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, a new major shopping district of Tokyo the capital of Japan with a population of over 14 million residents. We will stay 2 nights at a luxurious Five-star hotel located in the waterfront of Tokyo and easy walking distance to big shopping malls. You can enjoy shopping at Diver City Shopping Mall with 100-Yen shop, 300-Yen shop, Hello Kitty shop, UNIQLO, etc. And Aqua city Shopping Mall with Disney store, Toys "R" Us, Nitori Home store, etc.
25 MAR (TUE) DAIBA, TOKYO,
GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA
Today, we will discover modernity and longstanding traditions of Japan in Tokyo! In the morning, we will enjoy Tokyo's Futuristic transit experience “Yurikamome.” It is driverless and fully automatic transit line which offering stunning views of the Tokyo skyline across Tokyo Bay. We will go to Toyosu Wholesale Market, world’s biggest fish market that is the replacement site of the world famous Tsukiji Market. Visit the fascinating Uogashi Yokocho Market, a retail shopping area consist of over 70 shops specializing in Top-quality ingredients, non-perishable foods, processed foods, traditional snacks, etc. You will find everything from Nori seaweed, Japanese tea, Seasonings, Dried fish flakes, Sake, and Tsukemono pickles to professional kitchen knives, cooking utensils, and authentic souvenirs and more. Then we will see a symbol of Japanese culture and tradition at the prestigious Shunkaen Bonsai Museum. Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art of potted miniature tree to create a realistic representation of nature in the form of a tree. This museum is carrying over 900 bonsai collection stunning masterpieces of various species and sizes, carefully cultivated and styled to achieve an aesthetic effect. Several trees are hundreds of years old! You can explore the garden with carp swimming gracefully in a pond. It’s an absolute highlight to observe and feel the living works of art. Next, head to Asakusa, an iconic Tokyo temple complex and town brimming with rich tradition. We will visit Senso-ji Temple Tokyo’s oldest temple originally built in the 7th century. You will get chance to stroll the traditional streets with an atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives. Nakamise shopping street is filled with many authentic souvenir shops and food stalls selling quintessential Japanese goods. It begins from Kaminari Gate with large red lantern that is familiar landmark of Tokyo. After going back to the hotel, tour guides will take you to shopping mall near the hotel. In the evening, it will be nice to see 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 Tokaido side of Japan's main island. Tokaido area is the historical, cultural, industrial and entertainment hub of Japan. Shizuoka prefecture is one of the major production areas of Strawberry which is the most beloved fruit in Japan. We will enjoy popular seasonal attraction "Strawberry Picking." You can eat as many fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberry as you like! Later we will encounter another Japanese Traditional art “Ukiyoe Woodblock print” originated as popular culture in Edo (present day Tokyo) and depicted scenes from everyday Japan in the Edo period (1603-1868). Hiroshige is a legendary Ukiyoe artist internationally recognized. Some of his masterpieces are in a collection at The Honolulu Museum of Art. You will learn more about Hiroshige and Tokaido at the Hioroshige Museum, offers a well-done introduction to Ukiyioe Woodblock print arts with its bold compositions and vivid colors. Location of museum is in ex-Yui post town which is part of Tokaido road, Japan’s main road since the Edo Period. Then proceed to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture's largest city and famous for its production of motorcycles and musical instruments, as well as its delicious unagi eels. Our hotel is part of the exclusively high-rise tower located within walking distance to Hamamatsu train station, Supermarket, etc. After hotel arrival, enjoy Holo-Holo near the hotel. If you wish to, you can try Unagi Domburi for your dinner.
