202709
TOHOKU TRAVEL's PHOTOGENIC JAPAN: "SHINRYOKU" JOURNEY to HOKKAIDO #9
Departure date: May 10 (Mon) 2027
Return date: May 22 (Sat) 2027
✈️ 13-Day Ground Tour – Pricing & Details
💰 Tour Cost (Land Only) $5,600.00 (Taxes included)
🏨 Single Supplement Add $675.00 (Taxes included)
✈️ Estimated Airfare
Business Class: Please call to submit for pricing.
Premium Economy: Please call to submit for pricing.
20 Economy: $1,800.00 (Taxes, Fuel Surcharges included)
TOUR INCLUDES
・All land tour transportation included in the itinerary
・All hotel accommodations
・Daily breakfast, 9 lunch & 10 dinner (total 30 meals) including “Japanese Kaiseki Dinner” “Big Buffet” “Excellent Local cuisines of various districts in Northern Japan” etc.
・Sightseeing listed
・All transfer of passenger and baggage
・Souvenir group picture
TOUR ITINERARY
MAY 10 (MON) HONOLULU,
Depart from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport aboard your 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.
MAY 11 (TUE) NARITA,
HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER NARITA
Arrive at Narita International Airport and, after clearing immigration and customs, we will take a short 15-minute bus ride to our hotel in Narita City. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh after the long flight. Take this time to unwind, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey through Japan that awaits you.
MAY 12 (WED) INAWASHIRO,
HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO (ONSEN)
May is known as the Fresh Green, or Shinryoku Season, in Japan. This beautiful time of year offers comfortable temperatures, colorful spring flowers, and mountains bursting with vibrant greenery, making it one of the best seasons to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty. First, we will enjoy a truly mesmerizing sensory experience at Ibaraki Flower Park, where we will be welcomed by more than 9,000 roses of about 900 varieties, along with seasonal flowers throughout the vast garden. You will be amazed by a relaxing stroll through the Rose Garden, filled with brilliant colors and rich floral aromas. We will also enjoy making your own botanical postcard with your personal design. You can choose your favorite pressed dried flowers and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your journey. Later, we will enjoy seasonal strawberry picking, where you can taste as many fresh and sweet Japanese strawberries as you like. Then, we will head to Lake Inawashiro in Bandai-Asahi National Park. We will stay at an onsen resort hotel located on a hill, offering magnificent views of the lake. After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath while taking in the beautiful lake view.
MAY 13 (THU) MORIOKA,
HOTEL METROPOLITAN MORIOKA
We will head to Sannokura Highland, located about 2,133 feet above sea level and overlooking the grand Aizu Basin. During this season, approximately 3.5 million brilliant yellow canola blossoms bloom across the vast ski grounds. If the timing is right, you will be treated to breathtaking views of a bright yellow carpet of flowers surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Then, we will head to Hiraizumi, a historically sacred area known as the first World Heritage Site in the Tohoku region. Visiting Hiraizumi feels like taking a stroll through Japanese history and stepping back in time to a golden past. We will visit the National Treasure Konjikido Golden Hall at Chusonji Temple, built in 1124 to recreate the ideal Buddhist Pure Land, or Jodo, meaning paradise in this world. This immaculate structure, covered in real gold leaf, is a Buddhist masterpiece and a symbol of Hiraizumi’s golden culture. It is a marvelous example of the spiritual and cultural achievements of this region. Hiraizumi also has a long-standing mochi-eating tradition, with more than 300 different mochi dishes created in the area. At lunchtime, we will enjoy tasting the local specialty Zunda Mochi, made with green soybeans. Then, we will proceed to Morioka, which attracted worldwide attention after being selected by The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023” as a “hidden gem of northeast Japan.” Morioka offers picturesque city views set against scenic mountains and intersecting rivers. We will stay at a hotel conveniently located close to Morioka Station and nearby shopping areas, where you can purchase many local specialties. After check-in at the hotel, your tour guides will take you shopping.
MAY 14 (FRI) HIROSAKI,
ART HOTEL HIROSAKI CITY
We will proceed north toward Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu. We will visit Chausuyama Park, where more than 15,000 azaleas of about 40 different varieties bloom during the season. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through a stunning garden filled with colorful azalea flowers. Later, we will visit Takayama Inari Shrine, which has gained attention on social media for its enchanting beauty. This astonishingly beautiful shrine is known for its corridor of thousands of vivid vermilion Torii Gates, creating a unique and unforgettable Japanese atmosphere. Then, we will go to Crane Nature Park to see Japanese cranes and the beautiful Tsuruno Mai Bridge. This 984-foot-long triple-arch bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Japan and resembles a crane spreading its wings over the lake. The bridge blends beautifully into the lakeside scenery, creating a breathtaking view with Mt. Iwaki, the symbolic mountain of Aomori, in the background. It is also said that visitors who walk across the bridge will be blessed with a long life. Then we will proceed to our hotel, conveniently located near Hirosaki Station and nearby shopping areas. After hotel check-in, enjoy holo-holo around the area.
