TOUR ITINERARY
MAR.1 (Sun) HONOLULU
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard Japan Airlines flight. Free Movies and Drinks.
MAR. 2 (Mon) KYOTO,
MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO
Arrive at Kansai Int’l Airport and after clearing entry formalities, transfer by bus to Kyoto, which carries a reputation as the “Most Beautiful City in Japan.” We will stay 2 nights at our hotel which is located right in front of Kyoto Station and close to Aeon shopping mall including Supermarket, UNIQLO, Daiso, 300 Yen shop, IKEA, etc.
MAR. 3 (Tue) KYOTO,
MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO
Did you watch an American historical drama television series “SHOGUN”? It has won Emmy Award in 2024 and four Golden Globe in 2025 and has been gaining world attention. Its main character is a Samurai warrior inspired by Tokugawa Ieyasu who is the most important Shogun in Japanese history. He unified Japan after a long period of civil war, and ushered in a period of over 260 years of peace and prosperity. This tour will visit places related to “Shogun Ieyasu” and trace his turbulent life. First, we will visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Ieyasu and had been used by successive Shoguns. It is an excellent example of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design. You will see how the Shoguns lived in and appreciate the grandeur and power of Shogun in very well-preserved castle which is known for its ornate architecture and gorgeous interiors boasting delicate transom woodcarvings and fabulous paintings. We will also visit Fushimi Castle where Ieyasu received the Emperor’s envoy to be Shogun officially. Here is the place he got started his Shogun career. This castle is also known as the site of “Siege of Fushimi.” Torii Mototada, a Samurai who served Ieyasu committed suicide in the castle. His selfless sacrifice coming to be known later as a great example of Samurai loyalty and honor. Castle building is not currently open to the public. We can enjoy views of the castle from the outside garden. If timing is right, we will also visit a lovely Jonan-gu Shrine which is famous for its Weeping plum festival. Enjoy a variety of natural offerings and take a relaxing stroll through beautiful gardens where weeping plum blossom will paint in light pinks and whites with a fleeting and elegant atmosphere.
MAR. 4 (Wed) NAGOYA,
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL GRAND COURT NAGOYA
We will head to Sekigahara known for the “Battle of Sekigahara” which was a pivotal conflict in Japanese history. Ieyasu’s victory on the field brought the long civil war period to an effective close and laid to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate which presided over Japan until 1868. This battle was primarily between two factions of Samurais: the Eastern Army commanded by Ieyasu and the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari who was vassals of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a rival of Ieyasu. We will visit Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum. Various exhibits will help you get a deeper understanding of the greatest Samurai battle which took place here in 1,600. Not only learning how this battle affected Samurai society but also travel back in time and experience what the atmosphere of the battlefield was like on the day it was fought through exhibition with English panel, experience touching weapons and enjoying movie show, etc. Later visit Sekigahara Tourism Center, a souvenir shop carrying local goodies such as Cookies and Senbei Rice crackers with Family crest, Goods of Warlord, Sekigahara original T-shirt, etc. Then head to Nagoya, Japan’s 4th largest city with full of historical landmarks, delicious local foods and traditional culture. We’ll stay 2 nights at soaring tower hotel located easy walking distance to rail station, Shopping mall, Supermarket, etc. Tour guide will take you shopping area after hotel check in.
MAR. 5 (Thu) NAGOYA,
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL GRAND COURT NAGOYA
During the Tokugawa Shogunate (Edo Period), Nagoya was one of the most important castle towns. We will go to the world famous “Nagoya Castle” built in 1612 by Ieyasu and was one of the largest castles in Japan. Visit a superb Nagoya Castle's Honmaru palace originally built in 1615 which was designed as the living quarters of the castle’s lord, and later for the Shogun. The palace was lost during the WWII. But was painstakingly restored in the traditional manner. The residence of the lord had been reputed for ornate decorations and beautiful painted screens. Those made it the most elegant and most gorgeous castle palace ever constructed. We will also visit Kinshachi Yokocho Gourmet Towns a complex facility located at the base of Nagoya castle with a concept of tradition and orthodoxy. You will see many Nagoya cuisines including long-established Japanese confectionary shop beloved by Shoguns. There are also shops carrying local Sake, traditional souvenirs and crafts, are available to purchase for the perfect souvenir. Later we will visit Tokugawa Art Museum which is praised as the Top museum of Samurai art and culture. The museum preserves and exhibits extensive and unrivaled collection of Samurai artifacts that once belonging to the Shogun family. Exhibit galleries recreating an atmosphere of the past for a look back in time as you adore the beauty of the golden age of Shoguns. You will see Samurai armor, swords, tea utensils, noh masks, etc., those were painstakingly collected over many generations of Tokugawa family. Next to the museum is Tokugawaen Garden, a delightful Japanese landscape garden with a large pond at its center. You can enjoy strolling in the major daimyo style garden in the Edo period. A clear stream flows from a waterfall through a ravine and continues to a pond representing the ocean, a sight that symbolically condenses Japan's natural landscape. For those who wish to, we will take you to the Osu Shopping Arcade, Nagoya’s exciting downtown area with all sorts of shops and restaurants. The mall is always crowded with local people and filled with energy and friendly and touchable atmosphere.
