Matsuri Time! Feel the Heat of Summer Excitement in with the “Great Festivals of Tohoku” plus a taste of Tokyo- Tour #2

Tohoku’s Summer Festivals Rice Paddy Art Fields

August 1st – 12th, 2019 with 10 nights/12 days from: $4995 double/triple $5595 single

When the snow completely melts, and the summer heat turns up, Tohoku becomes the liveliest region in Japan. Summer festivals in Japan are incredibly fun, some of the best, passed down from long ago. Every festival has its own distinct charm and attraction. They dance, they shout, they cheer, they rule! Come along, meet, and join the people behind these energetic and vibrant festivities-the soul of Tohoku summer festivals.

This unique tour takes in the “Three Great Summer Festivals “of Tohoku, The Nebuta Festival in Amori, Akita Kanto Festival and the Sendai Festival. But, this is only the beginning as we have also included Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri, where over 10,000 city residents participate and a stop at Inakadate Village to view the “Field of Dreams”, dramatic scenes among the rice fields created by local villagers. They attract thousands of visitors each summer.

It’s still not over as we have included night tour on the Ropeway, 2 hands-on experiences, sake brewery visit and Matsushima Bay cruise. Not so quick, as there’s 3 nights in Tokyo for that big city feel. Here we will be visiting a few of the more popular spots, Tsukiji Market, Ameyoko, Asakusa and Tokyo Tower. Shopping, yes, enough free time to shop your heart out! Also experience the bullet train, not once, but twice!

Itinerary/Details

Day 1 – August 1st, 2019 Thursday – Depart from Honolulu

Hawaiian Airlines #441 Departs Honolulu 1:40 pm – Arrive Chitose 5:00 pm + 1 International check in begins 3 hours prior to the departure time. Please meet your Panda Travel representative at the Hawaiian Airlines international check-in counters located in Terminal 1, formally the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal, Lobby 3, Maiaki side. After clearing security, you will meet up once again at the gate area.

Day 2 – August 2nd, 2019 Friday – Chitose – Noboribetsu (D)

After passport control and customs, we will meet our local English-speaking guide for the charter bus ride to Noboribetsu, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort. The drive time is approximately one hour.

For over 150 years, people from all over Japan have flocked to soak in the natural hot springs of Noboribetsu. The infamous Jigoku-dani, or Hell Valley, is especially popular, as waters from deep below the earth gush to the surface here in spectacular fashion. In keeping with the Hell theme, many colorful demon sculptures can be seen around the town.

Accommodations for the evening are at the Hotel Mahoroba, an onsen hotel that features 31 different hot spring baths with 4 separate water sources. Our arrival will be by 7:00pm, followed by a buffet dinner at 7:30pm.

After dinner, consider the onsen or a walk in the town area.

Accommodations: Hotel Mahoroba Free

Day 3 – August 3rd, 2019 Saturday – Noboribetsu-Hakodate (B/D)

After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby by 8:30am as we have a full day of touring on tap.

The morning begins with a visit to nearby Noboribetsu Jigokudani, (Hell Valley).

“Some hot springs are in picturesque mountain valleys, or in mystical high desert plateaus. The springs that feed the thermal baths in Hokkaido’s most popular spa town, however, flow from a blasted primordial caldera so infernal and reeking of sulfur that it was traditionally known as a gateway to hell.”

A volcanic eruption created this a 24-acre smoking crater of geothermal activity 20,000 years ago. Rusty mountain vistas surround fiery black sulfur mud ponds and hot rivers that flow down to feed the baths in the nearby well-frequented resort town of Noboribetsu. The formal spas of Noboribetsu date back to the 19th century and were used as hospitals were wounded soldiers recovered after the Russo-Japanese War.

From here a visit to Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Village, a historical theme park highlighting the , one of the most attractive eras in Japanese history. Step back in time to enjoy traditional games, activities, theaters, street performances and more. The charm of ancient Japan is abundant as you mingle with the Ninja and Oiran courtesans so symbolic of the Edo Period. Enjoy free time here to explore and have lunch on your own. Now, on to Lake Toya area, approximately 1hour, for lunch at a local restaurant.