MAY 15 (SAT) HAKODATE,
HAKODATE KOKUSAI HOTEL (ONSEN)
We will ride the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train to Hokkaido! As we travel to Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, we will pass through the Seikan Undersea Tunnel, one of the world’s longest railway tunnels. Upon arrival in Hokkaido, we will head to Matsumae, Japan’s northernmost castle town, to visit Matsumae Castle Park, one of Hokkaido’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. More than 10,000 sakura cherry trees, about 250 varieties, fill the park with soft pink petals during the season, creating a beautiful spring scene. We will also see the northernmost traditional castle tower, the last traditional Japanese-style castle built in 1854. We will also visit the Matsumae Clan Residence, an open-air museum featuring reproductions of significant historical buildings, including a samurai residence, a herring fisherman’s lodge, and a shipping agent’s building. As you walk through the recreated streets, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Edo period from 1603 to 1867. Afterward, we will visit the Seikan Tunnel Museum, which presents the history and function of the 33.5-mile-long undersea tunnel connecting Japan’s main island, Honshu, with Hokkaido. Through sound and images, information panels, 3D models, construction records, technical displays, and actual heavy machinery used during construction, you will learn the remarkable story of the tunnel from its early concept to completion. First conceptualized in 1946, this challenging construction project took about 42 years to complete and remains one of Japan’s great engineering achievements. We will also visit the Sumo Museum, which commemorates two great Yokozuna, Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama. Chiyonofuji is considered one of the most successful sumo wrestlers of all time, winning 31 top-division championships. We will see dazzling ceremonial mawashi wrestling belts, championship cups, National Honor Awards, and other memorable displays. Then, we will head to Hakodate, a major sightseeing city located at the southern tip of Hokkaido. Tonight, we will stay at a city hotel with an onsen hot spring bath, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak while taking in a panoramic view of Hakodate.
MAY 16 (SUN) KITA HIROSHIMA,
SAPPORO KITA HIROSHIMA CLASSE HOTEL (ONSEN)
In the morning, we will visit the famous Hakodate Morning Market, home to about 250 shops selling delicious Hokkaido specialties, including dried seafood, sweets, snacks, processed seafood products, and more. Enjoy browsing through this vibrant and lively market in the world-renowned fishery kingdom of Hokkaido. Afterward, we will visit Goryokaku Park, Japan’s first Western-style fortress, famous for its massive five-pointed star shape, which was completed about 162 years ago. This Special National Historic Site now serves as a peaceful park where history and beauty come together. We will take in a bird’s-eye view from the Goryokaku Tower observatory, located 351 feet high, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the star-shaped park, surrounding moat, and cityscape of Hakodate. Then, we will head to Oniushi Park, a wonderful place to enjoy Hokkaido’s beautiful nature in a peaceful atmosphere. If the timing is right, about 500 sakura cherry trees will be in seasonal bloom. You can take a leisurely stroll and admire the lovely cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the surrounding hills and mountains. We will stay at a suburban green resort hotel with an onsen hot spring bath. In the evening, enjoy a big buffet dinner featuring Hokkaido’s local seafood, snow crab, tempura, steak, and more. You will also have another wonderful chance to soak and warm your body in the relaxing onsen hot spring bath and open-air hot spring bath.
MAY 17 (MON) ASAHIKAWA,
HOTEL ROUTE-INN GRAND ASAHIKAWA EKIMAE (ONSEN)
We will head to the newly opened Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, one of Hokkaido’s exciting new attractions. We will join the popular stadium tour to explore one of the world’s most advanced baseball stadiums. During the tour, we will be able to visit areas of the stadium that are normally inaccessible, including the baseball field, which is usually off-limits. This is a precious opportunity to see the field from the players' perspective. Afterward, we will stop at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a large shopping facility where you can enjoy shopping for a wide variety of delicious local Hokkaido specialties on the way to Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest city, located in the center of Hokkaido. We will visit the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum, where you can learn about Hokkaido’s Indigenous culture through exhibits featuring valuable cultural implements and traditional everyday tools used by the Ainu people, Hokkaido’s Indigenous population. Our hotel is conveniently located close to Asahikawa Station and AEON Shopping Mall. After hotel arrival, your tour guides will take you holo-holo around the hotel area. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen hot spring bath.