MAR. 6 (Fri) HAMAMATSU,
HOTEL CONCORDE HAMAMATSU
Visit Iga Hachimangu Shrine was built to safeguard the Tokugawa Shoguns and they maintained the shrine with great care. Ieyasu always visited this shrine to pray for victory in battle whenever he had decisive battles. Still this shrine is believed that gives blessings for Career advancement, Future prosperity and Success in competitions. And visit Okazaki Castle, known as the birthplace of Ieyasu. He was born in 1542 at here. The castle stands as a testament to Japan's rich Samurai history. Throughout the castle grounds, you can find numerous references to Ieyasu's life and legacy. You will see Statue of Ieyasu, Well that believed to be the source of water for Ieyasu’s first bath, the original stone walls and moats with 400 years history, etc. Next to the castle, there is Mikawa Bushi & Ieyasu Museum just renewed in 2024. The museum offers a deep dive into the life of Ieyasu and Ieyasu’s brave warriors with display of weapons, war helmets and armor including replica of Ieyasu’s armor and battle items. You can wear war helmet and take a Shogun picture at here. Then proceed to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture's largest city. Ieyasu had lived here during his youth period (from 29 to 45 years old). Our hotel is located by the Hamamatsu Castle which is known as the castle where Ieyasu rose to the top and realized his dream to seize ultimate power.
MAR. 7 (Sat) FUJIEDA,
HOTEL OLE
For those who wish to, tour guide will take to Hamamatsu Castle by walk. It will be a nice morning walk on Ieyasu's Promenade to the magnificent restored castle stands on hill. You can follow the footsteps of the great Shogun and experience the history of the Warring States Period. Ieyasu spent 17 years at the castle before uniting Japan. Many successive lords of the castle were promoted to important positions in his shogunate, and as such the castle became known as “the Castle of Advancement.” Later we will visit Kasuisai Hina Doll Festival, the largest Hina doll display in Japan. An ancient temple with about 620 years of history is decorated with about 1,200 Hina dolls on a doll stand with 32 tiers. It’s amazing to see a large number of beautiful Hina dolls reaching close to the ceiling. Shizuoka prefecture is widely known as the “Green tea capital” which is responsible for over 40% of Japan’s tea production. Ieyasu also loved Shizuoka’s green tea. It is said that one of the reasons Ieyasu lived long until 75 years old even the average life expectancy in the Edo period was around 40 years old. We will visit Japanese Tea Museum which introduces industry, history and culture of Shizuoka tea, Japanese tea and world tea. You can enjoy learning through many exhibitions and immerse yourself in the world of tea. You can sample the delicious taste of Shizuoka Tea and purchase famous Shizuoka green teas. You will also enjoy the beautiful view of the tea plantations from the 2nd floor that shows the original landscape of Japan. On clear day, symbol of Japan "Mt. Fuji” can be seen. We will stay at the hotel connecting to rail station and easy walking distance to local supermarket.
MAR. 8 (Sun) SHIZUOKA,
HOTEL ASSOCIA SHIZUOKA
Head to Nihondaira Plateau which is No. 1 in the "Plains" category of the list of Japan's top 100 sightseeing destinations because of the best view of Mt. Fuji. We will ride a Rope way to get to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine which is the original burial place of Ieyasu and enshrines Ieyasu for over 400 years. We will visit the National Treasure Main Building (need to walk up 100 steps) and its museum which holds about 2,000 arts and crafts objects including items from the daily life of Ieyasu as well as complete collections of weapons and combat equipment from the Tokugawa shogunate. It's pleasure to see armor which was used by Ieyasu at the Battle of Sekigahara, Portrait of Ieyasu, etc. We also visit Nihondaira Dream Terrace, an observation facility where a stunning panoramic view of Mt. Fuji & Suruga Bay can be enjoyed on clear day. Its breathtaking views of Shizuoka’s beautiful landscapes will give you a truly special experience (wishing good weather!). Then we will head to Shimizu Port boasts the highest catch of Maguro tuna in Japan. We will enjoy All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch. Stuff yourself with over 25 types of fresh sushi, side menus like fried chicken, simmered vegetable dishes, salad and even desserts! Shimizu Port is one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan because of stunning view of Mt. Fuji. We will enjoy a leisurely cruise of Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise. The view of a magnificent isolated peak of Mt. Fuji over the ocean is truly spectacular. Later visit a Abekawa Mochi factory. This local Mochi was the Ieyasu’s favorite and named by him. Still it’s popular as one of the most famous regional sweets in Shizuoka. We will visit the factory where this Mochi is made and enjoy shopping for staple souvenir sweets in Shizuoka.