From here we are off to Hakodate with a drive time of approximately 2 hours. Hadodate is Hokkaido’s third largest city located at the island's southern tip, best known for the spectacular views from Mount Hakodate and its delicious, fresh seafood.

Along the way we will make at stop at Hokkaido Konbu Kan, its motto, “feel and experience everything about kelp”. This unique attraction is a combination of museum, factory and community market.

The museum helps to convey the importance of kelp cultivation to the Japanese diet and its long history. The community market offers a vast array of kelp samples and products. Do sample the flavored kelp oshima, in which several layers of kelp are pressed together, finely shredded, and seasoned. The kelp flavored ice cream also makes for a fun experience.

Arrival at our hotel in Hakodate, La Vista Hakodate Bay will be approximately 5:15pm. After some time to relax and freshen up, please meet in the lobby for Western dinner at 6:00pm.

Our hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hakodate. Additionally, you can enjoy views from the large communal baths fed with natural hot spring water.

Tonight, for those who would like to join, a night tour up to Mt. Hakodate via ropeway. We will be departing the hotel at 8:00pm and the return will be approximately 9:30pm.

Awarded the highest rating of three stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan", the view from Mt. Hakodate is described as "worth taking time out to see." Tourists from around the world flock to Mt. Hakodate throughout the year.

Highlights of the night view from Mt. Hakodate change with the seasons. In summer on a foggy night, the mountain looks down on a mysteriously veiled panorama.

Accommodations: La Vista Hakodate Bay Hotel Free

Day 4 – August 4th, 2019 Sunday – Hakodate- (B/L)

After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby by 9:30am. Our luggage will be transported separately by truck and meet up with us in Akita. Please prepare a small overnight bag for the next 2 nights.

The morning begins with a visit to the Hakodate Morning Market, another must see attraction when visiting the city. It opens daily from 6:00am until noon and spans about four city blocks. With about 250 stores offering fresh and dried seafood, fruits and produce, souvenirs and restaurants offering up fresh seafood breakfasts. Shopping at this morning market is a lot of fun! Enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Now, off to visit Goryokaku Tower, a star shaped fort in the city offering commanding views of Goryokaku Park, Mt. Hakodate, Tsugaru Strait and the Yokotsu mountain range from the observatory decks.

Off to the Shin Hakodote Hokuto Station to catch our bullet train to Shin Aomori Station on the Hayabusa 28 departing at 1:35pm and arrives at 2:36pm. A bento lunch will be provided on the train.

Once we arrive in Aomori, off for an afternoon of touring that begins with a visit to the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, dedicated to the city's famous Nebuta Matsuri which is held annually in early August. The museum is housed in a unique building covered in red metal slats and stands along Aomori’s waterfront district just north of Aomori Station. The museum attempts to capture the spirit of the festival and gives visitors a taste of its lively atmosphere, history, and traditions. Upon entering the second-floor entrance to the exhibitions, visitors are presented with the sights of the festival along a red corridor lined with photos and images from the Nebuta Matsuri's 300- year history. Lanterns in the shape of red goldfish, another symbol of the festival, hang along the corridor where the recorded sounds of drums, flutes, and voices play.

From here, a stop at the Sun Road Aomori Shopping Mall where you will have time to shop and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants there.

Now, off to the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, perhaps one of the most famous summer festivals, held each year between August 2nd and 7th. Drawing up to three million visitors to the city, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.

During this festival, many large floats are paraded through the streets. Decorative washi is placed and painted on the frames of the float and then decorated with three-dimensional images of warriors, gods, and demons that resemble actors. These floats are quite intricate and can take up to one year to make.

According to legend, the colorful burst of drums and dances are intended to rouse people from their summer lethargy. Come, enjoy these magnificent floats as the haneto dancers jump about and dance alongside, their vigorous chants of “Rasse-ra-! Rasse-ra-!” echoing throughout the street.

Now off to our hotel for the evening, Minamida Onsen Hotel Apple Land, a traditional Japanese inn which offers the popular apple bath as well as a natural free-flowing alkaline bath to rejuvenate both body and soul. Arrival here will be by 10:00pm.

