TOUR ITINERARY
MAR. 3 (Wed) HONOLULU
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard Japan Airlines flight. Free Movies and Drinks.
MAR. 4 (Thu) KYOTO,
MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO
Arrive at Kansai Int’l Airport and after clearing entry formalities, transfer by bus to Kyoto, which carries a reputation as the “Most Beautiful City in Japan.” We will stay 2 nights at our hotel which is located right in front of Kyoto Station and close to Aeon shopping mall including Supermarket, UNIQLO, Daiso, 300 Yen shop, IKEA, etc.
MAR. 5 (Fri) KYOTO,
MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO
Did you watch an American historical drama television series “SHOGUN”? It has won Emmy Award in 2024 and four Golden Globe in 2025 and has been gaining world attention. Its main character is a Samurai warrior inspired by Tokugawa Ieyasu who is the most important Shogun in Japanese history. He unified Japan after a long period of civil war, and ushered in a period of over 260 years of peace and prosperity. This SHOGUN tour will visit places related to “Shogun Ieyasu” and trace his turbulent life. First, we will visit Nijo Castle, an easy-walking flatland castle built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Ieyasu and had been used by successive Shoguns. It is an excellent example of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design. You will see how the Shoguns lived in and appreciate the grandeur and power of Shogun in very well-preserved castle which is known for its ornate architecture and gorgeous interiors boasting delicate transom woodcarvings and fabulous paintings. If timing is right, we’ll visit a lovely Jonan-gu Shrine which is famous for its Weeping plum festival. Enjoy a variety of natural offerings and take a relaxing stroll through beautiful gardens where weeping plum blossom will paint in light pinks and whites with a fleeting and elegant atmosphere. After lunch, visit Fushimi-jo Park where Ieyasu received the Emperor’s envoy to be Shogun officially. Here is the place he got started his Shogun career. Castle building is not currently open to the public. It’s short, easy walk from bus parking to the outside garden where you can enjoy views of the castle. We will also visit traditional Uji Tea Shop. You can buy “One of the best three Japanese Teas” Uji tea and Matcha products. After going back to hotel, enjoy shopping around the hotel.
MAR. 6 (Sat) TOYOTA,
MEITETSU TOYOTA HOTEL
We will head to Sekigahara known for the “Battle of Sekigahara.” “SHOGUN” depicts the days leading up to this pivotal conflict in Japanese history. Ieyasu’s victory on the field brought the long civil war period to an effective close and laid to the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate which presided over Japan for 265 years. We will visit Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum. Various exhibits will help you get a deeper understanding of the greatest Samurai battle which took place here in 1600. Not only learning how this battle affected Samurai society but also travel back in time and experience what the atmosphere of the battlefield was like on the day it was fought through exhibitions such as Ground Vision presentation, Immersive movie show, touchable weapons, etc. After enjoy famous Omi beef Sukiyaki with Crab Hot pot lunch, we will visit Ichiro Museum, MLB Superstar Ichiro Suzuki became first Asian-born MLB player in Hall of fame in 2025. His museum is located by his parent’s house and showcases the legendary outfielder’s Career from his childhood through his career in MLB. It’s very interesting to see more than 2,000 items include rare game-used artifacts, signed gear, uniforms, memorabilia, even Ichiro's childhood desk! Then head to Toyota city, known as the “City of Cars” where Toyota Motor Corporation’s head office is in the center of the city. We will stay 2 nights at hotel which is located in front of Toyota station and close to supermarket, 100 YEN shop, etc. Tour guides will take you Holo Holo around the hotel after hotel check in.
MAR. 7 (Sun) TOYOTA,
MEITETSU TOYOTA HOTEL
Head to Nagoya, Japan’s 4th largest city with full of historical landmarks & traditional culture. We’ll enjoy peaceful strolling at the Tokugawaen Garden, a typical Daimyo (Feudal load) style Japanese landscape garden in Edo period. A clear stream flows from a waterfall through a ravine and continues to a pond representing the ocean, a sight that symbolically condenses Japan's natural landscape. Next to the garden is Tokugawa Art Museum which is praised as the Top museum of Samurai art and culture. The museum preserves and exhibits extensive and unrivaled collection of Samurai artifacts that once belonging to the Shogun family. Exhibit galleries recreating an atmosphere of the past for a look back in time as you adore the beauty of the golden age of Shoguns. You’ll see Samurai armor, swords, utensils, noh masks, etc., those were painstakingly collected over many generations of Tokugawa family. During Tokugawa Shogunate, Nagoya was one of the most important castle towns. We will visit the world-famous Nagoya Castle's Honmaru palace originally built by Ieyasu in 1615. A superb single-storied building which was designed as the living quarters of the castle’s lord, and later for the Shogun. The palace was lost during the WWII. But was painstakingly restored in the traditional manner. The residence of the lord had been reputed for ornate decorations and beautiful painted screens. Those made it the most elegant and most gorgeous castle palace ever constructed. And visit Moriguchi zuke Pickles factory. Moriguchi zuke Pickle is a type of Nara zuke pickle made from sake lees and was one of Ieyasu’s favorite foods. World’s longest Japanese white radish is used and it takes three years to ferment and develop its mellow and sweet taste. It’s a popular souvenir of Aichi Prefecture. Then visit a popular sweets-themed park Okashino Shiro to enjoy Sweets Buffet which offers handmade cakes, mousses, jellos, 10 kinds of ice cream, etc. You can try making your own original “Parfait” by combining your favorite sweets!
