TOUR ITINERARY

29 JAN (WED) HONOLULU,

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

30 JAN (THU) KAWASAKI,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN KAWASAKI

After arriving at Haneda International Airport and clearing entry government formalities, we will go directly to the hotel in Kawasaki, the third largest city in the Tokyo metropolitan area. We will stay at a hotel in a very convenient location. It is within easy walking distance to Kawasaki train station and shopping complexes, including the Lazona Shopping Mall with over 300 shops. 

31 JAN  (FRI) GOTEMBA,

GOTEMBA KOGEN HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

Head to the famed Izu peninsula, one of Japan's most popular resort areas. Atami is a picturesque seaside town famous for its early Plum (Ume) and Cherry (Sakura) blooming. We will visit Japan's earliest Sakura Festival. Stroll along the river's banks lined with many of the earliest blooming Atami Sakura trees that make for a lovely pastel-pink canopy. Later, enjoy the regional specialty in season, "Strawberry picking." Taste sweet and fresh Japanese strawberries as much as you like! Then head to Gotemba, which boasts a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Our hotel is located at the Gotemba Highlands resort complex. In the evening, you can browse the garden with a spectacular Night Illumination featuring 5.5 million lights in a 1,200-foot-long tunnel, Japan's longest illumination tunnel. Experience the fascinating display of lights that transform the area into a twinkly holiday wonderland. Tonight will be an excellent opportunity to try the Onsen Hot Spring bath to warm you up.

1 FEB (SAT) IMAIHAMA,

IZU IMAIHAMA TOKYU HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨

This morning, we will visit Numazu, a port town famous for various seafood from Suruga Bay. We’ll enjoy shopping around the Port Area, where we can find many kinds of dried seafood, processed food, etc. Later, visit Mishima Taisha Shrine, the first & most crucial shrine of Izu & once the grand guardian of Japan. Then enjoy a popular seasonal attraction in Izu, “Mikan tangerine Picking.” Taste sweet & juicy Mikan tangerine in season. Later, drive through Mt. Amagi and Loop Bridge. This 147-foot-high double-loop bridge is a landmark in this area. Then go to Inatori to see its beautiful Hanging Hina Doll Festival. From ancient times, people in this area have been displaying a pair of hanging ornaments decorated with many kinds of dolls during the Girl’s Day Festival (Hinamatsuri) to wish for their children’s happiness. We will stay at a luxurious Hot-spring resort hotel with a panoramic view of Sagami Bay. Soak & relax in the Onsen Hot Spring bath & Open Air Rotenburo bath. 

2 FEB (SUN) KAWASAKI,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN KAWASAKI

Visit the Narcissus Festival in Cape Tsumekizaki. See a magnificent view of 3 million Narcissuses filling the entire hillside with their sweet fragrance. Then, head to the historic port town “Of Shimoda” and catch the Express train Odoriko-go to get to Atami while enjoying the scenic coastline view. Upon arrival, enjoy shopping & lunch around Atami station. Eating the freshest seafood caught in the area will be a good chance. Then, transfer by bus to Atami Baien Garden, where the famous Ume Flower Festival will be held. This plum-grove garden has 60 species with 469 Ume (plum) trees, some over 100-year-old trees. See very picturesque Japanese scenery with white, red, pink, etc., Ume flowers, which are said to be the "Best in Japan." Then go back to Kawasaki. Enjoy shopping after hotel arrival. 

3 FEB (MON) NAHA,

THE ORION HOTEL NAHA

In the morning, we go to Haneda airport for our domestic flight to Naha, Okinawa's capital and largest city. The first sightseeing in Okinawa is at the World Heritage site, Shurijo Castle Park. The main structures of Shuri Castle are being rebuilt after the 31 Oct 2019 fire. However, we'll be able to visit other cultural heritage sites, such as Shurei-no Mon Gate, a historic and cultural symbol of Okinawa. We’ll also see another World Heritage site, the Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum. The vast, impressive stone building was built in 1501 during the golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. You will see the distinctive culture of Okinawa. Then, head to our hotel along Kokusai Street, the main shopping and entertainment strip in Naha. For those who wish to, the tour guide will take you to the Makishi public market called "Okinawa's Kitchen." Enjoy strolling around a lively market, named one of the most fascinating markets in Japan.