Accommodations: Minamida Onsen Hotel Apple Land Free-Japanese style rooms

Day 5 – August 5th, 2019 Monday – Aomori-Morioka (B/L)

After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby by 9:30am. If you did not get a chance to enjoy the onsen last night, take the opportunity this morning before we depart.

The morning begins with a short drive to Inakadate City for a visit to the rice field observatory. The rice paddy art began in 1993 when purple and yellow rice plants were used to create a picture of Mt. Iwaki along with letters on rice paddies. The main purpose behind the creation was to take advantage of the tradition of manual work in rice cultivation to give people an opportunity to learn more about rice farming and agriculture.

This rice paddy art uses various colored rice plants as paint on a rice-field canvas. The massive pictures are elaborately designed using perspective drawing methods to make them look their best when seen from the observation platform. The art has gained media attention from domestic and international media because of its uniqueness. Every year, over 100,000 visitors from Japan and abroad come to see the fields, including the Emperor and Empress of Japan in September 2014.

Every year, the project starts in April, when the pictures to be planted in Inakadate Village’s rice paddies are decided upon at local meetings. After that, six staff at the village office make an elaborate plan of how to plant different colors of rice to create the image. They calculate and plot the precise areas where each different color of rice needs to be planted in the paddies and produce a printout of the design that at first just looks like a mass of dots.

The farmers and villagers create the artwork by planting local green-leafed Tsugaru roman rice variety along with yellow-leafed, purple-leafed, red-leafed, white-leafed, dark-green-leafed, and orange-leafed rice plants to create the colored patterns. The artwork covers 15000 square meters of rice field. Each year a different design is on show.

Rice paddy art is neither a dream, a supernatural mystery, nor fiction. Instead, by precisely planting four varieties of rice with differently colored leaves in fields their ancestors have farmed for centuries, the people of Inakadate Village have this year grown remarkable reproductions of famous woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849). And this is no cheap gimmick — the images from the artist’s “Fugaku Sanjurokkei (Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji)” on the 15,000-sq.-meter paddies are nothing if not spectacular in both their scale and detail — even as every day brings them nearer to annihilation in the September harvest.

From the observatory, a 22-meter-high mock castle tower that’s part of the village office and overlooks the fields, enjoy these breathtaking views.

Now off to lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon we make our way to Morioka and a stop at the Morioka Tezukurimura, a village of hand crafted traditional goods. While traditional products can be purchased practically anywhere in Japan, Morioka’s Tezukuri-Mura is something special. It is one of the few places in Japan you can view, purchase, and create traditional products the way they were meant to be.

Several shops sell local products and items made at the village. Keep in mind that because it is all handmade the traditional way by artisans that spend years mastering their crafts, things will be expensive. However, with a little digging around the shelves you may be able to find some bargains and affordable mementos.

There are also senbei crackers to sample. Even if you don’t buy anything, looking is free and there are many things to see. A huge iron tea pot sits in the store right next to miniature keychain pots of the same style. Meanwhile, an army of different sized toy horses smile at you as you walk by. Workshops line the village street enticing visitors with amazing sights. Here you can see traditional arts being made right in front of you. Open windows allow visitors to chat to a family that has been making toy horses for years, or to the chefs at the traditional candy store for their personal recommendations.

Today, enjoy a hands-on handkerchief dyeing making experience.

Now, off to our hotel for the evening, Hotel Metropolitan Morioka, ideally located, connected to the JR Station. There is a variety of shopping and dining options just steps away. Arrival at the hotel will be approximately 5:45pm. Our luggage will be here on arrival.

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Morioka

Day 6 – August 6th, 2019 Tuesday – Morioka-Akita (B/L/D)

After breakfast, please meet your guide by 9:00am as we journey off to Akita, a rural prefecture noted for its long, snowy winters, Akita breed of dogs, hot springs, delicious local foods, beautiful women (Akita-bijin) and fine sake.

The morning begins with a visit to Koiwai Farm, a 7400-acre private farm located scenically at the base of Mt. Iwate. Koiwai is most famous for its dairy products and as a popular tourist destination.

In this beautiful pastoral area called the Makiba-en, you can milk a cow, take a ride on a horse or part of the restored horse tramway, watch the sheep-and-dog show, and much more. At the Makiba Astronomical Observatory, you can observe sunspots by day and the expanse of the stars by night.

