TOUR ITINERARY
JAN. 27 (WED) HONOLULU
Depart from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport aboard your Japan Airlines flight to Japan. A meal and light snack will be served during the flight, along with complimentary beverages and in-flight entertainment, including movies.
JAN. 28 (THU) HANEDA, TOKYO,
HOTEL VILLA FONTAINE GRAND HANEDA AIRPORT
Arrive at Haneda International Airport and, after clearing entry formalities, we will walk to our hotel, Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, which is directly connected to the International Terminal Building. This newly opened hotel offers convenient access to multiple restaurants, shops, and a 24-hour convenience store. You will be able to relax and enjoy a good night’s rest on your first night in Japan.
JAN. 29 (FRI) NAHA, OKINAWA,
RYUKYU ORION HOTEL NAHA KOKUSAI DORI
In the morning, we will go to the Domestic Terminal Building to catch our flight to Naha, the capital and largest city of Okinawa. Our first sightseeing stop in Okinawa will be Shurijo Castle Park, a World Heritage Site that served as the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 450 years, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. Reconstruction of the main structures of Shurijo Castle is expected to be completed by autumn 2026, and we will be able to see the Main Hall, which could not be viewed for 7 years following the devastating fire in 2019. You will discover its unique architectural design, painted in a distinctive red and richly detailed with beautiful colors and cultural symbolism. We will also visit other important cultural heritage sites, including Shureimon Gate, one of Okinawa’s most recognized architectural monuments and a historic symbol of Okinawan culture. While strolling through the park, you will experience the distinctive history and culture of Okinawa. Okinawan textiles developed under the influence of fabrics from Southeast Asia, China, and mainland Japan, and during this tour, you will see the wide variety and techniques of Okinawan textile traditions. We will also enjoy a hands-on Coral Dyeing Experience, where you can make your own tote bag or T-shirt using coral fossils. Coral is an important part of the history and culture of the Okinawan islands, and this unique dyeing technique can only be experienced in Okinawa. No special skills are required; simply stamp colorful patterns onto your tote bag or T-shirt and create your own memorable Okinawa souvenir. We will stay for two nights at a hotel on Kokusai-dori, Naha's main shopping and entertainment street. After hotel check-in, your tour guides will take you holo-holo around the hotel area.
JAN. 30 (SAT) NAHA,
RYUKYU ORION HOTEL NAHA KOKUSAI DORI
Today, we will enjoy a full-day tour of the southern part of Okinawa's Main Island. We will visit Okinawa World, a large theme park focused on traditional Okinawan culture. At the park, you can experience many important aspects of Okinawan history, crafts, performances, and local traditions. The main attraction is Gyokusendo Cave, an impressive natural limestone cave and one of Japan's longest caves. Enjoy walking through the beautifully lit cave while admiring its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. You can also visit a recreated Traditional Ryukyu Village, featuring Okinawan-style houses that are over 100 years old. We will also have a chance to see an exciting Eisa Dance performance, a traditional Okinawan drum dance whose powerful rhythm and energy will captivate you. Southern Okinawa was the site of fierce fighting during the final stages of World War II. We will visit the Himeyuri Monument, which was built in memory of the young girls and teachers who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa. After returning to the hotel, those who wish may join the tour guide for a visit to Makishi Public Market, known as “Okinawa’s Kitchen.” Enjoy strolling through this lively market, loved by both locals and visitors, and experience one of Okinawa’s most fascinating food and shopping areas.
JAN. 31 (SUN) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,
ISHIGAKI SEA SIDE HOTEL
In the morning, we will catch an interisland flight to beautiful Ishigaki Island, an island-hopping hub often called a “Japanese Natural Wonderland.” Upon arrival, we will enjoy strolling around the Yonekoyaki Craft Center Shisa Park. Shisa, the guardian lion, is a deeply rooted and beloved part of Okinawan culture. At the park, you can take pictures with huge, colorful, and playful shisa sculptures in the garden. Then, we will visit Kabira Bay, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful coastal spots and one of the most photographed sightseeing locations on Ishigaki Island. Here, you can enjoy stunning scenery with emerald-blue water and beautiful white sand. Kabira Bay has also received the highest three-star rating as a sightseeing spot in Japan from a French travel guidebook. We will stay at a resort hotel on a white-sand beach, where you can enjoy walking along the shore and relaxing in a beautiful seaside setting. You can also enjoy the hotel’s large public bath. Please note that this bath is not an onsen hot spring.
