TOUR ITINERARY

APR 11 (FRI) HONOLULU,

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

APRIL 12 (SAT) SAKAI, OSAKA,

HOTEL AGORA REGENCY OSAKA SAKAI

Arrive at Kansai International Airport and, after clearing government formalities, take a bus to Sakai, Osaka, a historical city located at the entrance of Osaka Bay. We will stay at an elegant urban hotel near the train station.

APRIL 13 (SUN) LAKE BIWA,

GRAND MERCURE LAKE BIWA RESORT & SPA (ONSEN) ♨

In the morning, visit Osaka Mishima Seaside Park to see the 1 million Nemophila Festival. Enjoy fields of Sky-blue flowers as far as the eye can see in front of Osaka Bay. On a clear day, you can see “3 blues” created by flowers, sky, and sea. Then, proceed to the World Kite Museum, which exhibits Japan’s giant kite, which is the size equivalent to 100 tatami mats. It’s impressive to see a dynamic movie of a Giant kite flying on a 100-inch screen, and other exhibitions include local and traditional kites from all over Japan and unique, colorful kites from various countries around the world. Later, enjoy strolling and shopping in an old Samurai-era atmosphere at the Castle Road of Yumekyobashi, located at the castle site of the National Treasure “Hikone Castle.” All buildings in this shopping district are reconstructed with the image of Castle Town in 1603. Then, proceed to Nagahama, a charming old castle town by Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan, covering 259 square miles. We will stay at a resort hotel standing by the lake. By stepping out of the hotel, you will see a stunning view of the vast lake, which almost resembles the ocean. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring Open Air Rock bath tonight.

APRIL 14 (MON) KOMAGANE HEIGHTS,

KOMAGANE RESORT LINX (ONSEN) ♨

Go to Kakamigahara, Japan’s leading city of aerospace-related industry. We will visit the Aerospace Science Museum. The Museum exhibits 35 real-deal aircraft (including ones made in Kakamigahara), the most in Japan. It’s an incredible experience, like a journey through Japan’s aviation history. You will see rockets, research aircraft, helicopters, human-powered aircraft, fighter jets, transport planes, a replica of the first aircraft to fly in Japan, etc. After enjoying shopping and lunch at Aeon shopping Mall, we will visit Kozenji temple, one of Nagano's most beautiful Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry blossom) viewing spots. Then head to Komagane Heights, located at the foot of the magnificent Southern and Central Japan Alps. We will stay at the secluded hotel, a lovely mountain resort surrounded by forest. Soak and relax in the Onsen Hot Spring and Open-air bath, where you can feel nature while soaking.

APRIL 15 (TUE) MADARAO HEIGHTS,

TANGRAM MADARAO TOKYU RESORT (ONSEN) ♨

Ina Baien Garden to see the beautiful Hanamomo (Hana Peach). This is an unusual type of peach tree with three different shades of pink flowers blooming from one tree. Hanamomo, Narcissus, and Forsythia bloom simultaneously if the timing is right. Then head to Obuse, a lovely small town renowned for its charming streets with well-preserved historic buildings known as “Little Kyoto in Nagano.” We will visit Katsushika Hokusai Museum. The author Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) painted Japan’s exquisite and aesthetic Ukiyoe Woodblock Prints. You can enjoy Japanese beauty through the exhibits of his celebrated masterpieces. Obuse is also called "Chestnut Town" because of its delicious Chestnuts. There is an excellent chance to buy various locally grown chestnut products such as chestnut yokan, Sweet chestnut paste, etc. We also visited Floral Garden Obuse, which shows many flowers planted within the landscape garden, ponds, giant flowerbeds, etc. This beautiful scenery is a symbol of a flower town, Obuse. Then enjoy Strawberry Picking in season. Taste fresh & sweet Japanese strawberries as much as you like! Then to Madarao Highlands. We will stay at a famous highland resort hotel surrounded by incredible nature. You can refresh yourself while overlooking a photogenic panoramic view of vast ski grounds. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath.

APRIL 16 (WED) NIIGATA,

HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA

Head to Nagaoka, the 2nd largest city in Niigata prefecture. We’ll visit the Nagaoka Fireworks Museum. Nagaoka is famous for “One of the three most spectacular and magnificent fireworks in Japan.” It’s especially renowned for the set of fireworks called “Niagara Falls,” 2,133, a 2,133-foot-long dynamic fireworks display vigorously flows down into the river, reminiscent of “Niagara Falls.” Later, head to Tsubame Sanjo, well-known as a metalworking powerhouse that has carried on for over 400 years. Thanks to the precision and skills of local craftsmen, it’s highly regarded as “One of the World’s Top three leading metalwork production areas.” They manufacture various products, such as cutting tools, tableware, and other products based on metal-processing technologies. We will enjoy shopping at Tsubame Sanjo Cutlery Center in a massive store with many selections of products like Knives, Kitchen wares, Gardening scissors, Saws, etc. Niigata is known as the “Rice capital of Japan” because it produces the “Best rice in Japan” and “High-quality rice products.” We will visit Senbei Kingdom to enjoy “Grilling your own Senbei (rice cracker).” You can also buy fresh and crispy Senbei at the factory store as a souvenir. Our hotel is located along the Shinano River, Japan’s longest river. After hotel check-in, tour guides will take Holo Holo to a commercial district near the hotel. Crossing the Bandai Bridge, which is a symbol of the city with a beautiful series of sturdy stone arches, gives a majestic feeling and allows you to feel the atmosphere of Niigata.

