TOUR ITINERARY
28 JAN (WED) HONOLULU
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard Japan Airlines flight. Free Movies and Drinks.
29 JAN (THU) HANEDA, TOKYO,
HOTEL VILLA FONTAINE GRAND HANEDA AIRPORT
Arrive at Haneda International Airport and after clearing entry formalities, we will walk to hotel which is directly connected to International Terminal Building. This newly opened hotel has a comfortable approach to multiple restaurants, shops and 24 hours open convenience store. You will have a good night's rest on first night in Japan.
30 JAN (FRI) NAHA, OKINAWA,
THE ORION HOTEL NAHA
In the morning, go to Domestic Terminal Building to catch a flight to Naha the capital and largest city of Okinawa. First sightseeing in Okinawa is the World Heritage site, Shurijo Castle Park. Here was the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 450 years until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The main structures of Shuri Castle is being rebuilt after the 31 Oct 2019 fire. However we will be able to visit other cultural heritages such as Shurei-no Mon Gate that is best known as one of the greatest architectural monuments unique to Okinawa and is referred to as a historic and cultural symbol of Okinawa. You will see distinctive culture of Okinawa while strolling the park. We will stay 2 nights continuously at the hotel which is located along Kokusai street, main shopping and entertainment strip in Naha. After hotel check in, tour guide will take you Holo Holo around the hotel.
31 JAN (SAT) NAHA,
THE ORION HOTEL NAHA
Okinawan textiles developed under the influence of fabrics from Southeast Asia, China and mainland Japan. You will see the rich variety and technique of Okinawan textiles during this tour. We will enjoy Making your own Tote bag by dyeing with Coral fossils. Coral is a fundamental part of the history and culture of the Okinawan islands. We will experience a coral dyeing technique done only in Okinawa. No special skills are required, just stamp colorful patterns onto Tote bag. It will be your own memorable souvenir of Okinawa. Later visit Okinawa World, a big theme park focuses on traditional Okinawan culture. You can experience almost all the important aspects of Okinawan culture at the park. Main attraction is Gyokusendo Limestone cave, an extensive natural limestone cave that is Japan's 2nd longest. Enjoy walking along spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. You can also visit nice replica of Traditional Ryukyu village with traditional Okinawan style houses which were built over 100 years ago. And we will get a chance to see exciting Eisa (traditional Okinawan drum dance) show. Okinawa's traditional performing art with the sound of the drums will captivate you. Southern Okinawa was the fierce battle filed in the final stages of World War Two. We will visit Himeyuri Monument which was constructed in memory of the young girls and teachers who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa. After going back to the hotel, for those who wish to, tour guide will take you to Makishi public market, which is called "Okinawa's kitchen". Enjoy strolling around lively market which is attracting local people and tourists as one of the most fascinating markets in Japan.
1 FEB (SUN) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,
ISHIGAKI SEA SIDE HOTEL
Today, we will start a tour to Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park which is the southernmost National Park in Japan. It boasts diverse wildlife, stunning coral reefs, Japan’s largest mangrove forest, and showcases traditional Okinawan culture. In the morning, we will catch an interisland flight to idyllic Ishigaki Island that is an island-hopping hub and often called "Japanese Natural Wonderland." Upon arrival on the island, enjoy strolling around Yonekoyaki Craft Center Shisa Park. Shisa (Guardian Lion) is a deeply rooted and very popular part of Okinawan culture. You can take pictures of huge and cute, rainbow-colored Shisa sculptures at the garden. Then visit Kabira bay considered to be “One of Japan’s most beautiful beaches” and praised as the “Most photographed sightseeing spot on Ishigaki island.” You can enjoy stunning scenery of lovely emerald blue water with a perfect yellow-white sand beach. Thus, awarded the maximum of “3 stars sightseeing spot in Japan” by French travel guidebook. We will stay at resort hotel sits on a white sand beach. You can enjoy walking on the beach and relaxing at beautiful seaside resort hotel. You can also enjoy a big public bath (Sorry! Not Onsen Hot Spring)
2 FEB (MON) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,
ART HOTEL ISHIGAKI
We will visit a world-known Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio. Their original style potteries have an impressive color of beautiful blue-green ocean that is inspired by the natural beauty of the island. Recently, Ishigaki-yaki gained international fame. Their pottery pieces were exhibited in the British Museum in England, the Louvre in France, etc., and had good responses. Also the Emperor of Japan has one of their work in his collection apparently. It's very popular souvenir that reminds you of the Island. Later visit an open-air Okinawan architectural museum Ishigaki Yaima Village, located on a hill overlooking the famous Nagura Bay, where you can immerse yourselfe in the nature and culture of Ishigaki Island. The village offers unique programs that you can connect with nature and animals, such as strolling along a boardwalk through one of Japan's most significant mangrove forests, interacting with over 60 friendly squirrel monkeys, see the crested serpent eagle that is a nationally designated natural treasure and water buffalo that historically aided in farming and transport in Japan’s remote Yaeyama Islands. Here, you can enjoy making Hoshizuna (star sand) art. Fill a small glass bottle with star-shaped sand and colored sand to create your own original work. Later head to Cape Tamatori Observatory. It is a Picture-perfect spot where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful coastline of Ishigaki Island's east coast with the blue waters and coral reefs. We will stay 2 nights at Urban resort hotel with relaxing atmosphere with spectacular view from the hillside all the way to where the sky meets the sea. You can enjoy soaking and relaxing in big public bath (Sorry! Not Onsen Hot Spring).
