TOUR ITINERARY
OCT. 17 (SAT) HONOLULU
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal, drinks, and snacks will be served aboard Japan Airlines Flight. Upon arrival, we must clear the government formalities of immigration and customs. We will transfer to Terminal 1 for our connecting flight to Kansai International Airport, Osaka.
OCT. 18 (SUN) HIMEJI,
HOTEL NIKKO HIMEJI
Arrive at Kansai International airport (Osaka) and after clearing government formalities, go by bus to an old castle town Himeji, filled with many historical and interesting sights. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is located right in front of Himeji train station. After hotel check-in around 9:00 pm you can relax and get a good night rest.
OCT. 19 (MON) HIMEJI,
HOTEL NIKKO HIMEJI
Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) is the legendary Samurai fought over 60 battles and was never defeated in his lifetime. Samurai tour will start from this Japan’s greatest swordsman birthplace Musashi-no Sato Village. There are spots related to him such as a Statue, Musashi-jinja Shrine and his Birth Home. You will know the life of the greatest of all Samurai swordsmen started from such a quaint little village. Later head back to Himeji and visit Japan’s best preserved feudal castle and designated as Japan’s 1st World Heritage site Himeji Castle which is called “White Heron Castle” with her elegant white appearance is widely considered “Most beautiful and spectacular castle in Japan.” You can step back 400 years and picture yourself in the World of the Samurai. There is a small shrine on the top floor of the castle tower. This shrine was associated with Miyamoto Musashi. There is a legend Musashi got rid of a certain ghost when he served as a guard of the castle.
OCT. 20 (TUE) USHIMADO,
HOTEL LIMANI
Head to Okayama to visit Osafune Town an important and historically valuable Japanese sword production area. It has been Japan’s sword craft center for over 1,000 years and has been synonymous with master Samurai sword making. We will visit Japanese Sword Museum, with a collection of Samurai swords masterpieces that are aiming to honor those important historical and cultural legacies. We will be able to see the special Katchu Battojutsu demonstration only played for us by Martial art master. It’s the traditional martial art technique that is drawing Samurai sword with armor on. It has over 300 years history and originally started from actual fighting at the battlefield in Samurai period. Bizen is the place where MLB World Series superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto was born and raised. We will make a brief stop at the practice ground where he started playing baseball when he was 6 years old. We will see his Manhole cover which was installed by MLB to cerebrate Japanese star players. Another famous item in this area is Bizen-yaki pottery, Japan’s oldest pottery which inherits the tradition over 1,000 years. We will see displays of both old and new examples of Bizen-style pottery and purchase them at the shop. Then proceed to Ushimado, seaside resort town overlooks the numerous beautiful islands dotting Seto Inland Sea. We will stay at Greek style resort hotel located oceanfront of the inland sea. Enjoy luxurious ocean resort experience with panoramic ocean view called "Aegean Sea of Japan".
OCT. 21 (WED) FUKUYAMA,
FUKUYAMA NEW CASTLE HOTEL
In the morning, visit Ushimado Olive Garden which offering plenty of photo opportunities while you are walking picturesque paths through the groves of olive trees with overlooking many beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea. You may feel as if you are on a Mediterranean island. You can also enjoy shopping for local olive products such as olive oil, salad dressing, cosmetics, etc. Then we will visit Japan’s largest Dagashi (Japanese Snacks) Store which is a unique spot where you can enjoy traditional Japanese cheap snacks called Dagashi (like a Tomoe Ame Rice Candy in Hawaii). You will get excited by the overwhelming selection of over hundreds of kinds of cheap sweets. Later head to Korakuen Park, one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan and a symbol of the power of the local Samurai lord. This Traditional Japanese Garden was created about 300 years ago in the Edo Period. Enjoy strolling around beautiful landscape garden including a large pond, streams, walking paths, manmade hills and a tea plantation. Later head to Kasaoka Bay Farm a vast flower garden where 30 million Cosmos should be blooming during this season. The view from the observation deck is very splendid and getting popular to be able to get some great photos for Instagram. Then go to Fukuyama, an old castle town since early 17th century where Miyamoto Musashi once stayed. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel which is located right across from train station and within easy walking distance to Fukuyama Castle, department store, etc. After hotel arrival, tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” around the hotel.
