202315
TOHOKU TRAVEL’S AUTUMN NORTHLAND BOCHA-BOCHA TOUR
WITH NORTHERN MOST ISLANDS #15
Departure date: 1 September (Fri) 2023
Return date: 13 September (Wed) 2023
COST OF GROUND TOUR (12 DAYS): $4,900.00
PLUS AIRFARE $1,700.00 (***ESTIMATED AIRFARE***)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT, PLEASE ADD $920.00
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
1 SEP (FRI) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard the flight. Free Movies and Drinks.
2 SEP (SAT) CHITOSE,
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL CHITOSE
Arrive at Haneda International Airport and after government formalities, transfer to your connecting flight to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival we will go directly to the hotel in Chitose city, a 15-minute bus ride from the airport.
3 SEP (SUN) ASAHIKAWA,
HOTEL WBF GRANDE ASAHIKAWA (ONSEN) ♨
Visit Ecorin Village, a large farm theme park with animals, plants, and flowers in a vast nature of Hokkaido. Here you can encounter lovely livestock such as Sheep, Llamas and Alpacas. We will watch a sheep livestock show and you’ll get a chance to enjoy a farm tour on the back of a tractor that will travel across picturesque pastures. Later we’ll enjoy seasonal Fruit Picking (Sumomo Plum or other fruit depends on climate of the year). You will taste fresh and juicy Japanese fruit in season. Later we will enjoy shopping at Sunagawa Highway Oasis where you can buy most of Hokkaido’s major local specialties. Then proceed to Asahikawa, 2nd largest city in Hokkaido. We will visit Asahikawa Heison Memorial Museum filled with exhibition of “Tondenhei (soldiers that guarded Hokkaido)” who developed the land of northern frontier, Hokkaido after Meiji restoration. We will learn how Hokkaido was developed as a land of agriculture, how hard the life of the Tondenhei, their strict living regulations, etc. We will stay 2 nights at hotel located close to Asahikawa train station and Aeon Shopping Mall. After hotel arrival, tour guide will take you Holo-Holo around the hotel. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath.
4 SEP (MON) ASAHIKAWA / MT. ASAHIDAKE,
HOTEL WBF GRANDE ASAHIKAWA (ONSEN) ♨
We will head to Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido’s largest and wildest national park. Here, we are supposed to be able to see Japan’s earliest “Momiji” Autumn leaves. We will ride an Asahidake Ropeway as we make our way up 5,249 ft. to the main peak of Taisetsu Mountain range which is called the “Roof of Hokkaido.” Mt. Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido at a towering 7,513 ft. and the very 1st place that you can see Autumn colors in all of Japan. Enjoy superb view of great nature with magnificent Autumn color. Later, we will visit the "Best Sake brewery in Hokkaido" Otokoyama Sake Brewery which has 360-year history and has won many gold medals in Japan and foreign liquor competition. You will learn about the brewing process of their Sake and you can taste their Fresh Sake and purchase it! After going back to the hotel, it will be your Free Time to continue shopping or relax at the Onsen Hot Spring bath with Jet bath, Electric bath, etc.
5 SEP (TUE) WAKKANAI,
WAKKANAI GRAND HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
We'll head to the Northernmost city of Japan “Wakkanai” sandwiched between the Japan Sea and the Okhotsk Sea with incredible sceneries. On the way, we will visit the Sturgeon Aquarium located by Teshio river where Sturgeon used to run up the river. You will get an up close view of the prehistoric Sturgeon that have been in existence for 120 million years ago. Later go to Reindeer Farm where they raise 60 reindeers brought from Finland. You can try feeding them if you wish to. Then proceed to Wakkanai while passing Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, the northernmost National Park in Japan. Our hotel is in the downtown area of the city. Enjoy the relaxing Onsen Hot Spring bath and a delicious Sukiyaki Kaiseki dinner in the evening.
6 SEP (WED) REBUN ISLAND / RISHIRI ISLAND,
ISLAND INN RISHIRI (ONSEN) ♨
Today we will have an interesting journey to the Northernmost Island in Japan "Rebun Island" often called "the undiscovered retreat of Hokkaido." Upon arrival to the island by ferry, we will transfer by bus to South of the island which characterized by a scenic steep coastline. Visit the observatory look down island’s most popular landmark Neko (Cat) Rock and Momo (Peach) Rock distinctively shaped huge rocks that look like a Cat and Peach. Then go to Cape Sukoton, the northernmost viewpoint where you can overlook Soya Strait and the uninhabited island called "Sea lion Island." Also visit Cape Sukai, known as the best viewpoint to witness the magnificent beauty but mysterious unexplored region of Rebun’s blue sea and sheer cliffs. Then catch a ferry to Rishiri Island with its icon Mt. Rishiri towering at 5,646 feet in the center of the island. After arrival we will go to hotel located close to a park that offer amazing scenery. Soak and relax in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath that overlooks the Japan Sea and Rebun Island. In the evening enjoy Buffet dinner with many fresh local seafood, Konbu seaweed, vegetables, etc.
