Summer Festivals in Tohoku 11 days

DAY 1

30.Jul,2018 (Mon)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

NARITA

Welcome to Japan! You will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport.
The assistant will get you in the bus to your hotel.

You can also extend your vacation before / after the tour in Tokyo.
Please contact us!

Hotel Mystays Premier Narita(WiFi=○) or similar
This hotel is ideally located right next to Narita Interchange of Higashi-Kanto Expressway, 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Narita International Airport.
There JR lines.

DAY 2

31.Jul,2018 (Tue)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

ToshoguKegon Falls

NARITA-NIKKO-KINUGAWA

In high season and at weekends, Nikko can be extremely crowded and spirituality of the area can feel a little lost. Nikko is one of Japan's major attractions Its key World Heritage Site temples and shrines are an awsome display of wealth and power by the Tokugawa shogunate.

The First visit is Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Nikko Toshogu is a Shinto shrine situated in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. The shrine is part of the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” listed in 1999 as a World Heritage site. It is the mausoleum of Ieyasu Tokugawa, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 and passed away in 1615.

There are 48 waterfalls in Nikko and Kegon falls is the most famous and beautiful among those. The water falls from 97meters high and the waterfall is said to have been discovered by the priest Katsudo, and the name Kegon was derived from the Buddhist sutra the Avatamsaka Sutra.

Lake Chuzenji is a scenic lake in Nikkō National Park in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai (2484 m) erupted and blocked the river. In spring, cherry blossoms are blooming. In summer, people can escape the heat and enjoy bird watching and hiking. In fall of course, there are the famous beautiful autumn leaves and in winter there is the Snow and Ice Festival, plus winter sports like skiing and skating.

After having thoroughly enjoyed nature and the historical area, we proceed to the popular hot-spring resort in this area. Kinugawa Onsen is discovered in the Edo era and is the noble hot spring where it was permitted that only a priest and a daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) visit Nikko Toshogu in those days. Please soak in a hot spring tonight. You might feel the stiffness in your shoulder and neck relieved.

Livemax Max Resort in Kinugawa (WiFi=○) or similar hotel with hot spring
Kinugawa area is one of the most famous hot spring resort that houses many ryokans and hotels along the Kinugawa River. The area also has many theme parks and attraction. Because of the good transport to and from this area, it is recommendable to set this hot spring resort as our base for traveling around Nikko.

DAY 3

01.Aug,2018 (Wed)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

OuchijukuTsuruga castle

NIKKO-AIZU WAKAMATSU

After check-out we head out to Oouchijuku, a small post station in Japan’s Edo period,　was an important road used for transportation of rice to the capitalof Edo. (Tokyo) and by lords (known as daimyo) to travel to Edo on their required alternate year attendance in the capital. In April of 1981, the settlement was designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings because it retains characteristics distinct to post towns that were built along major transportation routes during the Edo period.

Heading north to the next stop, Tsuruga castle. When the castle was constructed nearly 600 years ago, it was just a traditional Japanese building. However, many famous Japanese military commanders successfully ruled the castle, as it was a key castle located at the center of the Tohoku Area.

Before proceeed to our hotel today, we stop by Lake Inawashiro that is the fourth-largest lake in Japan, located in the middle of south of Mt Bandai. It is also known as the Sky Mirror Lake the cleanest water in Japan. The origin of the neme of INAWASHIRO is, an old legend tells the story of the deity Iwahashi Myojin cultivating rice with the help of a wild boar. The combination of the characters for “boar” (I) and “bed for rice seedlings” (NAWASHIRO), hence “Inawashiro”.

Hotel Listel Inawashiro (WiFi=○) or similar
Inawashiro/Bandai is almost in the center of Fukushima Prefecture; on the north is Mt. Bandai with its southern slope dotted with ski resorts and on the south is Lake Inawashiro where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and other water sports.

DAY 4

02.Aug,2018 (Thu)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Goshiki numaOkama

AIZUWAKAMATSU-ZAO

Today we start to visit to Goshiki-numa. Goshikinuma is a cluster of five volcanic lakes situated at the foot of Mt Bandai (also the area known as Jododaira.) The eruption imparted mineral deposits to the Five Colored Lakes giving each of them their own delicate color, ranging from reddish green to cobalt blue. We walk a hiking trail about 1 hour.

