TOUR ITINERARY
May 11 (MON) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and a Snack will be served aboard the flight—free Movies and Drinks.
May 12 (TUE) NARITA,
HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER NARITA
We will arrive at Narita International Airport and, after completing the entry formalities, we will be transported by bus to our hotel for the night. After checking in at the hotel, you will have free time to meet relatives, friends, or rest.
May 13 (WED) INAWASHIRO,
HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN)
Enjoy a truly mesmerizing sensory experience in Ibaraki Flower Park. We will be welcomed by over 900 kinds of Roses and seasonal flowers in the vast garden. You will be amazed by a simple stroll through Rose garden that filled with vibrant colors and rich aromas. We will also enjoy Making your own postcard with your design. And enjoy Strawberry Picking in season. Tasting fresh and sweet Japanese strawberries as many as you like! Tonight, we will stay at Resort hotel offers magnificent views of the Lake Inawashiro. Before arrival at hotel, we will visit its famous Harb garden where Umbrella Sky Event will be held. The green house creates fantastical scenes with about 740 colorful umbrellas, making it popular on social media. Enjoy relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-Air Bath with a beautiful lake view.
May 14 (THU) MORIOKA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN MORIOKA
Head to Sannokura Highland, located in 2,133 feet high overlooking a grand Aizu Basin. It will be the timing that 3.5million brilliant yellow color Canola blossoms bloom and blanket the huge Ski grounds. If timing is right, you will see a breathtaking views of fields of bright yellow carpet of flowers surrounded by beautiful nature. Then head to Hiraizumi, a historically sacred area where well known as the first World Heritage Site in Tohoku region. Visiting here will feel like a stroll through Japanese history and step back in time to a golden past. We will visit National Treasure Konjikido Golden Hall within Chusonji Temple, which built in 1124 to recreate an ideal Buddhist “Pure Land” or Jodo meaning Paradise in this world. This immaculate structure covered in gold-leaf is a Buddhist masterpiece and a symbol of the gold culture of Hiraizumi. It’s marvelous example of spiritual and cultural achievement in this region. This area has long-standing mochi-eating traditions and has created over 300 different mochi dishes. We will enjoy local Mochi dish for lunch. Then proceed to Morioka, has attracted world attention because of the designation of the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023” as “Hidden gem of northeast Japan” brings picturesque views all against the backdrop of scenic mountains and intersecting rivers. We will stay at the hotel which is located close to Morioka rail station and its shopping area. Tour guides will take you to shopping after hotel check in.
May 15 (FRI) HIROSAKI,
ART HOTEL HIROSAKI CITY
We proceed north toward to Aomori which is the northernmost prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu. We will visit Chausuyama Park where over 15,000 Azaleas of about 40 different species will bloom during this season. You can enjoy strolling a stunning garden filled with a variety of colorful Azelia flowers. Later we will visit Takayama Inari Shrine which has gained social media fame with its enchanting beauty. This astonishingly beautiful shrine is known for the corridor made up with thousands of stunning vermilion Torii gates which creates a unique and attractive Japanese atmosphere. Then go to Crane Nature Park to see Japanese Crane and Tsuruno Mai Bridge. This 984 feet long Triple arch bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Japan and resembling a crane spreading its wings over the lake. The bridge blends seamlessly into the lakeside scenery, creating a beautiful sight at the foothills of Mt. Iwaki which is the symbol mountain in Aomori. Also, it is said that visitors who walk across the bridge will have a long life. Then proceed to our hotel, located close to Hirosaki train station and shopping place.
