TOUR ITINERARY

19 OCT (SAT) HONOLULU

Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Japan Airline Flight #71 Departing Honolulu at 4:05 P.M. A meal and snack will be served aboard the flight. Free Movies and Drinks.

20 OCT (SUN) HANEDA,

HOTEL VILLA FONTAINE GRAND HANEDA AIRPORT

Arrive at Haneda International Airport. and after clearing government formalities we will walk to our hotel which is located within easy walking distance from customs as it’s connected to Haneda International Airport. 

21 OCT (MON) IWAKI,

ONAHAMA OCEAN HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Autumn in Japan is a big season for fruit lovers. You will get a chance to pick Japanese Persimmon this fruit represents autumn in Japan. You will enjoy the sweet & succulent Japanese persimmons at the height of the season. We will head to Mito, for all you Natto aficionados this city is known for high quality fermented soybeans. You will be in for a treat as you will get a chance to taste the renowned “Mito Natto” at lunch. Afterwards we will proceed to Hitachi Seaside Park with Mother Nature’s help we will be able to see the deep red foliage of 32,000 “Kochia Balls” along with colorful “Cosmos” blanketing the entire hillside of this massive park will scenery is so amazing and picturesque. We will head to tonight’s hotel located along the coastline of Onahama Beach. Here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean right from your room. Tonight, will be our 1st night to enjoy a relaxing soak at the Hot Spring Bath & Open Air Rotenburo Bath with a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean.

22 OCT (TUE) LAKE INAWASHIRO,

HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN) ♨

Today we will visit Aquamarine Fukushima Aquarium, here we will get a close-up view of the Aquarium’s extensive collection of various fish species along with aquatic animals that live in the area. The array of rarely seen fishes will surprise you, here you will get a chance to see the Saury or “Sanma.” Before you leave the aquarium, you have to stop at the Goldfish exhibits where you can get a close-up view of all the different types of goldfish. Afterwards we will visit the energetic Iwaki Lalamew Market a large shopping mall with an open seafood market. The shops here carry a variety of fresh, dried seafoods, seaweed and local handicraft and souvenirs. Later we will visit Iwaki Marine Tower, the observation deck stands at 197 ft. will offer a stunning view of the entire city of Iwaki and the Pacific Ocean. Next, we will head to Lake Inawashiro in Bandai Asahi National Park known for the famous “Tenkyo-ko” or Heavenly Mirror Lake because of the crystal-clear water reflects like a mirror. Tonight’s hotel is located on a hill that will offer magnificent views of the lake. After checking in you can enjoy a relaxing soak at the Hot Spring Bath & Open-Air Bath

23 OCT (WED) AKIU HOT SPRING,

AKIU RESORT HOTEL CRESCENT (ONSEN) ♨

This morning we will head to Urabandai highland, that offers a gorgeous scenery with incredible views of the vast woodland and lakes. The most attractive place is Goshiki five-colored ponds, comprised of five marshes, each pond having its own color of water, which mysteriously change from emerald to cobalt blue and green with backdrop between autumn leaves. We will visit Lake Hibara a picturesque lake with clear blue water, with jagged shorelines, & numerous islets. This area is mainly popular in Autumn. Later we will enjoy driving through the panoramic views of the northern foothills of Mt. Adatara standing at the height of 5,577 ft. We will take in the breathtaking Autumn colors this will depend on the help of Mother Nature. Tonight’s hotel is in Akiu, 1 of 3 best Onsen Hot spring towns in the Tohoku region. This will be good chance to enjoy a relaxing soak in the famous Akiu Hot Spring bath and Jacuzzi.

24 OCT (THU) APPI HIGHLANDS,

ANA CROWNE PLAZA RESORT APPI KOGEN (ONSEN) ♨

In the morning we will stop at the Ohagi Store to enjoy shopping for delicious local specialty for “Ohagi” a rice ball covered with Anko bean paste. Having been made popular through the media Ohagi have been known to be sold out very quickly. So, we should visit the store early! Then go to Genbikei gorge, designated as the Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. Rippling rock layers and rivers form an intricate landscape. If the timing is right, colorful autumn leaves make the gorge a belt of brocade. Later visit Iwachu Casting Ironware Factory which produces the traditional ironware called “Nanbu Tekki” with 120 years of expertise. This Japanese traditional handicraft is highly stylish combined with the beautiful detail with a practical function. Tonight’s hotel is a resort hotel that’s surrounded by enormous woodland area and the mountains. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Hot Spring Bath & Open Air Rotenburo Bath while immersing in the beautiful view of the natural scenery.

25 OCT (FRI) HIROSAKI,

ART HOTEL HIROSAKI CITY

Today we will head to Lake Towada, one of the most beautiful autumn color spots in all of Japan. This mysterious lake is surrounded by densely woodland with beautiful scenic Autumn colored leaves. We will enjoy Lake Cruising to see the spectacular autumn colors up close. This unforgettable sight with a vibrant scenery can only be enjoyed by boat. We will enjoy lunch of Senbei-jiru hot pot. A shoyu flavored chicken soup hot pot with vegetables and locally produced flour crackers called Nanbu senbei. This meal represents the local cuisine of Aomori. In the afternoon we will drive along one of Japan’s well-loved autumn color destinations, Oirase Stream. If the timing is right, we can see brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange autumn leaves with over 20 waterfalls cascading along the stream. We will also stop at Jogakura bridge, Japan’s longest arch bridge with a length of 1,180 ft. The bridge provides a wonderful view of the streams, famed as the best scenic site in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Then proceed to our hotel, located close to Hirosaki train station and supermarket. After hotel check in, the tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel.

