TOUR ITINERARY

8 MAY (MON) HONOLULU,

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

9 MAY (TUE) TSUKUBA,

HOTEL NIKKO TSUKUBA

Arrive at Haneda International Airport and after clearing entry formalities, proceed by bus to our hotel in Tsukuba, Japan’s “Science City” filled with relaxing mood with many parks and open spaces. Hotel is close to shopping area. Enjoy “Holo-Holo” after hotel check in.

10 MAY (WED) INAWASHIRO,

HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN) ♨

Visit Ashikaga Flower Park which is called “Paradise for flower lovers.” The entire park will be filled with seasonal flowers during this season. You can experience a 260 feet long tunnel of Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum) and see 500 varieties of Roses in color of red, yellow, orange and white, blooming in the garden. (Blooming level depends on climate of the year). Later visit Okanbara Azalea Garden where 3,000 azalea and 2,000 rhododendron blooming. The scenery of hills covered in colorful azaleas is particularly impressive. We'll stay at Resort hotel offers magnificent views of the Lake Inawashiro called “Heaven’s mirror lake” renowned as one of the world’s highest pristine clearest lake. You can soak and relax in Onsen Hot Spring bath & Open-Air Bath with a beautiful lake view. 

11 MAY (THU) SENDAI,

SENDAI ROYAL PARK HOTEL

Go to Aizu-Wakamatsu, known as the "Samurai City" retains a strong sense of history as a former castle town of Tsurugajo castle that gained fame as an impenetrable fortress when it withstood heavy attacks during the Boshin Civil War in 1868 during Meiji Restoration. We will visit the castle tower that features reddish roof tiles that is the only one in Japan. The white walls and red roof tiles harmonize beautifully like a Crane (Tsuru), hence the castle's name. Then visit Janohana Yurakuen Garden that 500 years old Purple wisteria bloom in 300 feet trellises. The garden features a traditional two-story Janohana Palace that designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property and built as a second house for a wealthy farmer in the Meiji period. Then head to Sendai the largest city in the Tohoku region. Hotel is located next to Outlet mall and Shopping complex. 

12 MAY (FRI) APPI HEIGHTS,

ANA CROWNE PLAZA RESORT APPI KOGEN (ONSEN) ♨

Head to Hiraizumi, first World Heritage Site in Tohoku region. Visit National Treasure Konjikido (Golden Hall) within Chusonji Temple, which built in 1124 to recreate an ideal Buddhist “Pure Land” or Jodo meaning Paradise in this world. It’s marvelous example of spiritual and cultural achievement in the region. After enjoying a local Mochi dish for lunch, visit Esashi Fujiwara Heritage Park, magnificent historical theme park recreates the glory of the Oshu-Fujiwara clan in 12th century. About 120 historical buildings such as brilliant castle fortifications, palace structures, government offices etc., are accurately recreated. The park has been used as a TV & movie shooting location including NHK's Taiga dramas. It enables you immerse yourself in the history and culture of magnificent dream tale of Heian period (794 -1185) in Japan. We will stay at Mountain resort hotel surrounded by breathtaking scenery with picturesque landscape. Enjoy relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath. Annex has the biggest Open-Air bath in Tohoku region with a beautiful view of nature and mountains. 

13 MAY (SAT) AOMORI,

HOTEL AOMORI

In the morning, having fun with Strawberry Picking in season. You can taste fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberries as many as you like! Then visit Osarizawa Mine, had been operating until 1978. Ancient manuscripts say that gold mined here was used for Chusonji Konjikido hall that we visit a day before. Part of the mining tunnels are exposed for visitors to experience to view original mining zone preserved as it used to be from Edo period. Later visit Akita Dog Museum where famous Akita dog "Hachiko" was born. A story of this very faithful dog is well known all over the world. We will see Hachiko's statue and real Akita dog at the museum. Then head to Aomori which is the northernmost prefectural capital city on Japan's main island. We will stay at high class city hotel located in the center of the city. 

14 MAY (SUN) ONUMA,

HAKODATE ONUMA PRINCE HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Visit Warasse Nebuta Festival Museum dedicated to all aspects of the most fabulous events in Aomori “Nebuta Festival.” You will see Gigantic & Colorful floats that were actually used during the festival. Feel the spirited and electrifying atmosphere of “one of Japan’s best known Summer events”. Then proceed to Aomori train station to ride Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train. As we cross to Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, via the Seikan Undersea Tunnel 33.5 miles long and the second world longest railway tunnel. Upon arrival on Hokkaido, visit Goryokaku park Japan’s first western style fort with its 5-pointed star-shape known as the last battle ground of the Boshin Civil War. We’ll get a bird’s eye view at 351ft from the Observatory Tower. We will stay popular resort hotel located in a National park surrounded by a beautiful virgin forest of white birches and oaks. Enjoy relaxing Onsen Hot Spring bath & Open-Air bath where you can view beautiful forest over the pond while soaking hot spring bath. 

