TOUR ITINERARY
28 JUN (SAT) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and Snacks will be served aboard the flight, along with free movies and drinks.
29 JUN (SUN) CHITOSE, ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL CHITOSE
Arrive at Haneda International Airport, and after clearing government formalities, transfer your connecting flight to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, go directly to the hotel by bus (15 minutes from the airport). We will stay two nights at the hotel next to Aeon Supermarket.
30 JUN (MON) CHITOSE, ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL CHITOSE
Visit the world-renowned Kikkoman Shoyu Factory. They are #1 soy sauce producer has been making traditionally brewed soy sauce and soy sauce based seasonings to the world. See the process of making Shoyu and purchasing them. Then, go to Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan's top three clearest and deepest lakes. We will ride a Sightseeing boat to see the beautiful contrast between the tranquil blue lake and the surrounding greenery and mountains. This glass-bottom boat will let you observe lake fish and unusual rock formations at the bottom of the lake. Later, visit Lake Utonai Observatory, which gives you an uninterrupted 360-degree view of Lake Utonai. This freshwater lake is a conservation wetland designated as a National Wildlife Protection Area & registered as the Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The marshlands & forests along the lake are a treasure trove of wild birds. This is the best location where you can enjoy the rich nature of Hokkaido.
1 JUL (TUE)LAKE TOYA, TOYAKO MANSEIKAKU HOTEL LAKESIDE TERRACE (ONSEN) ♨
Go to the recently opened National Ainu Museum and Park, the only National Museum in northern Japan that immerses you in the culture of the Indigenous “Ainu people,” the aborigines in Hokkaido. You will experience various aspects of Ainu culture and lifestyle at this open-air museum. We will see their traditional dance and singing listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Hokkaido is one of the leading gourmet cities in Asia. Hokkaido’s prized Wagyu beef is especially famous. We’ll taste Shiraoi Wagyu beef Sukiyaki for lunch. This world's renowned delicacy was served at the "G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit" dinner and the luncheon hosted by the prime minister of Japan. We will stay at the resort hotel in front of beautiful Lake Toya for two nights. After a big buffet dinner filled with Hokkaido foods, enjoy a spectacular Lakeside fireworks show right from your room. Soak and Relax in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-Air bath with a beautiful lake view.
2 JUL (WED) LAKE TOYA, TOYAKO MANSEIKAKU HOTEL LAKESIDE TERRACE (ONSEN) ♨
Lake Toya is praised as "1 of 3 most impressive landscapes in Hokkaido" and chosen as "1 of 36 of Japan's most stunning places" by CNN. We will ride Mt. Usu Rope Way to enjoy the spectacular view of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Newly opened in 2022, Mt Usu Terrace is a fantastic spot with sweeping views of Mt. Usu up close and swirls of white smoke. Also, see another active volcano, “Showa Shinzan,” one of Japan’s youngest mountains designated as a Special National Monument. Then, we will visit Marine Park Nixe, Hokkaido’s largest aquarium, in combination with a Danish theme park. Enjoy the spectacular “Music and Light Show” with 10,000 sardines swimming in sequence, creating a colorful reflection of the sardines that resembles the Milky Way. Later, visit Mt Usu Volcano Science Museum, which has visual displays of the eruption, complete with an exceptional sound system with English narration. Tonight, we will enjoy a Japanese Kaiseki dinner.
3 JUL (THU) OTARU, GRAND PARK OTARU
Visit Kyogoku Waterpark, located at the foot of spectacular Mt. Yotei. A beautiful river runs through the park with a spout that distributes crystal-clear water from Mt.Yotei. You can taste fresh “One of the top one hundred purest spring waters in Japan.” Then, we will stop at Mushroom Kingdom, a specialty grocery store with different kinds of dried mushrooms, jams, and pickled vegetables made from local ingredients. You can taste the “top-selling Miso soup in Japan,” made with fresh, locally grown mushrooms. Later, have fun picking and tasting Japanese Cherry in season. These cherries are very different from the American Cherries. Japanese Cherry is juicier with an excellent balance of sweet and sour. Then proceed to Otaru, regarded as one of the most picturesque cities in Japan thanks to a romantic cityscape steeped in a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Visit the historical Herring Mansion. The Herring fishing industry had a significant role in the history of Otaru. This large mansion was built for one of three leading herring fishing tycoons. The power and wealth of fishermen during the height of the herring era are reflected in the historic residence. We will stay two nights at a five-star hotel connected to a big shopping complex with a Supermarket, 100-yen shop, Home improvement store, etc. Enjoy shopping after hotel check-in!
4 JUL (FRI) OTARU, GRAND PARK OTARU
Hokkaido is one of Japan’s leading wine grape-producing regions. We will visit Hokkaido Winery, the biggest winery in Hokkaido, to enjoy tasting and purchasing “Hokkaido-produced wine.” Otaru is one of the Top 3 most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido. The town still creates the atmosphere of the good old days in the 19th century with many historical Western-style buildings, nostalgic warehouses, etc. Enjoy Boat Cruising at Otaru Canal, a symbolic spot that creates a sense of nostalgia with well-preserved old warehouses lining the canal. Then enjoy strolling around the Sakaimachi, an attractive street with old merchant shops from the 1800s. You can visit the Otaru Glassware Store, a famous trademark of Otaru with brilliant & delicate glasses creating a refreshing atmosphere. Here, you can find various glassware, such as glass accessories and utensils. It’s also interesting to visit the Music Box Museum, carrying an extensive collection of beautiful & intricate music boxes that can be purchased.
