2024 FUJI TAKAYAMA CRAFT 10 DAYS TOUR #6
Odawara/ Mt. Fuji / Lake Suwa /Takayama / Shirakawago / Gifu / Nagoya and more!
DATE:
8 May (Wed) 2024 ー 18 May (Sat) 2024
INCLUDED:
9 Nights / 10 Days • 24 Meals
(Daily Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 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: Wed. May 8 – HONOLULU: Depart Honolulu
Day 2: Thu. May 9 – HOTEL METROPOLITAN KAWASAKIWelcome to Japan! Upon arrival at either Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport, complete the immigration procedures. After checking in at the hotel, take some time to unwind and prepare for the upcoming day. Put your feet up, relax, and get ready for the FUJI TAKAYAMA CRAFT 10 DAYS TOUR #6.
Day 3: Fri. May 10 –HILTON ODAWARA RESORT & SPA (Onsen)
We'll set out in the morning, heading for our destination tonight, Odawara. Our first stop will be Odawara Flower Garden, a park where you can enjoy a variety of flowers and plants throughout the seasons. Here, you can witness water lilies blooming in the iris pond, and if the timing is right, revel in the vibrant display of roses in full bloom.
Next, we'll make our way to TOTOCO Odawara, a sea-themed park. Here, you can not only purchase fresh seafood but also create your very own customized seafood bowl by selecting your favorite ingredients.
Following that, let's try our hand at making food samples. Food samples, also known as food replicas or display food, originated in the late Taisho era to the early Showa era and were referred to as Ryorimokei. These intricate models of dishes are commonly showcased in front of or inside restaurants. In this unique experience, we'll craft a seafood bowl sample that, despite looking delectable,Tonight's hotel features onsen and spa facilities, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and prepare for our journey starting tomorrow.
Day 4: Sat. May 11 – JIRAGONNO FUJI NO YAKATA or Similar (Onsen)
This morning, we head to Hakone to embark on a Woodcraft adventure. Hakone marquetry, known as "Hakone Yosegi Zaiku," is a traditional craft dating back to the late Edo period. You'll have the chance to arrange rhombus and triangle-shaped pieces to create your very own original coaster – a unique and one of a kind piece of art.
For lunch, we'll savor a local specialty, "Houtou," while gazing at the majestic Mount Fuji. Houtou is a beloved comfort food among the people of Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its heartwarming qualities and nutritious ingredients.
Following that, we'll head to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Here, you'll witness the vast fields of Shibazakura (pink moss phlox) in full bloom, creating a stunning contrast of vibrant colors that adorn the base of Mount Fuji – a captivating springtime spectacle.
After a day of enjoyment, we'll return to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow's journey and unwind.
Day 5: Sun. May 12 – RAKO HANANOI HOTEL (Onsen)
This morning, we're heading to Nishijima Washi no Sato in Minobu Town. Here, you'll craft a unique fan. Nishijima Washi dates back to 1571, during the Warring States period. A local samurai learned papermaking and introduced it to the town. The paper's glossy texture, mainly from "mitsumata" plants, delighted Takeda Shingen, the regional lord.
Afterward, we'll make our way to the Kikyoya Honten Factory, renowned for Yamanashi's specialty confectionery, "Kikyoshingen Mochi." You'll get an in-depth look at the entire production process, from crafting these delectable sweets to their meticulous packaging. It's an opportunity to witness the evolution of craftsmanship.
Following this, we'll head to Lake Suwa, where our hotel is situated. Suwa Shrines, with approximately 25,000 shrines across the country, have their main shrine, Suwa Taisha, located in the vicinity of Lake Suwa. We'll also make our way to the Suwa City Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the town of Suwa, where we'll be staying for two nights. This will enrich our stay, making it even more valuable as we explore and learn about the culture and history of Suwa.
Tonight, we'll stay at a relaxing hot spring hotel overlooking Lake Suwa, offering a serene setting to prepare for tomorrow's journey.
Day 6: Mon. May 13 –RAKO HANANOI HOTEL (Onsen)
This morning, let's engage in the unique experience of crafting your own music box, or "orgel." The process involves assembling the drum, winding the spring, and meticulously adjusting the resonating plate to control the sound. It's a precious and exclusive opportunity that you won't find elsewhere. You'll choose a piece from a variety of songs, and by the end of this session, you'll have your very own, one-of-a-kind orgel.
Next, we'll visit Takeya Miso (depending on COVID-19 restrictions, factory tours may be available). Takeya Miso was established in 1872, and here you can learn about the history of miso, the art of miso-making in the Suwa region, and the health benefits of miso.
For those interested, we can arrange a sake brewery tour. Nagano Prefecture boasts several renowned sake breweries, with five of them conveniently clustered on a single street, including the famous Masumi Brewery, which ships the most sake in Nagano. You can enjoy exploring each brewery.