FEB. 1 (MON) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,
ART HOTEL ISHIGAKI
We will visit the world-renowned Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio, known for its original pottery style featuring beautiful blue-green ocean colors inspired by the natural beauty of Ishigaki Island. In recent years, Ishigaki-yaki has gained international recognition, with pottery pieces exhibited in places such as the British Museum in England and the Louvre in France. These unique pieces have become popular souvenirs that beautifully capture the island's spirit. Later, we will visit Ishigaki Yaima Village, an open-air Okinawan architectural museum located on a hill overlooking spectacular Nagura Bay. Here, you can immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Ishigaki Island while enjoying special experiences such as strolling through one of Japan’s important mangrove forests, interacting with friendly squirrel monkeys, and seeing the crested serpent eagle, a nationally designated natural treasure. You can also enjoy making Hoshizuna Star Sand Art, where you will fill a small glass bottle with star-shaped sand and colored sand to create your own original work of art. Later, we will head to Cape Tamatori Observatory, a picture-perfect spot offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ishigaki Island’s beautiful east coast, blue waters, and coral reefs. We will stay for two nights at an urban resort hotel with a relaxing atmosphere and spectacular hillside views stretching all the way to where the sky meets the sea. You can also enjoy soaking and relaxing in the hotel’s large public bath. Please note that this bath is not an onsen hot spring.
FEB. 2 (TUE) ISHIGAKI ISLAND,
ART HOTEL ISHIGAKI
We will ride a ferry to Iriomote Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest island in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Nearly 90% of the island is covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests, giving it the nickname “Galapagos of the Orient.” This rich natural environment is home to many fascinating creatures and rare species found only on Iriomote Island. We will visit the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can learn about the island’s precious wildlife, conservation efforts, and the protection of endemic animals, especially the rare Iriomote cat. Later, we will cross to Yubu Island by a traditional Suigyusha Water Buffalo Cart, and ride along the shallow ocean. This fun and memorable experience offers a charming glimpse of island life and will make a wonderful story to share. Afterward, we will return to Ishigaki Island. In the evening, we will enjoy an Okinawan-style dinner with a traditional Okinawan dance show, where you can taste Okinawa’s unique food culture while enjoying beautiful Okinawan music, singing, and dance.
FEB. 3 (WED) NAHA,
RYUKYU ORION HOTEL NAHA KOKUSAI DORI
Okinawa has been culturally influenced by many countries, as seen in its distinctive textiles, colors, and traditional patterns. There are 13 Okinawan textiles designated as National Traditional Crafts, making Okinawa one of Japan’s most fascinating regions for sophisticated traditional handicrafts, especially its unique local fabrics. We will visit the Minsaori Textile Museum, where you can learn about Minsaori, a traditional Okinawan handmade textile produced in Taketomi Town and Ishigaki City for about 400 years. You will also have time to enjoy shopping for beautiful textile items. Later, we will enjoy Okinawa-exclusive ice cream at Mirumiru Honpo, which offers more than 20 kinds of handmade gelato made with freshly squeezed milk from their own ranch. Try your favorite flavors, including unique Ishigaki Island flavors such as Shikuwasa, Okinawan banana, and more. After enjoying a local Okinawan food buffet lunch, we will head to Ishigaki Airport to catch our inter-island flight back to Naha. Upon arrival, we will visit the Southeast Botanical Gardens to see the award-winning Night Illumination, featuring millions of colorful lights in a magical winter display. Enjoy beautiful nighttime scenery featuring illuminated palm trees, lawns aglow with sparkling lights, and displays that highlight the gardens' natural beauty and plant life. Walking through the tunnel of lights will be a truly memorable and magical experience. Afterward, we will return to our hotel in Naha.
FEB. 4 (THU) MOTOBU,
THE ORION HOTEL MOTOBU RESORT & SPA (ONSEN) ♨
We will visit the cultural theme park Murasaki Mura, a reproduction of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the 14th century, when Okinawa flourished as an important trade center between China and other Asian countries. This large village was originally built as a set for NHK’s TV drama Ryukyu no Kaze, and as you walk through the grounds, you will feel the grandeur and atmosphere of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Here, we will enjoy a hands-on Shisa Painting Experience, where you can paint your own Okinawan guardian lion. Shisa are widely displayed as ornaments in Okinawan homes and are believed to bring good luck and protection to the family. Then, we will visit Cape Manzamo, said to be one of the best scenic viewpoints on Okinawa Main Island. This beautiful cape features natural grass growing over a hilltop that ends at a dramatic cliff facing the sea. You can admire the stunning ocean scenery, highlighted by unique coral reef rock formations and the beautiful blue waters of Okinawa. Later, we will stop at Okashigoten, a popular confectionery shop famous for producing one of Okinawa’s most beloved souvenir sweets, Beni-imo Tart. Beni-imo is an Okinawan purple sweet potato that is grown only in Okinawa. We will enjoy a special hands-on experience making our own Beni-imo Tart, giving you a rare chance to taste a freshly baked tart available only at this shop. Next, we will enjoy an Orion Beer Factory Tour, subject to change due to renovation work. Orion Beer is Okinawa’s major beer company, founded in 1957 during the American occupation. During the tour, we will see the beer-making process and enjoy tasting freshly brewed Okinawan beer made with Okinawan spring water. We will stay for two nights at a deluxe resort hotel located right across from Emerald Beach. Enjoy a relaxing Okinawan resort experience with beautiful views of the emerald-green ocean and symbolic Ie Island on the horizon. You can also enjoy a soothing soak in the onsen hot spring bath, where you can admire the ocean and Ie Island while relaxing in the bathtub.