26 OCT (SAT) AKITA,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN AKITA

Today we will visit Neputa Village with their exhibits of extravagant and colorful illuminated floats used for famous “Neputa Summer Festival” with folk art and craft shop where the manufacturing process can be seen. Enjoy a splendid live performance of Tsugaru Shamisen a stringed instrument originated in this area. You will be captivated by its distinctive rhythms reminiscent of a raging blizzard in the area. Aomori is the largest producer of apples in Japan here you will enjoy Apple Picking and tasting the sweet juicy Aomori apples in season! We will head to Akita for lunch and have their famous local cuisine of Kiritanpo nabe or a Chicken hotpot with the half-smashed rice stick. We will visit the Akita Dog Museum where the Akita Inu originated in the snowy and rural lands of Odate, Akita Prefecture. We will learn the history on how they were trained to hunt animals such as elk, wild boar, and Ussuri brown bears. From the 1500 to the 1800, the Akita served as companions for samurai. For all our dog lovers we will have a chance to interact with these loyal canines. Finally, we will head to tonight’s hotel where we will be staying for 2 nights that’s connected to Akita train station with all kind of shopping of local goodies are within walking distance from our hotel.

27 OCT (SUN) AKITA,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN AKITA

We will visit the Kanto Festival Museum that specialized in the famous Kanto Festival known as “1 of the 3 biggest summer festivals in Tohoku region.” Here we will see a skillful performance of balancing Kanto bamboo pole decorated with a candle-lit lantern on different parts of the body, forehead, shoulder, back, etc. Then go to Oga Peninsula to visit Namahage Museum. The “Namahage” is a traditional ceremonial of this area and listed in 2018 as a UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage. This traditional ceremonial offers a blessing for the new year as a group of young men dressed in ferocious looking costumes to scare lazy children into behaving. We will see a short movie and exhibitions about the Namahage. We will witness the historic folklore with an unforgettable experience of a Namahage performance at an old traditional house.

28 OCT (MON) ONIKOBE,

HOTEL ONIKOUBE (ONSEN) ♨

Akita is often called the “Kingdom of delicious Sake” because of good local rice; crystal-clear spring water and the cold winter make Akita Sake delicious. We will get a chance to buy Akita Sake at Akita Furusato Village. There is an exhibition hall introducing Akita’s local crafts and performing arts, etc. Here you can purchase Akita’s other delicious local specialties such as Inaniwa Udon noodle, Rice cracker, Pickles, etc. Then enjoy a drive along the Senshu Line while viewing gently sloping mountains with magnificent Autumn colors. And visit 328 ft. Naruko Gorge to see the brilliant crimson foliage of Autumn scenery which is acclaimed as “the best autumn leaves place in Tohoku region.” This deep gorge boasts a spectacular landscape of yellow and red leaves of maple and beech trees that contrast with the green pine trees. Later visit the famous Kokeshi Doll Museum. Kokeshi is a traditional Japanese wooden doll that is only made in the Tohoku district. The museum displays the finest examples of over 5,000 Kokeshi dolls with many variations. You can find and purchase your favorite Kokeshi doll as a souvenir as the gift shop carries countless types of dolls. Then head to Onikobe, a popular Hot Spring Resort in highland. This lovely mountain resort hotel will provide you a good chance to enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring bath with beautiful mountain scenery.

29 OCT (TUE) SENDAI,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI

Today we will visit the 1 of Japan’s top-3 most scenic views that is designated as a National Special Scenic Beauty “Matsushima.” The landscape of green pines growing on the off-white islands in various forms, appearing as they are floating in blue waters, makes you appreciate the beauty of Japan. We will ride a Sightseeing Cruise Boat to fully take-in the beautiful and picturesque Matsushima Bay. Later visit Zuiganji Temple, the most famous Zen temple in northern Japan with more than 1,100-year history. The national treasure main building features elaborate engravings, metal ornaments, and brilliant paintings on actual gold leaf. We will see the historically important temple “Godaido Hall,” built in 807. Due to its prominent location jutting out into the bay, it has become the symbol of Matsushima. We will then head to Sendai largest city in Tohoku district to visit Aoba Castle Ruin, former a typical Japanese hilltop Castle. This Castle was built by Date Masamune, the legendary Samurai warlord called “Dokuganryu (one-eyed dragon).” There is a massive statue of him riding a horse that looking down on the city of Sendai. Tonight’s hotel is connected to Sendai Station with various shops carrying local goodies and souvenirs of Sendai. Tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” after hotel check in.

30 OCT (WED) YOKOHAMA,

YOKOHAMA SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS

This morning we will walk to Sendai Station to catch the world-famous Shinkansen or Bullet Train to Utsunomiya. We will enjoy a comfortable scenic ride while traveling at speed up to 200 mph. After getting off the train, we will transfer by bus to Aeon Shopping Mall here we will enjoy time shopping and to eat lunch. We will proceed to Japan’s 2nd largest city “Yokohama” the location of tonight’s hotel is very convenient as it connects to the underground shopping mall and within easy walking distance to department stores, 100 Yen shops, Electronics stores, etc. After hotel check in, tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel. (Lunch/Dinner will be at your own expense)

31 OCT (THU)

At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. We will proceed by bus to Haneda International Airport to catch Japan Airline Flight #74. Upon arrival we will check in for our international flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning 31 OCT (THU) 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