7 SEP (THU) WAKKANAI,
WAKKANAI GRAND HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
Today we will explore around the fascinating Rishiri Island that offers tranquil, peaceful, lovely sea and mountain views. Visit Senhoushi Misaki Park which provides the best view of Mt. Rishiri often called “Northern most Mt. Fuji” and oddly shaped rocks. At the store you can purchase famous Rishiri Konbu that is one of the best three Konbu seaweeds in Japan. The exquisite quality is used by many top-quality Japanese restaurants. Next, we will visit the biggest pond on the Island along with the best scenic spot Otatomari Pond. The view of the clear blue waters of the pond with Mt. Rishiri as backdrop is just splendid. Then we will catch a ferry going back to Wakkanai. Visit Karafuto (Sakhalin) Museum to learn about Sakhalin Island (Current Russian held territory) which used to be inhabited by the indigenous people of Japan and was also jointly possessed by Japan and Russia in the past.
8 SEP (FRI) LAKE SAROMA,
LAKE SAROMA TSURUGA RESORT (ONSEN) ♨
Today we will visit Cape Soya, the Northernmost Tip of Japan that is surrounded by the ocean on three sides. You will see a monument that indicates Cape Soya as Japan’s Northernmost piece of real estate. On a clear day you can also see Sakhalin Island located only 26 miles away. Later we will drive along the Okhotsk sea to Monbetsu to visit the Tokkari Seals Center where injured seals from all over Japan are taken for specialty rehabilitation care before being released back into the wild. We are expected to see lovely seals up close. Then go to Japan’s third largest lake, the picturesque Lake Saroma. Our accommodation tonight is a nice resort hotel that faces the lake. Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring local sea foods, etc., and enjoy a relaxing soak at the Hot Spring bath and Open air Rotenburo bath with a beautiful lake view.
9 SEP (SAT) LAKE KUSSHARO,
KUSSHARO PRINCE HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
Head to Lake Notori to see the Crimson Coral Grass that spreads throughout the lakeside like a red carpet. Depending on the climate of the year, Lake Notori could assemble the brightest and biggest collection of this very rare plant that can only be seen during this time of season. Later go to Abashiri to visit Mt. Tento Flower Garden if timing is right colorful seasonal flowers such as Marigold, Cockscomb will be in bloom throughout the huge garden. Then visit Okhotsk Ice Floe Museum. You can experience the beautiful World of Drift Ice through the new 3-D projection mapping with the illusionary effect of light and sound. You can enter the 5 degree F freezing experience room where you will get a chance to see and touch real drift ice. Here you can feel how cold it can be in Abashiri in winter. Then proceed to Lake Kussharo, Japan’s biggest caldera lake while passing through Bihoro Pass that overlooks the beautiful lake. Our hotel is located by the lake and one of the top resort hotels in eastern Hokkaido. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air bath.
10 SEP (SUN) OBIHIRO,
HOTEL NIKKO NORTH LAND OBIHIRO
The lake Kussharo’s shore is dotted with many open-air hot spring baths. We will visit Sunayu Beach or Sand bath. If you touch the sandy ground along the lakeside, you will find out that its hot! Then go to Kushiro Marsh National Park that preserve Japan’s largest wetland and marsh habitat which is registered under the Ramsar Convention. We will visit the Observatory where you can see Japan’s most amazing wetlands that once was completely under the ocean. Then we will visit the newly 2020 renovated Wine Castle to see the process of the making the local “Tokachi Wine” dated back since 1963. Recently the winery has received high appraisal throughout the world. Try tasting the famous Tokachi Wine and various sweets using rich and fresh farm products that are popular in Obihiro. Tonight's hotel is located right next to the Train Station and its shopping building. Within easy walking distance to the supermarket. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in.
11 SEP (MON) SAPPORO,
CENTURY ROYAL HOTEL
We will walk to Obihiro station to ride the Express Train “Ozora.” This train is very popular for tourists that travel around Hokkaido because of the spectacular views of the vast open green fields along the way. After we will get off the train, transfer by bus to Northern Horse Park surrounded by a rich variety of natural landscapes. The park will give you a chance to be in close contact with nature and horses. We will enjoy lovely pony show at theater, learn about horse and try feeding at stable. Then head to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city. We will stay 2 nights at hotel located next to Sapporo station with Department Store and Underground shopping mall. Tour guides will take you Holo Holo around the hotel after hotel check in.
12 SEP (TUE) SAPPORO,
CENTURY ROYAL HOTEL
Go to Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park. If timing is right, 40 different kinds of 7 hundred thousand cosmoses will fill the garden, making the park a paradise to flower-lovers. Later visit Japan's only museum dedicated to Beer "Sapporo Beer Museum" that is housed in a historic brick building which used to be a brewery since 1905 and selected as "Hokkaido Heritage," Learn how the iconic Sapporo Beer brand prepares its beers and the process of beer making. Then head to Ario Shopping mall for lunch and shopping. We will also visit Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. Here you can buy dried seafood items, local specialties, etc., all at wholesale prices. Then going back to the hotel. Upon hotel arrival, Free Time to continue shopping, packing, etc. (Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense.)
13 SEP (WED) 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 Int’l Airport. Upon arrival at Haneda, transfer to International Airline Flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 13 SEP (Wednesday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home.
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:
90 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