5 JUL (SAT) TOKACHI, SAHORO RESORT HOTEL
Visit the site of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics large hill ski jumping Okurayama Ski Jump stadium. You will be surprised how steep the Ski Jump Slope is. You can try riding a ski lift to the observatory and look down at spectacular Sapporo city. Then, we will see a large and unique monument, the Hill of the Buddha, Hokkaido’s new attraction, popular among foreign tourists. It features the Great Buddha statue poking its head out from the dome-shaped hill. Only the top of the head is visible from a distance! While you are here, you can take part in Japanese spiritual practices. Tonight’s accommodation is a lovely resort hotel surrounded by nature. Here, you can enjoy a significant public and open-air bath (Sorry! Not Onsen hot spring) and a peaceful morning walk around the hotel garden.
6 JUL (SUN) SHIROGANE ONSEN, HOTEL PARK HILLS (ONSEN) ♨
Enjoy a unique experience at Bear Mountain, the Jurassic Park-like facility where you will get an up-close look at the Brown bear, the largest land animal in Japan. You can safely see them up close from a caged bus in their natural habitat. At the central observation point, large glass windows will let you stare eyeball to eyeball with the bears. Later, head to the world-renowned “Furano,” where its breathtaking lavender flowers bloom. Hokkaido’s seasonal highlight in July is “Lavender”! We will visit Farm Tomita, 1 of Hokkaido’s best lavender viewing spots, and another 1 of Japan’s 36 most beautiful places selected by CNN. Enjoy a spectacular view of the magnificent “Purple Carpet” Lavender fields with the backdrop of Mt. Taisetsu and Tokachi mountain range. You can see the beautiful colors of nature at its highest. After lunch, enjoy the “All you can eat” famous Furano Melon, which is sweet, juicy, and melts. Then go to beautiful Shirogane Blue pond a stunning sight that almost looks otherworldly with its unreal blue color. It’s been a world-famous tourist attraction site in Hokkaido. Our hotel is in a secluded Shirogane Hot Spring Town. Upon arrival at the hotel, the guide will take you to a beautiful waterfall and cobalt blue river near the hotel. The flowing blue river and the starkly contrasting white of the rushing falls create a truly breathtaking sight. There is a good chance to soak in 100% pure hot spring water at Onsen Hot Spring Bath and Open-air Bath.
7 JUL (MON) ASAHIKAWA, HOTEL ROUTE-INN GRAND ASASAHIKAWA EKIMAE (ONSEN) ♨
Visit Shikisai Flower Garden, a panoramic & expansive flower garden that provides an enthralling nature experience on a scale only available in Hokkaido. Enjoy unique colors and fragrances of several dozen flowers that carpet the hill. Then, head to Biei. It will be the best season to visit and see the pleasant and picturesque rural landscapes created by hills with various fields. One of its highlights is a view of Patchwork Hill, with tremendous fields and hills covered with multiple colors of shrubbery. You will be amazed by the beautiful landscape that resembles a vast patchwork. Then, to Asahikawa, blessed with water from Mt. Taisetsu, which is indispensable for brewing sake. We’ll visit Takasago Sake Brewery. A long-established Sake brewery that brews its famous Sake with fresh snow water. You can taste their fresh Sake and purchase it. Our hotel is located close to Asahikawa train station and Aeon Shopping Mall. After hotel arrival, the tour guides will take you to Holo-Holo around the hotel. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath.
8 JUL (TUE) SAPPORO, KEIO PLAZA HOTEL SAPPORO
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vast, spacious green fields while driving on the highway to Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a shopping place where you can buy Hokkaido’s primary local specialties. Then, head to Iwamizawa to visit Hokkaido’s largest Rose Garden, with 630 roses in bloom. This will be the perfect time to stroll around a big garden with colorful roses. Later, visit the newly opened 2022 Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town. Royce is Hokkaido’s iconic chocolate company, renowned for its high-quality and innovative chocolates, a must-buy and timeless souvenir of Hokkaido. Its museum has become famous as the newest attraction in Hokkaido. You can get fresh Royce’ Chocolate products at the factory shop. Later, head to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city. We will stay two nights at a hotel within easy walking distance of Sapporo train station with a department store and underground shopping mall. The tour guide will take you to Holo-Holo after hotel check-in.
9 JUL (WED) SAPPORO, KEIO PLAZA HOTEL SAPPORO
Visit Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, where Hokkaido goodies come together at wholesale prices. Enjoy shopping for Dried Seafood, Processed marine products, Local specialties, etc. Then, visit Sapporo TV Tower, which symbolizes the city. From 296, a 296-foot-high observation deck, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains while enjoying the beautiful seasonal view of Odori Park. Then enjoy lunch and shopping at Ario Shopping Mall, next to Sapporo Beer Museum. Those who wish to visit can visit the museum, which introduces the history of beer in Japan and the process of beer making. After seeing exhibitions, you can test freshly brewed beer (at your own expense). Later, go to Yurigahara Lily Park, a great place to stroll and enjoy the fresh air and nature. Lilies will be the best season, with about 100 different types blooming throughout the park. After Hotel arrival, there is Free Time to finish Shopping, Packing, etc. (Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense.)
10 JUL (THU) SAPPORO / HONOLULU,
At checkout time, our agent will come to tape and tie up our boxes and take down baggage to be checked in. We will leave the hotel by bus to Chitose Airport to catch our domestic flight to Haneda International Airport. Upon arrival at Haneda, transfer to an International Airline Flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 10 July (Thursday). 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 by 90 days from 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 included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, all transfer of passenger 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 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 as soon as possible. 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 SERVICES 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
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