4 FEB (TUE) NAHA,

THE ORION HOTEL NAHA

All-day tour of Southern Okinawa Central Island. We will head to Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, where the Battle of Okinawa ended. There are 50 monuments within the park. We will visit the Reimei Monument (for General Ushijima with his troops) and the Himeyuri Monument (for high school girls). Next, visit Okinawa World, a big theme park focusing on traditional Okinawan culture. At the park, you can experience almost all the essential aspects of Okinawan culture. The main attraction is Gyokusendo Limestone Cave, an extensive natural limestone cave that is Japan's 2nd longest. Enjoy walking along spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. You can visit an excellent replica of a Traditional Ryukyu village with traditional Okinawan-style houses built over 100 years ago. We'll get a chance to see an exciting Eisa (traditional Okinawan drum dance) show. Okinawa's traditional performing art with the sound of the drums will captivate you. We also visit the Awamori factory. Awamori is Japan’s oldest distilled liquor, indigenous and unique to Okinawa.

5 FEB (WED) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,

ART HOTEL ISHIGAKIJIMA

Catch an interisland flight to idyllic Ishigaki Island, often called "Japanese Natural Wonderland." Upon arrival, enjoy walking around Yonekoyaki Craft Center Shisa Park. You can take pictures of vast and cute, rainbow-colored Shisa(Guardian Lions) sculptures in the garden. Then, visit Kabira Bay, which is considered “One of Japan’s most beautiful beaches” and praised as the “Most photographed sightseeing spot on the island.” Enjoy stunning scenery of lovely emerald blue water with a perfect yellow-white sand beach. Thus, it was awarded the maximum of “3 stars sightseeing spot in Japan” by a French travel guidebook. Later, visit Minsaori Textile Museum. Minsaori is a traditional Okinawan handmade textile. Undoubtedly, Okinawa is home to the most sophisticated conventional handicrafts, notably in the unique local fabrics. We will stay at Urban Resort Hotel, which has a relaxing atmosphere and a spectacular view from the hillside to where the sky meets the sea. You can enjoy soaking and relaxing in the big public bath. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner with an Okinawan Shamisen show. Shamisen is a traditional Japanese 3-stringed instrument from the Ryukyu Kingdom about 500 years ago—experience firsthand the Okinawan culture and performing arts representing the Okinawan people's identity.

6 FEB (THU) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,

ISHIGAKI SEASIDE HOTEL

Ride a ferry to Japan's newest World Heritage site, "Iriomote Island," the southernmost National Park in Japan. Nearly 90 % of the island is covered by dense jungle and Mangrove forests, thus called “Galapagos in the Orient.” We will visit the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, designed to promote public awareness and understanding regarding rare local wild animals such as the Iriomote cats and the precious nature of the island. We will cross to Yubu Island riding on yet slightly antiquated-looking Suigyusha (Water Buffalo Cart). This paradisiacal island is separated from Iriomote Island. Water Buffalo pulls the cart through the shallow ocean to the island. This will make for a fun experience and an exciting story to tell. Then, go back to Ishigaki Island and visit Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio. Their original style potteries have an impressive blue-green ocean color. It's a very popular souvenir that reminds you of the Island. The hotel sits on a white sand beach. You can enjoy walking on the beach & relaxing at a beautiful seaside resort hotel.

