TOUR ITINERARY
17 JUN (WED) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport via Japan Airlines Flight. A meal and Snack will be served aboard the flight, and there will be Free Movies and Drinks.
18 JUN (THU) NARITA, CHIBA,
HILTON TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT
Arrive at Narita International Airport and after clearing entry formalities, 10 minutes bus ride to the luxurious and tranquil hotel located on hill surrounded by spacious greenery. Have a relaxing and enjoyable stay at the Hilton Hotel for 2 nights to unwind from fatigue.
19 JUN (FRI) NARITA, CHIBA,
HILTON TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT
Visit Sawara, the best place to experience Japanese history in Chiba prefecture. This town is filled with the atmosphere of Edo period (1603-1867) with its old buildings, traditional crafts and living history. Today we will enjoy special experiences arranged by Chiba Tourism Association especially for our Craft tour. We will enjoy Hariko Painting Experience. Hariko is a traditional papier-mâché figures made with Japanese Washi paper and meant for lucky charms and children’s toys date back to the Edo period. Its "Sawara Hariko" has been handed down by local craftsmen for over 100 years. You can try painting your own Hariko doll as a souvenir. And we will also enjoy beautiful Japanese confectionery “Nerikiri” making Experience. You will have the chance to make and discover the art of creating adorable Japanese sweet known as “Nerikiri.” You can make seasonal fresh sweets that vividly reflect the color of nature of the four seasons in Japan. You can taste freshy made Japanese traditional sweets after you make. Then, we will have time to strolling around Sawara's most popular area “Historical district” that has kept its rustic charm since the Edo period. The streets are lined with the old merchants' houses, warehouses, historic buildings, and beautiful bridges cross the canals, giving you a glimpse of historical Japan.
20 JUN (SAT) UTSUNOMIYA,
HOTEL HIGASHI NIHON UTSUNOMIYA
Go to newly opened in 2023 Roadside station Joso, you will find all sorts of local souvenirs and specialties of Ibaraki such as Ibaraki specialty-inspired goods featuring melons, sweet potatoes, and eggs. It’s a lot of fun to find out local goodies from well-done displays. Then head to Yuki, a city with a long history of Japanese textiles. Japanese textiles are world-renowned for their intricate design and beautiful natural color. We will visit Yuki City Traditional Silk Museum to learn about Yuki Silk Fabric which is a UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Craft. It is the oldest silk-weaving craft in Japan, handed down for more than 2,000 years and is regarded as one of the highest-quality silk textiles in Japan. We will see a traditional Japanese silk-weaving technique by demonstration of artisan crating this meticulous hand-woven silk craft. You will be fascinated by the texture that changes with the passage of time. It is known for its strong, but light and soft characteristics giving it the reputation as being the finest of kimono textiles. Then head to Mashiko, renowned as a pottery production center has produced pottery for over 1,000 years. Enjoy shopping for Mashiko-yaki pottery which is highly regarded as a fine example of Japanese folk craft. You will get a chance to see a great variety of pottery from daily necessities to works of art. Then proceed to Utsunomiya a very attractive town that is the largest city and a prefectural capital of Tochigi prefecture. We will stay at nice British style City hotel which is one of the largest City hotels in Northern Kanto district.
21 JUN (SUN) LAKE INAWASHIRO,
HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN) ♨
Head to Nasu Highland to visit popular Minamigaoka Dairy farm. You will get a chance to taste its very famous ice cream made from rare cow’s milk that can only be tasted here! It has a rich, sweet, and creamy yet refreshing aftertaste. It has been ranked high in “The Best ice cream in Japan.” Then go to Showa Karamushi Craft Museum to see Karamushi Textiles, a unique top quality textile fabric, praised as "light as the wind and cool as water." As it has a soft silky touch, it is used to produce summer clothing as well as a wide variety of sundries and accessories. This museum displays a various textiles and production tools, allowing you to learn the traditions and techniques nurtured in the snowy region. Later head to the quaint mountain village of Mishima Town, ever selected as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Japan.” We will visit its Local Crafts Museum showcasing town’s craft heritages and traditional skills. During the winter of heaviest snowfall area, local people spend their days making traditional handicrafts, using vines, leaves and bark from plants that grow wild on the nearby mountainsides. It's a folk tradition that continues to this day. You will find many beautiful handwoven baskets, bags and strainers those are living works of natural beauty, used and appreciated daily. Then head to Lake Inawashiro in Bandai Asahi National Park. This lake is known as "Tenkyo-ko" or the heavenly mirror lake because of the high level of clarity that reflects the sky like a mirror. We will stay 2 nights at Onsen Resort hotel which is located on the hill that offers magnificent views of the lake. After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxing soak at the Hot Spring bath and Open air bath with a beautiful lake view.
