202506A TA-486
TOHOKU TRAVEL'S "SPRING JOURNEY FROM TOKYO TO WESTERN JAPAN" TOKAIDO THROUGH SAN'IN SAKURA TOUR #6A
Departure date: 23 March (Sun) 2025
Return date: 4 April (Fri) 2025
COST OF GROUND TOUR (12 DAYS): $6,972.00 (taxes not included)
***ESTIMATED ECONOMY AIRFARE PRICE: $1,800.00***
If you are requesting a Business Class or Premium Economy Seat, please book early. These seats sell out fast!
To confirm your participation Please send in $250 per-person Non-refundable & Non-Transferable deposit by personal check, cashier check, money order or cash to Tohoku Travel Services.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT, PLEASE ADD $1,916.00
THE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT CHARGE IS FOR HOTEL ROOMS ONLY.
BUS SEATING IS ASSIGNED TO ONE SEAT PER CUSTOMER.
IF EMPTY SEATS ARE AVAILABLE, ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
*Price is Based on ¥100 Yens to a U.S. Dollar rate*
Please call for current pricing. Thank you.
TOUR ITINERARY
23 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.
24 MAR (MON) DAIBA, TOKYO,
GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA
After arriving at Haneda International Airport and clearing government entry formalities. By bus to Tokyo, Daiba is a new central shopping district in Tokyo. We will stay two nights at the hotel, within easy walking distance of Diver City Shopping Mall, which has 100-Yen shops, 300-Yen shops, Hello Kitty shops, UNIQLO shops, etc.
25 MAR (TUE) DAIBA, TOKYO,
GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA
Enjoy the all-day Tokyo City Tour! In the morning, catch Tokyo’s Fully Automated Train “Yurikamome” to visit Toyosu Wholesale Market, which opened in 2018 as the replacement site for the world-famous Tsukiji Market. Here, over 70 shops sell non-perishable goods and processed foods, including Nori seaweed, Dried Seafood, Knives, Tsukemono pickles, etc. Then visit Shunkaen Bonsai Museum. Bonsai trees is an ancient Japanese art that creates a miniaturized but realistic representation of nature. This museum carries over 900 bonsai collections in a Japanese garden with carp swimming gracefully in a pond. Next, proceed to Asakusa, Tokyo’s most visited tourist destination. We will visit Senso-ji Temple. Tokyo’s oldest temple was initially built in the 7th century. Also, you will get to walk through and shop at Nakamise shopping street, lined with many traditional souvenir shops and food stalls beginning from Kaminari Gate with a large red lantern that is a familiar landmark of Tokyo. After returning to the hotel, tour guides will take you to the nearby shopping area. In the evening, the beautiful illumination of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower can be seen from right in front of our hotel.
26 MAR (WED) HAMAMATSU,
OKURA ACT CITY HOTEL HAMAMATSU
Today, we are entering the Tokaido side of Japan's main island. We will enjoy the seasonal attraction "Strawberry Picking" and eat as many fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberries as we like. Later, visit the Hiroshige Museum, exhibiting Ukiyo-e Woodblock print art that has captured people's admiration since the 17th century with its bold compositions and vivid colors. Hiroshige is a legendary artist internationally recognized. Some of his masterpieces are in a collection at The Honolulu Museum of Art. Location of the museum is located in the ex-Yui post town, part of Tokaido Road, Japan’s main road from the Edo Period. Then, head to Hamamatsu and our hotel, part of the exclusive high-rise tower within walking distance of Hamamatsu train station, supermarket, etc. After hotel arrival, enjoy Holo Holo near the hotel. You can try Unagi Donburi for your dinner if you wish to.
27 MAR (THU) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Head to Toyota City to visit Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall, which is dedicated to the history of Toyota Motor Corporation. You can learn about the origins of Toyota and view the former residence of founder Kiichiro Toyoda. Then head to Iga, the home of Ninja, to visit the Ninja Museum of Igaryu. We will learn about the Ninja and the secret of the Ninja house, having fake hallways, escape routes, hidden doors, and other traps. I also enjoy watching Ninja Show performed by a group called “Ashura,” who perform worldwide. Witness their extraordinary skills using authentic ninja tools and weapons such as Japanese swords, Shurikens (star-shaped throwing blades), and Sickles. Later, it proceeded to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan, over 1,300 years ago. We will stay two nights at the hotel near the Nara station. After hotel arrival, the tour guides will take you to Holo-Holo around the station area.
28 MAR (FRI) NARA / KYOTO,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Visit the World Heritage site Todai-ji Temple, initially constructed in 752. Its Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) is the world's largest wooden building and holds the world’s giant bronze statue, "Big Buddha," standing at a 50 ft high building. Later, head to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital city, during cherry blossom viewing season! First, visit Uji, famous for its high-quality Japanese tea and magnificent scenery, with the time-honored Uji River and historical sites. We will visit Marukyu Koyamaen Tea Shop, which has produced the famous “Uji Tea” for 300 years. We will learn about Tea production by watching movie and explanation before enjoying shopping of “one of 3 best Japanese teas.” Then, we will visit Byodoin Temple, inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site and initially built in 998. The National Treasure Ho-o-do Hall, with a shape resembling a phoenix, is a masterpiece of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. This hall is featured on the back of the Japanese Ten-Yen coin.
