2024 AUTUMN CENTRAL JAPAN #12
Gifu / Fukui/ Kanazawa / Toyama / Takayama / Lake Suwa/ Tokyo and more!
DATE:
9 Nov. (Sat) 2024 ー 21 Nov. (Thu) 2024
INCLUDED:
11 Nights / 12 Days / 30 Meals
(Daily Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners)
Escorted from Honolulu
English-Speaking Local Guide
All Land Tour transportation
Hotel Accommodation
All support of your baggage
Souvenir boxes (included pack in a box)
Heartwarming Service
ITINERARY
Day 1: Sat. Nov 9 – HONOLULU: Depart Honolulu
Enjoy your journey through the skies and prepare for the wonderful adventure that awaits you in Japan.
Day 2: Sun. Nov 10 – CENTRAIR HOTEL
Welcome to Japan! Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport. After going through immigration procedures, After Hotel check-in, relax and get ready for the next day. Put your feet up, relax, and get ready for the RNL AUTUMN CENTRAL JAPAN Tour
Day 3: Mon. Nov 11 – KITABIWAKO HOTEL GRAZIE (ONSEN)
Today marks the beginning of our tour. Firstly, we will head to enjoy the seasonal activity of Mikan Mandarin orange picking in the morning. Aichi Prefecture is known for its mild climate and abundant water resources, making it ideal for the cultivation of citrus fruits such as Mikan Mandarin oranges. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. This facility preserves the techniques of Seki forging, which have been passed down for over 700 years. Various exhibits showcase the process of creating Japanese swords. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase items such as kitchen knives, nail clippers, and scissors. After enjoying our day out, we will go back to the hotel. At the hotel you will be able to enjoy a hot spring bath.
Day 4: Tue. Nov 12 – HYATT CENTRIC KANAZAWA
Today, we will head to Nihonkai Sakana Machi, the largest seafood market on the Japan Sea coast located in Fukui Prefecture. Inside, you'll experience a lively atmosphere with enthusiastic vendors and traditional vibes intact. The market is bustling with activity, offering a variety of seafood processing shops, specialty stores selling Kombu, Pu-Pu, and famous sweets. Afterward, we will visit Tojinbo, a massive stretch of columnar joints extending approximately 1 km along the coast. Standing at the edge of the cliffs, you'll feel a sense of awe as you gaze down. These extensive columnar joints are rare on a global scale and are counted among the "Three Great Oddities of the World. "Following our visit to Tojinbo, we will head to a hotel adjacent to Kanazawa Station.
Day 5: Wed. Nov 13 – HYATT CENTRIC KANAZAWA
Today in Kanazawa, we'll start with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Its landscape, showcasing nature's beauty in every season, including the winter "yukitsuri" (snow hanging), is among the country's finest. Then, we'll explore the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, the world's only museum dedicated to gold leaf. Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf, and the museum offers insights into its production process and artistic applications. Finally, we'll visit Omicho Market, Kanazawa's culinary hub known as the "Kitchen of the People." With 170 shops offering fresh produce and local delicacies, it's a vibrant destination for both locals and chefs sourcing ingredients. After a day of exploration, we'll return to the hotel to unwind and prepare for the next day.
Note：Omicho Market will be optional, and those who prefer to relax at the hotel or do some shopping can return to the hotel.
Day 6: Thu. Nov 14 – DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TOYAMA
Today's final destination is Toyama. First, we'll visit the Saburomaru Distillery, the only whisky distillery in the Hokuriku region. Established shortly after World War II in 1952, this distillery has been producing whisky using traditional methods, exclusively using heavily peated malt to create smoky whiskies. After the distillery visit, we'll delve into the captivating world of Inami woodcarving. This art form is known for its depth and dynamism, with sculptures of animals and plants created using the intricate "sukashi-bori" technique. This involves carving from both sides of the wood, using a multitude of chisels and knives. After a day of exploration, we'll return to the hotel to unwind and prepare for the next day.