3 FEB (TUE) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,
ART HOTEL ISHIGAKI
Ride a ferry to UNESCO’s World Heritage site "Iriomote Island," the largest island in this National Park and nearly 90 % of the island is covered by dense jungle and Mangrove forests thus called “Galapagos in Orient”. These environments attract a fascinating array of creatures and species that live exclusively on Iriomote Island. We will visit Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center. You can learn about the ecology of the island's precious wildlife and the conservation measures in place to protect local endemic wild animals primarily focuses on the Iriomote cat. Later we will cross to Yubu Island riding on yet slightly antiquated looking Suigyusha (Water Buffalo Cart). This paradisiacal island is separated from Iriomote island. Water Buffalo pulls cart through shallow ocean to the island. This will make for a fun experience and interesting story to tell. Then go back to Ishigaki Island. In the evening, we will enjoy Okinawan style dinner with an Okinawan Traditional Dance show. You will know and taste Okinawa’s unique food culture while watching Okinawan style dance and singing.
4 FEB (WED) CHATAN,
THE BEACH TOWER OKINAWA (ONSEN)
Okinawa has been culturally influenced by various countries as may be seen in its distinctive textiles and patterns. There are 13 Okinawan textiles designated as National Traditional Crafts. Undoubtedly, Okinawa is home to most sophisticated traditional handicrafts notably in the unique local fabrics. We will visit Minsaori Textile Museum. Minsaori has been produced in Taketomi Town and Ishigaki City since around 400 years ago. We will learn about this traditional Okinawan handmade textile and enjoy shopping. Then visit Torinji Temple known as the southernmost zen temple in Japan and the oldest wooden building in Okinawa which was originally built in 1614. This Historic temple is located in a tropical atmosphere surrounded by evergreen trees and offering an Okinawan view different from other temples in Japan. You will be able to feel the history of the Yaeyama islands when you see the Deva kings (Nio), made in 1737 and the oldest wooden carvings of the region. They are said to be the guardians of Ishigaki. After enjoy lunch, we will head to Ishigaki airport to catch an interisland flight to go back to Naha. Upon arrival, we are going to Chatan an international resort area in central Okinawa Main Island which is one of the most vibrant areas of Okinawa with a notably cosmopolitan feel. We will stay at Okinawa’s tallest building hotel which is facing to beautiful beach. And the hotel is conveniently located next to Aeon Shopping Mall and easy walking distance to American Village resembles a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops and restaurants which provide a nostalgic pleasure for you. After dinner, for those who wish we will take you to Southeast Botanical Garden to see Award-winning Night Illumination with millions of holiday lights in a colorful winter display. Enjoy wonderful night views created by lighted palm trees, lawns carpeted with lights, and lights arranged to accentuate the natural features and plant life of the gardens. It will be a truly magical experience to walk through a tunnel of lights. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing soak at the Open-air Onsen Hot Spring bath that uses “100% Pure Hot Spring Water.”