OCT. 22 (THU) FUKUYAMA,
FUKUYAMA NEW CASTLE HOTEL
Enjoy a relaxing drive on the Shimanami Kaido Highway with breathtaking island-to-island bridges to view the luxurious multi-isle beauty of Seto Inland Sea National Park. We will land on Omishima Island which is called the “Gods Island.” Numerous historic figures and Samurais visited here to pray for victory and donated their armor and their art of war. We will visit Oyamazumi Shrine, once “One of the most important shrines for the Samurai” and today it’s well-known as “Japan’s Most Extensive Samurai Treasury.” Its famous museum holds the incredible collections of Samurai body armor including the armor of Minamotono Yoshitsune, Minamotono Yoritomo’s sword, statuaries belonging to famous Samurais, etc. After enjoy Seto Inland seafood lunch, take a Uzushio Viewing Cruise of the whirling tide in Kurushima Strait. This narrow strait surrounded with small islands makes tidal currents strong and intricate to navigate. Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of the whirlpools right up close on a large yacht type pleasure boat. Then proceed to Ikuchi island which is the birthplace of domestic lemons and boasts the highest lemon production in Japan. Thus, called “Lemon Island.” We will visit Shimagokoro Setoda Main shop producing delicious Lemon cake which was served to G7 leaders at 2023 Hiroshima Summit. You can enjoy shopping and try fresh baked Lemon cake, fresh lemon squash, Lemon jello, etc., those will make you refresh!
OCT. 23 (FRI) HIROSHIMA,
RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL HIROSHIMA
Head to a charming Takehara Preserved Historic District where still remains a nostalgic atmosphere of Edo period. Enjoy strolling along main street lined with over several hundred years old houses and warehouses with characteristic wooden frames called “Takehara lattice.” Once you step into the district, you will feel as if you have taken a step back in time to Samurai period. Then we will have a lunch at Hattendo Village, an internationally renowned bakery which is producing so popular "ultimate" Cream Bun filled with a rich cream inside. After lunch, head to Saijo, a town with a tradition of Sake brewing that goes back more than 300 years and home of 1 of 3 great Sake producing areas in Japan. We will enjoy strolling along Saijo Sake Brewery Street where retains much of its original appearance of old Sake breweries lining the streets with white walls and red bricks for ages. We will visit Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, producing famous Sake that once former Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe served to former U.S. President Barack Obama. We will stay at high class hotel which was the venue of a summit meeting between U.S. president and Japanese president during 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. Holtel is located in the heart of downtown Hiroshima connected to a department store. Tour guides will take you “Holo-Holo” after hotel check-in.
OCT. 24 (SAT) SHIMONOSEKI,
RESONARE SHIMONOSEKI
We will visit the famous Kintai Bridge that was originally constructed in 1673 in the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture. This beautiful wooden arched bridge is one of the three most gorgeous bridges in Japan. You will marvel at the world’s largest wooden bridge while walking across this iconic bridge. Near the bridge there is a statue of Sasaki Kojiro, a prominent Samurai regarded as Miyamoto Musashi’s most formidable opponent. His Tsubame-gaeshi move was invented after observing swallows flying at the bridge in here. Later we will head to Yamaguchi city which was chosen #3 on The New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Go in 2024.” We will visit its featured Rurikoji Temple with national treasure Five-storied pagoda. This majestic pagoda is considered “1 of Japan’s 3 most beautiful pagodas.” And we will enjoy one of Yamaguchi’s most famous traditional arts and crafts at the Ouchi Doll Painting Experience. This cute doll has flourished 600 years ago and is one of the last remaining traces of Samurai era culture in this area. You can hand paint your own Ouchi doll as a souvenir. We will stay newly opened in DEC 2025 resort hotel with prime location directly overlooking the Kanmon Strait. Your room has the picture window that offers a luxurious time to watch the ships pass by.
OCT. 25 (SUN) BEPPU,
KAMENOI HOTEL BEPPU (ONSEN) ♨
Take a short boat cruise to land on Ganryujima Island. A very small island which is world famous as the site of the most celebrated duel in the Samurai period, the fight between the two arch-rival swordsmen, Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. There are statues of Musashi and Kojiro depicting their famous duel on the island. Later go to Karato fish Market for some fun shopping for Dried Seafood, Seaweed, etc. This will be perfect chance to eat fresh Sushi at the famous fish market. Later we will visit Kokura Castle once Miyamoto Musashi moved here in 1634 and stayed for longest period in his life. You can enter the castle building and learn its history through the movie with huge screen using the latest technology. Then proceed to Beppu, called “Onsen Hot Spring Capital” because of the world’s 2nd largest source of thermal spring water after Yellowstone National Park. Tonight you can enjoy the famous Beppu’s Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath.