May 16 (SAT) HAKODATE,
HAKODATE KOKUSAI HOTEL (ONSEN)
Ride a Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train to get to Hokkaido! As we cross to Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, via the Seikan Undersea Tunnel 33.5 miles long and the 2nd world’s longest railway tunnel. Upon arrival on Hokkaido, we head to Japan’s northernmost castle town, Matsumae to visit Matsumae Castle Park, Hokkaido’s top cherry blossom viewing spot. Over 10,000 Sakura cherry trees of some 250 varieties fill the park with fluffy pink petals. We will also see the northernmost traditional castle tower which is the last traditional Japanese style castle build in 1854. We also visit Matsumae Clan Residence, an open-air museum containing the reproduction of 14 buildings including a Samurai residence, a herring fishermen’s lodge and a shipping agent’s building. You are going back in time when you walk on the streets which recreate the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1867). Then visit Seikan Undersea Tunnel Museum detailing the history and function of the Seikan Undersea Tunnel that connects Japan’s main island of Honshu and Hokkaido. We will see exhibits such as heavy machinery actually used during construction, construction records, and technical information, etc. We also visit Sumo Museum which commemorates Two Great Yokozuna Sumo Wrestlers, “Chiyonofuji” and “Chiyonoyama”. Chiyonofuji is considered to be “the most successful Sumo wrestler of all time and won no fewer than 31 Top Division Titles”. We will see Dazzling dress mawashi wrestling belts, Championship cups and National Honor Awards, etc. Then head to Hakodate, a major sightseeing city which is located at the southern tip of Hokkaido. Tonight, we will stay at city hotel with Onsen Hot Spring bath. You can enjoy relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath with a panoramic view of Hakodate.
May 17 (SUN) KITA HIROSHIMA,
KITA HIROSHIMA CLASSE HOTEL (ONSEN)
In the morning, visit famous Hakodate Morning Market with about 250 stores selling Hokkaido delicacies such as dried seafood, sweets, snacks, processed seafood products, etc. Enjoy browsing around the vibrant and lively market in a world-renowned fishery kingdom “Hokkaido.” Later visit Goryokaku park Japan’s first western-style fortress with massive 5 pointed star-shape that was completed about 160 years ago. This Japan’s 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. Then proceed to Oniushi Park, a great place to enjoy Hokkaido’s beautiful nature with a peaceful atmosphere. If timing is right, we will see 500 Sakura Cherry trees will be in seasonal bloom. You can take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the surrounding hills and mountains. We will stay at a suburban green resort hotel with Onsen Hot Spring bath. In the evening, enjoy a Big Buffet Dinner with a variety of Hokkaido’s Local Seafood, Snow crab, Tempura, Steak, etc. Another good chance to soak and warm up your body in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath.
May 18 (MON) ASAHIKAWA,
HOTEL ROUTE-INN GRAND ASAHIKAWA EKIMAE (ONSEN)
Head to newly opened in 2023 Hokkaido Ballpark F Village. We will enjoy its Stadium tour to explore the world's most advanced baseball stadium. We will be able to see areas of the stadium that are normally inaccessible. Although you can experience the field that is usually off limits from the same perspective as the baseball players. Then we’ll stop at a big shopping facility Sunagawa Highway Oasis. You can shop for many varieties of delicious local specialties in Hokkaido. Then go to Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s 2nd largest city in the center of Hokkaido. We will visit Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum which you can lean about Hokkaido’s Indigenous Culture. The museum exhibits a range of valuable cultural implements and traditional everyday tools used by the Ainu people (Hokkaido’s indigenous population). Our hotel is located close to Asahikawa train station and Aeon Shopping Mall. After hotel arrival, tour guides will take you Holo-Holo around the hotel. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath.
May 19 (TUE) LAKE KUSSHARO,
KUSSHARO PRINCE HOTEL (ONSEN)
Japan's lowest temperature ever was recorded in here Asahikawa. We will visit Hokkaido Ice Pavilion where you can enjoy the wonders of the beautiful, fantastical world in the cold and harsh winters of the northern country. You can experience Hokkaido’s midwinter Temperature of minus 4 Fahrenheit in a freezing Ice Hall, a completely 360° world of ice. The walls and ceiling of the hall are covered in giant icicles that have been growing for 40 years! For those who wish, you can take the Ice Pavilion Challenge −41.8 degree F extreme cold corner which is Japan's coldest temperature ever recorded. Then proceed to Daisetsuzan National Park where you can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s natural scenery with unusual rock formations and beautiful greenery. We will drive through 530 feet high steep cliffs "Sounkyo Gorge" and see “One of top 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan” Ryusei (shooting star) and Ginga (galaxy) Waterfalls, cascading down through columnar joints on the 325ft high sheer cliff. Then head to Eastern Hokkaido a popular tourist destination filled with primitive natural wonders. Visit Higashi-mokoto to enjoy the impressive view of vibrant pink flowers “Shibazakura (moss phlox)” that blankets a huge hillside. Enjoy strolling around the park with a magnificent scenery of moss phlox which creates breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes. It is one of Hokkaido’s most famous flower fields that should visit at least once in lifetime. We will stay one of the top resort hotels in eastern Hokkaido that is facing to Lake Kussharo, a beautiful caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park. Soak away the fatigue in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-Air bath.