7 FEB (FRI) NAHA,

THE ORION HOTEL NAHA

In the morning, ride a high-speed ferry to Taketomi Island, where the old traditional village landscape and lifestyle have been preserved for centuries. Its sightseeing experience is unique and exclusive to stepping into Ancient Okinawa. You can immerse yourself in the islander traditions and culture thriving today. We will visit Star sand beach. Taketomi is one of only a few islands in Japan that accumulate “Star-shaped sand” formed from shells of tiny crustaceans. Try your luck at finding your own “Star sand.” Later, enjoy the good old-fashioned Okinawan air, which consists of white sand roads, old Okinawan-style houses with traditional red-tiled roofs, etc. After lunch on Ishigaki island, head to Ishigaki airport to catch an interisland flight to return to Naha. 

8 FEB (SAT) MOTOBU,

HOTEL ORION MOTOBU RESORT

All-day tour of northern Okinawa central Island. Visit the Kouri Island observatory tower, the perfect place for watching Okinawa's emerald green ocean, and the 1-mile-long bridge connecting Kouri Island and the main island. You can find a shell museum in the main building, which houses over 10,000 seashells worldwide. Then, visit the highlight of Northern Okinawa, “Nakijin Gusuku,” a castle ruin of the Ryukyu Kingdom (13~15th century), which is known for its Sakura (Cherry Blossom) festival. Enjoy seeing the earliest dark pink Cherry blossoms (depending on the climate) at the World Heritage site. We will stay at a deluxe resort hotel across from the Emerald beach. Enjoy the Okinawan resort experience with a great view of the Emerald green ocean and the symbolic Ie island that can be seen from the horizon.

9 FEB (SUN) NAHA,

THE ORION HOTEL NAHA

Visit the fantastic Churaumi Aquarium, widely considered "Japan's Best Aquarium". The highlight of the aquarium is that it is one of the world’s giant water tanks, containing a wide variety of marine species, the most striking of which are the enormous whale sharks and mantas. It's astounding how massive they are. There is also an underwater tunnel that makes you feel like you are in the ocean with the fish. Enjoy a fantastic aquarium experience ranked #4 of the "Largest and Best Aquariums in the World" in 2023. Later, enjoy lunch, go shopping at the Aeon shopping mall, and return to Naha. Upon arrival at the hotel, there is Free Time for shopping, packing, etc. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense).

10 FEB (MON) NAHA / HONOLULU 

At checkout time, our agent will come to tape and tie up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked in. We will proceed by bus to Naha Airport to catch a domestic flight to Haneda Airport. We will catch our international flight to Honolulu in the evening. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 10 FEB (MON). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch and Dinner will be at your own expense.) 

Clients remaining back can get plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually by 90 days from departure. Weekend returns will cost more per person. Please call our office if you are extending your stay. MAHALO!

*Price, Itinerary, and Meals are subject to change without notice.*

*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***

INCLUDES: Land transportation, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing, all passenger and baggage transfers, and a souvenir group picture are included in the itinerary.

DOES NOT INCLUDE: Individual expenses after tour termination as stated in the itinerary—the cost of obtaining all personal items, passport/visa, and 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, don't hesitate to contact our office for a price quote whenever you can. For more information, please refer to the Airline Questions segment of our Frequently Asked Questions. 

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY PER PERSON:

DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. Once the tour itinerary is posted on the Tohoku Travel website, a $250.00 per person is required. This deposit will be applied to the full payment.

90 DAYS - 30 DAYS --- $1,500.00*

29 DAYS - 01 DAYS --- $2,500.00*

NO REFUND ONCE THE TOUR STARTS

*There may be Hotel cancellation charges along with the preordered event tickets for Miyako Odori show tickets, Tokyo Disney Sea tickets, Shinkansen ticket fees, etc. If the yen has already been purchased to pay for this tour, then the yen exchange rate at the 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 

PH: 808-536-8618 or 808-538-7854

EMAIL: tohoku.travel.hi@gmnail.com

JAPAN TOUR ARRANGED & GUIDED BY: YOKOHAMA TRAVEL, INC.

ITO BLDG. #502; 2-22-3 TSURUYA-CHO KANAGAWA-KU, YOKOHAMA 221-0835, JAPAN

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