2022 AUTUMN NIHON KAI

Featuring Sado Island & Kurobe Dam 

November 4 - 17, 2022 (14 Days & 12 Nights)

(Tour dates may be subject to change)

$100 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
($100 deposit per person received by 5/15/2022)

Haneda, Tokyo, Shinkansen to Niigata, Niigata, Northern Culture Museum, Furusato Mura, Jet Foil to Sado Island, Sado Island, Toki Forest Park, Sado Rekishi Densetsukan, Obata Sake Brewery, Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, Ferry to Niigata, Tsubame Sanjo, Nagano, Zenkoji Temple, Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam,Tateyama, Shirakawa-go, Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa, Noto Peninsula, Wajima, Wajima Asa-Ichi (Morning Market), Shioyasu Urushi Ware Company, Wajima Kiriko Kaikan, Chirihama Beach Driveway, Tojinbo, Mikata Go-ko, Miyazu, Amanohashidate, Tottori, Tottori Sand Dunes, Suna no Bijuitsukan (Sand Museum), Izumo Taisha Shrine, Matsue, Matsue Castle, Oshima Island, Hawaii Museum of Japanese Emigration Hiroshima, Yamadaya Manju Factory, Miyajima Island, Haneda

 (Tour dates may be subject to change) 

Friday, November 4 (Day 01) 

HONOLULU - HANEDA

Our tour to Japan commences this morning when we assemble at the curbside lobby at the airport for baggage check-in procedures. We will depart Honolulu for Haneda International Airport. A meal and a snack will be served onboard the flight.  

Saturday, November 5 (Day 02) 

ARRIVE HANEDA (D)

We’ll arrive Haneda Airport in the afternoon and after completing entry and customs formalities,  we’ll transfer to our hotel in Tokyo to spend the night. A dinner is planned for you this evening at the hotel. 

Accommodations at HOTEL METROPOLITAN IKEBUKURO or similar

Sunday, November 6 (Day 03) 

TOKYO - NIIGATA (B)(D)

This morning, we’ll walk to the Ikebukuro Station to take a local train to Ueno Station. On arrival, we’ll board the shinkansen (bullet train) to Niigata, the capital of Niigata prefecture facing the  Sea of Japan. Niigata is known throughout Japan for its high-quality rice and rice-related products, including sake. On arrival at Niigata Station, we’ll board our chartered motor coach and embark on a brief sightseeing tour of the city. We’ll visit the former residence of the wealthy Ito  Family, an example of traditional Japanese architecture now preserved as the Northern Culture Museum. An impressive feature of the home is the zashiki (formal tatami reception room) looking out on the peaceful serene garden. Enjoy shopping at Furusato-Mura, a unique facility offering a wide selection of local traditional food, snacks, sake and craft products. We will spend the night in the city of Niigata, the gateway to Sado Island. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at the hotel. 

Accommodations at ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL NIIGATA or similar

Monday, November 7 (Day 04) 

NIIGATA - SADO ISLAND (B)(D)

This morning, we’ll board a jet foil from the port of Niigata and cross the sea of Japan to Ryotsu  Port located on historic Sado-Ga-Shima (Sado Island). On arrival, we’ll embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of the island. Sado Island had an image of being remote and associated with political exiles and prisoners, yet has a distinguished history and culture all its own. Sado was the home in exile to some historical figures such as ex-Emperor ‘Juntoku’, Buddhist priest  ‘Nichiren’, and drama master ‘Zeami’ who left a legacy of Noh theater on the island. In addition to ’Noh’, the island is famed for okesa (folk dances), ondeko (demon drum dances) and the toki bird (Japanese crested ibis). We’ll visit the visitor center at the Toki Forest Park with interesting information and history about these protected birds. We may also have an opportunity to view these birds up-close in the park. We’ll visit the Sado Rekishi Densetsukan (Sado Historical Folklore Museum) where relics of ex-Emperor Juntoku and Nichiren Shonin are exhibited,  including robots illustrating dioramas of Sado’s history. Subject to confirmation, we’ll visit the  Obata Sake Brewery, a brewery that has won the gold prize a total of ten times at the nation’s  National New Sake Awards competition and enjoy some sake tasting. At the Sado Kinzan  Gold Mine located in Aikawa town, we’ll descend into the old mining caves to see mechanical puppets dramatize the tough existence of the miners in the past. We’ll spend the night at a  ryokan on Sado Island. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot springs at the hotel this evening.  

Accommodations at HOTEL OOSADO or similar

Tuesday, November 8 (Day 05) 

SADO ISLAND - TSUBAME SANJO - NAGANO (B)(L)

This morning, we’ll proceed to the port of Ryotsu and board a ferry to cross the Japan Sea back to Niigata. A delicious obento box will be provided for you to enjoy. On arrival, we’ll board our chartered motor coach and proceed to Tsubame Sanjo - a region known for its metalware production. We’ll visit an interesting shop offering a wide selection of various merchandise - unique kitchenware products, knives, scissors, gardening tools and more. Our journey continues on to the city of Nagano to spend the night. Nagano is noted for its beautiful, mountainous terrain consisting of the northern, central, and southern ranges of the breathtaking Japan Alps. Dinner will be on your own this evening to try some local delicacies of Nagano. 

