TOUR ITINERARY
2 MAR (SUN) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard the flight. There will be Free Movies and Drinks.
3 MAR (MON) TSUKUBA,
HOTEL NIKKO TSUKUBA
Arrive at Haneda International Airport and, after entry formalities, proceed by bus to our hotel in Tsukuba, Japan’s “Science City. " This city has relaxing moods and many parks and open spaces. We will stay two nights at a hotel close to a shopping area.
4 MAR (TUE) TSUKUBA,
HOTEL NIKKO TSUKUBA
At the beginning of the Sake tour, we’ll have a “Sake Seminar” at Nabedana Sake Brewery. We will learn Fundamental knowledge about Japanese Sake, its history, Sake rice, how it’s made, and the differences between various types of Sake, etc. After the Sake Seminar, we will enjoy a brewery tour and taste multiple types of Sake. Their unique brewing process hasn't changed, and they inherited the traditional way for more than 300 years. Their numerous and parallel fermentation is said to be "One of a kind brewing process in the world." Next, visit Cyberdyne studio, where you can get in touch with the most advanced robotic technologies. We will see a movie on a dynamic 270-degree seamless screen and exhibits of advanced welfare devices and robots, including the “Mighty Ironman” and the “Terminator.” Those who want to experience wearing robotic parts can do so! You will see why Tsukuba is called the “Science City.”
5 MAR (WED) NASU HIGHLAND,
HOTEL EPINARD NASU (ONSEN) ♨
Visit Mito Kairakuen Garden, ranked "Among the top three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan." This will be the best time to visit here to see over 3,000 beautiful Ume Plum Trees. It should be the right season to bloom. Enjoy a stroll in the garden, which boasts a breathtaking view of beautiful forests and lakes with about 100 varieties of vibrant colors. Ume blossoms, some blooming white, pink, and red. Later, we will visit the interesting Sake brewery "Shimazaki Shuzo," which is famous for its cave cellar Sake. You can enter this cave made initially for manufacturing the tanks during WWⅡ. They enjoy tasting and shopping for their products, not only sake but wine, sake ice cream, rice crackers, etc. Then, go to the resort hotel in beautiful Nasu Highland, well-known as the “Royal Resort,” because the Japanese royal family visits here for summer retreats. Soak and relax in the Onsen Hot Spring Bath and the big open-air bath with beautiful nature and streams.
6 MAR (THU) LAKE INAWASHIRO,
HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN) ♨
Go to To-no Hetsuri, a 656-foot-long cliff with tower-shaped cliffs overlooking a river. This National Natural Monument features a unique natural environment created by deep cracks along the vertical joints, with many shapes and sizes of rocks, some formed around 28 million years ago. And visit Aizu Buke Yashiki Samurai Mansion to see the Aizu area’s rich cultural heritages of the high-class Samurai during the Edo period (1603-1868). See the large Samurai residence that has 38 rooms! Also, see the remaining old government office, traditional tea house, etc. Aizu is a primary sake-producing area with a long brewing tradition. We will visit Suehiro Brewery, one of the largest and most famous Sake breweries in the Tohoku Region. Their Sake is renowned throughout Japan and annually wins international awards. Their premium Sake uses the traditional “Yamahai” method to produce a full, complex flavor. We will stay at a resort hotel that offers magnificent views of Lake Inawashiro from your room. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring Bath and Open-Air Bath.
7 MAR (FRI) NIIGATA,
HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA
Go to the beach side of Lake Inawashiro. This lake is called "Heaven’s Mirror Lake" because of its high reflection of the sky like a mirror. On sunny days, the clear water appears as a deep shining blue. Later, visit the Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum. See the exhibition and birth house of the world-renowned Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, who contributed significantly to his research on a vaccine for yellow fever. His portrait is depicted on the 1,000-yen bill. Visit Eisen Brewery, which has been producing top-quality Sake for over 150 years and is highly acclaimed yearly at many Sake competitions. This brewery uses natural spring water and is selected as one of Japan's top 100 Best-quality Spring Waters. It makes their Sake smooth with a delicate flavor and fresh, lively fragrance. Then, we will enjoy Kitakata Ramen for lunch. Kitakata Ramen is a famous brand and ranks amongst Japan’s most famous types of ramen noodles. Then, proceed to Niigata, the “Rice capital of Japan.” Because its rice and rice products are highly evaluated as “Best in Japan.” We will stay 3 nights at a hotel that is located right in front of the longest river in Japan, the Shinano River, within easy walking distance to the main shopping area in Niigata City. After hotel check-in, there is an excellent chance to browse the shopping area nearby. At dinner time, you can bring the Sake you bought at the brewery to taste with dinner (1 bottle per person).
8 MAR (SAT) NIIGATA,
HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA
Go to Shibata to visit Aumont Sake Brewery, which is known as the brewery that produced the first Japanese female Sake brewer called “Toji.” They make sake, which matches the current trends and tastes. They are easy to drink and pair with food, and the pleasantly fruity flavor of Sakes attracts many female fans. You can experience Sake tastings with a fantastic projection mapping show at their 2022 newly opened interactive facility. After enjoying lunch and shopping at Aeon Shopping Mall, we will visit the Northern Culture Museum. This open-air museum is the former residence of a large and wealthy farming family, once the most essential Niigata landowners from the 19th century. The magnificently well-preserved building was built 135 years ago and has 65 rooms with a breathtaking Japanese garden. You will see a wide range of artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, etc., collected by the successive heads of the family from over 200 years ago. Those who wish to visit can visit the Ponshukan Sake store. You will get to sample representative brands of Niigata's Sake from the Sake vending machine. You can choose from 111 varieties of Niigata's Sake. The store is the only place in Japan with all these stocks together! There are lists and rankings of recommended Sake to help you choose.
