202712
TOHOKU TRAVEL'S "ENCOUNTER JAPAN'S SPIRITUAL ORIGINS"
NOMBIRI KII PENINSULA ONSEN TOUR #12
Departure date: June 1 (Tue) 2027
Return date: June 13 (Sun) 2027
✈️ 13-Day Ground Tour Pricing & Details
💰 Tour Cost (Land Only) $5,850.00 (Taxes included)
🏨 Single Supplement Add $475.00 (Taxes included)
✈️ Estimated Airfare
20 Economy: $1,800.00
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” “Excellent Buffet” “Local cuisines in Kii Peninsula” etc.
・Sightseeing listed ・All transfer of passenger and baggage ・Souvenir group picture
TOUR ITINERARY
JUNE 1 (TUE) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and Snack will be served aboard the flight, and free Movies and Drinks will be served.
JUNE 2 (WED) SAKAI, OSAKA,
HOTEL AGORA REGENCY OSAKA SAKAI
Arrive at Kansai International Airport and, after clearing government formalities, take a bus to Sakai, Osaka, a historical city located at the entrance of Osaka Bay. We will stay at an elegant urban hotel close to the train station.
JUNE 3 (THU) SHIRAHAMA,
NANKI SHIRAHAMA MARRIOTT HOTEL (ONSEN)♨
Sakai is where ancient mounded tombs built 1,600 years ago still remain and those attracting the world's attention since the inscription on the World Heritage List in 2019. Its most famous Emperor Nintoku's Tomb is one of the world’s three largest tombs along with the pyramid in Egypt, the Qin Emperor tomb of China. We will visit Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center to acquire new knowledge with guidance panels and the ultra-high definition 8K movie of aerial images that bring you into the stunning scenery of the tumulus of Japanese kings. Then head to Danjiri Festival Museum. This over 320- yearlong local festival is considered to be Japan’s most heroic float festival. You will see an extravagant festival float and watch a video with vigorous visual sound which gives you the sensation of Japan’s wildest and roughest festival. Today’s lunch will be at Kuroshio Market, a huge Maguro (Tuna) Theme park. It will be your good chance to taste the Wakayama Maguro which is famous for fresh, never-frozen "Nama-Maguro (raw tuna)". After lunch, enjoy strolling its shopping street reminiscent of 1950s Japan, you can buy local marine products, Umeboshi pickles, local Sakes and more. Then head to Kii Peninsula the largest peninsula in Japan and renowned for the stunningly beautiful natural creations and some of the most powerful spiritual spots in Japan. We will go to Yuasa, the Birthplace of Soy Sauce which has over 770 years history. Visit Shoyu Factory to see the whole process of making local Shoyu and its history which started in 1881. You can purchase their many varieties of products such as Premium shoyu, Smoked shoyu, Ponzu sauce, Miso dipping sauce, and more. Then go to Shirahama Onsen one of three oldest Hot spring resort areas in Japan which has 1,300 years history. It is also famous as one of the most beautiful beach resorts in West Japan. thus, established as a goodwill sister beach relationship with Waikiki beach. We will stay for two nights at deluxe Onsen Resort Hotel faces pacific ocean. Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air bath with beautiful ocean view. We reserved the Premier Room with private Hot Spring View Bath for you. You will be able to relax and unwind in big room with picture window face to beautiful Shirahama ocean. Enjoy special experience of Onsen View bath in your room where you can gaze the cobalt blue ocean while soaking.
JUN 4 (FRI) SHIRAHAMA,
NANKI SHIRAHAMA MARRIOTT HOTEL (ONSEN)♨
Visit Shirahama’s most popular tourist attraction, “Adventure world” a mega theme park incorporating a Safari park, Zoo, Aquarium and Amusement park all in one. You can experience extraordinary adventure of Safari tour that you will see White tiger, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, etc., walking freely from the Safari car. And you can enjoy a fabulous Dolphin Show, get close-up views of Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, etc. Then visit Ume-boshi (Pickled plum) factory. This area is known for producing the Best Ume-boshi in Japan. Kishu Ume-boshi is the premium type of Ume and the most popular of its kind. It will be a good chance to sample the different flavors and buy World’s famous Kishu Ume-boshi. Ume Sake is another good item for souvenir. It has full flavor of simple ingredients while accentuating the characteristic fruity appeal of Plum liqueur. We will also visit Seafood Chips Factory, a famous local specialty in the area. You can sample many varieties of flavor and buy fresh chips for your pupus.