Accommodations at HOTEL METROPOLITAN NAGANO or similar

Wednesday, November 9 (Day 06) 

NAGANO - OMACHI - TATEYAMA KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE - KUROBE DAM - TATEYAMA (B)(D)

We’ll visit Zenkoji Temple, one of the most important and popular temples in Japan. The main hall is very nicely ornamented and contains several Buddhist statues. The temple approach way is lined with many shops selling local specialties and souvenirs - subject to opening schedule. We’ll continue on to the city of Omachi to the Shinano-Omachi Station, the starting point of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route,  a unique and spectacular journey through the Northern Japan Alps, using various means of transportation including cable cars, trolley-buses and a ropeway. The main attraction of this route is the scenery of the Tateyama Mountain Range, part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park  and to enjoy the breathtaking view of the magnificent Kurobe Dam, ranking among Japan’s greatest feat of engineering. Experience the grand scale and height of the dam as you walk along the embankment of the dam. Weather permitting, the fall colors should be at its peak during this time of the year. Enjoy dinner and relax in the soothing hot spring waters of our hotel this evening in Tateyama. 

Accommodations at TATEYAMA KOKUSAI HOTEL or similar

Thursday, November 10 (Day 07) 

TATEYAMA - TOYAMA - KANAZAWA (B)(D)

Our travel continues on to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go - famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri (hands in prayer) farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Enjoy a stroll through Ogimachi Village, the largest village and the main attraction of Shirakawa-go featuring old farmhouses standing amid vegetable gardens and rice paddy fields. Many of them are now functioning as restaurants, shops, and small museums. We’ll continue on to spend two nights in the castle town of Kanazawa, capital of Ishika wa prefecture. On arrival, enjoy a leisure stroll through the main attraction of the city - Kenroku-en Garden - noted as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. The garden features ‘Kasumigaike’, a large artificial pond with a stone lantern designed in the image of the Japanese koto (harp) - the symbol of the garden. Kanazawa is also noted as the largest producer of gold leaf in all of Japan. Gold leaf is generally 22-karat gold that has been hammered into thin sheets by goldbeating and layered over products. We’ll visit Haku Koukan, a gold leaf shop to view the interesting production of some of their intricate merchandise - also available for purchase. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at the hotel. 

Accommodations at ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL KANAZAWA or similar

Friday, November 11 (Day 08) 

KANAZAWA - NOTO PENINSULA - WAJIMA - KANAZAWA (B)

This morning, we’ll travel north to ‘Noto-Hanto’, a scenic peninsula of rugged seascapes surrounded by the Japan Sea. Enjoy shopping and bargaining at the Wajima Asaichi (morning market), a large indoor and outdoor marketplace offering a wide selection of merchandise and dried seafood products including partially-dried abalone. The town of Wajima at the center of the Okunoto area is known not only for its fishing industry but also for its production of Wajima-nuri (lacquerware). We’ll visit the Shioyasu Urushi Ware Company, a long-established Wajima lacquerware manufacturer. A characteristic of Wajima lacquerware is found in the base coat being repeatedly applied to original wooden materials and decorated with chinkin (gold & silver inlaying) and makie (gold or silver raised lacquer painting). This whole process takes months to complete one finished product. Spectacular Kiriko lanterns are used for the festivals of the Noto Peninsula - a thousand-year-old tradition. These huge lacquered Kiriko lanterns, some as tall as four-story buildings, are on display at the Wajima Kiriko Art  Museum, recreating the magical atmosphere of festivals with traditional music. On our return to Kanazawa, we’ll travel along the west coast of the peninsula to the Chirihama Beach Driveway - a beach resembling a sandy motorway. Weather permitting, enjoy a unique and exciting drive as we roar on the sand near the breakers of the water. Dinner will be on your own this evening to try some of the local specialties of this prefecture at some of the restaurants at the train station located near the hotel.  

Accommodations at ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL KANAZAWA or similar

Saturday, November 12 (Day 09) 

KANAZAWA - TOJINBO - TSURUGA - MIYAZU (B)(D)

We’ll continue our journey along the Sea of Japan to scenic Tojinbo, a series of basaltic cliffs in Fukui prefecture, designated a Natural  Monument in Japan. Enjoy the view of magnificent pillar-shaped rocks and cliffs created by volcanic activities and formed through the years by sea erosion. A stop will be made to shop at Konbu Kan, a shop offering a nice selection of konbu, and other konbu-related products.  We’ll drive along the scenic ridge on the Mikata-goko-Rainbow Line to enjoy the beauty of Mikata Goko (Five Lakes of Mikata), located on the east shore of Wakasa Bay facing the Sea of Japan. A ride on a cable car or an individual chair lift will take us to the scenic observatory on top of Mount Baijo to enjoy a breathtaking view of Wakasa Bay and the Five Lakes of Mikata. Each lake has a different concentration of salt and is registered under the Ramsar Convention. We’ll spend the night in Miyazu city in Kyoto Prefecture. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot springs at our onsen resort this evening.  

