TOUR ITINERARY
11 FEB (SUN) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard the flight. Free Movies and Drinks.
12 FEB (MON) KOBE,
HOTEL OKURA KOBE
Arrive at Kansai International Airport and after clearing government formalities, proceed by bus to Kobe, one of the most pleasant cities in west Japan. We will stay 2 nights at high rise landmark hotel at Kobe’s most distinctive stretch of waterfront in Kobe port. Enjoy spectacular view of Rokko mountains and blue ocean of Kobe Port from your room.
13 FEB (TUE) KOBE,
HOTEL OKURA KOBE
Driving up to Mt. Rokko which provides the pleasant green backdrop of Kobe. Visit Rokko Garden Terrace located at a height of 2,887 feet. You will be able to see breathtaking panoramic view of Kobe, Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay. It is the perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of Kobe. Then head to Nada, Japan’s biggest Sake producing area. Visit Kikumasamune Sake brewery museum. Learn the brewing process of Sake using traditional tools and ingredients involved in the actual brewing since 1659. You can sample the famous Nada Sake after our brewery tour. Kobe Beef is a prized Japanese delicacy and known widely as the regional specialty food in Kobe. We will enjoy the world-famous Kobe Beef steak for Lunch. Then go to UCC Coffee Museum that is the only museum in Japan which specializes in coffee. You can discover the history and culture of coffee in Japan. And you can sample their specialty coffee in the museum. After going back to the hotel, you can enjoy walking around Meriken park where our hotel is located. The park is a symbolic waterfront park that contains several iconic pieces of Kobe’s contemporary architecture like Port tower, Earthquake memorial, etc.
14 FEB (WED) TAKARAZUKA,
TAKARAZUKA HOTEL
Cross the world 2nd longest suspension bridge at 6,532 feet Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island that is blessed with abundant nature and cultural gems. Awaji island is famous for Incense which has been an important element of Japan’s way of life and culture for a long time. It originated in the year 595 and still the island produces 70% of all incense made in Japan. We will enjoy an Incense making experience. You can make your own incense pieces with the scent of your choice. Those can create a relaxing aromatic therapy in your house. Awaji island is also famous for “Kawara roof tile” which has over 1,400-year history. Today’s lunch will be “Kawara-yaki.” We will use roof tile for grilling delicious local ingredients. Then visit Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park commemorating the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. It has preserved a long, horizontal section of the fault line. This is exactly as it was in the aftermath of the earthquake. Its museum displays the devastation caused by the earthquake. You can try the simulation offers an experience that is half the intensity of the real earthquake. Then go to Takarazuka, known for famous “Takarazuka Revue.” We will stay at the official hotel of the Revue that opened in 2020. This hotel is located right next to Takarazuka Grand Theater and has own gallery of the Revue in the hotel.
15 FEB (THU) MIYAZU, KYOTO,
HASHIDATE BAY HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
Today, you will see unique cultural insight of Japan, the Takarazuka Revue. It is arguably Japan’s most popular and internationally acclaimed theatrical troupe. It is a gorgeous and large-scale performance which feature an “All-Female” cast. You will be amazed by the distinct Takarazuka brand of Japanese Broadway-style musicals, revues and shows combined with amazingly sparkly costumes. All the spectacular performances are held in Japanese. But you can adequately enjoy this exciting, fun-filled experience. After finish the show, we head to northern side of Kansai. Tamba is known for "Tamba three treasures". Tamba’s Chestnut, Black bean, Azuki bean are specialty product which beloved through Japan. We will stop at “Sweets village Tamba” to enjoy shopping for "Tamba three treasures sweets" which are made with rich flavor of three treasures. Those sweets are attracting attention now. We’ll stay 2 nights at luxurious resort hotel overlooking Amano Hashidate which is designated as National Special Places of Scenic Beauty. It will be good to stroll around hotel’s herb garden after hotel check in.
16 FEB (FRI) MIYAZU, KYOTO,
HASHIDATE BAY HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
Head to historic old castle town of Izushi, known for its nostalgic atmosphere of “Good Old Japan in Samurai period.” Enjoy strolling around the town’s original historic architectures townscape which reminiscent of the Edo period (1603~1868). We will enjoy Izushi-soba noodle for lunch which is local specialty that this Izushi is famous for. Later head to Ine-no Funaya (Boat house), Japan's quaintest “Floating fishing village”. It is a Kyoto's hidden traditional fishing village formed with over 200 rustic boathouses floating on Ine Bay. The unique and beautiful scenery of the village is also regarded as 1 of the most beautiful villages in Japan. We will ride a Sightseeing boat to see the traditional boathouses from ocean. Waterfront buildings contain garage for boats on first floors and residential space on the upper floor. You will see distinctive maritime culture of the traditional lives of local fishermen with gorgeous landscapes. This hotel has Onsen facility that is walking distance from our hotel. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring bath.
17 FEB (SAT) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Visit one of Japan’s 3 Best Scenic Views “Amano Hashidate,” a 2-mile-long sandbar lined with a thick grove of pine trees and has been praised as a “Place of incomparable beauty” since ancient times. Go by cable car to the observatory in Kasamatsu Park. Here at the platform, you can bend down and view Amano Hashidate from between your legs. It’s said that the view will resemble a “Bridge to the heavens”. Next, visit Miyama Folk Village designated as a Japanese Cultural Heritage site famous for its traditional thatched roof farmhouses. About 40 thatched houses still survive with local people living here. You can experience the traditional, authentic feel of rural Japan while strolling around the village. Then head to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan founded in 710. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel that is located close to the Nara station. After hotel arrival, tour guides will take you "Holo-Holo" around the station area.