We heading north to Zao, at the prefectural border of Yamagata and Miyagi. As mountains are covered with fresh green leaves, and alpine plants bloom. it’s an exciting summer in Zao. A symbol of Zao is Okama, a deep blue and very mysterious lake.It’s　also called Goshikinuma.because the cokor changes several times a day depending on the angle of the sunlight. (perimeter of about 1.5 kilometers and water depth of about 25 meters.)
＊Because Mount Zao is an active volcano, it may not get there depend on regulation.

Tonight, we stay in Zao hot spring resort area. Records date back as far as 110 AD. A wounded warrior is said to have drawn an arrow out of his body and cleaned the wound at a spring only to find that the injury healed miraculously quickly and well. Zao onsen is one of the top mountain tourists spots in Japan, surrounded by splendid mountains rich in nature. Enjoy hot spring tonight.

Gokan no yu Tsuruya (WiFi=○) or similar
Zao Onsen is one of the top spots for strong acidic hot springs in Japan.Its springs are sometimes even called the "Springs of Beauty”.

DAY 5

03.Aug,2018 (Fri)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

SakeYamadera

ZAO-YAMAGATA-KAKUNODATE

We visit Furusawa Sake Brewery, in the morning which is foundered in 1836 and it’s one of the oldest breweries in Japan. They opened this museum in 1986 by remodeling the old wine cellar which was built in 1917. The objects exhibited here were actually used by the company: a 2000 liter drum, a large sized rice steamer, a rice polisher of our founder’s joint development, a malting room, 1.8 meter diameter tanks, a large wooden vessel, etc. The tasting at the end of the tour is especially popular among visitors. They encourage you to compare a variety of our different sake brews.

Next visit is Yamadera where is located in the area named after the common name of the temple of Ryushaku-ji, also pronounced Risshaku-ji, founded in 860 AD by the priest Ennin, a monk of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Yamadera simply means “mountain temple,” although its proper name is Hojusanrishaku-ji. This temple is one of the most significant sacred sites in the Northeastern Tohoku region of Japan, capturing the attention of an enormous number of the faithful. It is said that earthly desires blocking you from enlightenment begin to fade away with each step you take up the 1,015 stone stairs on the trek from the foot of the mountain to the temple itself. At the end of the stone stairs is the Godai-dou, known to have the best view in Yamadera. The view from Godai-dou will make you forget your weary feet.

After waiking in the mountain, we proceed to Kakunodate with 4 hours driving.

Machiya Hotel Kakunodate (WiFi=○) or similar
It is near to the small Kyoto Kakunodate "samurai residence street" which is the streets, lined with preserve the streetscape continuity and the atmosphere of the periods.　
It is located in "Machiya yokocho" which is reproduced a former post station.

DAY 6

04.Aug,2018 (Sat)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

KakunodateKanto Festival

KAKUNODATE-LAKE TAZAWA-AKITA

We start to visit one of Samurai house, it seemed to back in time to the Edo Period. In the town of Kakunodate, 6 Samurai Houses are well preserved and exhibited, these are one of the best preserved architectural beauties of its kind in Japan. Each estate features the Main House, the Armory, the Gallery, the Samurai tools and Utensils Museum, Tea Room, gift shops and a beautiful garden.

Next visit is Lake Tazawa. The 20-km periphery of Lake Tazawa ,the deepest lake in Japan at 423.4m, provides different views each season. The sky blue color of the water shines mysteriously as thought conveying the legend of Princess Tatsuko. We stop to take a photo there.

Then we proceed to Akita city to see Kanto(Lantern) Festival. Lanterns that symbolize ears of rice are lit and hung on 200 bamboo poles called Kanto during the four day festival. The Kanto poles are skillfully carried and manipulated by men who parade among excited spectators as this heroic festival reaches its peak. During the festival, 1.3 million people throng the city streets. In the evening when the heat of the day finally subsides, suddenly seems to be covered with Kanto, an array of many candle-lit lanterns hung on a bamboo frame and each one looks like a glowing ear of rice. To the sound of flutes and drums, and cheered on by the distractive traditional shouts, the performers balance the Kanto without gripping the poles, and placing them on the palms of their hands, they raise them higher and higher.
Enjoy Summer Festival in Japapan !!

Dormy inn Akita (WiFi=○) or similar
Dormy inn Akita is located in the facing of historical Chiaki Park and is a 5-minute walk from JR Akita Station.

DAY 7

05.Aug,2018 (Sun)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Hirosaki CastleNebuta Festival

AKITA-AOMORI-HIROSAKI

In the morning we proceed to Aomori. It takes about 3 hours by bus. When we arrive Hirosaki Castle, located in Aomori, was constructed in 1611 by the local Tsugaru clan. A three-storied castle tower fortified moats, castle gates and some corner turrets survive or have been reconstructed.