29 MAR (SAT) AMANO HASHIDATE,
HASHIDATE BAY HOTEL
Head to the center of Kyoto City to visit Kodai-ji Temple, an outstanding temple built in 1606 and said to grant a happy married life because the temple was built by a bereaved widow (Nene) in honor of her husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is one of the three great Samurai leaders. You can admire a traditional Japanese garden while wandering through a bamboo grove, weeping cherry blossoms, etc. We will have Kyoto cuisine lunch with a Maiko Show. Maiko is Kyoto’s professional entertainer who entertains guests with traditional singing and dancing that have been handed down as Japanese treasures. Then, head to northern Kyoto and enter the San’in region. We will stay at the luxurious resort overlooking Amano Hashidate, "One of Japan's best three scenic views." Strolling around the hotel’s herb garden after hotel check-in will be good.
30 MAR (SUN) TOYOOKA,
BLUE RIDGE HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
Go to Amano Hashidate, a 2-mile-long sandbar lined with a thick grove of pine trees, which has been praised as a "Place of incomparable beauty" since ancient times. This marvelous landscape was formed by the eruption of 1.6 million years ago. We will catch a cable car to the observatory in Kasamatsu Park. On the platform here, try the unique way of viewing called "Matanozoki." Bend yourself down and look at the view from between your spread legs. It is said that the view should resemble a “Bridge to Heaven.” Then go to Kinosaki Onsen Town, a cozy, historic hot spring resort town with 1,300 years of history. We will enjoy strolling along the canal with Cherry Blossoms lined through while feeling the authentic culture of traditional Onsen town. Later, stop at Konotori (Oriental Stork), not Sato Park, to see a particular bird protected on the sanctuary grounds. Wild Konotori in Japan were exterminated in 1971 but have now been successfully reintroduced into the wildlife and have become a symbol of the area. Tonight’s our hotel is surrounded by nature. Enjoy a 100% pure Onsen Hot Spring water bath.
31 MAR (MON) MATSUE,
MATSUE EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
We will head to Tottori Dune, the largest dune in Japan, stretching 10 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, facing the Japan Sea. It attracts tourists because of a so-called distinction of “1 of the 36 Japan’s most stunning places” selected by CNN. Enjoy breathtaking, beautiful natural land formations created by sand and winds over the last 100,000 years. Then, proceed to Encho-en Garden, which is gorgeous Chinese architecture, to look around and watch a fantastic Chinese Acrobatic show. Enjoy the unbelievable show performed by talented artists who perform amazing stunts. Then, head to Matsue, one of the core cities in the San’in region called "Water City," which stands by the Japan Sea, where two brackish lakes, Shinji-ko and Nakaumi, meet. We will stay two nights at the hotel across from Matsue Train Station. Tour guides will take you to the shopping place after hotel check-in. At dinner time in the private banquet room, we will enjoy an exceptional live performance of Yasugi-bushi, 300-year-old traditional local folk songs associated with the Dojo Sukui (loach-scooping) dance famous for its comical facial expressions and humorous movements.
01 APR (TUE) MATSUE,
MATSUE EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
Visit a symbol of Matsue. Matsue Castle was chosen as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots and one of only five castles designated National Treasure. You can go inside of 413 years 413-year-old original castle tower to get a panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape and Lake Shinji. Later, visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, Japan’s oldest shrine, dating back 1,500 years ago. This region was believed to be the annual gathering place of Shinto’s 8 million Gods. You will feel the spiritual, sacred, and serene ambiance in the “Land of the Gods” while walking on a shrine ground. Then head to Matsue Vogel Park, which has stunning exhibits of unique flowers and lovely birds in a gorgeous natural setting. Here, you can enjoy feeding the birds and watching the Owl show. In the evening, we will enjoy the Lake Shinji Sunset Dinner Cruise. Lake Shinji is particularly famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Take a leisurely sunset dinner cruise, where you can enjoy a spectacular orange sunset over the lake with traditional castle town scenery.
02 APR (WED) OKAYAMA,
HOTEL GRANVIA OKAYAMA
Visit the Adachi Museum, which is home to Japan's most beautiful garden. This spectacular and immaculately maintained Japanese garden has been ranked No.1 since 2003 by The Journal of Japanese Gardening (USA). Every stone, every bush, and even the angle of the tree planting has been given detailed thought. Its collection of contemporary Japanese paintings, many sculptures, and ceramic art is also a pleasure. Later, go to the Historical Preservation District of Katsuyama and was selected for a “Beautiful Townscape Award.” Enjoy strolling along the authentic old Japanese street with a traditional white-walled storehouse called “Kura” and merchant houses adorned with colorful and distinctive designs of “Noren” Curtains, which are also popular souvenirs. Later, they proceed to Okayama, nicknamed the “Land of Sunshine” and known for the famous folkloric hero Momotaro or Peach Boy. Our hotel is connected to Okayama train station and across Aeon Shopping Mall, where you can enjoy shopping after hotel check-in.
03 APR (THU) KOBE,
HOTEL CROWN PALAIS KOBE
We will ride the Shinkansen Bullet Train. Experience Japan’s high-speed bullet train reaching speeds up to 186 mph! Upon arrival at Shin-Kobe station, walk to Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum next to the station. It introduces Japan’s culture of wood, craftsmanship, and the specialized tools used in traditional architecture. Then go by bus to Aeon Shopping Mall for lunch and shopping. The hotel is conveniently located close to Kobe’s famous shopping and amusement area, where you can enjoy shopping and the beautiful sights and tastes of Kobe. The tour guides will take Holo Holo to the Shopping mall after hotel check-in. (Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)
04 APR (FRI) KOBE / HONOLULU
At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. Afternoon go by bus to Kansai Int'l Airport to catch flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 04 APR (Fri) 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:
A non-refundable & Non-transferable deposit of $250.00 per person is required at sign-up of the tour. 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 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 LLC
TOLL FREE PH: 1-888-966-3666
PH: 808-536-8618
EMAIL:contactus@tohokutravel.com
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