27 MAR (THU) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Head to Toyota city to visit Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall with a range of exhibits dedicated to the history of Toyota Motor Corporation which is the largest company in Japan. You can learn about the life of Kiichiro Toyoda who is founder of Toyota and view the former his residence. Do you know that Ninjas had really existed in Japan? We will head to Iga, the home of Ninja to visit Ninja Museum of Igaryu. You will know about the Ninja and secret of Ninja residence looks ordinary from the outside, but within it is devised with revolving walls, trap doors and hidden compartments. Also enjoy watching a splendid Ninja Show performed by a group called “Ashura” who perform all over the world. Witness their extraordinary skills using authentic ninja tools and weapons such as Japanese sword, Shurikens (star shaped throwing blade) and Sickles. Later proceed to the most historic and spiritual center of Japan “Nara” where Buddhism first flourished and the first permanent capital of Japan was built over 1,300 years ago. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel located close to the Nara train station. After hotel arrival, tour guide will take you Holo-Holo around the station area with supermarket, souvenir shops, etc.
28 MAR (FRI) NARA / KYOTO,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
We will visit a landmark of Nara, Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and World Heritage site. It’s amazing to see the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) which is the World's largest wooden building enshrines the World’s largest bronze statue 50ft tall "Big Buddha" constructed in 752. Then proceed to one of the most visited cities in Japan “Kyoto” Japan’s ancient capital city in Cherry blossom viewing season! Kyoto is renowned for its extensive history, stunning temples and shrines, and cultural customs. You will see its distinctive fusion of traditional and modern Japan with the old and new everywhere in the city. First, visit Uji, famous for its high-quality Japanese tea and magnificent scenery with the time honored Uji River and historical site. We will visit Marukyu Koyamaen Tea Shop producing famous “Uji Tea” for 300 years. We will learn about traditional Tea production by watching movie and explanation and enjoy shopping of “one of 3 best Japanese teas.” Then, we will visit Byodo-In Temple, inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site initially built in 998. It’s one of Japan’s most recognizable temples because of the National Treasure Ho-o-do Hall with a shape resembling phoenix which is a masterpiece of Buddhists Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. This hall is featured on the back of the Japanese Ten-Yen coin. Here is the original temple of Byodo-In temple Hawaii on the Oahu.
29 MAR (SAT) AMANO HASHIDATE,
HASHIDATE BAY HOTEL
Head to center of Kyoto City to visit a highly popular tourist destination and a must-see spot “Kodai-ji Temple” an outstanding temple build in 1606. It’s been said to grant a happy married life because the temple was built by bereaved widow in honor of her husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi who is one of the three great Samurai leaders. You can admire a traditional Japanese garden which is designated as a ‘Place of Historical Importance and Outstanding Scenery’. You can wander through the tranquil gardens with bamboo grove, weeping cherry blossoms, etc. Today, we will have a special experience of Kyoto cuisine lunch with Maiko Show. Maiko is a Kyoto’s professional entertainer who entertains guests with traditional singing and dancing that have been handed down as Japanese treasures since over 300 years ago. You will catch a rare glimpse into the captivating world of the Maiko. After lunch, we will head to northern Kyoto and entering San’in region lies along the northern part of the west coast of the Japan Sea. This beautiful and mystical region has deep ties to Japan's creation mythology and also plays host to an abundance of interesting sites including revered shrines and temples, important cultural artifacts and breathtaking natural beauty. We will stay at luxurious resort hotel overlooking Amano Hashidate, "One of the best three scenic spots in Japan.” It will be good to stroll around hotel’s herb garden after hotel check in.
30 MAR (SUN) TOYOOKA,
BLUE RIDGE HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
Today we will visit “Amano Hashidate” which has been praised as a "Place of incomparable beauty" since ancient times. This marvelous landscape of a 2-miles long sandbar lined with a thick grove of pine trees is often said to look like a dragon flying up to heaven. We will catch a cable car to the observatory in Kasamatsu park. At the platform here, try very unique way of viewing called "Matanozoki." Bending yourself down and looking upside down from between your spread legs. You will know why it is called “Bridge to the Heaven”. Then proceed to Kinosaki Onsen Town, cozy, historic hot spring resort town which has 1,300 years history. We will enjoy strolling along canal with Cherry Blossoms lined through while feeling the authentic culture of traditional Onsen town with souvenir shops, ice cream shop, game arcades, etc. Then stop at Konotori (Oriental Stork) no Sato Park to see a special protected bird which is designated as a National Natural Monument. Wild Konotori in Japan was exterminated in 1971 but has now been successfully reintroduced into the wildlife and became a symbol of the area. You will see real, living Oriental storks up close in the Sanctuary grounds. Then we will head to Kannabe highland a popular resort area centered around the picturesque Mt. Kannabe. Tonight’s our hotel is Onsen Resort Hotel surrounded by the rich natural environment. Enjoy 100% pure Onsen Hot Spring water bath and Open air bath.