Accommodations at HOTEL & RESORTS KYOTO MIYAZU or similar

Sunday, November 13 (Day 10) 

MIYAZU - AMANOHASHIDATE - TOTTORI (B)(D)

Amanohashidate (Bridge to Heaven) is a scenic sand bar covered with pine trees resembling the shape of a bridge spanning across  Miyazu Bay on the Tango Peninsula. We’ll proceed to Kasamatsu Park and ride a chair lift or cable car to the top of the hillside to enjoy this spectacular view - ranked as one of the three most scenic sights in Japan (Nihon Sankei). To view the sand bar as a ‘floating bridge to heaven’, turn your back towards the bay and bend forward to see the view from between your legs. We’ll continue our travel along the scenic coast of the Japan Sea to spend the night in Tottori, one of the main cities in the San-in district and famous for its spectacular sand dunes - the largest in Japan. The Tottori Sand Dunes were created as sand from the Sendaigawa River washed out to sea and eventually re-deposited along the coast by the ocean’s current. Climb to the top of one of the sand dunes to enjoy a beautiful view of the Sea of Japan.  Enjoy a visit at Suna no Bijuitsukan (The Sand Museum), a unique and interesting museum displaying large sand sculptures created by artists from around the world. Every year, each exhibition represents a theme, typically a region or a country, and changes annually. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at the hotel. 

Accommodations at NEW OTANI TOTTORI HOTEL or similar

Monday, November 14 (Day 11) 

TOTTORI - YONAGO - MATSUE (B)(D)

We’ll continue our drive along the coast of the Sea of Japan to visit Izumo Taisha Shrine, constructed in the Taisha-zukuri style,  Japan’s oldest form of shrine architecture. The wooded grounds are pleasant to wander through and the shrine itself offers the  ‘borrowed scenery’ of Yakumo Hill in the background. The shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi, the kami (Shinto Spirit God) of marriage.  Hence, visitors to the shrine summon the deity by clapping four times rather than the normal two - twice for themselves and twice for their partner or partner to be. We’ll continue on to spend the night in Matsue, a beautiful town in Shimane Prefecture surrounded by water. We’ll visit Matsue Castle, one of the few original castles in Japan - known as the “black castle or crow castle” - due to its dark colored exterior. This majestic castle is perched atop a hill and surrounded by a moat and thick walls. The interior of the main keep now houses a museum displaying interesting arms and artifacts. Enjoy dinner and relax in the soothing hot waters of our onsen hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at MATSUNOYU or similar

Tuesday, November 15 (Day 12) 

MATSUE - OSHIMA ISLAND - HIROSHIMA (B)(D)

We’ll travel south through Shimane and Yamaguchi prefectures, passing through Yanai city to Oshima Island, one of the largest islands in the Seto Naikai Strait. On arrival, we’ll visit the Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii, located in the town of Suo Oshima, sister city with Kauai Island. The Theater Room features an interesting video explaining the history of government-contract labor relationships between Hawaii and the Japanese people, including the work and life of the emigrants. The museum also displays many artifacts and photographs explaining the history of the arrival of emigrants from Hawaii. We’ll continue on to spend two nights in the city of Hiroshima. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at the hotel. 

Accommodations at RIHGA ROYAL HIROSHIMA or similar

Wednesday, November 16 (Day 13) 

HIROSHIMA (B)

Momiji Manju (a maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with a variety of fillings) is one of Hiroshima’s most popular sweets. We’ll travel to the town of Hatsukaichi and visit the Yamadaya Manju Factory to see the production of this delicious confectionary through a short video.  Samples of some of their delicious products will be available for you to enjoy. We’ll continue on to the Miyajimaguchi Pier and board a  ferry to visit Miyajima Island, famed for its scenic Itsukushima-jinja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a large torii gate extending into the sea, the shrine and the island’s Mt. Misen-san as a backdrop, this scene is classified as one of Japan’s three most scenic sights. Enjoy strolling through Omotesando - the island’s main shopping street with many shops offering a large selection of souvenirs,  including the specialties of the island: momiji manju, shakushi (wooden rice paddles), and fresh oysters. We’ll leave the island by ferry to return to the city of Hiroshima. Dinner will be on your own this evening. You may want to try some delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the specialty of Hiroshima at one of the local restaurants located around the hotel. 

Accommodations at RIHGA ROYAL HIROSHIMA or similar

Thursday, November 17 (Day 14) 

HIROSHIMA - HANEDA TO HONOLULU (B)

The day is at leisure for your own activities until we depart for the airport in the afternoon. We’ll transfer to the Hiroshima Airport to check in for our domestic flight to Haneda Airport. On arrival, we’ll transfer by shuttle to the Haneda International Terminal for our late evening flight home. We’ll arrive Honolulu in the morning on the same day due to the crossing of the International Date Line. A late meal will be served onboard the flight. 

Land portion based on 114 Yen = $1.00 U.S.

 Map of Tour Itinerary

The tour price is based on double occupancy and a minimum group size of 20 passengers. Fare adjustment may apply for groups of 20 or under. The rate is based on tariffs and exchange rates effective 10/31/21. Tour fare is subject to change according to any airfare increase, additional fuel surcharges and fluctuation of the rate of exchange between U.S. and foreign currency. In the event of revaluation, the land portion of the tour price may be adjusted prior to your final statement.

