TOUR ITINERARY
FEB. 13 (SAT) 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 free movies.
FEB. 14 (SUN) 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 many restaurants and shops, as well as a 24-hour convenience store. You will be able to relax and enjoy a good night’s rest on your first night in Japan.
FEB. 15 (MON) NAGASAKI,
HOTEL NEW NAGASAKI
In the morning, we will take the free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal Building of Haneda Airport to catch our domestic flight to Nagasaki in northwestern Kyushu. Nagasaki is one of southwest Japan’s most fascinating destinations, known for its rare multicultural atmosphere and unique international heritage. Since the 1570s, Nagasaki has developed through centuries of international exchange, and during Japan’s long period of isolation, it served as Japan’s only open port and gateway to the outside world. This history created close connections with the Netherlands, Portugal, Korea, and China, giving Nagasaki a distinct international flavor that can still be felt today. Upon arrival at Nagasaki Airport, we will transfer to our hotel by chartered bus. We will stay for three nights at a hotel conveniently located right next to Nagasaki Station, where you can enjoy shopping at a supermarket, 100-yen shop, local gift shops, and more.
FEB. 16 (TUE) NAGASAKI,
HOTEL NEW NAGASAKI
We will head to Isahaya, a hidden gem of Nagasaki surrounded by the sea and rich in natural beauty. Isahaya is known for its large-scale reclamation project, which began more than 40 years ago to expand farmland and help address food shortages. However, the project has also caused disputes between local farmers and fishermen. We will cross the bridge to see the project and visit the Reclaimed Land Museum, where we will learn about the challenges it created through an explanation by a local guide. Then, we will return to Nagasaki City. During our stay, the colorful Nagasaki Lantern Festival will be taking place in the heart of the city. This festival began as a celebration of the Chinese New Year by the Chinese community living in Nagasaki. The entire city comes alive with lanterns, parades, and performances. In the evening, Nagasaki transforms into a beautiful city of lights, decorated with about 15,000 lanterns and stunning lantern displays. You will be able to enjoy impressive and exciting performances, including an Erhu performance, an Okinawan-style Eisa Dance Show, a Dragon Dance, and more. Please note that the contents of the show are subject to change.
FEB. 17 (WED) NAGASAKI,
HOTEL NEW NAGASAKI
In the morning, we will visit one of the main Lantern Festival sites, Nagasaki Confucius Shrine, Japan’s only full-scale Chinese-style Confucius mausoleum, built in 1893. During the festival, the shrine grounds are decorated with many impressive lantern displays, creating a colorful and atmospheric setting that represents Nagasaki’s unique international history. Later, we will visit Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates the city’s destruction by the atomic bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. The park features the massive Peace Statue and many other monuments promoting the importance of world peace. We will also visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, which aims to contribute to the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace. At the gift shop, you can enjoy shopping for pearl products, one of Nagasaki’s specialties. The black monolith marking the hypocenter is also within walking distance from the museum at Hypocenter Park. After returning to the hotel, those who wish may visit Glover Garden, a beautiful hillside garden featuring several relocated Western-style buildings from Nagasaki’s period of foreign settlement from 1862 to 1899. Set against a scenic hillside, the garden offers a superb and expansive view of Nagasaki Harbor. The garden also features the 163-year-old Former Glover Residence, Japan’s oldest surviving Western-style wooden building and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our visit, we may be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset from the hilltop garden, depending on the closing time.
FEB. 18 (THU) TAMANA,
HOTEL SEKIA (ONSEN) ♨
We will head to Mt. Unzen, an active volcano known as one of Japan’s most powerful and historically destructive volcanoes. We will ride the Unzen Ropeway for about three minutes up to the observation station, located approximately 4,200 feet above sea level, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. If we are lucky, we may see a beautiful natural winter phenomenon called Muhyo, or frost-covered trees, which forms under special weather conditions with wind, mist, and temperatures below 32°F. Then, we will visit Shimabara Castle, a beautiful white-walled castle originally constructed in 1626. Our visit will be during the season when many varieties of Ume Plum Blossoms bloom around the main castle grounds. You will be able to enjoy strolling through the castle grounds while seeing red, white, and peach-colored blossoms. Later, we will catch a ferry and sail across the Ariake Sea for about 30 minutes. After arriving in Kumamoto, we will head to our resort hotel located on a hill overlooking vast green natural scenery. In the evening, enjoy a large buffet dinner featuring Wagyu beef, crab, and other delicious items, followed by a relaxing soak in the onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath, which are said to be good for skin beautifying and effective for neuralgia, joint pain, and other conditions.