OCT. 26 (MON) KUMAMOTO,
GRANDVRIO HOTEL ASO RESORT (ONSEN) ♨
In the morning, we will ride Beppu Ropeway which is chosen as "1 of 36 of Japan's most beautiful places" by CNN. If timing is right, you will enjoy a panoramic view of beautiful Autumn leaves carpet the whole mountain. From the mountain top, you will see a breathtaking view of Beppu bay, Mt Yufu and Kuju Mountain Range. Later enjoy driving scenic road, Yamanami highway offering sweeping view of Kuju mountain range. We will visit Kuju Flower Park biggest flower park in West Japan. Enjoy peaceful walk through spacious flower fields filled by Marigold, Celosia, etc. Then head to Aso, home to an official UNESCO Global Geopark with the world’s largest Caldera “Mt. Aso.” We will visit Daikanbo, located on the edge of the outer rim of the Aso caldera. It offers the best 360-degree panoramic view in Aso. Here, you will see spectacular views of the central peaks of Mt. Aso which is said to resemble a Buddha lying down. Later visit Kusasenri, one of the iconic views of Kyushu. This gorgeous must-see Geosite view is a vast emerald green grassland plateau with peacefully grazing cows and horses. Our hotel is in the Aso-Kuju National Park where panoramic view of the outer rim of Mt. Aso can be enjoyed. Enjoy relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath using natural hot spring with water flowing direct from the source.
OCT. 27 (TUE) KUMAMOTO,
HOTEL NIKKO KUMAMOTO
Head to Kumamoto city, an old castle town with a rich cultural heritage. In 1640, at the age of 57, Miyamoto Musashi became the official retainer of Lord of Kumamoto and spent his last days in here. Miyamoto Musashi also showed extraordinary talent in ink painting and calligraphy. His art works, which radiate the power of his spirit in vivacious brush strokes, stand unique in the history of Japanese ink-wash monochromes. We will see his artworks at Shimada Museum of Art. Not many items related to Musashi are extant. Most of those that are have been preserved in Kumamoto and a third of them are in this museum. Later head to Kumamoto Castle, said to be the site of Musashi’s last duel in his life. We will visit Sakura-no Baba Josaien and its Museum, located near the castle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll Edo-themed complex and shopping for local products. We will give you “Tabe aruki coupon” to enjoy local foods of Kumamoto in an easy way. You can exchange coupon to your favorite sweets or snacks such as Ikinari Dango, Fried Tofu, Matcha ice cream, Salad fishcake, Uni sea urchin croquette, etc. We will also visit Musashizuka park where the gravesite of Musashi is located. Legend states that Musashi in his armor was buried here to look after his lord all the time. We will stay 2 nights at the hotel that is located close to department store and bustling shopping arcade. After hotel check-in, tour guide will take you Holo-Holo around the hotel.
OCT. 28 (WED) KUMAMOTO,
HOTEL NIKKO KUMAMOTO
In the morning, enjoy Seiwa Bunraku Show, a traditional puppet show date back to 1850’s. This rural entertainment was originally performed as an offering to the god of agriculture. It’s interesting to experience the fascinating Japanese traditional arts. After enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall, for those who wish to, you can visit Reigando cave where Musashi wrote “Gorin no sho” also known as the book of “The Five Rings.” It has all his experience of fighting. He died one week after he finished writing. (To get here we will need to walk about 15 minutes up slopes and slope and steps.) After going back to the hotel, enjoy some more shopping near the hotel. (Lunch / dinner will be at your own expense.)
OCT. 29 (THU) FUKUOKA / HONOLULU
At check-out time our agent will come around to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage’s to be checked-in down. In the afternoon go to Kumamoto 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, OCT 29 (Thu). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home.(Lunch / dinner will be at your own expense)
HISTORY OF MIYAMOTO MUSASHI
*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.
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💳 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:
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⚠️ 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
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💱 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
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Japan Tour Arranged & Guided By:
Yokohama Travel, Inc.
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