Phone: 951-9800 Toll Free:1-877-951-3888 E-mail: [email protected] www.airseatvl.com 50 S. Beretania Street, Suite C - 211B, Honolulu, HI 96813 Japan Ancient Culture and Dramatic Landscapes Circle Tohoku of Japan Cities Covered: Miyagi, Iwate, Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima Tour Package Includes * International Flight from HONOLULU Traveling Dates: * Deluxe Hotel Accommodations (Based On Double Occupancy) * Admissions and 18 Meals as Stated May 15 – 23, 2017 * Natural Hot Spring Ryokan (4 Nights) (9 Days) * UNESCO World Heritage Site: Chusonji Temple * One of the “Three Views of Japan” – Matsushima Bay Cruise * One of the 100 Landscapes of Japan – Geibikei Gorge Traditional Boat Ride Price per person: * Hands-on Experience on Making Nambu Senbei Rice Crackers * Date Masamune Statue Tips and Gratuities are Included $ 3,288 * Incl: Tax & Fuel Charge The Tōhoku region (東北地方 Tōhoku-chihō) consists of the northeastern portion Single Supp: of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. This traditional region consists of six $ 650 prefectures: Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata. Tōhoku retains a reputation as a remote, scenic region with a harsh climate. In the 20th century, tourism became a major industry in the area. Date Masamune Statue Lake Tazawa Geibikei Gorge Aizuwakamatsu Castle Nambu Senbei Rice Crackers Onsen Day 1**May 15 Honolulu – Sendai We begin our journey by boarding an international flight to Sendai, the largest city in the Tōhoku region. It has a special nickname, the City of Trees (Mori no Miyako). Meals and snacks will be served on the plane. Day 2**May 16 Sendai (Miyagi) Upon arrival at Sendai Airport in Aomori Prefecture located in the northern Tōhoku region of Japan, we will meet an Air & Sea Travel representative who will escort us to our hotel. Day 3**May 17 Miyagi – Iwate (B, L, D) After breakfast, the first place we will visit is the premier Shiogama Jinja Shinto Shrine located in Miyagi Prefecture. The Shiogama cherry blossoms, iris, and wild grass can be seen from here. Matsushima, also located in Miyagi is famous for its bay and ranked as one of the “Three Views of Japan”. It is dotted with many pine covered islets. We will catch the Matsushima Bay Cruise, a 50 minute boat ride that will take us to see the major islands including Nioujima. We will then proceed to the historical Godaido Temple, the symbol of Matsushima. It has 5 statues which are only displayed to the public once every 33 years. After lunch, we will transfer to Iwate Prefecture, the second largest prefecture of Japan after Hokkaido. We will see the Geibikei Gorge (a 2-km gorge), outside of Hiraizumi. Geibikei is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture and was selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. As we cruise down to the Geibikei Gorge in a Traditional Boat pushed by a guide, we will hear his stories and local folk songs of the river. The water is shallow and gorgeous fish are visible for the entire one hour trip. We will also visit the nearby Chusonji Temple, Hiraizumi’s most famous attraction and one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism established in 850. Afterwards, we will arrive at our onsen resort in Hanamaki Onsen for an overnight stay. Hanamaki-onsen in Iwate Prefecture has been developed as a popular travel destination over the years. A number of famous artists, poets, and writers such as Kenji Miyazawa and Kotaro Takamura have immensely enjoyed this hot spring. Hachimantai hot spring is good for nerve pain, sore muscles, joint pain, fatigue, feeling cold, frozen shoulder, bruises, chronic digestive disorder, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cuts, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, hemorrhoids, chronic feminine problems, etc. Day 4**May 18 Iwate – Aomori (B, L, D) Today we will visit Morioka, an old castle town bordered by three rivers and a volcano. Morioka Handi-Works Square is a handicraft facility where we can see, touch and create traditional craftworks and foods of Morioka. It has 2 main areas, the Exhibition Area and the Workshop Area. We will explore the various exhibits and learn about Morioka's culture. We will be able to have hands-on experiences in the Workshop Area where there are 14 different workshops. Beginners can make Nambu Senbei Rice Crackers or put flavored syrup on dumplings. After lunch, we will see the Oirase Mountain Stream, a picturesque mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture and one of Japan's most famous destinations with beautiful forests and a must see waterfall. Oirase Stream is the only outlet draining Lake Towada (Towadako). This is the largest Crater Lake in Honshu and a dominant feature in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The bright blue color of the water is due to its great depth and it is the third deepest lake in Japan. The lake and park attract millions of visitors each year because of its scenic beauty. Tonight, enjoy the onsen at our natural hot spring ryokan. Lake Towada hot spring is known for its natural calcium and sodium sulfate. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and Japanese onsens are extremely beneficial for one’s health. We can enjoy the view of Towada-ko Lake and relax in the hot spring bath of pure Towada-ko water to refresh our body and mind. Day 5**May 19 Aomori – Akita (B, L, D) We will head to Hirosaki Castle (Hirosaki-jō), a Hirayama-style Japanese castle constructed in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. In 2006, Hirosaki Castle was listed as one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation. Afterwards, we will go to Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko), a caldera lake in the city of Semboku, Akita Prefecture. It is the deepest lake in Japan at 423 metres (1,388 ft.). After lunch, we will proceed to our next destination, the notable Old Samurai House in Kakunodate, also known as the Aoyagi House. The Aoyagi Family used to be the “Samurai of the Ashina” clan. Later, the Ashina clan was abandoned and the Aoyagi family became “Samurai” of a new lord Satake-Kita clan. The Aoyagi Family was high class Samurai with 104 Koku. The house was built in 1860 and it is one of the oldest Samurai Houses in Kakunodate. Akita City is the capital of Akita Prefecture and is best known for hosting the Kanto Matsuri, a large festival held from August 3 to 6 in which revelers balance long bamboo poles with dozens of paper lanterns attached at the end. At Akita Folklore Museum, we can learn about the history, see many examples of the artifacts, and even try our hand at lifting one of the poles. Day 6**May 20 Akita – Yamagata (B, L, D) In the morning, we will head to the Sankyo Soko Storehouse. It was built in 1893 as a storehouse for rice. Twelve traditional storehouses now line the river that is a symbol of Sakata, the city of rice. The Mogami River (Mogami-gawa) is a river in Yamagata Prefecture and is one of the most rapid rivers in Japan. The river has a long history as an important trade route, contributing to the development of culture in the area along the river. Today, we enjoy a Boat Ride down the river, captivated by the beauty of a gully (water-worn ravine) with an elegant rower's song. Later we will go to Ginzan Onsen Town. Ginzan is defined as the "silver mountain" which is a hot spring inn located along the Ginzan River in Obanazawa. It became nationally famous for its steaming milky color water and as the setting for the television drama Oshin. We can feel the relaxing and soothing atmosphere as we walk along the streets of the small town. Finally, we will transfer to Zao Onsen, the hot spring town that is 880 meters above sea level on the slopes of the volcanic Mount Zao and stay overnight. Zao Onsen is one of the most famous sulfurous hot springs in Japan. The hot natural volcanic waters will relax and refresh your body and mind. Zao Onsen sulfuric waters are among the most acidic in the entire country with a PH value of close to 1. The water is very popular among people as "water to nurture the health in children” and “water for making skin light, smooth and beautiful”. Day 7**May 21 Yamagata – Fukushima (B, L, D) After breakfast, we will visit Tendo (Tendō-shi), a city in Yamagata Prefecture, traditionally known for its production of the wooden pieces used in Japanese chess, Shogi. Next, we will go to Ryushaku-ji Temple, the Standing Stone Temple. It was founded in 860 AD by priest Ennin. It houses a sacred flame that is tended to and has been burning every day for the past thousand years. We will then head to the famous Uesugi Shrine that honors Kenshin Uesugi, a great general of the Sengoku period and of the Yonezawa Domain. Our last stop for the day is Lake Inawashiro, the fourth-largest lake in Japan located in the middle of Fukushima Prefecture. It is also known as the 'Sky Mirror Lake' because its surface reflects the shape of Mt. Bandai-san like a heavenly mirror. In winter, swans migrate to the beaches of the lake and remain until spring. Tonight, we will stay at the natural hot spring hotel in Inawashiro Onsen. Inawashiro Onsen is a sodium chloride hot spring with a temperature of 72.2° C. It helps heal cuts, burns, chronic dermatitis, physical weakness, women’s diseases, neuralgia, muscular aches, sensitivity to cold, hemorrhoids, and digestive ailments.