Another great reason to visit Koiwai is its delicacies. Try the rich, milky soft serve ice cream made with the farm's fresh milk and eggs. The fluffy omelet stuffed with rice is ono!

During cherry blossom season, perhaps the most famous and memorable view of Koiwai is the Solitary Cherry Tree, blooming in spring against the backdrop of snow-covered Mt. Iwate. This magnificent century- old cherry tree in the pasture next to the factory was originally planted about 100 years ago to provide a pleasant shade for the cows on the farm.

The cattle barns and silos were built between the last half of the1800’s to the first half of 1900. In addition, the silos built with bricks are the oldest brick structures in Japan. These facilities have been designated as National Tangible Cultural Property.

Now, off to lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon’s touring begins at Lake Tazawa Herb Garden, where close to 180 different kinds of fresh herbs grow. It is like a kingdom of herbs with full bloom in the garden from July to August.

Do stop by the gift shop where over 40 varieties of dry herbs are available for purchase.

While here we will be enjoying a flower key chain making experience.

“See, hear, taste, smell, and touch the herbs - enjoy them with all five senses. The herb garden is not only a place for scenery, but rather a place to feel the herbs with your body. With a view to the lake, heal your heart and body with the fragrance of the various herbs.” Now, a photo stop at Lake Tazawa, known for its mysterious Legend of Tatsuko. Among many folklores in Tazawako, Legend of Tatsuko, or ‘Tatsuko Densetsu’ is the best known. Lake Tazawa has much in common with Lake Towada, another popular lake in the area. While Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake in the country, Lake Tazawa is Japan's deepest lake with a depth of 423 meters.

At the western end of the lake there is a famous golden statue of a woman named Tatsuko that has become a local symbol. According to legend, Tatsuko was a beautiful girl who prayed to retain her beauty forever but was instead cursed and turned into a dragon and eventually sunk to the bottom of Lake Tazawa. Enjoy a photo opportunity here.

We now make our way to our hotel for the evening, Hotel Metropolitan Akita, close by to the Akita Station with many a variety of shops and restaurants.

Arrival will be by 4:30pm and after time to relax and freshen up, please meet in the lobby for dinner at our hotel at 5:00pm.

After dinner, please meet up again as we are off on a short walk to the Akita Kanto Festival, one of the most beautiful festivals in northern Japan.

This festival is intended to frighten away demons before the autumn harvest. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980, it is one of the largest summer matsuri in Tohoku and features hundreds of competitive performers balancing massive lantern polls as they are cheered on by the crowds.

Towering high above the spectators and participants are the kanto (bamboo) poles, which light up the night sky. The poles are skillfully balanced on the participant’s forehead, shoulder or back.

Come, enjoy this summer night as huge, popsicle-shaped curtains of light grace the street alongside paraders in hachimaki bandanas, hanten jackets, tabi socks, and straw sandals.

After the festive, a short walk back to our hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Akita

Day 7 – August 7th, 2019 Wednesday – Akita-Yamagata (B/L)

After breakfast, please meet your guide by 9:00am as we journey off to Yamagata, a large prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast in the southern Tohoku Region, boasting both a beautiful coastline and forested mountains.

Our first stop this morning is at the Takashimizu Sake Brewery. “Takashimizu” literally means “high spring water”. In Akita city, there is an area named “Hillock of Takashimizu”, where is famous for the source of spring water. It is said that sacred spring “Takashimizu” was suddenly gushed in middle of the 7th century and today continues its gentle flow.

The brand name “Takashimizu” originates from this “Hillock of Takashimizu”. Kawashiri-area in Akita-city, site of the main brewery is known to have high-quality water. Enjoy a tour of the brewery and sake sampling.

Now off to enjoy a Japanese lunch at the Maiko restaurant and teahouse, Somaro, a newly renovated version of the very ancient Somaya eatery, over 200 years old. Somaya was the most famous eatery in Sakata during the Edo period, and its successor Somaro is just as famous. Enjoy a traditional maiko dance show while having lunch.