FEB. 5 (FRI) MOTOBU,
THE ORION HOTEL MOTOBU RESORT & SPA (ONSEN) ♨
We will visit the fantastic Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, widely considered one of Japan’s best aquariums. The highlight of the aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Sea Tank, one of the world’s largest aquarium tanks, home to a wide variety of marine life, including giant whale sharks and manta rays. It is truly astounding to see how massive and graceful these sea creatures are as they swim through the enormous tank. You can also enjoy the aquarium’s underwater viewing areas, which make you feel as if you are walking beneath the ocean with the fish all around you. This amazing aquarium experience has been recognized as one of the largest and best in the world. Then, we will proceed to Kouri Island, known locally as “Love Island” because of Okinawan folklore. We will visit Kouri Ocean Tower, the perfect place to gaze out over Okinawa’s emerald-green ocean and the beautiful Kouri Bridge, which stretches more than one mile back toward the main island. Inside the main building, you can visit the Shell Museum, which features a collection of more than 10,000 seashells from around the world. You can also shop for lovely shell-crafted souvenirs and island treats at the gift shop. Next, we will visit one of the highlights of Northern Okinawa, Nakijin Castle Ruins, a Ryukyu Kingdom castle ruin from the 13th to 15th centuries and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nakijin Castle is also known for its sakura cherry blossom festival, where visitors may enjoy the first bloom of Japan’s sakura season, depending on the climate that year. The unique deep-pink Okinawan cherry blossoms create a breathtaking contrast against the ancient stone walls of the castle ruins.
FEB. 6 (SAT) NAHA,
RYUKYU ORION HOTEL NAHA KOKUSAI DORI
We will stop at Roadside Station Kyoda, where many stalls sell a wide variety of interesting Okinawan local foods, snacks, delicacies, ice cream, souvenirs, and unique regional products at reasonable prices. Be sure to try local favorites such as Andagi, an Okinawan-style doughnut, and Okinawan-style tempura — both are so delicious! You will also have a chance to purchase local souvenirs and special products found only in Okinawa. After enjoying lunch and shopping at AEON Shopping Mall, we will visit the Eisa Museum, dedicated to Eisa Dance, a traditional Okinawan drum dance performance. The exhibition area features rare books, video footage, artifacts, and instruments you can touch, offering a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and performance style of this vibrant dance. Later, we will visit an Awamori Factory. Awamori is Japan’s oldest distilled liquor, unique to Okinawa, with more than 600 years of history. At the factory shop, you can sample and purchase traditional Okinawan liquor. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner with an Okinawan Sanshin show. The Sanshin is Okinawa’s most popular traditional instrument and is often considered “the soul of Okinawan music.” This three-stringed instrument produces a warm, cheerful sound, allowing you to experience Okinawan culture and performing arts that embody the identity and spirit of the Okinawan people.
FEB. 7 (SUN) NAHA,
RYUKYU ORION HOTEL NAHA KOKUSAI DORI
Today will be a free day in Naha to enjoy shopping, strolling around Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, packing, meeting with relatives, or relaxing at your own pace. This will also be a good chance to ride the Okinawa Urban Monorail “Yui Rail”, which offers city views of Naha from above — a different perspective that you would not experience during a bus ride. For those interested in Okinawan pottery, you may walk to Yachimun Street, the heart of Okinawa’s pottery tradition. Enjoy wandering through this charming and quaint street lined with pottery shops, studios, and local artisans. You will also have time to enjoy local Okinawan food around Kokusai-dori, making for a relaxing, enjoyable day to experience Naha at your own pace. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense)
FEB. 8 (MON) NAHA / HANEDA / HONOLULU
At check-out time, our agent will come to tape and tie up your boxes, then assist with bringing the baggage downstairs for check-in. We will then proceed by bus to Naha Airport to catch our domestic flight to Haneda Airport. From Haneda, we will connect to our international evening flight to Honolulu. We will arrive in Honolulu the same morning, Monday, February 8. After clearing U.S. Customs, please proceed home. (Lunch and 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 whenever you can. 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