5 FEB (THU) MOTOBU,
HOTEL ORION MOTOBU RESORT (ONSEN)
Visit a cultural theme park Murasaki Mura which is a reproduction of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 14th century when it was a flourishing trade center. This large village was actually built as a set for NHK’s TV drama “Ryukyu no Kaze”. You will feel the grandeur of the kingdom era while walking. Here, we will enjoy “Painting your own Shisa (Okinawan Guardian Lion)”. Shisa is widely considered as ornaments to put at home, it may bring you and your family good luck. Then go to Cape Manzamo, said to be one of the best scenic viewpoints in Okinawa main island, with the natural grass growing all over the hill ending in a cliff facing the sea. You will admire the stunning views of seascape which is accentuated by the protuberant and strangely-shaped coral reef rocks. Later go to Okashigoten confectionery shop that is producing one of the most popular souvenir sweets in Okinawa “Beni-imo tart.“ Beni-imo is Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato cultivated only in Okinawa. You can Make your own Beni-imo tart that is available only this shop. Next enjoy Orion Beer Factory tour (Subject to change due to renovation works). Okinawa’s major beer company founded in 1957 during the American occupation. We will see the process of making beer and tasting freshly brewed Okinawan beer made with Okinawan spring water. We will stay 2 nights at deluxe resort hotel right across from the Emerald beach. Enjoy Okinawan resort experience with great view of Emerald green ocean and symbolic Ie island that can be seen at the horizon. You can enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring bath where you can see beautiful ocean with Ie island while soaking in bathtub.
6 FEB (FRI) MOTOBU,
HOTEL ORION MOTOBU RESORT (ONSEN)
Visit fantastic Churaumi Aquarium, widely considered "Japan's Best Aquarium". The highlight of the Aquarium is one of the world’s largest water tanks contains a wide variety of marine species, the most striking of which are the giant Whale sharks and Mantas. It's astounding how massive they are. And there is an interesting underwater tunnel that make you feel like you are in ocean with the fishes. Enjoy amazing aquarium experience ranked #4 of the "Largest and Best Aquariums in the World" in 2025. Then we proceed to Kouri Island, referred to locally as “Love Island” by virtue of Okinawan folklore. We will visit observatory tower, the perfect place to gaze out across the Okinawa's emerald green ocean and over 1 mile long Kouri bridge back toward the main island. In the main building you can find a Shell Museum with a collection of more than 10,000 seashells from all over the world. You can also find shell-crafted souvenirs at the gift shop. Then visit highlight spot of Northern Okinawa island “Nakijin Gusuku” a castle ruin of Ryukyu Kingdom (13~15th century) which is designated as UNESCO’s World Heritage and known for its Sakura (Cherry Blossom) festival. Enjoy seeing earliest blooming dark pink Cherry blossoms with beautiful stone works of ancient castle (depending on climate).
7 FEB (SAT) NAHA,
THE ORION HOTEL NAHA
Stop at Roadside station Kyoda where many stalls selling all kinds of interesting Okinawan local foods, snacks, delicacies, ice-cream, etc., at very reasonable prices. Andagi Okinawan doughnut and Okinawa style Tempura are so delicious! You can purchase local souvenirs and unique products that can only be found here. After enjoy lunch and shopping at Aeon shopping mall, visit Eisa Museum that is dedicated to Eisa dance, a traditional Okinawan dance performance. You can learn about its culture and how to perform this vibrant dance. Its exhibition area is filled with many rare books and video footages and a comprehensive collection of artifacts and instruments you can touch. Later we will visit Awamori factory. Awamori is Japan’s oldest distilled liquor indigenous and unique to Okinawa. You can sample and purchase traditional Okinawan liquor at factory shop. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner with an Okinawan Shamisen (Sanshin) show. Shamisen is a Japanese traditional 3-stringed instrument brought from Ryukyu Kingdom about 500 years ago. Experience the Okinawan culture and performing arts that represents the identity of the Okinawan people.
8 FEB (SUN) NAHA,
THE ORION HOTEL NAHA
All day Free Time for shopping, packing, meeting with your relatives, etc. It will be a good chance to ride the Okinawa Urban Monorail “Yui Rail”. This monorail train offers a city scape of Naha from above, something that you wouldn’t experience during bus ride. For those who take interest in Okinawan pottery, you will be able to visit “Yachimun street” by walk. It’s the epicenter of Okinawa’s pottery tradition. You will enjoy wandering through cute and quaint street of amazing potters and artisans. Then, you will be able to enjoy local foods around Makishi public market. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense).
9 FEB (MON) NAHA / HANEDA / HONOLULU
At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked in down. Then proceed by bus to Naha 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, on Feb. 9 (Monday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense)
*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***
INCLUDES: The itinerary includes land transportation, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing, 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 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 SERVICE LLC
PH: 808-536-8618 or 808-538-7854
EMAIL: tohoku.travel.hi@gmnail.com
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