TOUR ITINERARY

APR 11 (FRI) HONOLULU,

Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard the flight. Free Movies and Drinks.

APRIL 12 (SAT) SAKAI, OSAKA,

HOTEL AGORA REGENCY OSAKA SAKAI

Arrive at Kansai Int’l Airport and after clearing government formalities, By bus to Sakai, Osaka a historical city located at the entrance of Osaka bay. We will stay at elegant urban hotel located close to train station.

APRIL 13 (SUN) LAKE BIWA,

GRAND MERCURE LAKE BIWA RESORT & SPA (ONSEN) ♨

In the morning, visit Osaka Maishima Seaside Park to see 1 million Nemophila Festival. Enjoy fields of Sky-blue flower as far as the eye can see in front of Osaka Bay. On clear day, you can see “3 blues” created by flower, sky and sea. Then proceed to World Kite Museum, exhibits Japan’s biggest kite that is a size of equivalent to 100 tatami mats. It’s amazing to see dynamic movie of Giant kite is flying on 100 inches screen and other exhibitions includes local and traditional kites from all over Japan, as well as unique, colorful kites from various countries around the world. Later enjoy strolling and shopping with an old Samurai era atmosphere at the Castle Road of Yumekyobashi, located at castle site of National treasure “Hikone Castle”. All buildings in this shopping district are reconstructed with the image of Castle town in 1603. Then proceed to Nagahama, a charming old castle town by the Lake Biwa which is the biggest lake in Japan covering 259 square miles. We will stay at resort hotel standing by the lake. By taking a step out of the hotel, you will see a stunning view of the vast lake almost look like ocean. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring Open Air Rock bath.

APRIL 14 (MON) KOMAGANE HEIGHTS,

KOMAGANE RESORT LINX (ONSEN) ♨

Go to Kakamigahara, Japan’s leading city of aerospace-related industry. We will visit Aerospace Science Museum. The Museum exhibits 35 real-deal aircraft (include ones made in Kakamigahara), the most in Japan. It’s pretty awesome experience like a journey through Japan’s aviation history. You’ll see rockets, research aircraft, helicopters, human-powered aircraft, fighter jets, transport planes, a replica of the first aircraft to fly in Japan, etc. After enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon shopping Mall, we’ll visit Kozenji temple, one of the most beautiful Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry blossom) viewing spot in Nagano. Then head to Komagane Heights located at the foot of the magnificent Southern and Central Japan Alps. We will stay at the hotel that is secluded, and lovely mountain resort hotel surrounded by forest. Soak and relax in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air bath where you can feel nature while soaking.

APRIL 15 (TUE) MADARAO HEIGHTS,

TANGRAM MADARAO TOKYU RESORT (ONSEN) ♨

Go to Ina Baien Garden to see beautiful Hanamomo (Hana Peach). This is unusual type of peach tree with 3 different shades of pink flowers blooming from one tree. If the timing is right, Hanamomo, Narcissus, Forsythia blooming at same time. Then head to Obuse, a lovely small town renowned for its charming streets with well-preserved historic buildings where known as “Little Kyoto in Nagano.” We will visit Katsushika Hokusai Museum. Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is author of Japan’s exquisite and aesthetic Ukiyoe Woodblock Prints. You can enjoy Japanese beauty through exhibits of his celebrated beautiful masterpieces. Obuse is also called "Chestnut Town" because of its delicious Chestnuts. There is a good chance to buy a variety of locally grown chestnuts products such as Chestnuts Yokan, Sweet chestnut paste, etc. We also visit Floral Garden Obuse, shows great variety of flowers planted within the landscape garden, ponds, and giant flowerbeds, etc. This beautiful scenery is a symbol of a flower town Obuse. Then enjoy Strawberry Picking in season. Tast fresh & sweet Japanese strawberries as much as you like! Then to Madarao Highlands. We’ll stay at popular highland resort hotel surrounded by great nature. You can refresh yourself while overlooking photogenic panoramic view of vast ski grounds. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open air bath.