Now, off to our hotel, Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata, conveniently situated right above the JR Yamagata Station. Arrival by 5:00pm and free time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many dining spots around the station.

Please meet your guide back at the hotel by 7:00pm as we will be walking to the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival. First held in 1964, this massive floral hat dance is relatively new compared to its Tohoku counterparts, but is now considered one of the region’s major festivals.

At this festival, 10,000 of the city’s residents participate in a dance while holding a hanagasa (flower hat), adorned with safflowers, Yamagata’s prefecture official flower. This festival now attracts over one million spectators over a three-day period.

Beautifully decorated floats lead the parade. The shouts of “Yoshi, Mankato!” along with the beat of the hanagasa-daiko drums enhance the mood of the festival.

At the end of the evening we will return to our hotel on foot.

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata Free

Day 8 – August 8th, 2019 Thursday – Yamagata-Sendai (B)

After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby by 9:00am as we make our way to Sendai, Tohoku’s second largest city. This modern city was founded around 1600 by Date Masamune, one of fedudal Japan’s 's most powerful lords. Many of Sendai's tourist attractions are related to Masamune and his family.

The morning begins with a visit to Matsushima Bay, celebrated as one of Japan’s three most scenic views alongside Miyajima and Amanohashidate. The bay is dotted by over 200 small islands covered by pine trees. The best way to enjoy the views is with a boat cruise which we will be taking.

Next, a stop at the Matsushima Fish Market, not actually a working fish market, but rather a convenient place for lunch, a snack, or to buy seafood to bring home and prepare. Our stop here allows you free time to have lunch on your own and shop.

Matsushima is famous for its seafood, especially oysters, anago (salt-water eel), and nori seaweed. At the entrance you’ll see an oyster shack where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat grilled oysters.

Inside the market you can try an oyster burger, seafood ramen or sushi.

The afternoon begins with a visit to Godaido Temple, a must-see symbol of Matsushima, first founded in 807. The building you will see today was reconstructed by Date Masamune in 1604. It is named for the five Buddhas of wisdom housed within. The Buddhas inside Godaido are only shown during a special ceremony once every 33 years.

Leading to the temple are unusual red bridges with spaces between the planks- if you trip, you are not yet ready to reach the temple! Next, a visit ot Zuihoden Shrine, the mausoleum complex of Date Masamune and his heirs, daimyō of the Sendai Domain. As the final resting place of the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune, this gorgeous structure is a remarkable sight with its brilliant colors including gold and intricate patterns on finely carved sculptures.

Now, off to our hotel for the evening, Hotel Metropolitan Sendai, ideally located adjacent to JR Sendai Station. Arrival will be by 4:30pm and after free time to relax and explore the shops, please meet up again at 6:00pm as we are off to the Sendai Tanabata Festival. Here, you will have time to enjoy dinner on your own.

The Sendai Tanabata Festival, also known at the Star Festival is a traditional celebration of the legend that tells of two stars, Vega and Altair. They were separated lovers, only allowed to meet once a year in the Milky Way. The festival is one for romantics, for sure, but it also impresses with its unbelievably colorful decorations that take over the streets.

This downtown area of Sendai’s shopping arcades is transformed into a forest of handcrafted, elaborate streamers made of colorful washi paper and bamboo poles.

After the festival, we make our way back to the hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai Free

Day 9 – August 9th, 2019 Friday – Sendai-Tokyo (B/L)

After breakfast, please meet your guide by 8:45am as are off to enjoy a half day tour of Sendai before journeying off to Japan’s capital city, Tokyo!

Our bags will be shipped separately and meet up with us later this evening at the hotel.

The morning begins with a visit to the Sendai Asaichi Market, Sendai’s Kitchen. This small market, only about 100 meters in length has approximately 70 shops and stalls offering up fish, produce, fresh flowers and a variety of prepared foods.

From here, off to Kanezaki Kamaboko Factory, specializing in fish cakes, a local delicacy. Sasakamaboko (fish cake shaped like a bamboo leaf) is a Miyagi classic, and one of the most famous brands. Enjoy time to sample their delicious products and maybe even purchase some to bring home.

Now, time for lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit and sampling at the Sendai Kirin Beer Factory.

