DESTINATION

Main program includes:

• Round trip airfare from San Francisco or NYC, (SFO - NYC) airport. Airline taxes and fuel surcharges are included. (Valid at present time)

• First class hotel accommodations for 7 nights at a centrally located hotels

  • 1 nights in Tokyo

  • 1 night in Aomori 

  • 1 night in Oirase

  • 1 night Kakunodate

  • 1 night in Ichinoseki

  • 2 nights in Akiu Onsen

or similar hotels including hotel tax and service charges.

• Services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout the program.

• Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all transfers, tours and guided excursions.

• Guided tours, admissions and entrance fees as per program in itinerary.

• Full board:  Daily Breakfast, lunches, and dinners (mineral water and a glass of wine/beer are included)

• All VAT city and local Tax, baggage handling at hotels. (Based on one bag per person).

• Headsets on guided tour

NOTES:  All taxes and fuel surcharges are included and valid at the time of printing but are subject to change. The price does not include tips, travel insurance, airline luggage overage fees, passports fees, visas, optional tours that might be offered in addition to our daily included program, as well as items of a personal nature.  

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Departure from the USA on your overnight flight to Japan.

Day 2: Tokyo:
Welcome to Japan.  Upon arrival in Narita International Airport, proceed through customs and collect your luggage. A Jet Vacations professional guide will personally greet you. Departure and transfer by deluxe coach to your hotel centrally located in Tokyo for an overnight. 
           
DAY 2:  Tokyo-Aomori-Hirosaki:
You will be transferred to Aomori by bullet train. Upon arrival at, Shin-Aomori station, embark on full day exploration of Aomori by private coach with guide. You will visit Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, which is a facility that introduces the history and charms of the Aomori Nebuta Festival. Then, drive to Hirosaki city (about 1h) and visit Hirosaki Castle.  Overnight: Aomori (B, L, D)
             
DAY 3:  Aomori-Oirase
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Oirase by private coach with private guide. Oirase Stream is a picturesque mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture that is one of Japan's most famous and popular autumn colors destinations. Here, you will have 3 hours hiking among the stream. Overnight: Oirase (B, L, D)
           
DAY 4:  Oirase-Kakunodate
After breakfast, guide will take you to Kakunodate via local train and private coach. You will be transferred to Takanosu station by private coach. We will charter a Japanese-style carriage called the Ozashiki-ressha with local geisha. Please enjoy their dance performance and lunch on the way to Kakunodate. Upon arrival at Kakunodate, embark on city tour of Kakunodate by private coach. Kakunodate is a former castle town and samurai stronghold in today's Akita Prefecture.
Overnight: Kakunodate.  (B, L, D)
             
DAY 5:  Kakunodate-Hiraizumi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Hiraizumi via express and local train. Upon arrival at Hiraizumi, you will visit Motsuji Temple and Chusonji Temple.  Hiraizumi is a beautiful town that has a deep connection with Kyoto and is called "Little Kyoto in Mutsu" and has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.  Overnight: Ichinoseki (B, L, D)
 

DAY 6:  Hiraizumi-Shoboji-Akiu Onsen
After breakfast, guide will take you to Shoboji Temple for Zen meditation experience and also, shojin ryori for lunch. After the experience,you will be transferred to Akiu Onsen via bullet train. Shojin-ryori is an ancient cuisine that has been eaten by Zen Buddhist monks in Japan since the 13th century. Due to Buddhism's restrictions on meat-eating, it is fully vegetarian and avoids any strong flavors like garlic or onion.  Overnight: Akiu Onsen.  (B, L, D)
 

DAY 7:  Akiu Onsen-Yamadera-Sendai
In this day, you will visit Yamadera Temple via private coach with an English speaking guide. And also, you will visit Nikka Whisky distillery.  Yamadera is a scenic temple located in the mountains northeast of Yamagata City. The temple grounds extend high up a steep mountainside, from where there are great views down onto the valley.  Overnight: Akiu Onsen. (B, L ,D)
 

DAY 8:  Bid a farewell to Japan
You will be transferred to Tokyo station via bullet train. Upon arrival at Tokyo station, an assistant will take you to HND or (NRT). (B) 

NOTE:  This tour includes moderate physical activity.  The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time.  Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.