22 JUN (MON) LAKE INAWASHIRO,
HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN) ♨
Head to Aizu Wakamatsu a former castle town rich in culture, boasting celebrated local arts and craft works; especially in the way of lacquerware and pottery. Its Aizu nuri Lacquerware is known for auspicious drawings and charming versatile decorations whose history of tradition goes back over 430 years. We will visit Suzutake Lacquerware Factory to enjoy Makie Lacquerware Painting Experience. You can design your own lacquered Soup bowl using one of the representative decoration technics of lacquerware called “Makie” that being finished using gold and silver dusted designs. You will also see various beautiful lacquerware pieces on display and for sale. You will find Akabeko, the legendary Red Cow all over the town. This Akabeko is a cow-shaped folkcraft toy born in Aizu which long been loved as good luck charms to ward off evil spirits and plagues. We will enjoy Akabeko painting experience. You can hand paint your own Akabeko that is a very cute and light-weight souvenir to take home. Later go to see another local treasure of Aizu “Aizu Hongo yaki pottery” designated as National Traditional Craftwork which is made in the oldest hidden place of pottery in the Tohoku region. We will visit Ryumon-yaki studio. It features the unique “running glaze” pattern which forms a different landscape on every piece. The high quality and exquisite beauty of the pieces has led to Aizu Hongo yaki pottery being designated a Traditional Craft of Japan. 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.
23 JUN (TUE) YAMAGATA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN YAMAGATA
Head to Yonezawa a beautiful and bucolic 477-year old castle town where you can see the original scenery of Japan. Here’s home to Yonezawa weave which has long history over 200 years. Their skills and traditions have made here “the best in the world” in terms of weaving technology equivalent to that of Como, Italy. Here, we will enjoy Safflower dying experience. You can make your own "One and Only" souvenir of Yonezawa with your design. This National Traditional Craft is an ancient art form renowned for its vivid red and yellow hues, deeply rooted in Yonezawa's cultural heritage. After enjoy famous Yonezawa beef Sukiyaki lunch, visit Good Yamagata a tourist facility with many shops carrying Yamagata’s famous food products such as Sake, Rice and Rice cracker, Local Miso, Tsukemono pickles, etc. Our hotel is located above Yamagata train Station and connecting to its shopping building. After hotel check in, tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” to shopping area.
24 JUN (WED) SENDAI,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI
Yamagata is the largest producer of Cherries in Japan. The tiny and shiny red Japanese cherries grown here represent a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It’s no wonder these jewels of northern Japan are called “Rubies of Summer.” We will visit Ichiro Suzuki Farm and having fun picking and tasting succulent and juicy Japanese Cherries in season. These cherries are very different from the American Cherries. Then head to Tendo, the production center of where 90% of Shogi (Japanese Chess) pieces are produced. This Shogi piece has been designated as the National Traditional Art craft. Here, enjoy making your own Shogi piece. You can choose your favorite Kanji character and write on your own Shogi piece. You can also enjoy shopping for their collection of Shogi products with many deferent Kanji character painted on it. We will also enjoy a Yamagata’s specialty local food Soba noodle Making Experience for our lunch. Here you will learn how to make Soba and enjoy tasting that you make. Then proceed to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku district and the metropolis in the Northern Japan. We will stay 2 nights at our hotel that is connected to Sendai train station with various shops carrying local goodies, souvenirs, etc. Tour guides will take you to shopping area after hotel check in.
25 JUN (THU) SENDAI,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI
Head to the highly popular Zao Mountain range offering a picturesque scenery of volcanic mountains. We will enjoy one of Tohoku district’s most famous traditional arts and crafts at the Kokeshi Doll Painting Experience. Kokeshi is a traditional Japanese wooden doll that is only made in the Tohoku district. Making your own Kokeshi doll will surely be a unique memory of trip to Tohoku area. We will visit the famous Zao Kokeshi Doll Museum, boasts Japan’s largest collection of handcrafted traditional Kokeshi dolls. You will see displays of the finest examples of 5,500 Kokeshi dolls with many varieties. You can find your favorite Kokeshi doll as a souvenir at the gift shop that carries various types of dolls. Then go to Zao Dairy Farm Center located in the vast fields with the Zao Mountain Range as a backdrop. You can feel the time flows slowly in the meadow. Have you ever made Ice cream by yourself? We will enjoy hands-on ice cream making workshop to make your own delicious ice cream using lovely local milk. You will end up with your own tasty freshest made ice cream. It can be a lot of a fun and unforgettable experience. Later visit Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum. You can see and touch a variety of creative artwork displays and outlined 200-year history of Kaleidoscopes. You will be impressed by the creativity and diversity of Kaleidoscopes which has amazing patterns and colors. A museum shop sells many kinds of Kaleidoscopes and Kaleidoscope decorations, like jewelry. You can upgrade your Kaleidoscope that you made during “West Japan Craft tour”! We will stop at Ohagi Store to enjoy shopping for delicious local specialty for “Ohagi” a rice ball covered with Anko bean paste. Enjoy the authentic local experience which have been made popular through the media.