Next stop is Aomori to see Nebuta Festival. The origin of the Nebuta Festival is that it is said to have originated after the subjugation of rebels by the General in this district in the early 800’s. He had his army create large creatures, called “Nebuta”, for frighten the enemy. Another is said that the festival was a development of the Tanabata festival in China. One of the customs was “Toro” floating. A toro is a wooden frame box wrapped with Japanese paper. The Japanese light a candle inside the toro and put it out to float onto the river The purpose behind this is to purify themselves and send the evil spirits out to river. Today, the Nebuta floats are made of a wood base, carefully covered with this same Japanese paper, beautifully colored, and lighted from the inner part with hundreds of light bulbs. The colorful floats are pulled through the streets accompanied by people dancing in native Nebuta costumes, playing tunes on flutes and drums. As the beginning of the parade is signaled, “HANETO”(dancers) join hand-in-hand, and begin their journey through the streets of Aomori. These dancers, colorfully arrayed in Nebuta garb welcome audience participation.

We drive back to Hirosaki.

Hirosaki Grand Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
The hotel which is the nearest to Hirosaki-jo Castle! It is a 3-minute walk to downtown Kajicho.

DAY 8

06.Aug,2018 (Mon)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Oirase StreamNebuta Festival

HIROSAKI-IWATE-SENDAI

We proceed to Oirase Stream is a scenic mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture and is one of the major tourist attractions in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It is a tributary of the Oirase River that starts from Nenokuchi at the shore of Lake Towada, a large dual-crater lake, and runs roughly 14 kilometers down to Mt. Yakeyama. It presents a dynamic landscape of ever-changing water flows running through a natural forest, which form a number of waterfalls of various sizes.

Then we stop at Lake Towada. Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake, located in Aomori and Akita prefectures, it lies 400 meters above sea level. With a surface area of 62.2㎢, Towada is Japan’s 12th largest lake, its bright blue color due to its depth.

Chuson-jitemple is a Buddhist temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Pref. It is the head temple of the Tendai sect in Tohoku region. The Tendai sect claims that the temple was founded in 850 by Ennin, the third chief aot of the sect, yet here is no archaeological or historical record of Buddhist activity in this area before 1100. The Konjikido (The Golden Hall) is one of the most beautiful and elaborately decorated buildings in the world. It is made of wood entirely covered with gold leaf decorated with imported mother-of-pearl. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage in 2011.

We drive to Sendai and stay there tonight.

Richmond Premier Sendai Ekimae Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
Located within a 3 minutes walk from JR Sendai Station as known as a gateway to Tohoku Region, Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae has features for a range of travelers, including families, couples, and groups. Rooms are large and appealing with bright lighting, conveniently designed modern equipment and amenities, and "Serta" mattress brand for a better night's sleep.

DAY 9

07.Aug,2018 (Tue)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Tanabata FestivalNebuta Festival

SENDAI-MATSUSHIMA-KORIYAMA

We start today, is Tanabata Festival. Tanabata, meaning “Evening of the seventh” is a Japanese star festival, derived from the Chinese star festival, Qi Xi. It celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair). The Milky Way, a river made from stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. The Tanabata Festival is considered one of the three major summer festivals in the Tohoku region. Decoration made with Japanese paper and bamboo poles harmonize perfectly with the light breeze. Approximately 1,500 of these well-decorated bamboo poles fill the shopping arcades and highlight the city.

Matsushima is a group of about 260 pine-covered islands on Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture, which is designated as one of the three most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. The four best viewpoints that command spectacular views are the summits of Otakamori, Tomiyama, Ogidani, and Tamonzan. Along the coastlines are historical buildings such as Entsu-in, a temple known for its rose garden, and Zuigan-ji, a representative Zen temple founded in 828 by Priest Ennin and reconstructed in 1609 by Feudal Lord Date Masamune.

We drive to Koriyama and stay there tonight.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-ekimae (WiFi=○) or similar
Located one-minute walk from Koriyama Station. All the guest rooms have wireless and wired high-speed Internet connections.

DAY 10

08.Aug,2018 (Wed)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Tanabata FestivalAkihabara

KORIYAMA-TOKYO

This day, We drive to Tokyo by chartered coach – 4 hours to Tokyo -

Since the start of the Edo Period in 1603, Tokyo has played aprimary role in politics and economics as Japan's capital till this day. Tokyo is a giant metropolis, housing 12 milion people - 10% of Japan's population. We cannot miss the Tokyo Sky Tree, which is broadcasting, restaurants, shops observation tower in Tokyo and the second tallest tower in the world after Dubai tower.

