TOUR ITINERARY
26 MAR (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.
27 MAR (FRI) KAWASAKI,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN KAWASAKI
Arrive at Haneda Int’l Airport and after clearing government formalities, 15 minutes bus ride to Kawasaki, the third largest city in the Tokyo metropolitan area. We will stay 2 nights at hotel which is located close to bustling Kawasaki train station and shopping complexes including the Lazona Shopping mall with over 300 shops. Tour guides will take you to shopping area after hotel check in.
28 MAR (SAT) KAWASAKI,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN KAWASAKI
“The Golden Route of Japan” is a popular and ideal course for foreign travelers as it provides a well-rounded understanding of Japanese history and culture through a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. Each cities have its unique character and provide a great introduction to amazing Japan. We will start from Tokyo Metropolis Tour! Enjoy the World’s Biggest City Tokyo's mega-city vibes and buzzing energy. In the morning, we will take a Boat cruise on the Sumida River. We will see the Japanese capital’s preeminent landmark “Tokyo Sky Tree” boasting a height of 2,080 feet. This massive tower is the world’s tallest tower and really stands out in Tokyo’s skyline. If timing is right, we can see Sakura Cherry Blossoms along the river side. Afterwards, we will visit Asakusa Tokyo’s most popular tourist destination which is known for the great historical complex with old downtown atmosphere. We will visit Sensoji Temple Tokyo’s oldest temple which was originally built in the 7th century. You will get a chance to walk through and shop at Nakamise Shopping Street is lined with many traditional souvenir shops and food stalls. You can enjoy strolling and shopping with the vibe of an Edo-period (1603-1867) downtown Tokyo. It starts from Kaminari mon Gate with large red lantern that is familiar landmark of Tokyo. Later head to the Imperial Palace located on the former site of Edo Castle. We will visit its Outer Garden to see Niju Bashi Bridge which is Tokyo’s most famous bridge and the main bridge to the Imperial Palace which is the main residence of the Imperial Family. Ater going back to the hotel, enjoy shopping!
29 MAR (SUN) LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO,
HOTEL REGINA KAWAGUCHIKO (ONSEN) ♨
We head to Lake Kawaguchi, attracting the world's attention because of the honor of World’s #10 of “2024’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth” chosen by Booking.com. If weather is clear, we can be blessed with amazing views of Mt. Fuji up close. We will enjoy Yamanashi prefecture’s famous local lunch of Hoto Nabe (Flat noodles and vegetables in Miso hot pot). Then go to Lake Sai, one of the Fuji Five lakes at the northern base of Mt. Fuji. And visit Saiko Iyashino Sato Village where you can step into a restored old Japanese village with traditional thatched roof houses that was once said to be “Japan’s most beautiful village” with the stunning Mt. Fuji as a backdrop. While you are strolling the village, you can witness stunning views of Mt. Fuji between traditional thatched roofs (Weather permitting). We will also visit Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center providing information on Mt. Fuji’s outstanding universal value. You can learn about the “Symbol of Japan” Mt. Fuji’s ecosystem, the cultural history of this sacred mountain, etc. You can also purchase merchandise relating to Mt. Fuji at the gift shop. Our hotel is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, with the picture window of all the room facing it. It will be a good chance to enjoy a relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath. And enjoy Traditional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner in the evening.
30 MAR (MON) NAGOYA,
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL GRAND COURT NAGOYA
Today we will head to an old castle town of Okazaki known as the birthplace of “SHOGUN” Tokugawa Ieyasu who is one of the three "Great Unifiers" of 16th-century Japan. He loved local Haccho Miso which has over 600-years history. We will visit Miso Factory to see the place of making traditional local Miso and sample Miso soup. You can buy their Miso that featured in many of the miso-based dishes of Nagoya area. Later head to Nagoya, Japan’s 4th largest city with full of historical landmarks, delicious local foods and traditional culture. We will visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology located in the birthplace of the “TOYOTA” which is the largest company in Japan. You can learn the history of how Toyota was established and developed from a very early period when Toyota was a department of loom making company with 4,000 of dynamic displays of original equipment. We will stay at soaring tower hotel that is located close to train station, shopping mall, and supermarket where you can enjoy shopping even after dinner.
31 MAR (TUE) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
In the morning, we will visit Nagoya’s Number One Landmark Nagoya Castle's Honmaru palace originally built for Tokugawa Shoguns in 1615 and was lost during the WWII. But was painstakingly restored in the traditional manner and fully reopened in 2018. The residence of the lord had been reputed for ornate decorations and beautiful painted screens. Those made it the most elegant, most gorgeous castle palace ever constructed. If the timing is right, we will also see Sakura Cherry blossoms along the castle’s moat. Then head to Nabana-no-sato Flower Park. Enjoy strolling around a huge flower garden with a variety of beautiful seasonal flowers such as Tulip, Cherry blossom, Peach flower, etc., in bloom (depending on timing). And we will have fun with Strawberry Picking in season. You will be able to taste fresh and sweet Japanese Strawberries as many as you like! Later proceed to the most historic and spiritual center of Japan “Nara” where Buddhism first flourished and the first permanent capital of Japan was built over 1,300 years ago. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel located close to Nara rail station. After hotel arrival, tour guides will take you Holo-Holo around the station area.