MAR. 9 (Mon) KAWAGOE,
PRINCE HOTEL KAWAGOE
In the morning visit Sumpu Castle Park where Ieyasu lived after he retired Shogun until he died in 1616. Most of the original castle and buildings have been destroyed and the ruins of the castle were converted into a modern park after WWⅡ. While strolling the fortress and grounds that were home to a Shogun, you can go back in time to the state of Sumpu 400 years ago and the world that Ieyasu lived in. Later head to World Heritage Fujinsan hongu Sengen Shrine located at the foot of Mt. Fuji. For over 1,100 years, it has been the most important shrine dedicated to Mt. Fuji and centered on the worship of volcanoes and Mt. Fuji. Enjoy peaceful and serene walk in Shrine ground while seeing shrine buildings constructed by Ieyasu in 1606 in gratitude for his victory in the Battle of Sekigahara. Then head to Gotemba, literally meaning "the place where a Palace is located." This “Palace” was built by Ieyasu in 1615. We will stop at Shrimp Senbei Chips store where you can sample an astonishing variety of flavor allowing you to choose your favorite flavors to purchase. You will be able to bring back fresh chips that is a popular local souvenir of Gotemba. Then proceed to Kawagoe and the hotel which is connecting to train station and its shopping building where you can enjoy shopping after hotel check in.
MAR. 10 (Tue) KINUGAWA,
HANASENKYO (ONSEN)
Head to Tochigi which is called “Strawberry Kingdom” because here is Japan’s largest producer of strawberries. We will have fun with Strawberry Picking in season. You will be able to taste fresh and surprisingly sweet Tochigi Strawberries as many as you like! Then we proceed to “World Heritage Wonderland” Nikko at the entrance to Nikko National Park. We will visit World Cultural Heritage Site “Toshogu Shrine” built in 1617 as a magnificent mausoleum of Ieyasu. This shrine has been praised as “Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine” and “Japan’s most photographed place.” Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. You will see an elaborate and breathtakingly beautiful carvings that have been called “the Pride of Japan.” We will also visit Nikko Shoyu Factory. They are producing exclusive Shoyu offering to Toshogu shrine. It will be a precious chance to get Shoyu with a Tokugawa family crest at here. They also produce delicious Robatazuke pickles made by marinating local vegetables in tamari sauce. It’s also popular local souvenir of Nikko. Then proceed to Kinugawa, one of Japan’s most famous Onsen Resort areas located at the upper stream of the Kinugawa river with rich natural surroundings. We will stay at Onsen Resort hotel located at the center of the Kinugawa Hot spring town. Your room have a panoramic view with Kinugawa river and enjoy Onsen Hot Spring bath of famous Kinugawa Hot Spring.
MAR. 11 (Wed) IKEBUKURO,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN
In the morning, visit Serada Toshogu Shrine, another magnificent shrine enshrines Ieyasu. This shrine was transported from Nikko Toshogu Shrine to the birthplace of the Tokugawa Family in 1644. It’s interesting to see the same kind of vivid ornamentation that can be found in the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later visit Hanazono Forest a very popular Sweets Theme park carrying many sweets and souvenirs perfect for gifts. We will try all-you-can-fit cookie challenge. You can stuff your favorite cookies in a cup. And you can enjoy shopping for delicious Outlet sweets. It’s almost like Sweets Heaven! Then proceed to Tokyo. Ieyasu established the Edo government in 1603, which has become present-day Tokyo and World’s most populous metropolitan area. We will stay 2 nights at hotel in Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo's multiple city centers and a major commercial and entertainment district in west Tokyo. Our hotel is within easy walking distance to the Ikebukuro rail station and the shopping district. After hotel check-in, tour guide will take you Holo Holo around the hotel.
MAR. 12 (Thu) IKEBUKURO,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN
In 1590 Ieyasu entered Edo and based in Edo Castle which was constructed at the place of current Imperial Palace. We will visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, has many historic sites that make you think of Ieyasu and Edo Castle ruin at the former Edo Castle's innermost circles. You can visit the remaining foundation of the former castle tower, Museum of Imperial Collections, a nice Japanese Garden, etc. Later visit Zojoji temple, the family temple of Tokugawa Shoguns. It’s originally built in 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598 by Ieyasu. This beautiful and peaceful temple’s massive main building with symbolic Tokyo Tower in the background makes for postcard like pictures. We will also visit Ameyoko, “1 of Japan’s Most Popular Shopping Streets.” filled with over 400 shops dealing discounts on all kinds of items that includes seafood, sweets, T-shirts, snacks, etc. After going back to the hotel, Free Time to continue shopping, packing etc. (Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)
MAR. 13 (Fri) HANEDA / HONOLULU,
At checkout time, our agents will come around to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. In the afternoon, proceed to Haneda Int’l Airport to catch flight in the evening to Honolulu, arriving the same morning, MAR. 13 (Friday) after clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch/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.
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