2022 Tour Registration Form

2022 General Conditions & Addendum (Japan/International)

2022 AUTUMN CIRCLE KYUSHU

Featuring ‘Kingdom of Lights Festival’ at Huis Ten Bosch 

November 09 - 20 2022 (12 Days & 10 Nights)

(Tour dates may be subject to change)

$100 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
($100 deposit per person received by 5/15/2022)

Haneda, Fukuoka, Kushida Shrine, Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan, Hakata Traditional Craft & Design Museum Karatsu Bay, Niji-no-Matsubara, Imari Okawachiyama, Mifuneyama Rakuen, Sasebo, Kujuku-shima Cruise, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki International Peace Memorial Hall Nagasaki Heiwa-koen, Huis Ten Bosch, Kingdom of Lights Festival , Nagasaki Castella Land, Ferry to Kumamoto, Suizenji-koen, Kagoshima, Sengan-en Garden, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Ibusuki, Chiran, Tokko Heiwa Kaikan, Samurai Street, Nichinan Kaigan Coast, Oni-no-Sentakuita, Takachiho-kyo, Hitome Hakkei, Beppu, Umi Jigoku, Dazaifu Tenman-gu, Kitakyushu, Toto Museum, Fukuoka, Haneda 

 (Tour dates may be subject to change) 

Wednesday, November 09 (Day 01) 

HONOLULU TO HANEDA

Our tour commences this morning when we assemble at the check-in lobby at the airport for baggage check-in procedures. We will depart Honolulu for Haneda International Airport. A meal will be served on board the flight. 

Thursday, November 10 (Day 02) 

ARRIVE HANEDA * FUKUOKA (B)

We’ll arrive Haneda Airport in the afternoon and after completing entry and customs formalities, we’ll transfer with our luggage to the domestic ticket lobby to check-in for our flight to Fukuoka International Airport in Kyushu, the third-largest and southernmost island of Japan. We’ll transfer to our hotel to check-in for two nights in downtown Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu and capital of Fukuoka prefecture. 

Accommodations at MIYAKO HOTEL HAKATA or similar

Friday, November 11 (Day 03) 

FUKUOKA (B)(D)

This morning, we’ll visit the Hakata Machiya Furusato-mura - a folk museum featuring magnificent displays of beautiful artwork and local crafts from the Meiji and  Taisho periods. Adjacent to the museum is a working textile shop with craftsmen weaving traditional Japanese designs native to Hakata. An enormous mikoshi  (float) used for the festivals is displayed on the grounds of the Kushida-jinja that hosts the annual Hakata Gion Yamasaka Festival during the summer. The most famous of Fukuoka/Hakata’s traditional arts and crafts are Hakata Ori (woven tex tile) and Hakata Ningyo (clay dolls) - passed down through the ages by their craftsmen. A visit to Hakata’s Traditional Craft & Design Museum offers information on traditional arts & crafts in Fukuoka through various exhibits, workshops and lectures in the Gallery Room. Dinner will be provided for you this evening.  

Accommodations at MIYAKO HOTEL HAKATA or similar

Saturday, November 12 (Day 04) 

FUKUOKA * KARATSU * IMARI * ARITA * SASEBO (B)(D)

We’ll travel west to enjoy a scenic view of Karatsu Bay and the two-mile-long Niji no-Matsubara, a grove of black pine trees extending along a sandy beach. The forest was originally planted by the feudal Lord Terasawa as a counter-measure against the strong winds and tides in Karatsu Bay. Today, this scene is noted as one of the most picturesque landscapes in Japan. The pottery towns of Arita and  Imari in Saga prefecture have been a major manufacturing source of ceramics for centuries with Imari-yaki and Arita-yaki as the most famous and distinctive. Korean potters were brought to Imari to produce porcelain mainly for the Nabeshima domain. Enjoy a stroll through Imari Okawachiyama (The Village of Secret Kilns) - a small artisans’ village located in the city of Imari that has been producing unique pottery for centuries and kept its methods a secret - hence the name ‘Village of Secret Kilns’. We’ll visit Mifuneyama Rakuen, a large garden in Saga Prefecture featuring a teahouse, 500 statues of Buddhist saints, and a 200-year-old maple tree.  Weather permitting, the autumn leaves should be at its peak during this time of the season. We’ll proceed to Kashimae Port to board a sightseeing boat and enjoy a  relaxing and scenic cruise around Kujuku-Shima (99 pine-studded islets) in the inland sea. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Japan as you cruise through the islands. We’ll spend the night in Sasebo, the gateway to Saikai  National Park in Nagasaki Prefecture. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot springs of our onsen hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at YUMIHARI NO OKA HOTEL or similar

Sunday, November 13 (Day 05) 

SASEBO * NAGASAKI * HUIS TEN BOSCH (B)(D)

We’ll continue on the Saikai Bridge to Nagasaki, the capital city of Nagasaki prefecture. Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be devastated by a nuclear weapon on August 9, 1945. We’ll visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum featuring photos, relics and documents related to the bombing and the Nagasaki International Peace Memorial Hall, built in memory of those who perished in the atomic bombing. The Nagasaki Heiwa-koen (Peace Park) was established near the hypocenter of the explosion and remnants of a concrete wall of Urakami Cathedral are still visible. At the park’s north end stands a 10-meter-tall Peace Statue and the south end features a Fountain of Peace. We’ll spend the night at a hotel located adjacent to Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that recreates a Dutch town and named after one of the residences of the Dutch  Royal Family. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore this park featuring a European atmosphere with picturesque canals,  iconic windmills, beautiful gardens, and unique architecture. In the evening, enjoy the Kingdom of Lights Festival, featuring a  brilliant illumination of thousands of lights. This view is ranked as the ‘No. 1-night scenery in Japan’. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot spring waters of our onsen hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at HOTEL OKURA JR HUIS TEN BOSCH or similar