MAR. 8 (Mon) HAMAMATSU,
HOTEL CONCORDE HAMAMATSU
Go to Okazaki-jo Park, the birthplace of Ieyasu in 1542. The Okazaki Castle was designed as a flat land castle which stands as a testament to Japan's rich Samurai history. Throughout the flat castle grounds, you can find numerous references to Ieyasu's life and legacy. You will see Statue of Ieyasu, Well that believed to be the source of water for Ieyasu’s first bath, the original stone walls and moats with 400 years history, etc. Next to the castle, there is Mikawa Bushi & Ieyasu Museum that offers a deep dive into the life of Ieyasu and Ieyasu’s brave warriors with display of weapons, war helmets and armor including replica of Ieyasu’s armor and battle items. You can wear war helmet and take a Shogun picture at here. Then visit Daijuji Temple built in 1475 as a family temple of the Tokugawa Shoguns and their ancestors. We’ll see Ieyasu’s ancestor graves, a wooden statue of Ieyasu, life-sized Buddhist memorial tablets for generations of Shoguns, etc. It’s surprising to know the smallest Shogun was 4 feet tall. Today, enjoy Culinary Experience “Making Your Own Inari sushi” for our lunch. Inari Sushi is Toyokawa’s specialty local food of sweet tofu pouches filled with seasoned rice. You can select five ingredients from 11 fresh options, then create your own unique version of this one of Japan’s iconic dishes. Then proceed to Lake Hamana which is famous for the eel farming. We’ll visit Eel pie factory here you can see how the most popular souvenir in this area is made. This pie/cookie is made with ground eel bones and shape resembles an eel’s tail. This delicious cookie does not taste or smell like eel at all. You can buy freshly made ones at the factory store. Then head to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture's largest city. Ieyasu had lived here during his youth period (from 29 to 45 years old). Our hotel is located by the Hamamatsu Castle which is known as the castle where Ieyasu rose to the top and realized his dream to seize ultimate power.
MAR. 9 (Tue) YAIZU,
YAIZU GRAND HOTEL (subject to change)
For those who wish to, tour guide will take to Hamamatsu Castle by walk. It will be a nice morning walk on Ieyasu's Promenade to the magnificent restored castle stands on hill. You can follow the footsteps of the great Shogun and experience the history of the Warring States Period. Later we will visit Kasuisai Hina Doll Festival, the largest Hina doll display in Japan. Annually this ancient temple with about 620 years of history is decorated with about 1,200 Hina dolls on a doll stand with 32 tiers. It’s amazing to see a large number of beautiful Hina dolls reaching close to the ceiling. Next visit Kakegawa Kacho-en, a theme park of fabulous flowers and lovely birds. Enjoy strolling several greenhouses filled with magnificent flowers, plants and lovely birds. Shizuoka prefecture is widely known as “Green tea capital” that is responsible for over 40% of Japan’s tea production. Ieyasu loved Shizuoka’s green tea. Enjoy Japanese Tea ceremony at the Traditional tea house located at the foot of Kakegawa Castle. You can taste Japanese sweet with delicious Kakegawa tea with the view of castle’s Japanese garden. We’ll stay 2 nights at the beautiful resort hotel located on the edge of a cliff overlooking beautiful Suruga bay and Mt Fuji. Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring Bath!
MAR. 10 (Wed) YAIZU,
YAIZU GRAND HOTEL (subject to change)
Head to Nihondaira Plateau which is No. 1 in the "Plains" category of the list of Japan's top 100 sightseeing destinations because of the best view of Mt. Fuji. We will ride a Rope way to get to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine which is the original burial place of Ieyasu and enshrines Ieyasu for over 400 years. We will visit the National Treasure Main Building and see a stunning panoramic view of Suruga Bay on clear day. Its breathtaking views of Shizuoka’s beautiful landscapes will give you a truly special experience (wishing good weather!). Then we will head to Shimizu Port boasts the highest catch of Maguro tuna in Japan. We will enjoy All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch. Stuff yourself with over 25 types of fresh sushi, side menus like fried chicken, simmered vegetable dishes, salad and even desserts! Shimizu Port is one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan because of stunning view of Mt. Fuji. We will enjoy a leisurely cruise of Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise. The view of a magnificent isolated peak of Mt. Fuji over the ocean is truly spectacular. Later visit a Abekawa Mochi factory. This local Mochi was the Ieyasu’s favorite and named by him. Still it’s popular as one of the most famous regional sweets in Shizuoka.