Day 7: Fri. Nov 15 – DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TOYAMA
We'll start with a leisurely one-hour boat ride along the Fugan Suijo Line, where you can enjoy the serene flow of time amidst the sparkling waters and historic townscapes. Next, we'll head to the rare Day Auction, where the star of the show is the Red Snow Crab. Witness the mesmerizing sight of the entire floor covered in red, showcasing the vibrant auction scene. After that, we'll visit the Toyama Glass Art Museum. Toyama's glass making tradition dates back over 300 years, originating from the medicine peddlers who used glass bottles. Due to the thriving production of glass medicine bottles at the time, Toyama gained renown as one of the world's leading Glass Towns.
※Please note that the schedule might be subject to changes due to the earthquake in January 2024.
Day 8: Sat. Nov 16 – HOTEL ASSOCIA TAKAYAMA RESORT (Onsen)
Today's destination is Hida Takayama. First, we'll visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Nestled amidst mountains, it features traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, attracting visitors worldwide. Then, we'll see the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, where you can admire floats from the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three great float festivals. After enjoying our day out, we will go back to the hotel. At the hotel you will be able to enjoy a hot spring bath.
Day 9: Sun. Nov 17 – HOTEL ASSOCIA TAKAYAMA RESORT (Onsen)
This morning, we'll head to the Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market, which is counted among Japan's three major morning markets and has a history dating back to the Edo period. Here, you can enjoy shopping for seasonal ingredients, various flowers throughout the year, as well as crafts and folk art.
Next, the Takayama Jinya is the former administrative office of the area. It stands as the sole remaining structure of its kind in Japan, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Edo period, thanks to the meticulous preservation of its original main buildings. From 1692 onwards, the Tokugawa Shogunate carried out its administrative duties at this site for an impressive duration of 176 years. After a day of exploration, we'll return to the hotel to unwind and prepare for the next day.
Day 10: Mon. Nov 18 –HOTEL HANANOI (Onsen)
This morning, we'll begin our journey by visiting the Okuhida Bear Farm, where you'll have the chance to encounter over 100 bears, including the famous "Tsuki no Wa Bears." Here, you can feed and interact with these bears, each displaying its own unique gestures, providing an unforgettable experience in this haven for bears.
Next, we'll head to the Daio Wasabi Farm to indulge in Japan's renowned wasabi. Nagano Prefecture leads in wasabi production, with Azumino wasabi contributing to about 90% of the country's production, earning it the title of "Wasabi Town." If we're lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the wasabi flowers in full bloom, and be sure not to miss the opportunity to try their distinctive wasabi soft-serve ice cream. Let's head to Miyasaka Brewery, founded in 1662 with a history of over 350 years. This brewery holds a history that cannot be fully described in words within the Suwa region alone. Here, they have been brewing sake named after the precious treasure of Suwa Taisha Shrine, known as "Masumi no Kagami" (Mirror of Clarity). After enjoying our day out, we will go back to the hotel. At the hotel you will be able to enjoy a hot spring bath.
Day 11 Tue. Nov 19 – MITSUI GARDEN HOTEL YOKOHAMA MINATOMIRAI PREMIER or Similar
This morning, we're heading to Suwa in Nagano. Let's visit the factory of Takeya Miso Company, which has been making soybean products such as miso and tofu. Made naturally and fermented to perfection, over a century using the finest pure mountain water and plump soybeans. Afterward, let's go fruit picking. Yamanashi Prefecture is renowned as the "Fruit Kingdom," where a wide variety of fruits ripen with precision each month. During this season, we might enjoy persimmons and apples. Finally, let's head to Yokohama, where our last hotel awaits.
Day 12: Wed. Nov 20 – MITSUI GARDEN HOTEL YOKOHAMA MINATOMIRAI PREMIER or Similar
Today marks the final day of our tour. We'll head to Ameyoko (Ameya Yokocho), a bustling market in Ueno, for a delightful shopping experience, where we can find unique souvenirs and immerse ourselves in Tokyo's lively street market ambiance. Next, we're heading to LaLaport. Here, you'll find various stores such as Pharmacies, HANDS, and DAISO. Let's take the opportunity to enjoy some shopping and double-check if there's anything we may have forgotten to buy before concluding our trip. (Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.)