We are now ready to depart via bullet train from the Sendai Station to Tokyo’s Ueno Station on Hayabusa 18 departing at 3:57pm with an arrival at 5:26pm.

On arrival in Tokyo, our bus will be waiting, and we are off to our hotel for the remaining 3 nights on tour, Hotel Metropolitan, in the Ikebukuro area of the city, a bustling international metropolis of Tokyo. Arrival will be by 6:15pm.

After checking in, the remainder of the evening is free. Ikebukuro offers plenty of entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities. It is the battle ground between the Tobu and Seibu conglomerates which operate large department stores on each side of the station. Recently it has also seen fierce competition from two of Japan's largest electronic retailers, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki. Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo

Day 10 – August 10th, 2019 Saturday – Tokyo (B/L)

After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby by 8:30am as we are off to explore Tokyo.

The morning begins with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market which has the distinct honor of being the world's largest seafood market. “Japan's kitchen” moves at a frenetic pace as thousands upon thousands of fish are processed, purchased, and carted off to different corners of the country. The infamous tuna auction starts at 5:00am and peters out by 8am, when the day's catch has been purchased. By 11am the crowds have dwindled and the sprinkler trucks plough through to prep the empty market for tomorrow's sale.

If you’re a foodie, love markets, enjoy photography – or simply like visiting unique places – then you’ll probably love Tsukiji.

Little has changed at Tsukiji in its nearly 80 years. While the inner, auction market has moved to a new location, the popular outer market remains and that is where we will be visiting.

We will remain here for 1.5 hr. so that you have ample time to walk around and enjoy the outer market, visit knife-making artisan shops, tasting candies, nuts, and spices, and learning more about seasonal produce in Tokyo.

After a good stroll around the market, there’s nothing like a sushi breakfast to complete the experience. There are plenty of sushi shops – make sure to choose one where you see locals dining. If you don’t feel like sushi, there are other options including ramen, donburi and more. including ramen, donburi and more.

Tsukiji Market

If you finish early, we encourage you to visit Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, less than one block away. With an Indian-style exterior, the temple was built in 1617 near Asakusa, but was burnt down in a huge fire that swept through Edo (Tokyo) in 1657. It was then rebuilt on the present site but destroyed again by the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923. The current main building was built in 1934.The main building possesses a distinctive ambience not found in other Japanese temples, due to its variety of architectural styles.

Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple

From here, we are off to Ameyoko Shopping Street, famous throughout Japan for its wide variety of products. The name "Ameyoko" is a short form for "Ameya Yokocho" (candy store alley), as candies were traditionally sold there. Alternatively, "Ame" also stands for "America", because a lot of American products used to be available there when the street was the site of a black market in the years following WWII.

You can get just about EVERYTHING here, clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried squid, and spices are sold along Ameyoko. It is quite the scene to just walk around through the very crowded and narrow streets. An awesome place to sightsee, shop and eat! We will remain here for 1.5 hr., so you can shop at leisure.

Ameyoko- best spot to find omiyage items

After a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, we are off to visit Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Close-by to the Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll. Being that we are in the peak foliage period, enjoy this colorful viewing spot.

The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the WWII but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.

On weekends, this is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and being that this is a both a Saturday and holiday weekend, expect to enjoy viewing several beautiful wedding processions right in front of your eyes.

Meiji Shrine tori gate entrance, grounds, and popular sights of weddings on weekends

Our last touring item on today’s agenda is a visit to Crossing and shopping area, rumored to be the world’s busiest, this intersection in front of Shibuya Station is famously known as ‘The Scramble’. It’s an awesome spectacle of giant video screens and neon, guaranteed to give you a 'Wow – I'm in Tokyo!' feeling. People come from all directions at once – sometimes over a thousand with every light change – yet still manage to dodge each other with a practiced, nonchalant agility.

It's a brief stop, just so you can experience the crossing and stop by for a photo at the Hachiko Dog statute.

Come meet Tokyo's most famous pooch, Hachikō. This Akita dog came to Shibuya Station every day to meet his master, a professor, returning from work. After the professor died in 1925, Hachikō continued to come to the station daily until his own death nearly 10 years later. The story became legend and a small statue was erected in the dog’s memory in front of Shibuya Station.

