TOUR ITINERARY

25. JAN (SAT) HONOLULU,

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

26. JAN (SUN) ASAKUSA,

ASAKUSA VIEW HOTEL

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After clearing entry formalities, by bus to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's historical neighborhoods which has a long history of over 1,400 years. Location of our hotel is within easy walking distance to Supper Market and type of Shopping district so called “Shitamachi” (remaining retro buildings and true local atmosphere). After hotel check in your tour guide take you Holo Holo around the hotel. <Tokyo Sky Tree view Room is guaranteed!> 

27. JAN (MON) NASU HIGHLANDS,

HOTEL SUN VALLEY NASU (ONSEN)

Visit Omiya Bonsai Art Museum exhibiting many precious Bonsai masterpieces that you will take delight in the world of bonsai. Then go to Sano to try Sano Ramen consist of deep flavored simple Shoyu soup and noodles pounded by Bamboo pole. Also visit Wakayama Bamboo Farm where bamboo has been cultivated with the organic farming for approximately over 80 years. 100,000 bamboo densely filling 60 acre ground that has been used as the location for various movies and commercials. A local guide will take us short tour though the forest to let us learn about bamboo. Also Wagashi (Japanese traditional confectionary) with Matcha green tea will be provided for all the tour members. Then stop at the shoe store to buy Winter Shoes before entering snowy region. Later head to highland resort hotel surrounded by Nasu Mountains. Soak and relax in 1st Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath on this trip. 

28. JAN (TUE) YAMAGATA,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN YAMAGATA

Head to Ouchi Juku a former post town in Edo period (1603-1868) which is designated as National important preservation district for a Group of historic buildings. The unpaved main street is lined by thick thatched roof buildings with a variety of shops all covered by snow. Later visit Aizu Buke Yashiki Samurai Mansion to see the Aizu area’s rich cultural heritages of the high-class Samurai during Edo period. See the large Samurai residence that has 38 rooms! Also see the remaining old government office, traditional tea house, etc. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is located next to Yamagata Train Station. Enjoy Kaiseki dinner combined with some “Osechi Ryori” (Japanese traditional new year cuisine) Dishes. 

29. JAN (WED) YAMAGATA,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN YAMAGATA

Head to Zao Mountain range offering a picturesque scenery throughout the year to ride Rope way to mountain top station (5,285 feet high). During the ride you will see beautiful fantasy world of “Juhyo (Snow Monster).” Numerous of trees covered by snow and ice look like imaginary monsters. (Weather permitting). This phenomenon only occurs in a few places around the world. These otherworldly shapes loom on the vast landscape are truly amazing! Later go to Tendo, the production center of where 90% of Shogi (Japanese Chess) pieces are produced and designated as a National Traditional Art craft. Enjoy shopping for their collection of Shogi products with many different Kanji character painted on it. We will also visit Dewazakura Sake Brewery, founded in 1892. Their smooth, fragrant, and delicious Sake have won Gold Medal for 22 consecutive years in the U.S National Sake Appraisal. 

30. JAN (THU) OUSHUKU,

HOTEL MORI NO KAZE OUSYUKU (ONSEN)

Visit Miyagikyo Nikka Whisky Distillery to learn and sample their products that has been recognized and rank among the world’s best single malt whiskies and have won numerous awards. Then visit Izunuma Swan Sanctuary where Swans, Goose, and other migratory birds flock every Winter. Yearly 1,000 Swans and 70,000 Gooses stay here in Winter. You will get chance to feed the birds if you wish to! Then proceed to our hotel in Oshuku. Soak and Relax away the fatigue in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open Air Bath. (Private Onsen available on your own expense) 

31. JAN (FRI) AOMORI,

ART HOTEL AOMORI

Visit Koiwai Dairy Farm founded in 1891 to enjoy “Back Yard Tour”. Local guide will explain about the farm’s history and how the production area continues to rise to new challenges today. Then go to Kazuno Roadside Station "Antler" to try making Akita’s traditional food Kiritanpo (mashed rice stick) by toasting over on Japanese style open hearth. At the next door, we will enjoy watching Hanawa Bayashi Show with live music with musicians playing Taiko drums, Shamisen and Flute on gorgeous lacquer-and-gold floats. This local festival said to be originated since 1,000 ago. Then head to Aomori northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main island. We will visit Kuroishi Kokeshi Museum exhibiting about 4,000 pieces of Kokeshi dolls (Japanese traditional toy) and other wooden toys from all over Japan. We will stay 2 nights at hotel located in center of city.