Day 13: Thu. Nov 21 – AIRPORT - HONOLULU
At checkout time the guide will come to tape and tie-up the boxes and take the baggage to the airport. After check out we will head to Airport and board a flight to Honolulu. We will arrive at Honolulu in the same morning.(Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.)
**SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE**
*Please sign up As soon as possible to HOLD your space!
*Full Payment is due on Oct 1, 2024
Tour Cost: based on 25-35 maximum full paying tour members:
Final Tour Cost will depend on the yen rate, taxes & fuel surcharges.
*The tour price is based on double occupancy and a minimum group size of 25 passengers. Fare adjustment may apply for groups of 25 or under.
*The rate is based on tariffs and exchange rates effective 2/1/2024.
*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.
COST OF LAND TOUR:
TWIN/ TRIPLE OCCUPANCY: $5,300.00 per person
SINGLE OCCUPANCY (4 single rooms only) $5,780.00 per person
PLUS AIRFARE $1,800.00 (***ESTIMATED AIRFARE***)
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
11 Nights Hotel accommodations
Daily Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, and 10 Dinners
Admission Fees, Pre-luncheon get-together, Local experienced tour guide from RNL TOURS, LLC
RESERVATIONS & DEPOSITS:
Reservations should be made as soon as possible by filling out the application form and sending a deposit of $200.00 per person. Reservations are based on a first come first serve basis. Returned check fee of $25.00 per check.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
To protect against cancellation charges, optional travel insurance is recommended and is available through RNL Tours, LLC. Rates are subject to change. Coverage and rates for travel insurance may vary by state.
For more information, please call our office or email us.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
45 days prior to departure – Full refund
44-30 days prior: 50% cancel fee of the tour price, per person charge
29-15 days prior: 75% cancel fee of the tour price, per person charge
14 days prior or less: 100% cancel fee of the tour price, per person, no refund.
GENERAL CONDITIONS TOUR INCLUDES:
Hotel accommodations, transfers, and sightseeing. Adjustments will be made if there is an increase in fuel surcharges and any fluctuation in exchange rates between US Dollars and Japanese Yen.
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Air service within tours is included except for people buying the land portion only.
Airfare inclusive rates are based on advanced purchase and may be subject to certain airline restrictions and penalties. Adjustments will be made if there is any increase on taxes.
PASSPORTS:
All clients are reminded that a valid passport is necessary in all cases.
The cost of obtaining these documents will be the responsibility of the traveler.
The organizer assumes no responsibility whatsoever, should a client, for any reason be refused entry into any particular country, and the subsequent costs entailed will have to be met by the traveler in accordance with obligations that the organizer has in virtue of the contracts held with third parties. Passport must be valid within 6 months at time of departure. A photocopy of your passport is required for all tours.
IF THE TOUR OPERATOR CANCELS:
Should RNL Tours, LLC. cancel a departure for any reason, your money will be fully refunded.
CHANGES IN ITINERARIES:
RNL Tours, LLC. will make every effort to operate all tours as disclosed in this document.
However, circumstances may arise which would require an adjustment to the tour. We will however do all that is possible to avoid such changes, but we must reserve the right to make such modifications if they are determined to be necessary
RESPONSIBILITY:
This travel agency and/or its agents, sub-agents, sub-offices and affiliates act only as agents for the owners and contractors providing means of transportation or other services and all tickets and/or vouchers are issued subject to any terms and conditions under which such means of transportation or other services where offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets and/or vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the further conditions that this travel agency, its agents, sub-agents, sub-offices and affiliates shall not become liable or responsible in any way in connections with such means of transportation or other services, or for any loss, injury or damages arising from the default of a tour operator/carrier, lost/damaged baggage, trip cancellation, bad weather, natural disaster or other acts of God.
We reserve the right to cancel any tour 45 days or more prior to departure date.
All rates in this brochure/itinerary are subject to change without notice.