Monday, November 14 (Day 06) 

HUIS TEN BOSCH * SHIMABARA * KUMAMOTO (B)

We’ll continue our journey to the Shimabara Peninsula, passing by Mount Unzen - an active volcano located at the center of the peninsula. The volcano erupted most recently from 1990 to 1995, sending pyroclastic flows down toward the town below.  The deadliest eruption occurred during the late Edo Period when large mudflows of volcanic ash flowed down the mountainside, burying several homes and buildings. Castella (fluffy & moist sweet sponge cake) is a popular local food product of Naga saki. Enjoy a visit at Nagasaki Castella Land for an interesting factory tour of the facility. We’ll continue on to the Shimabara  Port to transfer by ferry to Kumamoto Port. On arrival in Kumamoto city, we’ll visit Suizenji-koen, a spacious and beautiful  Japanese-style landscape garden designed with an impression of views seen when traveling along the Tokaido, the old highway between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). As you stroll around this scenic park, you’ll have a magnificent feeling of nature with its small ponds, lakes, and trees. Featured at the east end of the park is Horaitsukiyama, a beautiful representation of a miniature Mt. Fuji. We’ll spend the night in Kumamoto. Dinner will be on your own this evening to try some of the local specialties of this prefecture.  

Accommodations at KUMAMOTO HOTEL CASTLE or similar

Tuesday, November 15 (Day 07) 

KUMAMOTO * KAGOSHIMA * IBUSUKI (B)(D)

We’ll travel south to Kagoshima, the southernmost major city in Kyushu and capital of Kagoshima prefecture. The city is often compared with its Italian sister city Naples, due to its similar mild climate and Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s Vesuvius. The city’s main attraction is Sengan-en, a picturesque Japanese-style garden with one of the most impressive pieces of ‘borrowed scene ery’ - Kagoshima Bay and the fuming peak of Sakurajima beyond the bay. Enjoy a leisure stroll through this beautifully landscaped garden featuring small ponds, streams, and a bamboo grove. Located adjacent to the garden, visit the Shoko Shu seikan Museum, featuring exhibits and historical materials about the Shimazu family related to the Satsuma clan. Both the garden and the museum were recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015. We’ll continue on to the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula to spend the night in Ibusuki, a coastal town best known for its sunamushi onsens  (steaming black sand baths). As an option, you may want to experience being covered with warm black volcanic sand. The weight and heat of the sand warms your body and feels so good. After rinsing off, you’ll feel relaxed and energized. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot springs at our onsen hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at IBUSUKI ROYAL HOTEL or similar

Wednesday, November 16 (Day 08) 

IBUSUKI * CHIRAN * MIYAZAKI (B)(D)

We’ll continue on to the little town of Chiran, noted for its fine collection of preserved samurai houses and gardens. Enjoy a  stroll through ‘samurai street’, a nicely preserved district to visit a few old samurai residences and beautifully landscaped gardens. We’ll visit the Tokko Heiwa Kaikan (Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots), a museum featuring an extensive collection of correspondence, photographs, relics, and mementoes belonging to members of the Special Air Force Attack  Group also known as the Kamikaze Pilots. Subject to confirmation, a local guide will share with us some photos and letters to present a positive image of these pilots as they willingly gave their lives for their country and their families to establish peace and prosperity for Japan. We’ll continue on to the scenic Nichinan Kaigan Coast, located on the southern area of Miyazaki prefecture. Enjoy the view of eroded rock formations known as Oni-no-Sentakuita (devil’s washboard) on Ao-shima Island.  The island is located in the northernmost area of the Nishinan-Kaigan Quasi-National Park. We’ll spend the night in Miyazaki,  capital city of Miyazaki prefecture. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at our onsen hotel. 

Accommodations at SHERATON GRANDE OCEAN RESORT MIYAZAKI or similar

Thursday, November 17 (Day 09) 

MIYAZAKI * NOBEOKA * TAKACHIHO MOUNT ASO (B)(D)

Located in the northwestern region of Miyazaki prefecture in the center of the Kyushu Mountains is the little town of Takachiho.  This village is a remote mountain resort and is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan - known for its myths, legends and traditional sacred music and dancing. Its major attraction is Takachiho-kyo, a scenic v-shaped ravine created by the  Gokase River featuring breathtaking waterfalls, overhanging rocks, and sheer cliffs. Weather permitting, the colored leaves along the gorge and the surrounding area should be at its peak, providing an awesome sight. We’ll spend the night at Aso Resort Grandvrio, a hot spring resort in the vicinity of Mount Aso. Enjoy dinner and relax in the soothing hot springs at the hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at ASO RESORT GRANDVRIO or similar

Friday, November 18 (Day 10) 

MOUNT ASO * BEPPU (B)(D)

We’ll continue on to enjoy the breathtaking view at Hitome Hakkei, noted as one of Japan’s three best spots to see Autumn colored leaves in Yabakei (weather permitting). We’ll travel on to spend the night in Beppu, famous for its numerous hot springs with hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths and steam baths. Beppu is also known for unique thermal vents known as the  Hells of Beppu featuring several spectacular hot springs for viewing rather than bathing - known as jigokus. The city is divided into eight spectacular jigokus and we’ll visit one of the most beautiful - Umi-Jigoku, a pond of boiling, steaming blue water. Located in the spacious garden area is another reddish-colored jigoku and another clear water pond with lotus flowers floating on the surface. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot spring waters of our onsen hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at BEPPU KAMENOI HOTEL or similar