Now, back to our hotel, arrival by 5:00pm and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free.

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo

Day 11 – August 11th, 2019 Sunday – Tokyo (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a complete free to day to shop and sightsee on your own.

Ikebukuro offers plenty of entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities. It is the battle ground between the Tobu and Seibu conglomerates which operate large department stores on each side of the station. Recently it has also seen fierce competition from two of Japan's largest electronic retailers, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki.

Enjoy time at Sunshine City, a huge shopping mall connected to our hotel. It has four towers including a 240- meter-high skyscraper with an observation deck on the top. The main tower is the second highest building in Tokyo. The Sunshine City Prince Hotel is housed in one of the smaller towers at the complex. The lower levels of Sunshine City are a monstrous maze of shops and tourist attractions, as well as a theatre.

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo

Day 12 – August 12th, 2019 Monday – Tokyo-Narita (B)

After breakfast, please meet your guide in the lobby by 9:00am. While it may be our last day on tour, there is still much to see and do before our flight home later this evening.

The morning begins with a visit to the iconic Tokyo Tower. While it is no longer the tallest structure in Japan, nor a full-fledged broadcasting tower, it is still one of the most popular places for tourists to visit and an icon of the capital, attracting about 2 million visitors annually.

Opened in Opened in 1958, Tokyo Tower will be standing for a second Olympics when Tokyo hosts the games in 2020. Perhaps most known for its distinctive steel framework, this self-supported steel structure, modeled after the Eiffel Tower in France is lighter and taller. At night, the tower is lit up by 176 floodlights, orange in winter and white in summer.

Tokyo Tower

From here, we are off to Asakusa, the traditional, low-rise, down, and dirty Tokyo of yesteryear. Although on the surface it’s ye olde Japan, this was the first part of the capital to have significant western influence. It was even the site of Japan’s first cinema.

Attractions in the area include one of Tokyo’s most historic temples – Sensoji, and the impressive Kaminarimon Gate that marks the entranceway to the temple. Also, you can’t miss Phillip Stark’s ‘Golden Poo’ on the roof of the nearby Asahi Breweries headquarters.

Sensoji Temple dates to 645, but with the original destroyed in the air raids of 1945, today’s building is a 1958 reconstruction. At the top of the steps, as a mark of respect, clap twice and bow your head. It’s also customary to make a small offering by tossing coins into the wooden rack.

The Five Storied Pagoda was built in 1973 and amongst others; it stands in honor of comedians! Standing 54 meters high, reinforced with concrete and steel, and like all pagodas, running down the center is a giant pillar of Japanese Cypress tree wood.

Once through the gate you’ll be in Nakamise Shopping Arcade. The street is lined with colorful, lively stalls selling traditional knick- knacks, festival foods and rice crackers. There are over 50 shops along this shopping street. We will remain here for 1.5 hours so that you can enjoy time for lunch on your own and do some shopping.

Asakusa and Nakamise Shopping Arcade

We now make our way to the Narita area and first stop this afternoon is at Naritasan Shinshoji Shrine. Erected in 940 B.C., this is a Buddhist temple with a thousand-year-plus history. Approximately 300 years ago, it became a popular stop for pilgrims who prayed for safety, luck, and prosperity to bless their lives.

Today, there are more than 12 million visitors annually. It continues to be one of the most famous temples in Japan. A priest performs ceremonial prayers and rituals several times throughout the day and are open to the public. This ritual is intended to deliver the wishes of the people to Buddha.

Omotesando Road stretches for 800 meters and leads straight to the temple. There are inns, restaurants, and numerous souvenir shops. For over 300 years, shopkeepers here have been welcomed visitors to this town. To keep with its history and tradition, it is not out of place here to see kimono-wearing proprietors greeting their customers. Among the countless restaurants, the local delicacy is a serving of eel.

Naritasan Shinshoji Shrine A treat of grilled eel Omotesando Road

One final, last minute shopping experience at the Aeon Mall Narita before making our way to the Narita Airport.

Hawaiian Airlines #822 Departs Narita 9:00 pm – Arrive Honolulu 9:50 am