JUN 5 (SAT) KUSHIMOTO,
MERCURE WAKAYAMA KUSHIMOTO RESORT & SPA (ONSEN)♨ *Subject to change
We will visit Shirahama’s impressive natural monuments that designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. First, go to its symbol Engetsu Island, a particular rock isle whose unique feature is a full moon-shaped circle in its center, eroded by the sea. Then visit Senjojiki Rock Plateau, a spacious horizontally multi-tiered rocks looks like a thousand Tatami Mat. It’s providing a stunning land scape with beautiful ocean. And visit Sandanheki (three-tiered wall) cliff, with 200 feet high precipitous rock walls dropping away vertiginously into the sea. Spectacular clusters of unusual rock formation are truly Mother Nature’s art. Afterward, go to Kushimoto Marine Park located in the southern-most point of Honshu (Mainland of Japan). Its Aquarium with Underwater observation tower will give you an excellent chance to have a close encounter with this rare and beautiful underwater world with colorful tropical fishes, the World’s northern-most coral reef ecosystem, etc. We will stay for two nights at Onsen resort hotel located in Kushimoto, southernmost tip of Kii Peninsula. Enjoy the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air Rock bath overlooking beautiful Pacific Ocean and sunrise in the morning.
JUN 6 (SUN) KUSHIMOTO / NACHI,
MERCURE WAKAYAMA KUSHIMOTO RESORT & SPA (ONSEN)♨ *Subject to change
Visit the World’s largest Whale Museum in Taiji. About 1,000 precious materials regarding the whales and whaling are displayed. You will learn the history, culture, and ecological data of whaling with aquarium-like elements displaying live marine animals. It’s amazing to see a 50 feet life-size model of Bowhead whale is suspended from the ceiling. And its Dolphin and Pilot Whale show is overwhelming. Later head to Kumano, an isolated sacred site where has inspired a rich history of mountain and nature worship. For over 1,000 years Japanese people have made the arduous pilgrimage to this sacred area. These pilgrims used a network of routes running through the Kii Mountain Range (Kumano Kodo). Walking the ancient pilgrimage route is a fantastic way to experience the unique spiritual culture of Kii peninsula's countryside. If you wish to you can take short trail that is part of Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes overflow with spiritual energy. You can feel in harmony with some of Japan's most awe-inspiring nature. Later visit World Heritage site Nachi Waterfall. Japan’s highest waterfall with 400 feet drop is 1 of CNN’s “Japan's 36 most beautiful places.” Harmony created by a great waterfall and mystic primeval forests is completely amazing. It embodies the spiritual origins of Japan.
JUN 7 (MON) SHIMA,
GRAND MERCURE ISE-SHIMA RESORT & SPA (ONSEN)♨
Visit UNESCO’s Global Geopark, Hashikui Iwa Rocks, featuring many sizes of over 40 strange shaped rocks rise up in a straight line for about half a mile. Such mysterious spectacle of natural work of art as if the supports of a bridge. This magnificent nature landscape is designated as National Natural Treasure. The steep, lush mountains of the Kii Peninsula are blessed with a rich cultural and natural heritage. An ancient Buddhist Pilgrimage Road “Kumano Kodo” is one of only two pilgrimages in the world registered as World Heritage Site. Since over 1,000 years ago, this Kumano region has been regarded as a spiritually powerful area where gods inhabit the very fabric of the natural landscape. The Kuamo Kodo pilgrimage routes developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. We will learn about the history and culture of sacred places and pilgrimage routes at the Kumano Kodo Center which offers effective video, presenting replicas and pictures. We will stay for two nights at Resort hotel located high on the hill overlooking beautiful Matoya bay in Ise Shima National Park. Soak away the fatigue of the tour in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air bath which is known for Chojyuno yu (Hot spring for longevity)
JUN 8 (TUE) SHIMA,
GRAND MERCURE ISE-SHIMA RESORT & SPA (ONSEN)♨
Go to Japan’s most powerful spiritual spot “Ise Grand Shrine” the largest and most sacred shrine in Japan. It is believed to have been established over 2,000 years ago. Thus, the imperial family has visited this shrine quite often. When you walk along the path leading to the main building amid a dense forest of giant cedar trees, you will feel Japanese sacredness worshippers have felt since olden times and touch the heart of Japanese spiritual culture at the "Spiritual home of the Japanese people." It will be also very interesting to visit Okage Yokocho Shopping Alley in front of shrine which creates a nostalgic atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868). You can experience the flavor of old shops, traditional food delights, regional specialties, history and customs while strolling around and shopping. Later go to world-famous Mikimoto Pearl Island where the world's first cultivated pearl was successfully produced in 1893. We will see Women divers show and visit Pearl Museum provides detailed explanations about pearls and the cultivation of pearls. You can purchase a wide variety of pearl jewelry at their pearl specialty store. Today’s lunch will be at the Ama (women divers) Hut where you can enjoy the local seafood BBQ with horse mackerel, top shell or abalone in the special environment. It will be an unforgettable time to talk to local woman divers who have great hospitality. They will tell you about their history and unique experiences as woman divers. Afterward, we will visit very interesting Shinmei Shrine known as a shrine that grants 1 wish for women. Women divers in this area have prayed for safety diving and a good catch. Japanese female TV stars and athletes who had won a gold medal at the Olympic games coming to this Shrine continuously. Please narrow down your wishes down to only 1 before visiting this shrine!
