202509 TA-486

TOHOKU TRAVEL'S "FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS IN MAY"

NOMBIRI SNOW WALL JAPAN ALPS TOUR #9

Departure date: 11 May (Sun) 2025

Return date: 23 May (Fri) 2025


COST OF GROUND TOUR (12 DAYS): $7,300.00

***ESTIMATED ECONOMY AIRFARE PRICE: $1,800.00***

If you are requesting either Business Class & Premium Economy Seat Please book early! These seats sell out fast!

To confirm your participation Please send in $250 per-person Non-refundable & Non-Transferable deposit by personal check, cashier check, money order or cash to Tohoku Travel Services.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT, PLEASE ADD $1,327.00

THE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT CHARGE IS FOR HOTELS ROOMS ONLY.

BUS SEATING IS ASSIGNED TO ONE SEAT PER CUSTOMER.

IF EMPTY SEATS ARE AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

*Price is Based on ¥100 Yens to a U.S. Dollar rate*

Please call for current pricing thank you.

TOUR ITINERARY


MAY 11 (SAT) HONOLULU,

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


MAY 12 (SUN) YOKOHAMA,

YOKOHAMA BAY SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS

Arrive at Haneda Airport and after clearing government formalities, By bus to hotel in Yokohama, 2nd largest city in Japan. We'll stay 2 nights at hotel that is connected to underground shopping mall with department store, 100-yen shop, Big Electronics Store, Supermarket, etc. After hotel check-in, tour guide will take you Holo-Holo around the hotel. 


MAY 13 (TUE) YOKOHAMA,

YOKOHAMA BAY SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS

This morning we will visit Yokohama Wholesale Market to enjoy shopping for Japanese traditional food items such as Tsukemono pickles, Umeboshi, etc. at wholesale prices. Then we'll head to a popular day trip destination for Tokyoites "Miura Peninsula" surrounded by beautiful sea, mountains and nature. Have you ever tasted freshly picked sweet Japanese Strawberry? We'll enjoy all you can eat Strawberry Picking. Then go to Kurihama Hana-no Kuni Flower Park to see the fields covered in colorful Poppies. Enjoy the peaceful landscape of red and orange color blossoms. Then go back to the hotel in Yokohama. In the evening, for those who wish to, we'll take you to see the beautiful Night View of Minato Mirai 21 a seaside urban area in central Yokohama.


MAY 14 (WED) LAKE KAWAGUCHI,

HOTEL REGINA KAWAGUCHIKO (ONSEN)

May in Japan is good season to enjoy beautifully blooming flowers. We will visit Kana Garden to see its stunning Rose Festival. Over 2,300 roses of 1,300 varieties are blooming along the path where you can take a leisurely walk. On clear day, you get to have amazing view of snowcapped Mt. Fuji from the garden. Then proceed to Lake Motosu to see CNN’s 1 out of “36 most stunning places of Japan” to enjoy the Shibazakura (moss phlox) Festival. Over 520,000 bright pink, purple and white flowers blanket the huge park with majestic Mt. Fuji in the background is a truly amazing sight. Then go to Lake Kawaguchi, a very popular resort area where spectacular views of “Symbol of Japan” Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed. Tonight’s hotel is at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Your room has the picture window facing it. Enjoy traditional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner and relaxing soak at the Onsen Hot Spring bath.


MAY 15 (THU) MATSUMOTO,

MATSUMOTO HOTEL KAGETSU

Today we’ll visit beautiful Shosenkyo Gorge often praised as Japan's most beautiful gorge. You can enjoy a peaceful walk in the cool air while being amazed at the spectacular sceneries with the strength and power of the stream and waterfall that created many interestingly shaped rocks. At lunch time you will get a chance to taste Châteraisé sweets. Japan’s most popular confectionary chain founded in here, Yamanashi. You can taste their popular sweets as much as you like! Then head to Suntory Whisky Hakushu Distillery and visit its Whisky Museum. You can learn about “Hakushu” single malt whisky through exhibits and videos. This world-renowned whiskey born in mountain forest distillery have won numerous awards of world competitions. (In case of temporary closure, we will visit other Distillery.) Then go to the tranquil old castle town “Matsumoto” nestled by the Japan Alps. You will see the Japanese ancestral way of life everywhere in the town. We will stay 2 nights at a lovely hotel that features Matsumoto’s traditional folk craft furniture for a classic feel.


