going back to the hotel. (Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense). 


24 JUN (MON) KOBE / HONOLULU,

At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. In the afternoon leave hotel by bus to Kansai International Airport to catch our nighttime Airline Flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 24 JUN (Monday). 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.

ITO BLDG. #502; 2-22-3 TSURUYA-CHO KANAGAWA-KU, YOKOHAMA 221-0835, JAPAN

PH: +81-45-311-1011  FAX: +81-45-311-1013