May 20 (WED) MAKUBETSU ONSEN,
TOKACHI MAKUBETSU ONSEN GRANDVRIO HOTEL (ONSEN)
We will learn about the Hokkaido’s dairy farming at Watanabe dude ranch where 120 dairy cows are bread on a large 173 acres meadow. Those who would like to experience farm work, you can try milking or feeding the cow. Later visit the Shichiku Garden, featuring spectacular and impressive gardens with various kinds of seasonal flowers with the peaks of the Hidaka Mountains in the distance. You can take a leisurely stroll through a carpet of flowers that stretches out over enchanting gardens while feeling the spaciousness and openness that only Hokkaido can offer. Then proceed to the hotel in Makubetsu Onsen, one of only two hot spring resorts in the world that use moor hot spring water. It is good for beauty, neuralgia, muscle pains and dermatitis. Take your time to relax and enjoy famous Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-Air bath. *Private Onsen is available (own expense).
May 21 (THU) SAPPORO,
SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL SAPPORO
In the morning, enjoy extraordinary experience at Bear Mountain where you will get a chance to see closer the Brown bear, the largest land animal in Japan. Here you can safely see them living in a real forest up close from caged bus. It’s almost Jurassic-Park-like experience! Then proceed to Chitose Salmon Aquarium. See salmons and a variety of freshwater fishes in the northern ecosystem. You can peer inside the Chitose river in Japan’s first "underwater observation room." We will participate in the release of baby salmon into river that is available only during this season. Then head to Sapporo the capital of Hokkaido which is an attractive city considered to be “Northern Paradise” with an amazing gourmet food and plenty of picturesque scenery. We will visit Yurigahara Park, a very lovely flower park filled with beautiful flower fields. If timing is right, the vivid color Tulips and the violet color grape hyacinths carpet the ground. It’s so nice to be near nature. We will stay 2 nights at hotel located walking distance to Sapporo rail station, Department store and Underground shopping mall. After hotel check in, Tour guides will take you to Shopping area. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense)
May 22 (FRI) SAPPORO,
SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL SAPPORO
Visit Sapporo Wholesale Market where you can buy Hokkaido’s local specialties, dried seafood, processed foods, etc., at the wholesale price. Next visit Hokkaido Shrine the tutelary shrine for Hokkaido. This nature-rich shrine is Hokkaido's most well-known deeply spiritual place. Here, don’t miss a chance to try famous sweets “Hankan-sama” softly baked rice cake made from Hokkaido rice and buckwheat flour with plenty azuki bean paste inside. It could be found only at the sweets shop "Rokkatei" in the shrine ground! Later we will visit newly opened Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town. Royce’ is Hokkaido’s finest chocolate company renowned for their high-quality chocolates and iconic both domestically and all over the world. This factory exhibition museum has become popular newest attraction in Hokkaido. You can purchase fresh Royce’ chocolate products for your souvenir. We will also enjoy lunch and shopping at Aeon Shopping Center with over 100 shops including Supermarket, 100 Yen shop, UNIQLO, etc. After going back to the hotel enjoy Free Time to continue shopping, packing, etc. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense.)
May 23 (SAT) CHITOSE / HANEDA / HONOLULU
At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up your boxes and take your baggage to be checked in down. We will leave the hotel by bus to Chitose Airport to catch domestic flight to Haneda International Airport. Upon arrival at Haneda, transfer to international Flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 23 May (Saturday) 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 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.*