APRIL 17 (THU) SADO ISLAND,

FAMILIO SADO AIKAWA (ONSEN) ♨

Board the Jetfoil to Sado Island, Japan's 6th largest island, filled with picturesque scenery and has a fascinating history, unique culture, traditional arts, and entertainment. Upon arrival on the island, visit the Sado Gold Mine on the nomination list for UNESCO's World Heritage inscription. Once, Japan's largest gold mine was in operation for 388 years, starting in 1601. We will go inside the mine, which displays robots that recreate scenes from the old gold mining days. Those who have been here before can try the Doyuko Course with an actual hauling inspection tunnel, which was used until 1989. You will see the symbolic Doyuno Wareto or Split Mountain at the end of this route. Then visit "One of the Best scenic spots on Sado Island," Senkaku Scenic Bay, with its steep rocky cliffs that stretch over 1 mile. It is praised as resembling the Northern European fjord. A series of 100-foot-high cliffs will overwhelm you. Tonight's hotel is a pleasant beachside resort that offers a grand view of the East Sea from your room. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath.

APRIL 18 (FRI) NIIGATA,

HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA

We will visit the sacred “Meoto (husband & wife) Rocks.” These two huge rocks stand next to each other like a couple. The stones are said to bring good luck to your family. You can buy famous local salt here. Then, visit Obata Sake Brewery. Enjoy the delicate taste of the famous Sado Sake and watch a short English movie about its Sake. Later, enjoy riding the "Tarai-bune" traditional washtub boat. You will experience one of Sado Island’s rich traditions: tubs were used for catching abalone in very winding and narrow coves. Later, we will visit Toki-no- no Mori Park to see the symbolic Crested Ibis of Sado Island, “Toki.” See the internationally protected bard that was once extinct in Japan but now inhabits Sado Island again. Then, catch a Jetfoil to go back to Niigata.

APRIL 19 (SAT) MINAKAMI,

GENSEN YUNO YADO MATSUNOI (ONSEN) ♨

In the morning, visit Niigata Furusato Village to see the history and culture of Niigata and enjoy shopping for local specialties such as Traditional handicrafts, Local snacks, Sake, Dried Seafood, etc. Then, visit the Northern Culture Museum, a 65-roomed museum once a residence of a wealthy farming family built 135 years ago. In sumptuous surroundings, it houses 6,000 antiques from Japan, China, and Korea. This museum is renowned for its breathtaking garden, a masterpiece of the famous Niigata-born gardener. Later, visit Nishikigoi-no Sato. Ojiya City is the proud birthplace of “Nishikigoi” (Ornamental Japanese carp), nicknamed “Swimming Jewels.” You can marvel at these exquisite fish by showcasing 200 specimens from 15 varieties. Tonight’s hotel is a Traditional Japanese Ryokan-style hotel along Tone River surrounded by nature. We will be staying in a Western-style room with beds. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring and Open-air bath using “100% Pure Hot Spring Water.”

APRIL 20 (SUN) TAKASAKI,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN TAKASAKI

We will visit Misato Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Park, one of the most famous Shibazakura spots in the Kanto region. It’s breathtaking to see a dense carpet of colorful flowers in vibrant pink, white, and purple hues that form intricate patterns and swirls. Then, we will enjoy the Daruma doll painting experience. Takasaki Daruma is particularly famous as lucky Daruma. You can hand paint your own Daruma doll to bring good luck to your home. Later, visit Hanadaka Observation Flower Hill, where the Canola Flower Festival will be held. Enjoy the majestic scenery of a beautiful mountain range and colorful yellow flowers. Our hotel is connected to the Takasaki train station, shopping building, and 100-Yen shop. Enjoy shopping after hotel check-in. 

APRIL 21 (MON) HACHIOJI, TOKYO,

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL HACHIOJI

Go to Ashikaga Flower Park to view its world-famous “Great Wisteria.” This over 160-year-old ancient wisteria tree is said to be the "Most beautiful wisteria in the world" and has been selected as one of the "Top 10 Dream Destinations in the World" by CNN. Enjoy the fairytale-like scenery in breathtaking “Wisteria Wonderland.” (The Blooming level depends on the year's climate). Later, we visited Kinbue Shoyu Park, a 230-year-old soy sauce brewery. You can learn about making Japanese seasonings from bean to bottle. You can try a variety of condiments and take-home souvenirs, such as the brand's Tsuyu soup, sesame dressing, and Shoyu-flavoured Baumkuchen. Then, go to our hotel in Hachioji, West Tokyo. Hachioji train station and shopping area are only a short walk from the hotel. Enjoy shopping after hotel check-in.

APRIL 22 (TUE) HACHIOJI, TOKYO,

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL HACHIOJI

Visit Mt. Takao, which was awarded a maximum of three stars as Japan’s highly recommended sightseeing spot by the European travel guidebook. We will ride Japan’s steepest Cable Car with an 889-foot difference in elevation. After arriving at Mountain Top station, you can observe a fantastic view of Kanto Plain, skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo, etc. (depending on the weather). We also visit Monkey Park, where you can see 70 monkeys close by. Later, go to Anpan Factory; Anpan is a traditional Japanese pastry that is a flaky bun filled with Anko red bean paste. We will visit the Ogino bakery, which produces a very popular “Tanzawa Anpan” that always draws a steady crowd of visitors to stock up. You will also taste Japanese Malasada (Age-pan) at your own expense.

(Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)

APRIL 23 (WED) HANEDA / HONOLULU

At check-out time, our agent will tape and tie up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked in. In the afternoon, proceed to Haneda International Airport to catch an airline flight to Honolulu in the evening. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, April 23 (Wednesday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. 

(Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)

Clients remaining back can get plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually but by 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, 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, please 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:

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $250.00 per person is required at tour sign-up. 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 SERVICE LLC

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

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