15 MAY (MON) CHITOSE,

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL CHITOSE

In the morning, browse around Hakodate Morning Market with about 250 stores selling Hokkaido delicacies such as dried seafood, sweets, snacks, processed seafood products, etc., with vibrant & lively atmosphere. Then proceed to Oniushi Park to see Cherry blossoms (Sakura). If timing is right, 500 Sakura trees will be in seasonal bloom. Then go to Lake Toya, praised as “One of Hokkaido’s three most impressive landscapes” therefore, chosen as the venue of G8 Summit in 2008. We will visit a Special National Monument "Showa Shinzan Volcano" one of Japan’s youngest mountains created between 1944-1945 with its active vents spewing sulfurous fumes even now. Tonight’s hotel is located next to Aeon supermarket. You can enjoy shopping after hotel check in. 

16 MAY (TUE) MAKUBETSU,

TOKACHI MAKUBETSU ONSEN GRANDVRIO HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Visit Chitose Salmon Aquarium. See salmons and a variety of freshwater fishes in the northern ecosystem. You can peer inside the Chitose river in Japan’s first "underwater observation room" We'll participate in the release of baby salmon into river that is available only during this season. Later, enjoy extraordinary experience at Bear Mountain where you'll get a chance to see closer the Brown bear, the largest land animal in Japan. Here you can safely see them living in a real forest up close from caged bus. Then visit the Shichiku Garden, featuring spectacular and impressive gardens with various kinds of seasonal flowers  beautiful mountain backdrop. This garden had been created by the beloved “Granny Shichiku.” She has been often featured by the TV, Newspaper, etc. Then to the hotel in Makubetsu Onsen, one of only two hot spring resorts in the world that use moor hot spring water. It is good for beauty, neuralgia, muscle pains and dermatitis. Enjoy Soaking and Relaxing in famous Onsen Hot Spring bath & Open-Air bath. *Private Onsen is available (own expense).

17 MAY (WED) LAKE KUSSHARO,

KUSSHARO PRINCE HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Head to Eastern Hokkaido a popular tourist destination filled with primitive natural wonders. We'll visit an Ainu village in Lake Akan to see the Ainu ritual dance & singing. Ainu are the aborigines of the Northern part of Japan. These dance rites listed as an Intangible World Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visit Lake Mashu, considered by many as “Most beautiful lake in Japan” for of its sublime beauty. You can see postcard and picture-perfect nature scenery on clear day. Then go to Watanabe dude ranch where 120 dairy cows are bread on a large 173 acres meadow to learn about the dairy farming and cows. Those who would like to experience farm work, you can try milking or feeding the cow. Then to hotel facing to Lake Kussharo, a large cobalt blue lake that lies in the largest caldera in Japan. Soak & Relax in Onsen Hot Spring bath  & Open-Air "Roten buro" bath. 

18 MAY (THU) SOUNKYO GORGE,

CHOYO RESORT HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Go to Higashi-mokoto to enjoy the impressive view of vibrant pink flowers “Shibazakura” (moss phlox) that blankets a huge hillside. Enjoy strolling around the park with a magnificent scenery of moss phlox which creates breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes. It is one of Hokkaido’s most famous flower fields that should visit at least once in lifetime. Then visit Yama-no Aquarium. It is amazing to see Japan’s biggest freshwater fish “Ito (Japanese Huchen)” swimming & forming groups. Then proceed to Daisetsuzan National Park known for its unusual rock formations and beautiful greenery. We will drive through 530 feet high steep cliffs "Sounkyo Gorge" and see “One of the best 100 water falls in Japan” beautiful Ryusei (shooting star) and Ginga (galaxy) Waterfalls, cascading down through columnar joints on the sheer cliff. Tonight’s hotel is in cozy Sounkyo Hot spring town. Enjoy relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath & Open-Air bath that you can feel nature of Hokkaido. 

19 MAY (FRI) SAPPORO,

CENTURY ROYAL HOTEL

Head to Sapporo the capital of Hokkaido is an attractive city considered to be “Northern Paradise” with an amazing gourmet food and plenty of picturesque scenery. On the way, visit Aeon shopping Mall for lunch and shopping. And stop at a big shopping facility Sunagawa Highway Oasis. You can shop for many varieties of Hokkaido’s delicious local specialties. Our hotel is located next to Sapporo train station with Department Store and Underground Shopping Mall. After hotel check in, Free time to go Shopping, Packing, etc. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.) 

20 MAY (SAT) SAPPORO / HONOLULU,

At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up our boxes and take down baggage to be checked in. We will leave the hotel by bus to Chitose Airport to catch our domestic flight to Haneda International Airport. Upon arrival at Haneda, transfer to international Airline Flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 20 MAY (Saturday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch and 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!

*Buffet meals are subject to change Set meals.

*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***

AIR: Estimated airfare and May be more or May be less at time of ticket purchased. $375.00 Cancellation Fee 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:

70 DAYS - 46 DAYS --- $400.00*

45 DAYS - 31 DAYS --- $600.00*

30 DAYS - 16 DAYS --- $800.00*

15 DAYS - 01 DAY --- $1000.00*

*No refund once tour starts.

*May have extra cancellation charges 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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