MAY 18 (TUE) LAKE KUSSHARO,
KUSSHARO PRINCE HOTEL (ONSEN)
Japan’s lowest temperature ever was recorded in Asahikawa. We will visit the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion, where you can experience the beautiful and fantastical world of Hokkaido’s cold northern winters. Inside the freezing Ice Hall, you can feel Hokkaido’s midwinter temperature of minus 4°F in a completely 360-degree world of ice. It is amazing to see the walls and ceiling covered with giant icicles that have been growing for 40 years. For those who wish, you can also take the Ice Pavilion Challenge, an extreme cold corner that recreates minus 41.8°F, Japan’s coldest temperature ever recorded. Then, we will proceed to Daisetsuzan National Park, where you can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s natural scenery with unusual rock formations and beautiful fresh Shinryoku greenery. We will drive through Sounkyo Gorge, known for its steep cliffs, and see Ryusei and Ginga Waterfalls, selected among Japan’s top 100 most beautiful waterfalls. These “Shooting Star” and “Galaxy” waterfalls cascade down through columnar joints on a dramatic sheer cliff. Then, we will head to Eastern Hokkaido, a popular destination filled with primitive natural wonders. We will visit Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park to enjoy the impressive view of vibrant pink Shibazakura Moss Phlox blanketing a huge hillside. Enjoy strolling through the park while admiring the magnificent scenery of moss phlox, which creates a breathtaking, colorful landscape. It is one of Hokkaido’s most famous flower fields and a place many visitors hope to see at least once in a lifetime. We will stay at one of the top resort hotels in Eastern Hokkaido, facing Lake Kussharo, a beautiful caldera lake in Akan-Mashu National Park. Soak away the day's fatigue in the relaxing onsen hot spring bath and the open-air bath.
MAY 19 (WED) MAKUBETSU ONSEN,
TOKACHI MAKUBETSU ONSEN GRANDVRIO HOTEL (ONSEN)
We will learn about Hokkaido’s dairy farming at Watanabe Dude Ranch, where about 120 dairy cows are raised on a spacious 173-acre meadow. Those who would like to experience farm work may try milking or feeding the cows. Later, we will visit Tokachi Hills Flower Garden, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and water lilies blooming across the rolling hills. During this season, the popular Umbrella Sky Event is expected to be held, featuring more than 1,000 colorful umbrellas suspended in the sky. This dreamlike display, combined with the fresh green scenery, creates a fantastical and photogenic atmosphere. These colorful and beautiful scenes are popular on social media and will surely take your breath away. Then, we will proceed to our hotel in Makubetsu Onsen, one of the few hot spring areas in the world known for its rare moor hot spring water. This mineral-rich hot spring is said to be good for beauty, neuralgia, muscle pain, and dermatitis. Take your time to relax and enjoy the famous hot spring bath and open-air bath. A private onsen may also be available at your own expense.
MAY 20 (THU) SAPPORO,
SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL SAPPORO
We will enjoy an extraordinary experience at Bear Mountain, where you will have the exciting opportunity to see the brown bear, Japan's largest land animal, up close. Here, you can safely observe the bears living in a real forest from a caged bus, making it an unforgettable, almost Jurassic Park-like experience. Afterward, we will visit the Chitose Salmon Aquarium to see salmon and a variety of freshwater fish from the northern ecosystem. You can also peer directly into the Chitose River through Japan’s first underwater observation room. We will participate in the seasonal experience of releasing baby salmon into the river, available only during this special time of year. Then, we will head to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and an attractive city often considered a “Northern Paradise,” known for its amazing gourmet food and picturesque scenery. We will visit Hokkaido Shrine, the tutelary shrine of Hokkaido, and one of the region’s best-known spiritual places, surrounded by rich natural surroundings. Here, do not miss the chance to try the famous sweet Hankan-sama, a softly baked rice cake made from Hokkaido rice and buckwheat flour with plenty of azuki bean paste inside. This special treat can only be found at the Rokkatei sweets shop on the shrine grounds. We will stay for two nights at a hotel located within walking distance of Sapporo Station, department stores, and the underground shopping mall. After hotel check-in, your tour guides will take you to the shopping area.
MAY 21 (FRI) SAPPORO,
SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL SAPPORO
We will visit Sapporo Wholesale Market, where you can purchase Hokkaido local specialties, dried seafood, processed foods, and more at wholesale prices. Later, we will visit the newly opened Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town. Royce’s is one of Hokkaido’s finest chocolate companies, renowned both in Japan and around the world for its high-quality chocolates. This factory exhibition museum has become one of Hokkaido’s popular new attractions, where you can learn about chocolate making and purchase fresh Royce’s chocolate products for souvenirs. We will also enjoy lunch and shopping at AEON Shopping Center, which features more than 100 shops, including a supermarket, 100-yen shop, UNIQLO, and many other stores. After returning to the hotel, enjoy free time for additional shopping, packing, or relaxing at your own pace. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
MAY 22 (SAT) CHITOSE / HANEDA / HONOLULU
At check-out time, our agent will come to tape and tie up your boxes, then assist with bringing your baggage downstairs for check-in. We will leave the hotel by bus and proceed to New Chitose 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 Saturday, May 22, the same morning. After clearing U.S. Immigration and 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 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
TOUR LUNCHEON:
DATE:
TIME: 11:00 am
LOCATION: STADIUM CAMELLIA RESTAURANT
ADDRESS: 4510 SALT LAKE BLVD HONOLULU, HAWAII 96818
PHONE NUMBER: 808-486-3311