TOUR ITINERARY
NOV. 10 (MON) HONOLULU
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard Japan Airline. Departing Honolulu at 12:50 PM Free Movies and Drinks
NOV. 11 (TUE) HIMEJI,
HOTEL NIKKO HIMEJI
Arrive at Kansai Int'l airport (or Haneda to Itami, Osaka) and after clearing government formalities, go by bus to an old castle town Himeji, filled with many historical events and interesting sights. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is located right in front of Himeji train station. After hotel check-in around 9:00 pm you can relax and get a good night rest.
NOV. 12 (WED) HIMEJI,
HOTEL NIKKO HIMEJI
Head to Okayama to visit Bizen Osafune that is synonymous with master Samurai sword making. It has been Japan’s sword craft center for over 1,000 years. Visit Japanese Sword Museum, with a collection of Samurai swords masterpieces that are on display aiming to honor those important historical and cultural legacies. Hand crafted kitchen knives, scissors, etc., are available at their gift shop. Then visit Somen-no Sato to learn the history and production process of Somen. You will taste local specialty product that was eaten during the Samurai period. This former castle town is famous throughout Japan for the best quality Somen noodles. Later visit Japan’s best preserved feudal castle and designated as Japan’s 1st World Heritage site Himeji Castle which is called “White Heron Castle” with her elegant white appearance is widely considered “Most beautiful and spectacular castle in Japan.” You can step back 400 years and picture yourself in the World of the Samurai.
NOV. 13 (THU) FUKUYAMA,
FUKUYAMA NEW CASTLE HOTEL
Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) is the legendary Samurai fought over 60 battles and was never defeated in his lifetime. Visit Musashi-no Sato Village located in the birth place of Musashi. Then visit Ikura Gorge, situated along Takahashi River. The gorge is formed with towering cliffs of limestone, reaching a height of 787 feet. It is expected that dynamic scenery of the gorge is filled with beautiful Autumn color. Those who wish to, you can walk inside of Ikura Cave, a karst limestone cave formed by the erosion of the rain. The stalactites in the cave are lit up to bring out their details and creating mysterious atmosphere (there is 20-minute short cut route). Then go to Fukuyama, an old castle town since early 17th century. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel which is located right across from train station and within easy walking distance to Fukuyama Castle, department store, etc. After hotel arrival, tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel.
NOV. 14 (FRI) FUKUYAMA,
FUKUYAMA NEW CASTLE HOTEL
Head to Saijo, home of 1 of 3 great Sake producing areas in Japan. Visit Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, producing famous Sake that once former Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe served to former President Barack Obama. This will be a good chance to learn about Sake, enjoy shopping and Sake tasting. Later head to Takehara Old Town known as the “Little Kyoto of Hiroshima.” This old post town has developed with Salt production and still well-preserved with its old merchant houses and warehouses. Then proceed to Onomichi to ride Senkoji Ropeway overlooking town scape of Onomichi City with superb view of Onomichi channel which is a part of Seto Inland Sea.
NOV. 15 (SAT) IMABARI,
IMABARI KOKUSAI HOTEL (ONSEN)
This morning we’ll enjoy a relaxing drive on the Shimanami Kaido Highway above the Seto Inland Sea with breathtaking island-to-island bridges to enjoy the luxurious multi-isle beauty of Seto Inland Sea National Park. We will go to Kurushima Strait to enjoy Uzushio Viewing Cruise of the whirling tide this narrow strait surrounded with small islands makes tidal currents strong and intricate to navigate. Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of the whirlpools right up close on a large yacht type pleasure boat. Then proceed to Oyamazumi Shrine was once “One of the most important shrines for the Samurai” and today it’s well-known as “Japan’s Most Extensive Samurai Treasury.” We will visit its famous museum holds the incredible collections of Samurai body armor including the armor of Minamotono Yoshitsune, Minamotono Yoritomo’s sword, statuaries belonging to famous Samurais, etc. Later visit Noma-Uma Highland to see Noma-Uma Horse, a smallest native Japanese Horse originated in Shikoku.
NOV. 16 (SUN) BEPPU,
GRAND MERCURE BEPPU BAY RESORT & SPA (ONSEN)
Enjoy shopping at Tobe pottery Center carrying variety of Tobe poetry wares. Tobe Pottery is known as its design with pure white based with indigo color painting that has been capturing attention. You can enjoy shopping from their collection. Then head to Ozu to enjoy strolling Ohanahan Street that used to be a part of castle town in Edo period. You can feel the daily life of people in Edo period here. Then head to Cape Sada, the narrowest peninsula in Japan, 30 miles from East to West. Catch Ferry sailing through peaceful Bungo channel that is closest route between Shikoku & Kyushu. After landing Kyushu head to our hotel in Beppu Bay with Onsen and Open Air bath offering view of Beppu bay.