FEB. 19 (FRI) HUIS TEN BOSH,
HOTEL OKURA JR HUIS TEN BOSH (ONSEN) ♨
We will go to Yanagawa, an old castle town that still preserves its historic scenery throughout the area. Our visit will take place during the Sagemon Hina Doll Festival, a beautiful seasonal tradition connected to Japan’s Hina Doll customs. We will visit Tachibana Garden, a traditional Japanese garden designated a national scenic beauty site. At the former feudal lord’s residence, originally constructed in 1738, you will see beautiful hanging Hina dolls called Sagemon, a colorful and elegant display that has become very popular on social media. Afterward, we will head to Ureshino, famous for its high-quality Japanese tea with more than 500 years of history. We will visit Ureshino Tea Chaoshiru to learn about, taste, and shop for excellent Japanese tea. A local instructor will show us the professional method of pouring green tea, and you can enjoy shopping for famous Ureshino Tea, award-winning Japanese green tea, tea products, and more. Then, we will head to Huis Ten Bosch, one of Nagasaki’s most popular sightseeing spots and a medieval-style theme park that recreates a 17th-century Dutch town. The entire park is filled with life-size replicas of old Dutch-style buildings, charming windmills, picturesque canals, and beautiful flowers, making you feel as if you are visiting the Netherlands. We will stay for two nights at an official hotel located right next to Huis Ten Bosch. After dinner, those who wish may enter the park to experience the spectacular Kingdom of Lights, featuring more than 13 million lights and illumination displays throughout the park. This breathtaking event has been awarded No. 1 in the International Illumination Award’s Entertainment Ranking for 13 consecutive years and is known as the “World’s Greatest Light Festival.” After returning to the hotel, warm your body in the relaxing onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath.
FEB. 20 (SAT) HUIS TEN BOSH,
HOTEL OKURA JR HUIS TEN BOSH (ONSEN) ♨
We will head to Sasebo, a historic port town known for its beautiful archipelago scenery and centuries of living history. We will enjoy a relaxing Kujuku Islands Cruise while admiring the beautiful natural landscape of the intricate ria coastline and the 208 large and small islands scattered throughout the sea. This area is said to have one of the densest collections of islands in Japan, creating a truly superb view. The scenery of the Kujuku Islands was also featured in the opening scene of Tom Cruise’s Hollywood movie The Last Samurai. Afterward, we will return to Huis Ten Bosch, where you can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including the spectacular Huis Ten Bosch Opera Show featuring beautiful singing and dancing by talented female performers. The group originally began performing at a small outdoor theater and now performs at its own opera theater inside the park. You can also enjoy an exciting Taiko Drum Show accompanied by other traditional Japanese instruments such as the flute and shamisen. The taiko team Tenko has performed not only throughout Japan but also in more than 30 countries worldwide. Please note that the contents of the show are subject to change.
FEB. 21 (SUN) MUNAKATA,
MERCURE FUKUOKA MUNAKATA RESORT & SPA (ONSEN) ♨
We will go to Karatsu to enjoy strolling around the famous Yobuko Morning Market, regarded as one of the three greatest morning markets in Japan. Squid is the biggest specialty of Yobuko, and this will be a great chance to purchase famous homemade dried squid along the lively market street. You may also find luxurious local seafood and unique regional products that are difficult to find elsewhere. Then, we will proceed to Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, to visit the Hakata Textile Museum and learn about the national traditional craftwork Hakata Ori Textile, which has a history of more than 780 years. We will see a demonstration of weaving machines and enjoy shopping for beautiful textile products, including wallets, eyeglass cases, folding fans, and more. Then, we will head to our resort hotel located in the middle of a peaceful pine tree forest facing the Genkai Sea. After hotel check-in, you can relax at the hotel lounge with complimentary drinks, including beer and wine, as well as snacks. You will also have another wonderful chance to soak and warm your body in the onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath.
FEB. 22 (MON) BEPPU,
RESORPIA BEPPU (ONSEN) ♨
In the morning, we will enjoy watching a Yabusame Demonstration Show. Yabusame is a sacred traditional Japanese mounted archery ritual that originated around the mid-6th century. This powerful tradition requires exceptional horseback riding skills, as archers shoot arrows one after another while riding a galloping horse. Because of its difficulty and discipline, Yabusame was once an important part of samurai training. We will witness this powerful Japanese tradition, one of the defining symbols of Samurai culture, as an archer in samurai attire while riding a galloping horse. Later, we will enjoy shopping and lunch at The Outlets Kitakyushu, where you can try your favorite Japanese foods such as unagi, tonkotsu ramen, sashimi bowls, and more. Afterward, we will head to Oita Prefecture and visit Mt. Takasaki, where about 900 monkeys live. After taking a short ride on the mini monorail, you can see the monkeys roaming freely throughout the area. Although the monkeys are fed here, unlike a regular zoo, they live in a nearly wild environment. Then, we will head to Beppu, known as the “Onsen Hot Spring Capital” because it has one of the world’s largest sources of thermal spring water, second only to Yellowstone National Park. Tonight, you can enjoy Beppu’s famous onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath, featuring 100% pure hot spring water that flows directly from the natural hot spring source.