18 FEB (SUN) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Visit World Heritage Site, Horyuji temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples that founded in 607. It's known for the World’s oldest surviving wooden structures that is synonymous with the image of Japan as it existed more than 1,300 years ago. This temple features unique Chinese and Korean influenced architecture, over 300 of Japan’s best Buddhist carvings including Japan’s oldest statues of Buddha, 36 National Treasures and 155 Important Cultural Properties. And have fun going Strawberry Picking in season. Enjoy tasting fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberry as many as you like! And visit the Goldfish Museum. Nara is the production center of beautiful goldfish. This museum is a very sophisticated space decorated in fascinating and vibrant collaboration with goldfish and art. Feel relaxed while watching the beloved shiny goldfish as it swims through the water.
19 FEB (MON) KYOTO,
HOTEL NEW HANKYU KYOTO
Go to the Kikuichi Monjushiro Kanenaga Knife shop, producing handmade Japanese blades for over 750 years dating back to Samurai era. Still, they have used Samurai sword making techniques to create durable and incredibly sharp knives, scissors, garden tools, etc. Their Japanese kitchen knives are revered by chefs all over the world. Later visit Ogurasansou rice cracker shop, making traditional Japanese rice crackers for over 60 years. Their retail shops in department store are always crowded with customers waiting in line to purchase sensebi (rice cracker), okaki and arare. Then proceed to former capital city of Japan "Kyoto" with a reputation as the “Most beautiful city in Japan.” We will visit Kyoto Tower. Its 328 ft high observation deck is the highest in the Kyoto city and provides picturesque panoramic views of the former capital of Japan. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel that is located just in front of Kyoto Station with its Underground Shopping Mall. Your tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel after hotel check-in.
20 FEB (TUE) KYOTO,
HOTEL NEW HANKYU KYOTO
Visit Kyoto National Museum, one of only four top-level National Museums in Japan. It displays a wide variety of cultural properties, including fascinating archaeological relics, beautiful statues, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, costumes and paintings. Many of the priceless antiquities on display are on permanent loan from Kyoto’s many temples and shrines. Later, if timing is right, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine that is famous for "Best Ume blossom viewing place in Kyoto" with 1,500 Ume Trees. Later proceed to Arashiyama with its landmark “Togetsu bridge.” Its beautiful scenery has been celebrated since olden times. For those who wish you can walk to the world-famous “Bamboo Forest”. You can stroll paths lined with seemingly endless rows of towering bamboo that is perfect for a relaxing retreat to nature.
21 FEB (WED) OSAKA,
HOTEL HANKYU RESPIRE OSAKA
In the morning, go to World Heritage site “Toji Temple” founded 1227 years ago. We will visit its famous Kobo-ichi Flea Market which is held only once a month. It is probably the most concentrated and uniquely Japanese shopping experience in Kyoto. The lively open-air market is crowded with about 700 vendors that carries a wide variety of goods including antiques, kimono, clothes, tools, sculptures, pottery, toys, food, etc. One of the best buys is used clothing. A good kimono can be bought for as little as a few thousand Yen. Later head to Sakai, attractive city in Southern Osaka with a variety of histories & traditions. Enjoy Japanese Tea Ceremony experience. We will get served Matcha green tea and Wagashi (traditional Japanese confection) in a casual way. Later head to center of Osaka, the third largest city in Japan. We will visit a strikingly unique Umeda Sky Building a 568 feet tall spectacular high-rise building consists of two towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” at 39th floor. You can enjoy a stunning 360-degree views over the city from the open deck. We will stay 2 nights at the recently new Hotel that opened in Nov. 2019. It is connected to big Electronics store and Shopping complex with Supermarket, 100 Yen shop, etc. Also, located within easy walking distance to department stores, Osaka station, etc. After hotel check in, guide will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel.
22 FEB (THU) OSAKA,
HOTEL HANKYU RESPIRE OSAKA
Visit Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market a traditional marketplace sells traditional Japanese dried foods, processed foods, fresh seafood, fruit, etc. You can enjoy shopping at the lively market that is called “The kitchen of Osaka.” Then head to the Expo Park, the venue of the 1970 Osaka World Expo. Visit Japan’s biggest shopping complex “Expo City” with Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel, Amusement Park, shopping mall with supermarket, 100-Yen shop, Kiddy land, etc. We will also visit NIFREL Aquarium a unique aquarium called “Living Museum” that is a fusion of Aquarium, Zoo and Art Museum. There are various zones you can discover the wonders of nature. After going back to the hotel, it will be “Free Time” for shopping, packing, etc. (Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense)
23 FEB (FRI) OSAKA / HONOLULU
At check-out time our agent will come around to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage’s to be checked-in down. In the afternoon we will proceed to Kansai International Airport. Then catch our Japan Airlines international flight #792 in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, Feb 23 (Friday). 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 ***
INCLUDES: Land Transportation included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, all transfer of passenger and baggage, and souvenir group picture.
DOES NOT INCLUDE: Individual expenses after tour termination as stated in the itinerary—the cost of obtaining all personal items, passport/visa, and or other necessary documents.
AIR: JAL's TFS (Fuel Surcharge) determines the final price for the group economy booking. For premium economy, business, and outer-island bookings, please contact our office for a price quote at your earliest convenience. Please refer to the Airline Questions segment of our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
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 LLC
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