MAR. 11 (Thu) ATSUGI,
REMBRANDT HOTEL ATSUGI
Visit Sumpu-jo Park where Ieyasu lived after he retired Shogun until he died in 1616. Most of the original castle and buildings were destroyed and the ruins of the castle were converted into a modern park after WWⅡ. It will be easy and peaceful strolling around the fortress and flat grounds that were home to a Shogun. You can go back in time to the state of Sumpu 400 years ago and the world that Ieyasu lived out his last days. Later head to Ito, a picturesque seaside town in famed Izu peninsula one of the most popular resort areas in Japan. We will visit Anjin Memorial Park. One of the main character in “SHOGUN” is Anjin (John Blackthorne). It’s loosely based on a very real historical figure: William Adams who was given Japanese name “Anjin” by Ieyasu and was called the Blue-Eyed Samurai. Here is the place he built Japan's first western-style sailing ship on the orders of Ieyasu. Later visit Tivoli Sweets factory a factory store selling a variety of confectioneries such as baked cake, chocolate cookie, crispy cracker, cookie using local mikan oranges are highly sought-after. Then head to Atsugi and our hotel located close to supermarkets where you can enjoy shopping after hotel check in.
MAR. 12 (Fri) KINUGAWA,
KINUGAWA PARK HOTELS (ONSEN)
Head to Saiboku Ranch producing famous premium pork which wining over 1,000 gold medals in the International Quality of consumer products Awards. We will visit their “Pig theme park” which always crowded with people who want to get high-quality pork and processed pork products. We will enjoy their Tonkatsu pork cutlet for our lunch. Have you ever tasted Japanese sweet potato? Those are beloved worldwide for their rich, cake-like texture and intense natural sweetness that is known to be as sweet as honey or caramel. We’ll visit Sweet potato shop where you can taste and purchase deliciously sweet flavor Sweet potatoes, dried sweet potatoes, Ice cream, pudding, chips, etc. You will be surprised how sweet this delicious creamy taste is. We will also visit Nikko Shoyu Factory, producing exclusive Shoyu offering to Toshogu shrine. It will be a precious chance to get Shoyu with a Tokugawa family crest at here. They also produce delicious Robatazuke pickles made by marinating local vegetables in tamari sauce. It’s also popular local souvenir of Nikko. Then head to Kinugawa, one of the most famous Onsen Resort areas in Japan. We will stay at Traditional Japanese Ryokan style Onsen Resort hotel located along Kinugawa River with rich natural surroundings. Your room have beds and 10 tatami mat space with a beautiful view of river and nature. Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air bath of famous Kinugawa Hot Spring. *Private Onsen Open air bath is available (own expense).
MAR. 13 (Sat) IKEBUKURO,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN
Go to “World Heritage Wonderland” Nikko at the entrance to Nikko National Park. We will visit World Cultural Heritage Site “Toshogu Shrine” built in 1617 as a magnificent mausoleum of Ieyasu. This shrine has been praised as “Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine” and “Japan’s most photographed place.” Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. You will see an elaborate and breathtakingly beautiful carvings that have been called “the Pride of Japan.” Then visit Wakayama Farm which is famous for spectacular Bamboo Forest often used as a filming location for movies & commercials. Enjoy Out-of-ordinary experience in a bamboo forest stretching as far as you can see. Head to Tochigi which is called “Strawberry Kingdom” because here is Japan’s largest producer of strawberries. We will have fun with Strawberry Picking in season. You will be able to taste fresh and surprisingly sweet Tochigi Strawberries as many as you like! Then proceed to Tokyo. Ieyasu established the Edo government in 1603, which has become present-day Tokyo and World’s most populous metropolitan area. We will stay 2 nights at hotel in Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo's multiple city centers and a major commercial and entertainment district in west Tokyo. Our hotel is within easy walking distance to the Ikebukuro rail station and the shopping district. After hotel check-in, tour guide will take you Holo Holo around the hotel.
MAR. 14 (Sun) IKEBUKURO,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN
In 1590 Ieyasu entered Edo and based in Edo Castle which was constructed at the place of current Imperial Palace. We will visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, has many historic sites that make you think of Ieyasu and Edo Castle ruin at the former Edo Castle's innermost circles. You can visit the remaining foundation of the former castle tower, a nice Japanese Garden, etc. Later visit Zojoji temple, the family temple of Tokugawa Shoguns. It was originally built in 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598 by Ieyasu. This beautiful and peaceful temple’s massive main building with symbolic Tokyo Tower in the background makes for postcard like pictures. We will also visit Ameyoko, “1 of Japan’s Most Popular Shopping Streets” filled with over 400 shops dealing discounts on all kinds of items that includes seafood, sweets, T-shirts, snacks, etc. After going back to the hotel, Free Time to continue shopping, packing etc. (Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)
MAR. 15 (Mon) HANEDA / HONOLULU,
At checkout time, our agents will come around to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. In the afternoon, proceed to Haneda Int’l Airport to catch flight in the evening to Honolulu, arriving the same morning, MAR. 15 (Monday) after clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.)
*Price, Itinerary, and Meals are subject to change without notice.*
*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***
INCLUDES: The itinerary includes land transportation, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing, all passenger and baggage transfers, and a 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
🧾 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