26 JUN (FRI) OUSHUKU HOT SPRING,
HOTEL MORINOKAZE OUSHUKU (ONSEN) ♨
Visit Oshu City Nambu Ironware Museum to see the traditional ironware called “Nambu Tekki” with 930 years history. Nambu Iron kettles have outstanding heat distribution and retention, and high durability. Water boiled in a Nambu kettles is known to become smooth and mellow and it can enhance the flavor and aroma of tea. These qualities with the beautiful form and craftsmanship have been highly praised as the “World’s best cookware” and gaining many fans across the world. You will see a variety of products for sale, such as intricate design kettles, iron pots, wind chimes, etc. Oshu city is the place where MLB superstar Shohei Otani was born and raised until high school. We will visit the baseball field of his former high school and see a monument that displays his handprint. Also visit Marukan building Restaurant where Shohei’s favorite sweets can be eaten. His favorite “Chocolate Banana Crape” and soft served ice cream that eat with chopstick are popular for locals. Then head to Morioka, prefectural capital of Iwate, well known for Sansa Odori Festival that is the world’s largest drum parade with over 20,000 performers. We will have a private lesson of how to dance Sansa dance. Learn the traditional moves and dance routines of one of the five great festivals of the Tohoku region. Then go to Oushuku. We will stay at popular Onsen resort hotel surrounded by forest. After dinner, you can enjoy Local Minyo Singing Show. Soak and Relax in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open Air bath where you can see beautiful Mt. Iwate on a clear day.
27 JUN (SAT) AKITA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN AKITA
Go to Morioka Handicraft Village to see the manufacturing process of traditional hand made arts and crafts in Morioka such as Nambu pottery, ironware, woodcraft, etc. Here, we will enjoy a unique experience of “Hand grilled Nambu senbei.” Nambu senbei is a type of Japanese wheat cracker that has been part of the staple diet and backbone of culture in Morioka for hundreds of years. You can try grilling it which is best eaten hot off the grill. Later go to Koiwai Dairy farm, founded in 1891 and a 7,400-acre private farm located scenically at the foot of Mt. Iwate. It is very splendid to see stunning nature with beautiful landscapes of Mt. Iwate. Later head to Kakunodate Old Samurai town. Enjoy browsing around old Samurai town that remains remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1620. Kakunodate’s most prominent craft is cherry bark woodworks (Kabazaiku). This artisanal craft using barks of mountain cherry that is an antibacterial material to make tea canisters, dishes, food trays, furniture, etc. We visit Kabazaiku Museum to learn about the traditional local craft which designated as a National Traditional Craft. You will see displays of cultural and historical items, finished items and artworks, and demonstration of cherry bark works. Later proceed to the hotel in Akita city, the fourth largest city in the Tohoku district. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is connecting to Akita train station and its shopping building where you can enjoy shopping for local goodies of Akita.
28 JUN (SUN) AKITA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN AKITA
In the morning, go to Akita Furusato village, a theme park regarding Akita with a lot of attractions. It’s very interesting to visit Industrial Arts Exhibition Hall which exhibits a wide variety of Akita’s local crafts and performing arts. And don’t miss to visit its Local souvenir section carries over 10,000 items. Here, you can purchase Akita’s local specialties such as Sake, Rice, Miso, Inaniwa Udon noodle, Pickles, etc. The Art and Craft Fair should be held on this day. This pleasant market is only held twice a year. It offering handmade jewelries, ornaments, clothes, etc., which are made by artists from all over Japan. Then go to Akita Marugoto Market, a large market carries Akita’s signature agricultural products and souvenirs. You can buy Akita’s groceries, snacks, etc. We will also enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall before going back to the hotel. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense).
29 JUN (MON) AKITA / 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. In the afternoon leave hotel by bus to Akita airport to catch a domestic flight to Haneda Int’l airport. Then catch an International flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 29 June (Monday). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch/ Dinner will be at your own expense.)
*Price, Itinerary, and Meals are subject to change without notice.*
*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***
INCLUDES: Land Transportation included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, all transfer of passenger and baggage, and 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 as soon as possible. For more information, please refer to the Airline Questions segment of our Frequently Asked Questions.
✈️ Land Tour Payment & Cancellation Policy
💳 Land Tour Payment Policy
💰 Full Payment Due: 90 days before the tour start date
💱 Exchange Rate Locks In: At 90 days before the tour
🧾 Deposit Policy
💵 Deposit Amount: $250.00 per person
🗓️ Due: Once the itinerary is posted on the Tohoku Travel website
📌 Terms:
❌ Non-refundable
🔄 Non-transferable
✅ Applied toward final payment
⚠️ Cancellation Fees (Per Person)
⏳ Time Before Tour
💸 Fee
90 to 30 days $1,500.00*
29 to 1 day $2,500.00*
* Deducted from total paid; remaining balance may be refunded.
🚫 NO REFUNDS once the tour starts
📎 Additional Notes
🏨 Hotel and ticket cancellations (🎟️ Miyako Odori, 🎢 Tokyo Disney Sea, 🚄 Shinkansen) may incur additional charges.
💱 If YEN has already been purchased, refunds may vary based on exchange rates at the time of return to USD.
📞 Contact Information
Tohoku Travel Services
📞 808-536-8618 | 📞 808-538-7854
📧 tohoku.travel.hi@gmail.com
Japan Tour Arranged & Guided By:
Yokohama Travel, Inc.
🏢 ITO BLDG. #502, 2-22-3 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0835, Japan
📞 +81-45-311-1011 | 📠 +81-45-311-1013