1 APR (WED) NARA,
HOTEL NIKKO NARA
Head to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan for 1,100 years and praised as the “Most beautiful city in Japan.” It is renowned for its extensive history, stunning temples and shrines, and cultural customs. You will see its distinctive fusion of traditional and modern Japan with the old and new everywhere in the city. First, visit one of Kyoto’s most familiar symbols, Kinkakuji Temple known as the famed “Golden Pavilion” situated picturesquely over the reflecting pond. This temple is chosen as "1 of 36 of Japan's most stunning places" by CNN and often called Kyoto’s most impressive sight. Later enjoy lunch and shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, carrying Kyoto’s beautiful and skillfully handcrafted items and specialty goods. Then go to enjoy seeing the beautiful Miyako Odori Dance Show (Cherry Blossom Dance), an annual show held only in Spring featuring the fine traditional song and dance skills of Maiko (Apprentice geisha) and Geiko (geisha) in timeless splendor. Enjoy the beauty of spectacular dances and singing, with vibrantly colored Kimono costumes with Japan's most highly trained performers. After going back to the hotel in Nara, you can enjoy shopping around the hotel.
2 APR (THU) OKAYAMA,
KURASHIKI IVY SQUARE
We will visit a World Heritage site Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It’s amazing to see the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) which is the World's largest wooden building enshrines the World’s largest bronze statue 50ft tall "Big Buddha" constructed in 752. Then go to Miki, a major production area of blades since ancient times. You will get a chance to buy Miki’s durable and incredibly sharp knives, scissors, nail clippers, and hardware at Miki Cutlery Center. Later visit Korakuen Garden, one of the three most beautiful Japanese gardens. This representative Japanese Garden was created about 320 years ago in the Edo Period. Enjoy strolling around beautiful landscape garden including a large pond, streams, walking paths. Later we will proceed to Kurashiki, known as “Venice of Japan” because of incredibly well-preserved historic town with picturesque canals which developed by merchants since the Edo Period. Tonight’s hotel is located in a complex of brick buildings covered in ivy and walking distance to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter that preserving a quaint townscape with 400-year-old Japanese-style storehouses with white walls and rows of willows.
4 APR (SAT) HIROSHIMA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL HIROSHIMA
We will visit Japan’s most popular tourist attraction, Miyajima Island and the beautiful and sacred Itsukushima Shrine where you can experience the most amazing spiritual gateway in Japan. This is “One of Japan's Scenic Trio” and “World Cultural Heritage site.” The shrine is originally built over 1,400 years ago. A complex of brightly colored pavilions known worldwide as “Floating shrine” built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. You will have fun with strolling and shopping along the Omote sando street lined with shops selling traditional Miyajima souvenirs and Miyajima’s specialty delicacies such as grilled oyster, freshly baked Momiji Manju, etc. Later head to Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture to see famous Kintai (Brocaded) Bridge originally built in 1673. This beautiful wooden arched bridge has been praised as “One of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan.” You will marvel at the world’s largest wooden bridge while walking and crossing this iconic bridge. If timing is right, 3,000 Sakura Cherry Blossoms are blooming along the river banks. (Blooming level depends on climate of the year).
5 APR (SUN) HIROSHIMA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL HIROSHIMA
This morning we will land on Kyushu, the third largest island of Japan, by the Shinkansen bullet train. Enjoy an amazing experience by Japan’s high-speed bullet train with speed reaching up to 198 mph! After arrival at Kokura station, transfer by bus to Shimonoseki via Kanmon Straits, a historical site where known as the scenes of an ancient battle such as battle leading to the fall of the Heike clan in 1185 and duel between Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki in 1612. We will visit famous Karato fish Market for some fun shopping for dried seafood, seaweed, processed sea products, etc., with a lively atmosphere. This will be the best chance to enjoy today’s fresh caught Sushi at the famous fish market (You can purchase at your own expense from 1 piece to several pieces). Later we will head to Mojiko Retro Area, a waterfront area with a nostalgic atmosphere thanks to several well preserved Western-style buildings in the late 19th century. We will visit its 338 feet high Observatory which offers magnificent views of the Mojiko Retro district, the Kanmon Bridge over the Kanmon Strait, as well as the Shimonoseki area. We will stay 2 nights at hotel next to Kokura rail station and its shopping area. After the hotel check in, tour guides will take you Holo-Holo to station area.
6 APR (MON) KOKURA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL KOKURA
Kyushu is rich in historical sites connected to significant historical events and cultural exchange with Korea, China and beyond via the Silk Road. We will visit a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Munakata Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's oldest and most sacred shrines which featured in Japanese myth. The original shrine stands on the remote, sacred island lying along the sea route to Korea. This island has served as a place to pray for safe travel since the fourth century and still off-limits to the public. You will discover the fascinating glimpses of Japan’s past at the ancient religious areas that have been preserved and passed down over the centuries. We will also visit its impressive Treasure hall which displays numerous National Tresure artifacts which excavated from Sacred Island including weapons, jewelries, bronze mirrors, and glassworks dating to the fourth to ninth centuries. Those are believed to have been used in external trade in ancient times and show the spiritual history of the area and its role as the end of the Silk Road. Later we will enjoy shopping at the Head Quarters of the Mochikichi Rice Crackers that is one of Japan’s leading rice cracker manufacturers. You can buy their "Gourmet rice crackers" at the factory store. We will enjoy more shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall before going back to the hotel. You will be able to enjoy some more shopping and packing after going back to the hotel. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense.)
7 APR (TUE) FUKUOKA / HONOLULU
At check-out time our agent will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. Proceed by bus 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, APR 7 (Tuesday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense)
Clients remaining back will be assisted in obtaining plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually but no later than 90 days from the day of 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 is included in the itinerary, as are all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, 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 get in touch with our office for a price quote at your earliest convenience. 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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ITO BLDG. #502; 2-22-3 TSURUYA-CHO KANAGAWA-KU, YOKOHAMA 221-0835, JAPAN
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