MAY 16 (FRI) MATSUMOTO,

MATSUMOTO HOTEL KAGETSU

Visit Silkfact Okaya Museum. Here you’ll learn the history of silk industry in Japan making this area one of the largest silk threads producing areas in the world during early 20th century. Learn how they operate the silk reeling machine that they used in the 19th century. Nagano is famous for its Shinshu Miso which is widely loved throughout Japan. We will enjoy the Miso Manufacturer's Lunch. Taste delicious dishes using specialty Miso and see the places of making local Shinshu Miso and purchase them. Then visit Japan’s oldest original existing castle which was completed in 1594 and National Treasure “Matsumoto Castle” another 1 of CNN’s “Japan's 36 most beautiful places.” For those who wish can walk up inside the 430-years old castle tower. Wisteria and Azalea in the Castle’s Japanese garden should be in bloom. After going back to hotel, you will get a chance to visit Nawate-dori shopping street within walking distance from our hotel. This street creates an aura of an old castle town lined with around 40 shops including antique shops, candy stores, senbei shop, etc.


MAY 17 (SAT) SHINHOTAKA ONSEN,

HOTAKASO YAMANO HOTEL (ONSEN)

Visit Kametaya Sake Brewery, producing specialty Sake using water from Japan Alps mountain range since 1869. We will tour the 130-years old main building and sample different Sake from sweet to dry. Then go to south entrance of the Northern Japan Alps. We will ride the Shin Hotaka Rope Way for breathtaking views of Japan Alps. Enjoy Japan’s only one double deck ropeway gondola through the clouds to 7,073 feet high Summit station that is Japan’s third highest elevation. The ample observation platform offers unbelievable panoramic views of the snowy Northern Japan Alps. It’s the perfect place for picture taking and nature gazing. Later visit “One of Japan’s 100 most beautiful waterfalls” Hirayu Grand Waterfall nestled in the heart of the Japan Alps. The view of this 210 feet high waterfall is truly spectacular. It’s a nice nature walk to see closer the dynamic splashing in the middle of lush greenery. Then go to Okuhida Hot Spring town and a charming mountain resort hotel surrounded by beautiful forest surroundings. Perfect opportunity for a relaxing soak at Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-Air bath. Private Onsen Bath is available At Your Own Expense.


MAY 18 (SUN) TOYAMA,

TOYAMA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

Head to Toyama nestled between the spectacular mountainous scenery and the picturesque Japan Sea. Visit Owara Kaze-no Bon dance Museum. This nationally known Bon-dance is an enchanting folk festival held in rustic town of Toyama. We will learn how to dance this elegant and graceful dancing using unique melancholic melodies which has been passed down from 300-year ago. Later we will go to Toyama city to enjoy a Scenic Canal Cruise. See the beautiful scenery and historical townscapes of Toyama from the canal with "Water Elevator” that is a special experience only available at here. 90 years old “Nakajima Lock” is a Panama Canal-style lock with two sets of gates to control the difference in water levels. We will also see “World’s most beautiful Starbucks” during the cruise. We will stay 2 nights at hotel located near Toyama station and connected to a department store with a 100-yen shop. Enjoy shopping after hotel check in!


