TOUR ITINERARY
26 MAR (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.
27 MAR (THU) IKEBUKURO, TOKYO,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN
Arrive at Haneda or Narita International Airport and, after clearing government formalities, by bus to Ikebukuro, Tokyo, one of Tokyo's multiple city centers and a significant commercial and entertainment district in west Tokyo. We will stay two nights at a hotel within easy walking distance of the shopping district. Upon arrival, free time to enjoy shopping, meeting your relatives, friends or rest. Guides will take you to the shopping area near the hotel.
28 MAR (FRI) IKEBUKURO, TOKYO,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN
All-day Tokyo Metropolis Tour! We will take a Boat cruise on the Sumida River in the morning. We will see the Japanese capital’s preeminent landmark, “Tokyo Sky Tree,” boasting a height of 2,080 feet. This massive tower is the world’s tallest and stands out in Tokyo’s skyline. We can see Sakura Cherry Blossoms along the riverside if the timing is right. Afterward, we will visit Asakusa, Tokyo’s most popular tourist destination, known for its grand historical complex and old downtown atmosphere. We will visit Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, initially built in the 7th century. You can walk through and shop at Nakamise Shopping Street, which is lined with many traditional souvenir shops and food stalls. It starts from Kaminari Mon Gate with a large red lantern, a familiar Tokyo landmark. Later, head to the Imperial Palace and visit its Outer Garden to see Niju Bashi Bridge, Tokyo’s most famous and the main bridge to the Imperial Palace.
29 MAR (SAT) LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO,
HOTEL REGINA KAWAGUCHIKO (ONSEN) ♨
This morning, we head to Lake Kawaguchi, attracting the world's attention because of the honor of World’s #10 of “2024’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth” chosen by Booking.com. If the weather is clear, we can be blessed with amazing views of Mt. Fuji up close. We will enjoy Yamanashi’s famous local lunch of Hoto Nabe (Flat noodles and vegetables in a Miso hot pot). Then, go to Fuji Kachoen Garden Park, an exquisite theme park of gorgeous flowers and lovely birds. Stroll through a vast greenhouse filled with magnificent flowers, plants, and birds. You can also enjoy seeing the Owl show. And visit Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center. You can learn about the “Symbol of Japan,” Mt. Fuji’s ecosystem, the cultural history of this sacred mountain, etc. You can also purchase merchandise relating to Mt. Fuji at the gift shop. Our hotel is at the foot of Mt. Fuji, with the picture window of all the rooms facing it. Tonight, you can relax in the Onsen Hot Spring bath. We will enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner in the evening.
30 MAR (SUN) NAGOYA,
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL GRAND COURT NAGOYA
Today, we will go to the old castle town of Okazaki, well known for Haccho Miso, which has over 600 years of history. We will visit the Miso Factory to see where traditional local Miso is made and sample Miso soup. You can buy their Miso, which is featured in many of the miso-based dishes of the Nagoya area. Later, head to Nagoya, Japan’s 4th largest city, full of historical landmarks, delicious local foods, and traditional culture. We will visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in the birthplace of the “TOYOTA,” Japan's largest company. You can learn the history of how Toyota was established and developed from a very early period when Toyota was a department loom-making company with 4,000 dynamic displays of original equipment. We will stay at the Soaring Tower Hotel, close to the train station and shopping area, where you can enjoy shopping after dinner.
31 MAR (MON) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
In the morning, visit Nagoya Castle's Honmaru palace, originally built in 1615 and was lost during WWII. However, it was painstakingly restored traditionally and fully reopened in 2018. The lord's residence had been reputed for ornate decorations and beautiful painted screens. Those made it the most elegant, most gorgeous castle palace ever constructed. If the timing is correct, we will also see Sakura Cherry blossoms along the castle’s moat. Then head to Nabana-no-sato Flower Park. Enjoy strolling around a vast flower garden with various seasonal flowers, such as Tulips, Cherry blossoms, Peach flowers, etc., in bloom (depending on timing). Later, we will have fun picking strawberries during the season. You can taste fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberries as many as you like! Then, head to Nara, Japan's oldest capital, once the center of culture and civilization over 1,300 years ago. We will stay two nights at the hotel located close to Nara station. After hotel arrival, the tour guides will take you to Holo-Holo around the station area.
1 APR (TUE) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Head to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, which has been around for 1,100 years and has been praised as the “Most beautiful city in Japan.” First, visit one of Kyoto’s most familiar symbols, Kinkakuji Temple, known as the famed “Golden Pavilion,” situated picturesquely over the reflecting pond. This temple is chosen as "1 of 36 of Japan's most stunning places" by CNN and is often called Kyoto’s most impressive sight. Later, enjoy lunch and shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, which carries Kyoto’s beautiful and skillfully handcrafted items and specialty goods. Then go to enjoy seeing the beautiful Miyako Odori Dance Show (Cherry Blossom Dance), an annual show held only in Spring featuring the fine traditional song and dance skills of Maiko (Apprentice geisha) and Geiko (geisha) in timeless splendor. Enjoy the beauty of spectacular dances and singing with vibrantly colored Kimono costumes with Japan's most highly trained performers. After returning to the hotel, you can enjoy shopping around the hotel.