FEB. 23 (TUE) KUROKAWA ONSEN,
SENOMOTO KOGEN HOTEL (ONSEN) ♨
We will enjoy the awesome attraction Beppu Jigoku, also known as the “Hells of Boiling Springs.” These hot springs are for viewing rather than bathing, offering spectacular scenery and a unique experience unlike regular onsen hot springs. We will see Chinoike Jigoku, or “Blood Pond Hell,” which features a pond of hot, blood-red water. This amazing pond gets its impressive color from red clay that dissolves naturally in the hot spring water. We will also see Umi Jigoku, or “Sea Hell,” one of the most beautiful hells, featuring a pond of boiling turquoise-blue water that resembles the sea. Its water reaches a depth of about 394 feet and a temperature of approximately 208°F. Later, we will visit Yunotsubo Kaido Street, the main shopping street of Yufuin, another popular onsen town. Symbolic Mt. Yufu rises above the street, adding to the picturesque setting. You will have free time to stroll around and taste local delicacies of Oita and Yufuin, such as pudding, croquettes, cup cheesecake, Wagyu beef skewers, and more. We will stay at a popular onsen resort hotel surrounded by the beautiful Aso Highlands. You can enjoy the onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath while admiring the starry sky in the evening and the majestic Aso grasslands in the morning.
FEB. 24 (WED) KUMAMOTO,
ONE STATION HOTEL KUMAMOTO
We will head to Mt. Aso, Japan’s second-largest active volcano after Mt. Fuji, and the centerpiece of Aso-Kuju National Park. We will enjoy seasonal strawberry picking, where you can taste as many fresh and sweet Japanese strawberries as you like. Next, we will visit Kusasenri, one of Kyushu’s most iconic views. This beautiful must-see geosite features a vast grassland plateau with peacefully grazing cows and horses near the central peaks of Mt. Aso. We will also visit the Mt. Aso Volcano Museum, where you can learn about the world’s largest caldera and the active volcano Mt. Aso through fascinating exhibits that explain the origin, topography, and geology of Mt. Aso Volcano. You can also enjoy a dynamic multiscreen video presentation that showcases the connections among people, nature, and the culture of the Aso area. Later, we will visit Aso Farm Land, where you can interact with and feed animals such as capybaras, squirrel monkeys, beavers, and more. At the gift shop, you can enjoy shopping for local products from the Mt. Aso area, healthy fermented food items, and other regional specialties. Then, we will head to Kumamoto City, the third-largest city in Kyushu and an old castle town with a rich cultural heritage. We will stay for two nights at a hotel located across from Kumamoto Station and within easy walking distance of a newly opened shopping mall with gift shops, a 100-yen store, and more.
FEB. 25 (THU) KUMAMOTO,
ONE STATION HOTEL KUMAMOTO
We will visit Sakura-no-Baba Josaien and its museum, located near Kumamoto Castle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this Edo-themed complex while shopping for local specialties and souvenirs. We will provide you with a Tabe Aruki Coupon that lets you easily enjoy local Kumamoto gourmet snacks. You can exchange the coupon for your favorite sweets or snacks, such as Ikinari Dango, sea urchin croquettes, matcha ice cream, salad fishcake, horse meat sushi, and more. After enjoying shopping and lunch at AEON Shopping Mall, we will visit Suizenji Garden, a spacious Japanese-style garden built in the 17th century and registered as a National Historic Site of Scenic Beauty. This beautiful landscape garden features reproductions of the 53 post stations along the Tokaido Road, one of the most important routes during the Edo period, connecting Kyoto to Edo (now modern-day Tokyo). The garden also includes miniature-style scenery inspired by Mt. Fuji, Lake Biwa, and other famous landscapes. If the timing is right, we may see Ume Plum Blossoms blooming throughout the garden. Tonight, dinner will be at your own expense. However, your tour guide will assist you to the train station building and shopping mall, where you can try Kumamoto ramen, sushi, tonkatsu, Wagyu beef, and more. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
FEB. 26 (FRI) KUMAMOTO / 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 leave the hotel by bus and proceed to Kumamoto Airport to catch our domestic flight to Haneda International Airport. Upon arrival at Haneda, we will transfer to our international flight to Honolulu. We will arrive in Honolulu on Friday, February 26, the same morning. After clearing U.S. Customs, please proceed home. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
Clients who wish to remain in Japan after the tour may request assistance with plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually, but must return no later than 90 days from the original departure date. Please note that weekend return flights may cost more per person. If you are planning to extend your stay, please contact our office for assistance. MAHALO!
*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, tax, all transfer of passengers 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 or 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 contact our office for a price quote at your earliest convenience. Please refer to the Airline Questions segment of our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
✈️ Land Tour Payment & Cancellation Policy
💳 Land Tour Payment Policy
💰 Full Payment Due: 90 days before the tour start date
🧾 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
📞 808-492-1122 | 📞 808-492-1123
📧 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
