TOUR ITINERARY
12. FEB (THU) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard the flight. There will be Free Movies and Drinks.
13. FEB (FRI) HANEDA,
HOTEL VILLA FONTAINE GRAND HANEDA AIRPORT
Arrive at Haneda International Airport and after clearing entry formalities, walk to hotel that 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. After hotel check-in, enjoy Holo-Holo and dinner at the terminal building.
14. FEB (SAT) HAKODATE,
HAKODATE KOKUSAI HOTEL (ONSEN)
Catch free shuttle bus to domestic terminal building to catch flight to Hakodate in Hokkaido, a fascinating city filled with many charms including foreign-inspired architecture, port view, etc. Upon arrival stop at Shoe store to buy your Snow shoes. We will go to Fort Goryokaku. Japan’s first western-style fortress with massive 5 pointed star-shape that was completed around 160 years ago. This Special National Historic Site is now functioning as a peaceful park. We will take a bird’s eye view from a 351 feet high Observatory Tower of a magnificent panoramic view of the massive outline of the 5-point star park along with the surrounding moat and cityscape of Hakodate. Ride on Mt. Hakodate Ropeway to enjoy Night view (subject to change to Twilight View due to over tourism). Soak and relax in 1st Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath on this trip.
15. FEB (SUN) AOMORI,
HOTEL AOMORI
Visit Hakodate Morning market. About 250 stores sell Hokkaido delicacies such as dried seafood, sweets, snacks, processed seafood products, etc. Afterwards head to Shin-Hakodate station to ride Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train to cross to Aomori, northern most prefecture in Honshu (Main island of Japan), via the Seikan Undersea Tunnel (33.5 miles long and second world longest railway tunnel). Upon arrival at Aomori, visit Aomori Tourist Information Center Aspam to enjoy panoramic 3D movie show of Nabuta Festival one of 3 major Sumer Festivals in Tohoku region and is the most energetic one. The most distinctive part of the festival is the massive floats carried around the city while the participants jump and shout. Here, there are 6 souvenir stores carrying sweets and juice made of Aomori Apple, Scallop, other seafood products, Crafts items, etc. We will stay 2 nights at a modern hotel which is located in central Aomori City.
16. FEB (MON) AOMORI,
HOTEL AOMORI
Head to Kanagi to visit Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum the former home of parents of Dazai Osamu, a novelist who is believed to be the best fiction author in modern-day Japan by the 20th century. You can enter this magnificent house built in 1907 to experience the vanishing traditional culture of northeastern Japan. Then ride on Stove Train operated only during winter season. This nostalgic train remains the style of olden days with coal-fueled Daruma stoves. In the train, you can try grilling Dried Squid (Own expense) while viewing Tsugaru plains in snow. Also visit Nebuta Museum “Warasse” to see actual 4 to 5 festival floats that are used for Nebuta Festival for past festivals. These huge floats are skillfully made of Paper & Bamboo still handcrafted by artisans. In the evening, enjoy dinner while enjoying energetic Tsugaru Shamisen Show!!
17. FEB (TUE) OUSYUKU,
HOTEL MORI NO KAZE OUSYUKU (ONSEN)
In the Morning, enjoy exciting Winter activity, Banana Boat slide, Snow Rafting, and Snow Mobile conducted by instructor. Then go to Kazuno Roadside Station "Antler" to try making Akita’s traditional food Kiritanpo (mashed rice stick) by toasting over on Japanese style open hearth. Then proceed to our hotel in Oshuku. Soak and Relax away the fatigue in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open Air Bath. (Private Onsen available on your own expense)
18. FEB (WED) HANAMAKI ONSEN,
HANAMAKI ONSEN KOYOKAN (ONSEN)
Visit Koiwai Dairy Farm founded in 1891 to enjoy “Backyard Tour”. Local guide will explain about the farm’s history and how the production area continues to rise to new challenges today. Enjoy local cuisine “Wanko Soba”, a traditional “all-you-can-eat” food from Morioka City with 400 years history. Portions of soba noodles are very small. However, the attending server will assist serving the noodles one after the other. Then go to Hanamaki, the high school Shohei Otani played is located. Our hotel is in Hanamaki Onsen, historic old hot spring town developed about 400 years ago. Soak and Relax away the fatigue in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open Air Bath.