After a day filled with experiences, we'll return to the hotel to relax and prepare for tomorrow's journey.
NOTE:(Based on participants' preferences and conditions, this day may offer an optional choice between crafting an orgel (music box) or embarking on a sake brewery tour.)
Day 7: Tue. May 14 – HOTEL ASSOCIA TAKAYAMA RESORT (Onsen)
This morning, we'll start our day by heading to the Daio Wasabi Farm to savor Japan's renowned wasabi. Nagano Prefecture takes the lead in wasabi production in Japan, with Azumino wasabi accounting for about 90% of it, making it truly the "Wasabi Town." If the timing is right, you might get to see the wasabi flowers in full bloom, and don't miss the unique wasabi soft-serve ice cream they offer.
Next, we'll make our way to the Okuhida Bear Farm, where you can encounter over 100 bears, including the famous "Tsuki no Wa Bears." You'll have the opportunity to feed them and interact with these bears, each with its own unique gestures, allowing you to lose track of time in this bear haven.Afterward, we'll continue our journey towards Hida Takayama.
Tonight's accommodation is the "Forest Resort Hotel," where you can experience the natural beauty of Hida Takayama up close. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the open-air bath with a view of the Northern Alps and savor delicious meals.
Day 8: Wed. May 15 – 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, we'll make our way to c, where over 30 traditional Hida houses, including the iconic thatched-roof houses, have been preserved, creating a village that replicates the old rural mountain village scenery. Each house showcases numerous aspects of rural life and tools. Here, you'll have the opportunity to participate in an original chopstick-making experience using Hida's cypress wood. The set includes a chopstick holder with traditional paint, making it a memorable experience.
Afterward, we'll visit the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, where you can appreciate the floats used in the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three great float festivals.Finally, we'll return to the same hotel and prepare for tomorrow's journey.
NOTE:(Depending on the conditions, we may alter the itinerary to visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a walk. In the event of rain, we'll assess the situation, given the hilly terrain, extensive walking, and potential crowds.）
Day 9: Thu. May 16 – NAGOYA MARRIOTT ASSOCIA HOTEL
This morning, our journey takes us to Mino City, celebrated for its traditional Japanese paper, known as washi. During the Edo period, washi was in high demand, serving various purposes such as crafting shoji sliding doors and contributing significantly to the prosperity of Mino Town. Here, you'll have a unique opportunity to engage in the art of crafting traditional washi dolls, each representing a zodiac sign. These dolls symbolize resilience, a quality mirrored in the Japanese saying "nanakorobi yaoki," meaning always standing up after falling.
Our next destination is the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. This institution is dedicated to preserving a 700-year-old tradition of Seki cutlery craftsmanship. Inside, you'll find a captivating array of exhibits that provide insights into the intricate process of crafting Japanese swords. Seki City is renowned worldwide as one of the "Three Great Cutlery Capitals of the World," alongside Solingen in Germany and Sheffield in the UK. It is particularly famous for producing exceptional knives, razors, scissors, and a variety of cutting tools. Adjacent to the museum, you'll discover a facility where you can buy these high-quality blades and kitchen tools, with discounts of approximately 10-20%.
Following this enlightening experience, we'll proceed to a hotel conveniently connected to Nagoya Station. Here, you can relax in the luxurious comfort of an internationally recognized city hotel. Moreover, just steps away from the hotel, you'll find Tokyu Hands, a store offering an extensive range of items, from beads to fabrics and various craft supplies.
Day 10: Fri. May 17 – NAGOYA MARRIOTT ASSOCIA HOTEL
This morning, we're heading to the Gifu World Rose Garden. It proudly hosts 61,000 rose bushes of 7,000 varieties, ranging from wild and old roses to the latest international breeds, making it Japan's largest rose garden.Afterward, we'll make our way to the Aeon Shopping Mall for lunch and some shopping. Later, we'll return to the hotel for relaxation and to prepare for tomorrow's flight.(Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.)
Day 11: Sat. May 18 – NAGOYA to 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 Chubu Centrair International Airport, and board flight # to Honolulu. We will arrive at Honolulu in the same morning.
(Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.)
Members may return to Honolulu individually, but no later than 90 days from the day of departure.
Please contact our office if you are planning to extend your stay. Thank you.
**SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE**
Please sign up by Mar 1. 2024
Full Payment is due on Apr 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.
** Exchange rate: Price based @ 130 -135 JPY ($1.00 USD) **
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 10/22/2023. 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: $4,200.00 per person
SINGLE OCCUPANCY (4 single rooms only) $4,950.00 per person
PLUS AIRFARE $1,800.00 (***ESTIMATED AIRFARE***)
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
9 Nights Hotel accommodations
Daily Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, and 8 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.