2 APR (WED) NARUTO,
AOAWO NARUTO RESORT (ONSEN) ♨
Visit the World Heritage site Todai-ji Temple, initially constructed in 752. Its Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) is the world's largest wooden building holds the world’s largest bronze statue "Big Buddha" standing at 50ft high building. Then, proceed to Awaji Island, blessed with abundant nature and fantastic local food products. We will cross the world’s 2nd longest suspension bridge (6,532 ft) Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to get to Awaji Highway Oasis a big shopping area where you can buy most of major local specialties of the island. After entering Tokushima on Shikoku Island, we will see the Awa Odori Dance Show (Japan's most famous Bon dance). Enjoy elegant and bold performances by local dancers. We will stay at a nice resort hotel with Onsen Hot Spring in front of Naruto Strait. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath with a beautiful ocean view. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner in the evening featuring local seafood, vegetables, etc., including Fresh Sushi, famous Tai seabream Sashimi, and Naruto Kintoki Sweet potato.
3 APR (THU) OKAYAMA,
KURASHIKI IVY SQUARE
Visit the Deko-Ningyo (Japanese traditional wooden puppet) Museum. We will meet Mr. Ningyo Ken, a master craftsman of conventional wooden puppets. He will explain its inventive mechanism and the process of making this outstanding Japanese art dating back over 400 years. After enjoying the famous Sanuki Udon noodle lunch, we will visit Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku Island's most beautiful historical Japanese garden. It's skillfully laid out to harmonize with 320 Cherry trees and 1,400 magnificent Pine trees maintained for 400 years. If the timing is right, cherry blossoms will bloom in the garden. Later, cross the 7.6-mile-long “Great Seto Bridge,” a series of suspension bridges joining Honshu (Japan’s Main Island) and Shikoku Island while viewing the magnificent scenery of Seto Inland Sea National Park. We will proceed to Kurashiki, known as the “Venice of Japan” because of the incredibly well-preserved historic town with picturesque canals developed by merchants since the Edo Period (1603-1867). Tonight’s hotel is located in a complex of brick buildings covered in ivy and within walking distance of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which preserves a quaint townscape with 400-year-old Japanese-style storehouses with white walls and rows of willows. You can enjoy strolling around the town after checking in at the hotel.
4 APR (FRI) HIROSHIMA,
HOTEL GRANVIA HIROSHIMA
Today, we will go to Saijo, home of 1 of 3 significant sake-producing areas in Japan. Visit Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, producing famous Sake that once former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe served to former President of the USA Barack Obama. This will be an excellent chance to learn about Sake and enjoy shopping and Sake tasting. Then, head to Hiroshima, the metropolis west of Japan's main island. We will visit Peace Park. See the World Cultural Heritage site Atomic Bomb Dome and walk through the pleasant riverside park containing various memorials such as Peace Bell, Cenotaphs, Flame of Peace, etc. We will visit the Peace Memorial Museum. The museum’s renovation works were completed in 2019. It is the most important museum of Hiroshima, detailing the history of the first atomic bomb. We will stay two nights at the hotel, which has a connecting way directly to Hiroshima station and its shopping building. Tour guides will take you “Holo Holo” to the station area after hotel check-in.
5 APR (SAT) HIROSHIMA,
HOTEL GRANVIA HIROSHIMA
We will visit Japan’s most popular tourist attraction, Miyajima Island, and the beautiful and sacred Itsukushima Shrine, where you can experience Japan's most amazing spiritual gateway. This is “one of Japan's Scenic Trio” and a “World Cultural Heritage site.” The shrine was originally built over 1,400 years ago. A complex of brightly colored pavilions known worldwide as “Floating shrine” built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. You can also enjoy strolling and shopping along Omote Sando Street, where you can taste grilled oysters, Momiji Manju, etc. Later, head to Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture, to see the famous Kintai (Brocaded) Bridge, originally built in 1673. This beautiful wooden arched bridge has been praised as “One of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan.” You will marvel at the world’s largest wooden bridge while walking and crossing this iconic bridge. If the timing is right, 3,000 Sakura Cherry Blossoms bloom along the river banks. (Blooming level depends on the climate of the year).
6 APR (SUN) KOKURA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL KOKURA
We will ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Kokura in Kyushu. Enjoy a fantastic experience by train with speeds reaching up to 198 mph. After landing on Kyushu, the third largest island of Japan, transfer by bus to Shimonoseki via Kanmon Straits, a historical site where known as the scenes of an ancient battle, such as the battle leading to the fall of the Heike clan in 1185 and a duel between Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki in 1612. We will visit the famous Karato Fish Market for fun shopping for dried seafood, seaweed, processed sea products, etc., with a lively atmosphere. This will be the best chance to enjoy today’s freshly caught Sushi at the famous fish market (You can purchase at your own expense from 1 piece to several pieces). We will stay two nights at the hotel next to Kokura station and its shopping area. After the hotel check-in, tour guides will take you to Holo-Holo and the station area.
7 APR (MON) KOKURA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL KOKURA
In Kyushu, historical sites of iron, steel, and coal mining played an important role in Japan's industrialization in the mid-19th century. We will visit the Tagawa Coal Mine Museum, which exhibits 15,000 items that pertain to coal mining. In particular, their Sakubei Yamamoto collections are worth seeing. This documentary heritage is registered in the Memory of the World register. Later, we will enjoy shopping at the Mochikichi Rice Crackers headquarters, one of Japan’s leading rice cracker manufacturers. You can buy their "Gourmet rice crackers" at the factory store. Before returning to the hotel, we will enjoy more shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall. Enjoy some more shopping and packing after hotel arrival. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense.)
8 APR (TUE) FUKUOKA / HONOLULU
At check-out time, our agent will come to tape and tie up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked in. Proceed in the afternoon to Fukuoka Airport to catch a domestic flight to Haneda Airport. Then, I will catch an international flight to Honolulu in the evening. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, APR 8 (Tuesday). 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 the day of 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 is included in the itinerary, as are all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, all passenger and baggage transfers, and a 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 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 get in touch with our office for a price quote at your earliest convenience. 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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