Saturday, November 19 (Day 11) 

BEPPU * DAZAIFU * KITAKYUSHU * FUKUOKA (B)

We’ll travel to the cultural city of Dazaifu, visiting Dazaifu Tenman-gu, an important shrine dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian period. His rise to power during his political career resulted in a rivalry with the Fujiwara clan and he was later exiled to Dazaifu. Michizane passed away in Dazaifu and the main shrine was built on his gravesite. Discover the interesting world of toilets at the Toto Museum, Japan’s premier manufacturer of toilets and washroom product in Kitakyushu. The museum provides us with the history of Toto, its products, and the production from the past to the present. One of the highlights is to view the super-modern architectural design of the building, featuring rounded and rimmed curves with a glowing white finish. Dinner will be on your own this evening to try some of the local specialties of Fukuoka.  

Accommodations at MIYAKO HOTEL HAKATA or similar

Sunday, November 20 (Day 12) 

FUKUOKA TO HANEDA TO HONOLULU (B)

The morning is at your leisure for your own activities or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and omiyage to bring home.  In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the Fukuoka Airport for our domestic flight to Haneda Airport. On arrival at Haneda Airport,  we’ll transfer by shuttle to the Haneda International Terminal for our evening flight to Honolulu, arriving in the morning on the same day due to the crossing of the International Date Line. A late meal will be served onboard the flight. 

Land portion based on 114 Yen = $1.00 U.S.

Map of Tour Itinerary

The tour price is based on double occupancy and a minimum group size of 20 passengers. Fare adjustment may apply for groups of 20 or under. The rate is based on tariffs and exchange rates effective 10/31/21. Tour fare is subject to change according to any airfare increase, additional fuel surcharges and fluctuation of the rate of exchange between U.S. and foreign currency. In the event of revaluation, the land portion of the tour price may be adjusted prior to your final statement.

2022 AUTUMN HOKKAIDO & TOHOKU

October 8 - 19, 2022 (12 Days & 10 Nights) 

(Tour dates may be subject to change)

$100 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
($100 deposit per person received by 5/01/2022)

Narita/Haneda, Chitose, Otaru, Music Box Hands-on-Activity, Sakaimachihondori, Sapporo, The Historical Museum of Hokkaido, Upopoy National Ainu Museum, Noboribetsu, Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Lake Toya, Mt. Showa Shin-zan, Usu-zan Ropeway, Hakodate, Fort Goryokaku, Goryokaku Tower, Hakodate Morning Market, Hokkaido Shinkansen, Seikan Undersea Tunnel, Aomori, Nebuta No Ie Warasse, Apple Picking Experience, Oirase River Valley, Morioka, Morioka Tezukuri Mura, Hiraizumi, Geibi-kei Gorge, Matsushima Bay Cruise, Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Doll Museum, Kokeshi Doll Painting Hands-on-Activity Fukushima, Iimoriyama, Aizu Buke Yashiki (Samurai Mansion) Nihonmatsu, Kiku-Matsuri (Chrysanthemum Festival) Nikko, Tosho-gu Shrine, Tobu World Square, Tokyo, Odaiiba, Narita/Haneda

 (Tour dates may be subject to change) 

Saturday, October 8 (Day 01) 

HONOLULU to NARITA/HANEDA to CHITOSE

Our tour commences this morning when we assemble at the check-in lobby at the airport for baggage check-in procedures. We will depart Honolulu for Narita/Haneda International Airport. A meal will be served on board the flight.  

Sunday, October 9 (Day 02) 

ARRIVE NARITA/HANEDA to CHITOSE

On arrival at Narita/Haneda Airport, we’ll clear entry and customs formalities, then transfer to check-in for our domestic flight to Chitose International Airport in Hokkaido,  Japan’s northernmost and second-largest island. On arrival at Chitose Airport, we’ll transfer to our hotel located at Chitose to check-in for the night. 

Accommodations at ANA CROWNE HOTEL CHITOSE or similar

Monday, October 10 (Day 03) 

CHITOSE - OTARU - SAPPORO (B)(D)

This morning we’ll visit The Hokkaido Historical Museum (mori-no-Charenga) located in the Nopporo Forest Park. This two-story museum features interesting exhibits and displays introducing a look into the history, culture and nature of Hokkaido. We’ll travel to Otaru, a charming port city facing Ishikari Bay, located in western Hokkaido. A well-known symbol of the city is Otaru Canal, adorned with Victorian-style street lamps and old warehouses, providing a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere. Many of the buildings along the canal have been restored into museums, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy strolling through Sakaimachihondori, a preserved merchant street in the center of town, to browse through the sweet shops, glassware shops and a unique music box museum. In front of the entrance to the museum stands an old-fashioned steam clock,  presented to Otaru by the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. We’ll participate in a  hands-on-activity to create your own music box to take home as a souvenir. Otaru is noted for its intricate glassware featuring one of its most popular items - a drip-free soy sauce bottle. Created in all sizes, shapes and colors, you’ll find them available at ‘Sa  Shi Su Se So’, an outlet shop specializing in soy sauce bottles. We’ll continue on to spend the night in Sapporo, the largest and capital city of Hokkaido. This evening,  dinner will be provided for you at a local restaurant.  