9 MAR (SUN) NIIGATA,
HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA
Visit Senbei (rice cracker) Kingdom to enjoy “Grilling Senbei” yourself. You can taste fresh grilled rice crackers. Also, you can buy fresh Senbei rice crackers at the factory store. Later, visit the biggest Sake event in Japan (attracting over 141,000 visitors), Niigata Sake-no Jin, an annual Sake fair attended by over 80 Sake breweries from across Niigata Prefecture, the most significant number in Japan. You can taste a variety of Niigata Sake, including famous Kubota, Koshinokanbai, and Kikusui. You can choose from over 500 different Sake!! It must be like heaven to Sake lovers!! Afterward, visit Niigata Furusato Village, where you can learn the history and culture of Niigata with life-size models of old houses, shops in the northern town, a falling snow machine, etc. This is an excellent place to buy local souvenirs from the whole area of Niigata, such as Dried seafood, Traditional Handicrafts, Utensils, Groceries, etc. At dinner time, you can bring the Sake that you purchased at the Sake-no Jin Sake event site (1 bottle per person).
10 MAR (MON) ECHIGO YUZAWA,
NASPA NEW OTANI (ONSEN) ♨
Go to Tsubamesanjo, a world known for its big Cutlery production. Enjoy shopping at the Kitchenware Factory shop. You can buy Knives, Utensils, Garden scissors, etc., wholesale. Then go to Hakkaisan Brewery, one of Japan’s most well-known Sake breweries. Their “Yukimuro (Snow room)” is a giant room filled with real snow that creates a “natural refrigerator” that is cold by storing a mound of snow in a vast warehouse. It develops into a round, smooth Sake with a subtle and pleasing aroma. Enjoy tasting and shopping for their products. Then, stop at Shiozawa-Juku, an old post town of the Edo period that developed in a heavy snow area. Enjoy browsing the old town street with many stores (carrying Sake, Rice, etc.). The town is strongly influenced by the Snow Country’s history and culture. Our hotel is an Onsen hot spring resort in the spectacular surroundings of Yuzawa Town. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring Bath and Open-air Bath.
11 MAR (TUE) TAKASAKI,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN TAKASAKI
In the morning, have fun with Strawberry Picking in season. Taste fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberry as much as you like! Then proceed to the renowned Gateau Festa Harada confectionery shop, 123, an old local bakery that has become Gunma prefecture's most famous confectionary maker. Their most famous creation is the "Gouter de ROI." This delectable buttery French Bread with a sugary crust draws long lines of customers wishing to purchase it at their Tokyo shop. You can buy their exclusive chocolate-covered version at the factory store. Then, head to Takasaki, the largest city in Gunma. The hotel is connected to the Train station and shopping building with 100Yen shop, etc. Enjoy shopping after the hotel check
At dinner, you will enjoy the Okinawan music band "THE FREESIA," performing with the traditional 3-stringed instrument Sanshin(Shamisen). You can also bring the Sake you bought at the brewery to taste with dinner (1 bottle per person).
12 MAR (WED) YOKOHAMA,
YOKOHAMA BAY SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS
Visit Konnyaku Park. The Konnyaku is used for various Japanese foods and is known as “Japanese Healthy Food.” We will enjoy a factory tour to learn how Konnyaku is made and try tasting multiple kinds of Konnyaku dishes. After enjoying lunch and shopping at Aeon Shopping Mall, head to Yokohama, 2nd largest city in Japan. We will stay two nights at a hotel within easy walking distance of the 100-Yen shop and department store, where you can find a large assortment of specialty Sakes. After hotel check-in, the tour guide will take you to Holo Holo around the hotel. In the evening, we enjoy the Izakaya dinner experience. Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub. Let's have fun with drinks and food in an Izakaya!
13 MAR (THU) YOKOHAMA / TOKYO,
YOKOHAMA BAY SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS
Enjoy shopping at Yokohama Wholesale Market to buy Japanese traditional foods, such as Umeboshi, Tsukemono pickles, etc, at wholesale prices. Then, head to Tokyo to visit Ameyoko, one of Japan’s most famous shopping streets, with many discount stores that carry various products such as dried seafood, candies, snacks, clothes, etc. And visit Tokyo Sky Tree. "New Symbol of Tokyo" is the world’s highest stand-alone tower, boasting 2,080 ft. You can enjoy the best 360-degree panoramic views of Japan’s giant metropolis from its observation deck. You will also visit its exciting shopping complex, "Tokyo Solamachi." Many highly specialized shops offer a variety of Japanese traditional crafts and pop-culture goods. After returning to the hotel, Free Time to finish Shopping, Packing, etc. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.)
14 MAR (FRI) YOKOHAMA / HONOLULU
At checkout time, our agent will come to tape and tie up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked in. In the afternoon, proceed to Haneda International Airport to catch Airline Flight #73 in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 14 MAR (FRI). 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 but no later than 90 days from the 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 any time.
*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***
INCLUDES: Land transportation included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, tax, all transfer of passengers 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:
At tour sign-up, a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $250.00 per person is required. This deposit will be applied to the full payment.
69 DAYS - 46 DAYS --- $800.00*
45 DAYS - 22 DAYS --- $1,000.00*
21 DAYS - 01 DAY ----- $1,500.00*
*No refund once the tour starts. *There may be extra 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 SERVICES
PH: 808-536-8618 or 808-536-7854
EMAIL: tohoku.travel.hi@gmail.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
