TOHOKU 2 FESTIVAL + LOCAL OISHII FOODS TOUR
May. 15 ~ 26 (10 nights, 12 days)

Date	Place and Hotel ♨=onsen	Activity	B	L	D
May. 15 (Fri.)		Depart Honolulu to Haneda airport.
16 (Sat.)	HANEDA VILLA FONTAINE	After arrive at Haneda airport, we go to hotel that's connected to the airport terminal. There are convenience store and some eating place nearby the hotel.
17 (Sun.)	SENDAI JAL CITY HOTEL	From the Tokyo station, we take a H5 series Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai station. Lunch is the best-selling (over 24,000 per day) Ekiben Shumai bento in Japan. After arrive Sendai Station we go to the hotel and leave your unnecessary luggage. After that we go to see the Sendai Aoba Festival, is one of Sendai’s three major festivals. We can see sights reminiscent of a picture scroll panorama, including a procession of gallant warriors clad in armour, a children’s parade in which the mikoshi (portable shrine) of Aoba Shrine that enshrines Date Masamune is carried, 11 gorgeous festival floats drive through the streets, and a large crowd dances the Suzume Odori. Then we go back to the hotel.	×	×
18 (Mon.)	SENDAI JAL CITY HOTEL	From the hotel we go to Matsushima. We take a sightseeing boat cruise through the islets in the bay of famous Matsushima, one of three Japan’s best view places. Lunch is Matsushima’s specialty Oyster dish. After lunch we visit Zuiganji, is the family temple of Masamune Date, a famous feudal lord of the Age of Civil Wars of the 15th and 16th centuries. The temple was originally founded in 828. After deterioration through the civil war period it was restored by Masamune Date and his aesthetic styling can be seen throughout the buildings. Next go to Aoba Castle Ruins was the residence of Date. The castle was built at an elevation of 130 m above sea level, with cliffs to the east and south. If you stand in front of the statue of Masamune Masamune's cavalryman, you can view the city of Sendai from the same vantage point as Masamune, who was ambitious to conquer the whole country. Then we go back to the same hotel.	×	×
19 (Tue.)	SHINJO ROUTE INN	From the hotel we go to Zao Kokeshi Museum, is boasts a collection of kokeshi dolls 5,500 strong the largest in Japan. Experience kokeshi doll painting and create your own original kokeshi doll. Then we go to the Mt. Zao to see the Okama, is a crater lake. It is also known as “Goshikinuma” (lake of five colors) for the changes in the colors of the water surface from the intensity of light. Okama is a popular sightseeing spot that is representative of Zao. Lunch is Kamakatsudon, a popular specialty of the summit of Mt. Zao. After lunch we experience safflower dyeing a handkerchief in Yamagata Prefecture, the top producer of safflower in Japan. Then we go to the hotel	×	×	×
20 (Wed.)	SAKATA ROUTE INN	From the hotel we go on a Mogami river boat ride, the fresh green colors leaves are beautiful. Lunch is Yamagata's specialty Imoni Nabe (potato stew) made with locally grown taro and there are dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch we go to Sakata festival to see Oiran Dochu, is a procession-reenactment of processions done by the Oiran, the courtesans in Edo Period. Another highlight is the four giant lions with a length and width of 2 meters and a body of 10 meters are stunning. Furthermore, lionets and adorable baby lions join in with lion families parading through the town. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×	×
21 (Thu.)	AKITA HOTEL METROPOLITAN	From the hotel we go to see Kujyukushima, unusual landscape where islands are scattered among rice paddies, which was created when a major earthquake in 1804 caused the seabed to rise 2 meters, creating land. Then we visit the TDK Museum, is exhibit with household appliances and cassette tape players from a previous era to a cutting-edge digital theater. The main attraction is the Interactive Magnetic Field Theater by teamLab. This amazing interactive space was created in collaboration with teamLab, an interdisciplinary group of ultra-technologists active in Japan and around the globe. Lunch is Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) made with Akita's local specialty, Hinai chicken. After lunch we go to the Senshu Park, is home to approximately 2,600 beautiful azaleas, including Daimurasaki, Ryukyu, Renge, Yellow Renge, and Kirishima. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×