APRIL 16 (WED) NIIGATA,

HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA

Head to Nagaoka the 2nd largest city in Niigata prefecture. We’ll visit Nagaoka Fireworks Museum. Nagaoka is famous for “One of the three most spectacular and magnificent fireworks in Japan.” It’s especially renowned for the set of fireworks called “Niagara Falls”, 2,133 feet long dynamic fireworks display vigorously flows down into river, which is reminiscent “Niagara Falls.” Later head to Tsubame Sanjo well-known as a metalworking powerhouse that has carried on for over 400 years. Thanks to the precision and skills of local craftsmen, it’s highly regarded as “One of World’s Top three leading metal work production areas.” They manufacture a huge variety of products such as cutting tools, tableware and other products based on metal-processing technologies. We will enjoy shopping at Tsubame Sanjo Cutlery Center in huge store with many selections of the products like Knives, Kitchen wares, Gardening scissors, Saws, etc. Niigata is known as the “Rice capital of Japan” because they produce the “Best rice in Japan” and “High-quality rice products.” We will visit Senbei Kingdom to enjoy “Grilling your own Senbei (rice cracker).” You can also buy fresh and crispy Senbei at the factory store for your souvenir. Our hotel is located along the Shinano River Japan’s longest river. After hotel check in, tour guides will take you Holo Holo to a commercial district near the hotel. Crossing the Bandai Bridge that is symbol of the city with a beautiful series of sturdy stone arches gives a majestic feeling and allows you to feel the atmosphere of Niigata.

APRIL 17 (THU) SADO ISLAND,

FAMILIO SADO AIKAWA (ONSEN) ♨

Board the Jetfoil to Sado Island, Japan's 6th largest island filled with picturesque scenery with an interesting history, unique culture, traditional arts and entertainments. Upon arrival on the island, visit the Sado Gold Mine that is now on the nomination list for UNESCO's World Heritage inscription. Once was the largest gold mine in Japan which had been in operation for 388 years starting from 1601. We will go inside the mine with its display of robots recreating scenes from the old gold mining days. For those who have been here before, you can try Doyuko Course with actual hauling inspection tunnel which had been used until 1989. You will see the symbolic Doyuno Wareto or Split mountain at the end of this route. Then visit "One of the Best scenic spots on Sado Island" Senkaku Scenic Bay with its steep rocky cliffs that stretches over 1 mile. It praised as resembling the Northern European fjord. A series of 100 feet high cliffs will overwhelm you. Tonight's hotel is a pleasant beachside resort that offers a grand view of the East Sea from your room. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath.

APRIL 18 (FRI) NIIGATA,

HOTEL OKURA NIIGATA

We will visit the sacred “Meoto (husband & wife) Rocks.” These 2 huge rocks standing next to each other like a couple. The rocks are said to bring good luck for your family. You can buy famous local salt here. Then visit Obata Sake Brewery. Enjoy the fine taste of the famous Sado Sake and watch a short movie in English about its Sake. Later enjoy riding the "Tarai-bune" traditional washtub boat. You'll be able to experience one of Sado Island’s rich traditions as tubs were used for catching abalone in very winding and narrow coves. Later we will visit at Toki- no Mori Park to see symbolic Crested Ibis of Sado Island “Toki.” See the internationally protected bard that was once extinct in Japan but now once again inhabits Sado Island. Then catch a Jetfoil to go back to Niigata city.

APRIL 19 (SAT) MINAKAMI,

GENSEN YUNO YADO MATSUNOI (ONSEN) ♨

In the morning, visit Niigata Furusato Village to see the history and culture of Niigata and enjoy shopping for local specialties such as Traditional handicrafts, Local snacks, Sake, Dried Seafood, etc. Then visit Northern Culture Museum, 65-roomed museum which was once a residence of wealthy farming family built 135 years ago. It houses 6,000 antiques from Japan, China, and Korea in sumptuous surroundings. This museum is renowned for its breathtaking garden which is a masterpiece of the famous Niigata-born gardener. Later visit Nishikigoi-no Sato. Ojiya City is the proud birthplace of “Nishikigoi” (Ornamental Japanese carp), nicknamed “Swimming Jewels.” You can marvel at these exquisite fish in showcasing 200 specimens from 15 different varieties. Tonight’s hotel is a Traditional Japanese Ryokan style hotel which along Tone River surrounded by nature. We will be staying in a western style room with beds. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath that uses “100% Pure Hot Spring Water.”