Accommodations at SAPPORO CENTURY ROYAL HOTEL or similar

Tuesday, October 11 (Day 04) 

SAPPORO - LAKE TOYA - MT. SHOWA SHINZAN - NOBORIBETSU (B)(D) Our travels continue along the scenic Uchiura Bay to Toya-ko, a large caldera lake located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This region features one of Japan’s young est and still active volcanoes - Mt. Showa Shinzan, located on the east flank of Mt.  Usu. Mt. Showa Shinzan was created as a result of hundreds of explosive eruptions and mudslides. Hissing steam still escapes through some of the fissures of this new mountain. Weather permitting, enjoy a ride on the Usu-zan Ropeway to the observation deck to get a close-up view of the volcano’s summit with panoramic views of Lake  Toya and the neighboring Mr. Showa Shinzan. We’ll continue on to spend the night at an onsen resort in Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido’s famous hot spring resort. Before checking in at the hotel, we’ll visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a spectacular ravine located just above the town of Noboribetsu. Hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other volcanic activity can be viewed at this magnificent site - the main source of Noboribet su’s hot spring waters. Enjoy dinner and relax in the fabulous onsen at the hotel this evening.  

Accommodations at NOBORIBETSU GRAND HOTEL or similar

Wednesday, October 12 (Day 05) 

NOBORIBETSU - LAKE TOYA - MT. SHOWA SHINZAN - HAKODATE (B)(D)

We’ll travel to visit the recently opened Upopoy National Ainu Museum located near Lake Poroto. This interesting museum highlights the diversity of traditional Ainu culture and its people. We’ll continue on to the seaport city of Hakodate, located at the island’s southern tip, to spend the night. Hakodate is best known for Fort Goryokaku, a massive star-shaped Western-style citadel, built originally for the defense of the city. After the fort lost its military importance, it was eventually transformed into a public park. Enjoy a breathtaking view of this star shaped fortress and the city from the top of the observation deck at Goryokaku Tower. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at the hotel.  

Accommodations at HAKODATE KOKUSAI HOTEL or similar

Thursday, October 13 (Day 06) 

HAKODATE - SEIKAN UNDERSEA TUNNEL - AOMORI (B)(D)

This morning, enjoy an exciting shopping excursion at the Hakodate (asaichi) Morning Market. This busy marketplace features many in-door and outdoor local vendors offering a huge selection of dried seafood products such as scallops, squid, cuttlefish, and a nice variety of seaweed-related products. Have fun bargaining with the various vendors for the best-discounted prices. We’ll proceed to the Shin Hakodate  Hokuto Station to board the ‘Hokkaido Shinkansen’ and travel through the Seikan Undersea Tunnel connecting Hokkaido to the island of  Honshu. We’ll arrive in Aomori, the northernmost capital city of Aomori Prefecture to spend the night. On arrival, we’ll visit Nebuta No Ie  Warasse, an interesting museum dedicated to the city’s famous Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) held annually during the summer. The museum is housed in a unique building along Aomori’s waterfront district and features photos and images to provide you with a glimpse of the  300-year history of the Nebuta Matsuri. Admire the intricate craftsmanship and details of several floats used for past festivals displayed in the showroom. Dinner will be provided for you this evening at the hotel. 

Accommodations at HOTEL AOMORI or similar

Friday, October 14 (Day 07) 

AOMORI - LAKE TOWADA - MORIOKA (B)

Aomori prefecture is noted as Japan’s largest producer of apples and you’ll find many apple-related products available at numerous souvenir shops in this prefecture. We’ll visit an apple orchard to enjoy an apple picking experience (subject to availability). Our travels continue on to enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive along the picturesque Oirase River Valley, one of Japan’s major tourist attractions of the Towada Hachimantai National Park during the autumn season. The Oirase stream flows along the scenic Oirase Gorge, winding among trees with brilliant red, yellow and orange colors (subject to weather conditions) together with scenic waterfalls cascading down into the stream from the walls of the gorge. We’ll drive by scenic Towada-ko, the largest crater lake on Honshu Island. Located on the border between Aomori and  Akita prefectures, its bright blue color is due to its great depth and is noted as the third-deepest lake in Japan. We’ll continue on to spend the night in Morioka, one of the most appealing old castle towns in Japan with a long history of ironware production. We’ll visit Morioka Tezuku ri Mura (Handy Works Center), an interesting village with various workshops featuring hand-crafted traditional goods such as wooden toys,  pottery, tie-dyed merchandise, cast ironware and more. Subject to availability, enjoy the experience of making your own nambu senbei at one of the workshops. Dinner will be on your own this evening to try some of the local cuisine offered at one of the restaurants located at the train station near the hotel. Specialties of Morioka are wanko-soba (soba noodles served in tiny bowls) and reimen (cold firm Chinese noodles). 