NOV. 17 (MON) KIKUNAN ONSEN,
KIKUNAN UBL HOTEL (ONSEN)
Head to Aso-Kuju National Park to visit 1,279 ft. long Kokonoe Great Suspension Bridge which is the highest pedestrian bridge in Japan at 567 ft. high. If you wish to or have the courage to try walking on it. You’ll feel like you are walking in the air over the forest while enjoying Autumn foliage. Then head to Kumamoto via Yamanami Highway while this scenic mountain road is filled with Autumn color. Visit Aso Shrine which is believed to date back almost two thousand years and has been considered the most important shrine in Kumamoto. Also, there is Monzen Shopping Street right next lined with local gift shops. It is fun to grab snacks such as, Croquettes, Kushi Dango (Skewered Dumpling), etc., while exploring. Then proceed to Mt. Aso and visit Kusasenri, a vast glassy plain with peacefully grazing cows and horses. This vast grass land was formed by the eruption 30,000 years ago. Then go to our hotel in Kikunan Onsen in Kumamoto. Enjoy a relaxing soak at Onsen Hot Spring bath. In the evening, enjoy a Japanese Kaiseki Dinner with local ingredients.
NOV. 18 (TUE) KUMAMOTO,
HOTEL NIKKO KUMAMOTO
Kumamoto is known for its huge supply of clean, cold underground mineral water. We will visit Shirakawa Water Source where 60 tons of 57 degree ℉ water gushes out every minute. The water here so clean that you can drink the water directly from the source or pour to your empty bottle without purifying. Then head to the impressive Takachiho Gorge, 1 of Kyushu’s top spectacular sights in Autumn. The natural environment here is praised as “one of Japan’s most impressive natural landscapes.” You can see outstanding natural scenery with remarkably pristine river that flows through the sheer basalt rock walls. Then proceed to Downtown of Kumamoto city, old castle town with a rich cultural heritage, where Miyamoto Musashi spent his last days. We will visit Musashizuka park where the gravesite of Miyamoto Musashi is located. Legend states that Musashi in his armor was buried here to look after his lord all the time. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel that is located close to department store and bustling shopping arcade. After hotel check-in go Holo-Holo around the hotel.
NOV. 19 (WED) KUMAMOTO,
HOTEL NIKKO KUMAMOTO
In the morning, visit Sakura-no baba Josaien, an Edo period-themed complex near Kumamoto castle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while shopping for local products. Afterwards enjoy Seiwa Bunraku Show, a traditional puppet show date back to 1850’s. This rural entertainment was originally performed as an offering to the god of agriculture. For those who wish to, you can visit Reigando cave where Musashi wrote “Gorin no sho” also known as the book of The Five Rings. It has all his experience of fighting. He died one week after he finished writing. To get here we will need to walk about 15 minutes up slopes and slope and steps.
NOV. 20 (THU) KOKURA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL KOKURA
Visit Kumamoto Prefectural Decorated Tumulus Museum located in the area where there are 1/5 of ancient burial mounds remain extant in Japan. The exhibitions have items excavated from the mounds, as well as full-scale models of the mounds. Later visit Tagawa Coal Mine Museum exhibiting 15,000 items pertain to coal mining. In particular their Sakubei Yamamoto’s annotated painting collections telling us how miners had been working at that time. This documentary heritage was registered as UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2011. Then go to Kita Kyushu, the second largest city in Kyushu. We will stay 2 nights at hotel close to Kokura station and its shopping area. Upon arrival at hotel, tour guide will take you Holo-Holo to station area.
NOV. 21 (FRI) KOKURA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL KOKURA
Take a short boat cruise to land on Ganryujima Island, the site of the most celebrated duel in the Samurai period, the fight between the two arch-rival swordsmen, Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. There are statues of Musashi and Kojiro depicting their famous duel on the island. Later go to Karato fish Market for some fun shopping for Dried Seafood, Konbu seaweed, etc. This will be perfect chance to eat fresh Sushi at the famous fish market (You can purchase at your own expense from 1 piece). Those who wish to, you can visit Akama Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Antoku, the 6-year-old child emperor who perished in the sea during Battle of Danno-Ura (need to go up by steps). Later we will visit Aeon Shopping Mall for lunch and some more shopping. After going back to the hotel, enjoy Holo-Holo to Local Department store. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense.)
NOV. 22 (SAT) FUKUOKA / HONOLULU
At check-out time our agent will come around to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage’s to be checked-in down. In the afternoon go to Fukuoka Airport to catch a domestic flight to Haneda airport. Then catch an International flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, NOV 22 (Saturday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense)
*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 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:
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
PH: 808-536-8618 or 808-538-7854
EMAIL: tohoku.travel.hi@gmail.com
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