22 (Fri.)	ODATE ROUTE INN	From the hotel we visit a Namahage Museum. Namahage is known throughout the country as a folk event. Why this custom was born and rooted in Oga, many questions still remain. The museum is where you can experience all of the mysteries and the history of such history. Then we visit the Odaiko-no-Yakata, Japan’s only taiko drum museum, visitors can see the breathtaking 12.4 feet diameter drum, as well as 140 drums gathered from countries all over the world. Lunch is Akita's specialty, Kiritanpo hotpot. After lunch we go to the Tono-se Fuji no Sato, which opens for a limited time in May when the wisteria flowers are in full bloom, is completely reservation-only, so you can enjoy the flowers at your own pace without worrying about crowds. Just by smelling the sweet fragrance that can be felt from the visually beautiful pink, purple, and white wisteria flowers, you will inexplicably feel elegant. Next visit the Akita Dog Visitor Center, famous for Hachiko was a faithful dog who, 100 years ago, waited every day at Shibuya Station for his owner, who had suddenly passed, to return. It is a touching story familiar to all Japanese people. There is the Akita Dog Museum, where you can learn about the characteristics and history of Akita dogs in a fun way, an Akita Dog Exhibition Room where you can see cute Akita dogs through glass, and a souvenir corner where you can purchase Akita dog goods and Odate specialties. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×	×
23 (Sat.)	HACHINOHE GRAND SUNPIA♨	From the hotel we go to see the we go to the Oirase Gorge, is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan, with vibrant and fast flowing water. It is famous for its autumn leaves, but the scenery during this time of fresh greenery is also spectacular. Lunch is Towada city's specialty, Towada Barayaki, is a dish of cow ribs with many sliced onions seasoned with sweet & spicy soy sauce grilled on a hot plate. After lunch we enjoy excursion boat on Lake Towada, beautiful during fresh green season. Next visit the Towada Art Center, aims to provide new experiences through art as an institution committed to inspiring future creativity. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×	×
24 (Sun.)	MORIOKA RICHMOND HOTEL	Before breakfast we go to Tatehana Wharf Morning Market, it is an extra-large morning market in Japan. A stunning sight to see the market filled with around 300 stalls and tens of thousands of customers. It is also called the town that haunts on Sunday morning. Afterwards, return to the hotel and have breakfast we go to the Hasshoku Center, is one of the largest indoor markets in the country, with many specialty stores for dining and shopping. Then we go to Kabushima. There are 30,000 to 40,000 of the black-tailed seagulls, and the island is covered with them. Kabushima Shrine, which sits at the top of the island, is worshiped for its blessings of increasing popularity ‘stock’ and assets. Lunch is a salmon and Ikura bowl, a specialty of Kuji City. After lunch we visit the Moguranpia Aquarium, is an underground aquarium popular for its tunnel tank and green turtle, Kamekichi. We can also see a demonstration by Ama (female flee diver). Then we go to the hotel. For dinner, enjoy yakiniku and cold noodles at Morioka's famous restaurant Pyon-Pyon Sha.	×	×	×
25 (Mon.)	MORIOKA RICHMOND HOTEL	From the hotel we go to see the Dragon Eye, is a mysterious sight caused by a natural phenomenon of Kagami-Numa Lake, located near the summit of Mt. Hachimantai from late May to early June. The snow falls and piles up over the lake during winter. When the spring comes and it starts to thaw, the snow in the middle creates a ring. Then the sunlight and the color of the sky shines on it, creating the Dragon Eye. Next go to the lake Shuusen to see a submerged forest. This is a scenery that can only be enjoyed during this period from May to mid-June. Lunch is Inaniwa Udon, a 400-year-old Akita specialty. After lunch we visit Morioka Handcrafts Village, a group of first-class craftsmen continues to create authentic products. Next go to the AEON MALL. Enjoy shopping at Daiso, Uniqlo, Muji, and Super Market. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×
26 (Tue.)		From the hotel we go to Morioka station. We take a H5 series Tohoku Shinkansen to Tokyo station. Lunch is Iwate Beef and Jajamen Ekiben. Pulling the string attached to the side of the Ekiben, it heats the contents. Enjoy the view from inside the train and the Ekiben. After arriving at Tokyo station, we have free time. We can go to, Okashi Land, Character Street, Daimaru, and more in Tokyo station. If you are not interested in shopping, we recommend taking a walk to the Imperial Palace. It takes about 10 minutes on foot. Then we go to Haneda airport for your departure.	×	×

 HOTELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO SAME OR BETTER CLASS
DUE TO THE WEATHER SITUATION THE TOUR COURSE MAY CHANGE
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Direct calls to Evelyn: (808) 520-0018
E-mail:handmadetourshawaii@gmail.com