JUN 9 (WED) YOKKAICHI,
MIYAKO HOTEL YOKKAICHI
We will visit one of the ancient secrets and photogenic spots with a spiritual awakening view, Meoto Iwa (Wedded rocks). Two sacred rocks representing husband and wife that are connected by the sacred "Shimenawa" rope which acts as the division between the spiritual and earthly realms. It's been attracting devotion since ancient times. After enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall, we will visit Oyatsu (Snack)Town a fun theme park of popular “Baby Star Ramen Snack” which is sold in Hawaii as well. We will have fun with making your own Baby Star Ramen Snack in your favorite flavor. Tasting Ramen snack fresh off the oven is only available in here. Later, visit the old post town of Seki-juku designated as National Historical District where about 200 ancient old settlement houses which flourished during Edo period still remain. You may feel like you are traveling back to the Samurai era when you walk through the beautiful old town. Then head to Yokkaichi, the largest city in Mie prefecture. We will stay for two nights at the hotel in the center of the city and connecting to a shopping center with Supermarket, Mister Donut, etc. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in.
JUN 10 (THU) YOKKAICHI,
MIYAKO HOTEL YOKKAICHI
Enjoy seasonal Blueberry Picking. It will be peaceful time tasting handpick fresh blueberries at farm in the morning. You can eat sweet Japanese blueberries as many as you like! Later we will head to Matsusaka, well-known for famous Matsusaka beef which is the Ultimate Wagyu beef called “Queen of Wagyu.” We will enjoy local Matsusaka Beef Sukiyaki for our lunch. Afterward, we will go to Iga, 1 of two homelands of the legendary “Ninja”. Do you know that Ninjas were indeed real? Ninja are secret spies and assassins who were active in Samurai era during 15th to 19th centuries. Here, Iga is the birthplace of Ninja and its culture of the Ninja is still alive in the town today. You will discover many secrets of the Iga-ryu Ninja at the Ninja Museum. It offers a glimpse into the life of Ninja and their skills. We will enter a real Ninja house with fake hallways, revolving wall, trap doors, etc. And watch an interesting Ninja show, features authentic Ninja skills and real weapons.
JUN 11 (FRI) TOYOHASHI,
LOISIR HOTEL TOYOHASHI
Mie prefecture is one of the top three producers of Japanese tea. In particular, Ise producing the Kabuse tea which features a beautiful green color and mellow taste. This Kabuse tea can be brewed with cold water. Yes!! you don’t need to prepare hot water to serve Japanese tea! You can purchase such a “easy to prepare” Japanese tea at Ise Tea shop operated by cooperative association. Then go to Nabana-no sato Flower Park. You can stroll through a large flower garden filled with beautiful seasonal blooms, including Rose, Iris, hydrangea and more, depending on the climate of the year. Then we will head to an old castle town of Okazaki known as the birthplace of “SHOGUN” Tokugawa Ieyasu who is one of the three "Great Unifiers" of 16th-century Japan. We will visit Maruishi Jozo brewery producing Sake for over 330 years. Their Daiginjo "Tokugawa Ieyasu" won the Gold Medal 8 times in the most prestigious competition of Sake in Japan. Later, continue to Toyohashi which is both the cultural and industrial center of the East Mikawa area and home to numerous manufacturing plants and factories. We will stay for two nights at soaring tower hotel located right next to Mega Don Quijote shopping center with supermarket. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in.
JUN 12 (SAT) TOYOHASHI,
LOISIR HOTEL TOYOHASHI
Aichi prefecture is home to Japan's major Melon producers and well-known for producing high-quality Musk Melon. Japanese Musk Melon is distinct from other melon varieties such as Cantaloupe or Honeydew. We will taste piece of fresh “Musk Melon” called "King of Fruits" in right season. You will know about Aichi’s premium Melon which has sweet taste, musky fragrance, juiciness, full flavor, and smoothness on the tongue. Later, enjoy shopping and lunch at Laguna Ten bosch, big shopping complex carries variety of local specialties include dried seafood, Tsukemono pickles, local snacks, Unagi (eel) Bento, etc. Later visit Black Thunder factory shop carrying Japan’s No.1 Chocolate Bar that all Japanese people know and love. You can buy one of the most popular chocolate snacks in Japan with many varieties including special edition only can buy at factory store. After going back to the hotel, Free time to continue shopping or packing. (Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense.)
JUN 13 (SUN) TOYOHASHI / 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. Then we will head to Chubu Airport to catch a domestic flight to Narita Airport to transfer to the evening flight to Honolulu. We will arrive in Honolulu the same morning, June 13 (Sun). After clearing U.S. Customs, we will proceed home. (Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense.)
*Price, Itinerary, and Meals are subject to change without notice.*
*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***
INCLUDES: Land transportation, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing, all passenger and baggage transfers, and a souvenir group picture are included in the itinerary.
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
TOUR LUNCHEON:
DATE:
TIME: 11:00 am
LOCATION: STADIUM CAMELLIA RESTAURANT
ADDRESS: 4510 SALT LAKE BLVD HONOLULU, HAWAII 96818
PHONE NUMBER: 808-486-3311