1. FEB (SAT) AOMORI,

ART HOTEL AOMORI

Head to Kanagi to visit Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum the former home of parents of Dazai Osamu, a novelist who is believed to be the best fiction author in modern-day Japan by the 20th century. You can enter this magnificent house built in 1907 to experience the vanishing traditional culture of northeastern Japan. Then ride on Stove Train operated only during winter season. This nostalgic train remains the style of olden days with coal-fueled Daruma stoves. In the train, you can try grilling Dried Squid (Own expense) while viewing Tsugaru plains in snow. Later visit Tachinebuta Museum in Goshogawara where Tachinebuta festival is held in every Summer. The extra large floats are carried around in a parade and you can view actual festival float with 72 ft height at the museum. Also visit Tsuru no Mai Bridge, the Japan’s longest triple arch wooden bridge built with traditional Japanese architectural technology that looks like as if crane is flying with background of Mt. Iwaki. In the evening, enjoy dinner while enjoying energetic Tsugaru Shamisen Show!! 

2. FEB (SUN) ONUMA,

HAKODATE KOKUSAI HOTEL (ONSEN)

In the morning go to Shin Aomori station to ride Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train to cross to Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, via the Seikan Undersea Tunnel (33.5 miles long and second world longest railway tunnel). Upon arrival at Hakodate, visit famous Hakodate Morning market. About 250 stores sell Hokkaido delicacies such as dried seafood, sweets, snacks, processed seafood products, etc. Afterwards we will visit the Tropical Botanical Garden to see Monkeys enjoying a relaxing soak in the Onsen hot spring to fend off the cold winter this can only be seen during this time of year. We will go to Fort Goryokaku. Japan’s first western-style fortress with massive 5 pointed star-shape that was completed around 160 years ago. This Special National Historic Site is now functioning as a peaceful park. We will take a bird’s eye view from a 351 feet high Observatory Tower of a magnificent panoramic view of the massive outline of the 5-point star park along with the surrounding moat and cityscape of Hakodate. In the evening, catch Mt, Hakodate Ropeway to enjoy 1 of 3 best night views in Japan if you wish to!

3. FEB (MON) NOBORIBETSU,

PARK HOTEL MIYABITEI (ONSEN)

Proceed to Lake Onuma to experience the snowmobile riding. Then head to Noboribetsu, the best known Onsen in Hokkaido. Visit “Hell Valley”, a crater of volcano that erupted 10,000 years ago. Steam is vigorously blowing up from the crevasses of the exposed orange-tan rocks, showing the magnificent energy of the earth. Enjoy the best of Noboribetsu Onsen with 5 different source Onsen springs water straight from the source after check-in. 

4. FEB (TUE) SAPPORO,

SAPPORO TOKYU REI HOTEL

Ride on a ropeway to go to Bear Farm on mountain top. If you wish to, buy bear food and try feed them. They may raise their hands, roll over, and even make adorable poses in the hopes of being fed. Go to Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park and its “'Takino Snow World' filled with winter activities. It is most famous for its Tube sledding boasting of the longest sled slopes in Japan (660 ft). Get on a big tube and have fun sliding down the longest snow slide is a great fun! Then go to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city. Hotel is conveniently located just a minute’s walk Susukino district where Ice sculpture contest is being held. Your tour guide will attend you to catch subway to Odori Park to visit the world famous 75th Sapporo Snow Festival. After dinner, you can go to the Festival site and enjoy the Projection Mapping show as well as the wonderful night view of the illuminated snow structures and ice statues. 

5. FEB (WED) OTARU,

GRAND PARK OTARU

We visit Sapporo TV Tower the symbol of the city. From 296 ft high observation deck take in the panoramic view of the city and surrounding Mountains while enjoying the beautiful seasonal view of Odori park. Enjoy shopping at Sapporo Wholesale Market where you can buy Hokkaido’s dried seafood, local specialties, processed foods, etc., at the wholesale price. After enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall, head to Otaru still creating an atmosphere of the good old days in a 19th century with many historical western style buildings, nostalgic warehouses, etc. Enjoy strolling around the Sakaimachi, an attractive street lined with old merchant shops from the 1800's. You can visit a long-established store of Otaru Glassware, famous trademark of Otaru with the brilliant and delicate glasses featuring traditional techniques. Here, you can buy popular Dripless Shoyu bottle and other original glass products. Also visit Music box Museum carrying a large collection of beautiful and intricate music boxes that can be purchased. We will stay at the five-star hotel connecting to big shopping complex with Supermarket, Home improvement store, 100 yen shop, etc.  (Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense.)

6. FEB (THU) CHITOSE / HANEDA / 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 proceed by bus to Chitose Airport to catch domestic flight to Haneda Airport. Upon arrival at Haneda, transfer to international flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning 6.Feb (Thursday) 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:

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 

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