APRIL 20 (SUN) TAKASAKI,

HOTEL METROPOLITAN TAKASAKI

We will visit Misato Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) park, one of the most famous Shibazakura spots in Kanto region. It’s a breathtaking place to see a dense carpet of colorful flowers in vibrant hues of pink, white, and purple that form intricate patterns and swirls. Then we will enjoy Daruma doll painting experience. Takasaki Daruma is particularly famous as lucky Daruma. You can hand paint your own Daruma doll to bring good luck to your home. Later visit Hanadaka Observation Flower Hill where the Canola flower Festival will be held. Enjoy the majestic scenery of beautiful mountain range and colorful yellow flowers. Our hotel is connecting to Takasaki train station and its shopping building with 100Yen shop, etc. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in. 

APRIL 21 (MON) HACHIOJI, TOKYO,

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL HACHIOJI

Go to Ashikaga Flower Park to view its world famous “Great Wisteria.” This over 160-year-old ancient wisteria tree is said to be the "Most beautiful wisteria in the world" and selected as one of the "Top 10 Dream Destinations in the World" by CNN. Enjoy the fairytale-like scenery in breathtaking “Wisteria Wonderland.” (Blooming level depends on climate of the year). Later visit Kinbue Shoyu Park, run by a 230-year-old soy sauce brewery. You can learn about the process of making Japanese seasonings from bean to bottle. You can try a variety of condiments and take home souvenirs such as the brand's Tsuyu soup, sesame dressing and Shoyu-flavoured Baumkuchen. Then go to our hotel in Hachioji in West Tokyo. Hachioji train station and shopping area are only short walk from the hotel. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in.

APRIL 22 (TUE) HACHIOJI, TOKYO,

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL HACHIOJI

Visit Mt. Takao awarded the maximum of three stars as Japan’s highly recommended sightseeing spot by European travel guidebook. We will ride the Japan’s steepest Cable Car with 889 feet difference of elevation. After arrival at Mountain top station, you can observe a fantastic view of Kanto plain, skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo, etc. (depending on weather). We also visit Monkey Park where you can see 70 monkeys up close. Later go to Anpan Factory, Anpan is a traditional Japanese pastry that is a flaky bun filled with Anko red bean paste. We will visit Ogino bakery producing a very popular “Tanzawa Anpan” that always draws a steady crowd of visitors to stock up. You will also get a chance to taste Japanese Malasada (Age-pan) at your own expense.

(Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)

APRIL 23 (WED) HANEDA / HONOLULU

At check-out time our agent will come around to tape & tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. In the afternoon proceed to  Haneda Airport to catch Airline Flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, April 23 (Wed). After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. 

(Lunch/dinner will be at your own expense)

Clients remaining back will be assisted in obtaining plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually, but no later than 90 days from day of departure. Weekend returns will cost more per person. Please call our office if you are extending your stay. MAHALO!

*Itinerary and Meals are subject to change at anytime.

*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***

AIR: Estimated airfare and May be more or May be less at time of ticket purchased. Airline tickets are Non-refundable once purchased unless you request a refundable ticket is usually charged by the airlines. 

INCLUDES: Land Transportation included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, and all sightseeing listed, all transfer of passenger and baggage, souvenir picture and tour tax.

DOES NOT INCLUDE: AIRFARES, Individual expenses after termination of tour as stated in itinerary. Also, wine, liquor, mineral water, laundry and other items of personal nature, cost of obtaining passport and visa or other necessary documents.

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY PER-PERSON:

69 DAYS - 46 DAYS --- $800.00*

45 DAYS - 22 DAYS --- $1,000.00*

21 DAYS - 01 DAY ----- $1,500.00*

*No refund once tour starts. *May have extra cancellation charges along with the preordered event tickets for Miyako Odori show tickets, Tokyo Disney Sea tickets, Shinkansen ticket fee, etc. If Yen was already purchase to pay for this tour, Then the Yen exchange rate at time of refund will affect the refund since we have to convert the Yen back to U.S. dollars again.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: TOHOKU TRAVEL SERVICE LLC 

TOLL FREE PH: 1-888-966-3666

PH: 808-536-8618

EMAIL:contactus@tohokutravel.com 

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