19. FEB (THU) YAMAGATA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN YAMAGATA
Head to Ichinoseki to visit Ichinoseki City Museum exhibiting Samurai Swords. Learn about history and origin of Samurai swords. Then head to Yamagata. Visit Iai Shrine that is birth place of Iaido (a traditional sword-based martial arts, quickly responding with drawing the swords against sudden attack). We will be witness of watching demonstration of real Samurai Moves that has been handed down for 450 years. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is connected to Yamagata Train Station. Enjoy Holo-Holo in convenient location to access numerous of shops without going outdoor. In the evening, enjoy Kaiseki dinner at private banquet room.
20. FEB (FRI) YAMAGATA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN YAMAGATA
Head to Zao Mountain range offering a picturesque scenery throughout the year to ride Rope way to mountain top station (5,285 feet high). During the ride you will see beautiful fantasy world of “Juhyo (Snow Monster).” Numerous of trees covered by snow and ice look like imaginary monsters (Weather permitting). This phenomenon only occurs in a few places around the world. These otherworldly shapes loom on the vast landscape is truly amazing! Later go to Tendo, the production center of where 90% of Shogi (Japanese Chess) pieces are produced and designated as a National Traditional Art craft. Enjoy shopping for their collection of Shogi products with many different Kanji character painted on it. Also enjoy Safflower dying experience which is designated as a National Traditional Craft. You can make your own "One and Only" souvenir of Yamagata. We will also visit Dewazakura Sake Store, founded in 1892. Their smooth, fragrant, and delicious Sake have won Gold Medal for 22 consecutive years in the U.S National Sake Appraisal.
21. FEB (SAT) NASU HIGHLANDS,
GRAND MERCURE NASU HIGHLANDS RESORT & SPA (ONSEN)
Head to Yonezawa that was once a thriving castle town ruled by the Uesugi warrior clan. Visit Uesugi Shrine which enshrines Uesugi Kenshin who was one of the bravest Samurai warriors that ever lived and known as famous phrase saying “"I do not fight with salt, but with the sword" when he sent salt to his biggest enemy. Right next, there is Uesugi Joshien where you can enjoy shopping for Yonezawa Textile, Confectionaries made of Cherry, La France (a Pear originated in France that is currently being raised only in Japan) Jam, etc. Then head to Kitakata to enjoy Kitakata Ramen for the lunch. Afterwards stop by Lake Inawashiro known as Heavenly Mirror Lake because of its clarity. It is right in season when 3,000 Swans overwinter can bee seen. Our hotel is sounded by magnificent Nasu five mountains. Soak and Relax in last Onsen Hot Spring bath on our trip.
22. FEB (SUN) ASAKUSA,
ASAKUSA VIEW HOTEL
Visit Wakayama Bamboo Farm where bamboo has been cultivated with the organic farming for approximately over 80 years. 100,000 bamboo densely filling 60 acre ground that has been used as the location for various movies and commercials. A local guide will take us short tour through the forest to let us learn about bamboo. Also Wagashi (Japanese traditional confectionary) with Matcha green tea will be provided for all the tour members. Visit Omiya Bonsai Art Museum exhibiting many precious Bonsai masterpieces that you will take delight in the world of bonsai. Then go to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's historical neighborhoods which has a long history of over 1,400 years. Location of our hotel is within easy walking distance to Super Market and type of Shopping district so called “Shitamachi” (remaining retro buildings and true local atmosphere). After hotel check in your tour guide take you Holo Holo around the hotel. In the evening, we have buffet dinner at hotel restaurant on 26th floor offering night view of Tokyo city with lit up Tokyo Sky Tree.
23. FEB (MON) ASAKUSA,
ASAKUSA VIEW HOTEL
Visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, well preserved Japanese traditional Garden built in the early Edo period. Enjoy peaceful walk through while Ume Blossom blooming to feel Spring is just around the corner. Then go to Odaiba to enjoy shopping and lunch at Aqua City. Also we will go to aquarium “Gakyo”. Small but creative aquarium with display of fishes expressing traditional Japanese scene of beauty such as the Dragon Palace Castle, Kaleidoscopes, and courtesan processions. Next, visit SMALL WORLDS Miniature Museum, another creative museum where numerous of miniature sized world is exhibit, such as Airport, Tourist spot, Typical type of street in Tokyo, Highway, Sky Scraper, Train station and much more. They (Aquarium and Museum) also allow to take picture of the all the exhibitions. (Lunch / dinner will be at your own expense.)
24. FEB (TUE) ASAKUSA / HONOLULU
At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. In the afternoon proceed by bus to Haneda International Airport to catch Flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 24 Feb (Tuesday) 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 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: 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
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