31 MAR (MON) MATSUE,
MATSUE EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
Head to San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark which has beautiful natural environment and a way of living which are entirely unique. We will visit its highlight “Tottori Dune,” the largest dune in Japan stretching 10 miles long and 1.5 miles width facing to 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, otherworldly, and spectacular desertscape that is like a scene from Arabian Nights. Then proceed to Encho-en Garden one of Japan’s top Chinese gardens located beside the beautiful Lake Togo. You can enjoy strolling an Imperial style stroll garden and look around beautiful Chinese architectures build with genuine materials of Chinese imperial history. Here, we will watch an awesome Chinese Acrobatic show. Enjoy the unbelievable show performed by talented artists who perform amazing stunts. Then head to Matsue, one of core cities in San’in region. This former castle town is called "Water city" because of its attractive location close to the Lake Shinji. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel located across Matsue Train Station. Tour guides will take you shopping place after hotel check in. At dinner time in private banquet room, we will enjoy a special live performance of Yasugi-bushi, 300 years old traditional local folk songs associated with Dojo Sukui (loach-scooping) dance famous for its comical facial expressions and humorous movements. It’s a lot of fun!
01 APR (TUE) MATSUE,
MATSUE EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
Visit a symbol of Matsue, Matsue Castle chosen as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots and one of only 5 castles designated National Treasure. You can go inside of 413 years old original castle tower to get a panoramic view of surrounding cityscape and Lake Shinji. Later visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, Japan’s oldest shrine dated back to 1,500 years ago and one of Japan's most important shrines. This shrine is visually famous for its classic shrine architecture and the largest sacred straw rope hanging on its front that marks a dwelling place of the gods. This region was believed 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 with stunning exhibits of amazing 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 have a memorable experience on the Lake Shinji Sunset Dinner Cruise. Lake Shinji is particularly famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Take a leisurely Sunset Dinner Cruise taking in a spectacular orange sunset over the lake with traditional castle town scenery.
02 APR (WED) OKAYAMA,
HOTEL GRANVIA OKAYAMA
Visit Adachi Museum, home to “Japan's Most Beautiful Garden,” which is praised as a must-visit on any traveler’s list. This spectacular and immaculately maintained Japanese garden has been ranked No.1 for 21 consecutive years 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. You can view the magnificent gardens through the museum windows. Those windows perfectly frame your views to create “Living paintings.” Its collection of contemporary Japanese paintings, many sculptures, and ceramic art is also a pleasure to see. 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 traditional white-walled storehouses and merchant houses adorned with colorful and distinctive designs of “Noren” Curtains, which are also popular souvenirs. Later, proceed to Okayama, nicknamed the “Land of Sunshine” because of the fewest rainy days in Japan—and known as the home of 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. Learning about the secrets behind Japanese architecture and wooden interiors is interesting. Then go by bus to Aeon Shopping Mall for lunch and shopping. The hotel is conveniently located close to Kobe’s popular shopping and amusement area, where you can enjoy shopping and the beautiful sights and tastes of Kobe. The tour guides will take you 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. Afternoon, go by bus to Kansai International Airport to catch a flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, April 4 (Friday). 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
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ITO BLDG. #502; 2-22-3 TSURUYA-CHO KANAGAWA-KU, YOKOHAMA 221-0835, JAPAN
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