MAY 19 (MON) TOYAMA,

TOYAMA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

Today we’ll experience Japan’s spectacular natural beauty “Snow Wall” Drive up Mt. Tateyama standing at 9,892 feet is one out of three Holy Mountains in Japan that has been worshipped for over 1,300 years. We will visit Murodo Japan’s highest station at 8,038 feet high and one of the heaviest snowfall areas in the world. We will enjoy driving through accumulation of snow to form the majestic “Snow corridor” upwards of 52 feet to create the Great Wall of Snow that’s about 6-stories tall! You will also get a chance to walk along and touch the Snow wall. Enjoy this amazing experience only during this time of year! Next visit Sasaraya Rice Cracker shop producing tasty and crispy rice crackers with the traditional old-style manufacturing method. Their most popular product is a White Shrimp cracker that is a sweet and salty rice cracker with a flavor of locally grown Toyama rice and white shrimp that is only caught in Toyama bay.


MAY 20 (TUE) GIFU,

MIYAKO HOTEL GIFU NAGARAGAWA

Visit World Heritage site “Historic Village of Shirakawago” to enjoy strolling the once-isolated rural mountain village with traditional thatched roof houses. It’s one of the “World’s 10 Great Towns, Villages & Neighborhoods for Architecture Buffs” chosen by CNN. Throughout this traditional village homes, and farmhouses standout like a scene of a Japanese fairy tale. Then head to Gujo Hachiman to try your hand at making Wax food sample. This town invented the wax and plastic food samples seen outside virtually every restaurant in Japan. You will also see incredible food samples that you can purchase and display when you get back home. Later visit Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) Museum exhibits information all about “Ukai Cormorant fishing” an ancient fishing method has been passed down for over 1,300 years. You can learn its history, methods, and more about this major cultural tradition that represent Japan through panels, movie, etc. Tonight, we will stay at superb hotel which is next to the Nagara River. In the evening, we will ride a boat to get a firsthand view of Ukai Cormorant fishing on the river. Watch as traditional Japanese fishermen work as one team use a 1,300-year-old method using their trained cormorants and ethereal fishing fires to catch Ayu or sweet fish during the hours of darkness.


MAY 21 (WED) NAGOYA,

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL GRAND COURT NAGOYA

Head to Seki with an historic 800-year-old tradition of blacksmithing in this area. Visit Cutler Sanshu producer of the finest kitchen knives using the same techniques used to create legendary Samurai swords. You will get a chance to buy Seki’s durable and incredibly sharp knives, scissors, garden tools, etc. Later visit Arimatsu Shibori Tie Dyeing Museum. Intricate Shibori dyeing is used to produce colorful designs for kimono fabric. Watch interesting English video about the process of making these Handmade Heritage. Here you can also enjoy shopping for a kimono, fabrics, and bags. When you stroll through the narrow street lined with old houses, shops and warehouses will make you feel like you have traveled back during the Samurai period. Then head to Nagoya, Japan’s 4th largest city with full of historical landmarks, delicious local foods and traditional culture. We will stay 2 nights at soaring tower hotel located easy walking distance to Kanayama station, Shopping mall, Supermarket, etc. Tour guide take you shopping area after hotel check in


MAY 22 (THU) NAGOYA,

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL GRAND COURT NAGOYA

Today we will visit Kamo Garden. Many different varieties and types of Irises and Hydrangea will bloom in the historic garden with the 16th century-built Residence for the lord with its white walls and warehouses creates a perfect backdrop for the colorful fields of irises would make an amazing photo opportunity. Then head to Nishio, the home of Matcha green tea. World’s finest quality Matcha is produced in here. Visit a Matcha factory which utilizing the traditional method. Matcha and products with matcha ingredients are the perfect souvenirs to bring back to home. Later enjoy shopping and lunch at Aeon Shopping Mall. After going back to the hotel, Free time to continue shopping and packing. (Lunch / dinner will be at your own expense.)


MAY 23 (FRI) NAGOYA / HONOLULU

At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to be checked-in down. Afternoon by bus to Chubu Centrair Airport to catch Flight in the evening to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 23 MAY (Friday) 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 


JAPAN TOUR ARRANGED & GUIDED BY: YOKOHAMA TRAVEL, INC.

ITO BLDG. #502; 2-22-3 TSURUYA-CHO KANAGAWA-KU, YOKOHAMA 221-0835, JAPAN

PH: +81-45-311-1011  FAX: +81-45-311-1013