Accommodations at HOTEL SHION or similar

Saturday, October 15 (Day 08) 

MORIOKA - HIRAIZUMI - MATSUSHIMA (B)(D)

Our tour continues on to enjoy a relaxing ride on the peaceful waters of Geibi-kei Gorge in a flat-bottomed boat. This scenic gorge is located outside of the city of Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture. Enjoy the natural scenery with impressive tall cliffs and rock formations as we glide on the shallow river through the gorge, navigated with a serenading boatman on board. Weather permitting, the fall colors should be at their peak this time of the year. We’ll continue on to Shiogama Pier to board a ferry and enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on Matsushima Bay, featuring hundreds of tiny islands covered with pine trees. Matsushima Bay is noted as one of the three most scenic views of Japan - ‘Nihon  Sankei’. We’ll arrive at the pier in the town of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture. Enjoy strolling through the souvenir shops lined along the main street of this quaint little town. Enjoy a fabulous dinner and relax in the soothing hot springs at our hotel this evening in Matsushima. 

Accommodations at MATSUSHIMA CENTURY HOTEL or similar

Sunday, October 16 (Day 09) 

MATSUSHIMA - AIZU WAKAMATSU - INAWASHIRO (B)(D)

Kokeshi dolls (Japanese dolls) are one of the most popular and famous traditional folk craft products in the Tohoku area. These dolls are handmade from wood with a simple trunk and an enlarged head with no arms or legs. Enjoy a visit of the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum to participate in a hands-on activity to paint your own features on a kokeshi doll to take home as a souvenir. We’ll visit the famous Aizu Buke  Yashiki (Samurai Mansion), a residence that served as the quarters for the region’s most important and highest-ranking samurai, including his family, employees and servants. The original complex has been reconstructed and furnished to replicate its appearance during the Edo  Period. We’ll visit Iimoriyama, the site where twenty young Aizu soldiers of the Byakkotai (White Tiger Force) committed seppuku (ritual suicide) when they presumed that all was lost when their castle Tsuruga-jo was on fire. On the top of the hillside are several monuments including the nineteen tombs for the Byakkotai soldiers. Although there were twenty of them, one of the boys survived the suicide attempt.  Along the pathway down from the hillside are several monuments, statues and other buildings of interest devoted to the Byakkotai. We’ll continue on to spend the night in the town of Inawashiro, located in the northern Aizu region of Fukushima prefecture. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hot springs at our onsen hotel this evening. 

Accommodations at HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO WING TOWER or similar

Monday, October 17 (Day 10) 

INAWASHIRO - NIHONMATSU - NIKKO - KINUGAWA ONSEN (B)(D)

Our journey continues on to Nihonmatsu, a city located in Fukushima prefecture in northern Honshu. The main attraction during the autumn season is to visit the Kiku-Matsuri (Chrysanthemum Festival), held annually on the grounds of Kasumigajo Castle. Stroll through the grounds of the castle to view beautiful and unique displays of brightly-colored chrysanthemum flowers - draped on mannequins depicting various historical or mythical figures from Japanese culture, kabuki actors, and characters from the NHK Taiga drama historical TV series. These flowers were introduced into Japan in the 18th century from China and the Emperor has adopted this flower as his official seal. We’ll continue on to Nikko, a small town located at the entrance to Nikko National Park, one of Japan’s major tourist attractions with its splendid shrines and beautiful autumn foliage. Nikko is famous for Toshogu Shrine - Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consisting of many Shinto and Buddhist buildings set in a beautiful wooded forest, Toshogu Shrine is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan for over 250 years. A huge stone torii (Shinto Shrine Gate) and a beautiful red and gold five-story pagoda marks the entrance to the shrine. This evening, enjoy dinner and relax in the soothing hot springs at our hotel in Kinugawa Onsen.  

Accommodations at KINUGAWA GRAND HOTEL YUME NO TOKI or similar

Tuesday, October 18 (Day 11) 

KINUGAWA ONSEN - TOKYO (B)

Enjoy a visit to Tobu World Square, a theme park featuring replicas of famous buildings from all around the world. Detailed models include ancient monuments, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites reproduced with miniature cars, trains, gardens,  and people. Tobu World Square is divided into zones based on regions of the world: Japan Zone, Asia Zone, Europe Zone, Egypt Zone, and America Zone - featuring the White House and a section of downtown New York City. We’ll head for Tokyo to spend our last night in Odaiba, a man-made island located across the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay - a popular shopping, dining and entertainment district. The afternoon will be free for your own activities to explore Odaiba at your own pace, including one of Tokyo’s boldest architectural creation - the Fuji TV Building. Dinner will be on your own this evening. 

Accommodations at GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA or similar

Wednesday, October 19 (Day 12) 

TOKYO - NARITA/HANEDA TO HONOLULU (B)

The morning is at your leisure to enjoy more shopping or to explore more of Odaiba Island on your own. In the afternoon, we will transfer to Narita/Haneda Airport to check-in for our evening flight to Honolulu, arriving in the morning on the same day due to the crossing of the International Date Line. A meal will be served onboard the flight. 

Land portion based on 114 Yen = $1.00 U.S.

Map of Tour Itinerary

The tour price is based on double occupancy and a minimum group size of 20 passengers. Fare adjustment may apply for groups of 20 or under. The rate is based on tariffs and exchange rates effective 10/31/21. Tour fare is subject to change according to any airfare increase, additional fuel surcharges and fluctuation of the rate of exchange between U.S. and foreign currency. In the event of revaluation, the land portion of the tour price may be adjusted prior to your final statement.