After amazing scenery we proceed to mecca of Japanese pop culture zone, Akihabara. Akihabara is called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku culture, and many shops and anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district.

After sightseeing tokyo, we drive to Daiba Area. We stay there tdonaight.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (WiFi=○) or similar
DAIBA station on the Yurikamome line is facing the hotel entrance. It is 15 minutes from Shimbashi station linked with JR lines.
There are DiverCity Tokyo Plaza(shopping mall) or Amusement park(Palette-Town) around the Hotel.

DAY 10

08.Aug,2018 (Wed)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = = Not include = Include

Tanabata Festival

TOKYO-NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Time to get back home with unforgettable memory and lots of souvenir.Leaveing for Narita International Airport by Hotel shattle.Return by air.

ROUTE MAP

Over View

Information

Extend Plan

You can also extend your vacation before / after the tour in Tokyo, Osaka. We can provide extension stay in the same hotel which as a tour uses for 15,000 yen per night, per person. Please contact us!

Child Rate^※

Please note that children age 4-11 participant are half price when sharing a bed with their parents or guardians.
Children age 3 and under participant are free of charge.

PLEASE NOTE

All prices are per person, based on double or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

TOUR COST INCLUDES

8 nights Western style and 1 nights Japanese style and 1 night at Shukubo (guest house of temple in Koyasan) accommodation
Meet and greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
Comprehensive escorted with our licensed professional English speaking tour guide
Meals described as in the itinerary
Admission fees and activities
Entry fees to sites, gardens, and museums listed in the itinerary

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

International Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
Gratuities

ADDITION INFORMATION

Transport : Travel by air conditioned, private coach, baggage handling free
Arrival/Departure Airports : For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
Meal Requests : Vegetarian, halal or special meals can be arranged
Meet and Greet : Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY availableii on the first day of the tour after 10:00 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, please arrange your own hotel transfer
Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

CANCELLATION POLICY

• 46 days or more prior to arrival date in Japan: no penalty
• 45-31 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 10% of the tour fee
• 30-15 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 20% of the tour fee
• 14- 8 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 30% of the tour fee
• 7 - 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 50% of the tour fee
• Less than 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 100% of the tour fee
※The cancellation fee is based on the date　(Japan Standard Time).

Day 2    NIKKO

Day 3    AIZU WAKAMATSU

Day 4     AIZU WAKAMATSU / Mt.ZAO

Day 5     YAMAGATA / KAKUNODATE

Day 6     KAKUNODATE / LAKE TAZAWA / KANTO FESTIVAL

Day 7     HIROSAKI / NEBUTA FESTIVAL

Day 8     OIRASE STREAM / LAKE TOWADA / HIRAIZUMI

Day 9     TANABATA FESTIVAL / MATSUSHIMA

Day 10     TOKYO

Customer Reviews

   We had a chance to try many kinds of Japanese food!

The best experience: Nebuta festival and Nikko
The days were well sequenced and organized with a lot to see.
I enjoyed the tour a lot and found the experience to be interesting and informative. Our guide Keigo was knowledgeable friendly and helpful.
He made the tour fun and with good spirit.
By Samudrala. B - 2017 summer -

   What a Wonderful Festival it is!!

The best places : Nikko, Samurai house, Nebuta Festival
Foods : Meals on our tour were very good. Always plenty to eat and had large variety of food.
I enjoyed this tour very much. It was everything I wanted to see and the tour guide Mr. Keigo did an excellent job!! I will definitely recommend this tour to my friends and famili who in the future decide to come to Japan.
By Sandra. A - 2017 summer -

   I have travelled all over the world with many tour companies. But this company is almost just us good.

The best places : Mt.Zao, summer festivals
Hotels : I was able to enter the hot springs and relax.
My family and I had a very good time. Luckily Keigo was our guide for ran the tours smoothly and with good humor. Also we were lucky to have a very friendly and cooperative group of tourists.
By Peny Khuan - 2017 summer -

   This is the first time I have been to Japan. I am so delighted.

The best places : Kanto Festival, Matsushima island, Nikko
Meals : The buffets were plentiful and variety of drinks were great. Dinner is also beautifully prsented.
Our guide provided a family atmosphere to us. He treated us professionally and with great warmth and good humor. He truly made our experience a once in a lifetime event!
By Katherine. M - 2017 summer -