Niigata, Sado, Aizu, Kawagoe

Soak in the festive spirit of Niigata’s Sake no Jin, uncover artisan traditions and coastal beauty on Sado Island, and immerse yourself in the timeless heritage of Aizu and Kawagoe.

From Festival Cheers to Coastal Shores: A Journey Through Niigata’s Sake Traditions, Sado Island’s Culture, and Aizu’s Living Heritage

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Tour Overview:

Experience the lively spirit of Niigata’s Sake no Jin Festival and journey through Japan’s coastal heartlands where tradition and flavor meet. From brewery tastings and artisan workshops to the serene landscapes of Sado Island and the historic heritage of Aizu, each day blends culture, scenery, and seasonal delights. With immersive activities, regional cuisine, and moments of relaxation in onsen waters, this 11-day, 9-night tour offers a rich and balanced way to connect with Northern Japan’s timeless beauty.

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What’s Included:

• Expert English-speaking guides—including a tour leader from Honolulu—who share Japan’s culture, history, and daily life with warmth and insight.
• Immersive cultural experiences, from copper hammering in Tsubame and lacquerware polishing in Niigata to taiko drumming on Sado Island and izakaya dining in Aizu.
• Comfortable stays at hand-selected hotels, including three nights in Niigata City, two nights on scenic Sado Island, and two nights at an Aizu onsen resort.
• A thoughtfully paced itinerary that balances festival excitement with cultural exploration and rest—featuring brewery visits, artisan workshops, island strolls, and time for personal discovery.
• A seasonal journey highlighting Niigata’s festive energy, coastal landscapes, and Northern Japan’s timeless heritage, paired with regional cuisine and hands-on traditions.

Key Highlights:

• Niigata: Join the excitement of the Sake no Jin Festival, sample regional brews at historic breweries, and explore the lively Pia Bandai market. Discover Niigata’s artisan traditions through rice cracker making, lacquerware polishing, and cultural treasures at the Northern Culture Museum.
• Sado Island: Cross the Japan Sea to discover this storied island. Ride in a traditional tarai bune tub boat, stroll the preserved streets of Shukunegi, try taiko drumming, and step into history at the Sado Gold Mine. Visit Toki Forest Park and savor a kaiseki dinner at a seaside hotel.
• Aizu-Wakamatsu: Explore the samurai legacy of Tsurugajo Castle and the unique architecture of Aizu Sazaedo. Create your own maki-e lacquerware, wander Nanokamachi Street, and experience the warmth of a traditional izakaya.
• Kawagoe & Tokyo: Step back in time along Kawagoe’s Edo-era streets and visit Hikawa Shrine before returning to Tokyo for a farewell dinner and final overnight stay.
• Culinary Experiences: Enjoy 26 included meals—regional specialties, market-fresh seafood, kaiseki dinners, izakaya evenings, and seasonal treats like strawberry picking.
• Relaxed Travel Style: Travel comfortably with a bilingual tour leader from Honolulu and expert local guides. Enjoy well-paced days with a balance of guided sightseeing and personal time, plus multi-night stays in each region for a smoother journey.

Perfect for:

• Travelers seeking a thoughtful blend of culture, comfort, and seasonal experiences—from the lively Sake no Jin Festival to tranquil island landscapes.
• Onsen and wellness seekers who value time to relax in scenic hot spring resorts in Aizu.
• Cultural enthusiasts eager to try copper hammering, lacquerware polishing, taiko drumming, and other hands-on traditions.
• Curious explorers looking to discover both iconic sites and hidden gems, including Sado Gold Mine, Shukunegi, and Kawagoe’s Edo-era streets.
• Food lovers excited to savor Japan’s regional specialties—from Niigata seafood and kaiseki dining to izakaya evenings and strawberry picking.

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Join us for the Sake, Sea & Scenery Tour and discover the perfect balance of festival excitement, cultural immersion, and coastal beauty. From the lively Sake no Jin Festival and sake tastings in Niigata to artisan villages and taiko drumming on Sado Island, each moment offers a connection to Japan’s traditions and flavors. With onsen stays in Aizu, historic castles, and the timeless streets of Kawagoe, this 11-day, 9-night guided journey is limited to just 24 participants.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

9 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS

🍶 Click here to see your Sake Sea& Scenery Tour Experience 🍶

Day 0 – March 5, 2026 (Thursday): Departure

• Your adventure begins as you gather with fellow travelers and your tour leader at Honolulu International Airport. Relax in the H.I.S. Exclusive LeaLea Lounge before boarding your non-stop Japan Airlines flight bound for Tokyo.

Day 1 – March 6, 2026 (Friday): Tokyo Arrival

• Arrive at Haneda Airport and transfer to your Tokyo hotel. Settle in, rest from your journey, and enjoy a welcome bento dinner with your fellow travelers.
  • Hotel: Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo
  • Meals: Dinner (bento box)

Day 2 – March 7, 2026 (Saturday): Tokyo to Niigata

• Board the shinkansen north to Niigata, known as Japan’s sake capital. Taste a variety of regional brews at Ponshukan, tour Imayo Tsukasa Brewery, and explore the bustling Pia Bandai market filled with seafood and local specialties.
  • Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – March 8, 2026 (Sunday): Crafts & Sake no Jin Festival

• Begin with hands-on copper hammering in Tsubame, then savor an elegant kaiseki lunch with a geiko performance. The highlight of the day is the Sake no Jin Festival, where dozens of breweries showcase their craft in a lively celebration of Niigata culture.
  • Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – March 9, 2026 (Monday): Niigata Culture & Crafts

• Spend the day immersed in Niigata traditions. Try your hand at rice cracker making, sample sake at Oumon Brewery, tour the Northern Culture Museum, and polish lacquerware chopsticks—a perfect keepsake from your travels.
  • Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – March 10, 2026 (Tuesday): Sado Island Arrival

• Take a jetfoil ferry across the Japan Sea to Sado Island. Visit Toki Forest Park to see the crested ibis, tour Obata Sake Brewery, and stop at Kirarium Sado before checking in to your seaside hotel for a kaiseki dinner.
  • Hotel: Hotel Azuma
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – March 11, 2026 (Wednesday): Sado Island Traditions

• Experience the island’s heritage with a tub boat ride, a stroll through the preserved streets of Shukunegi, and an energizing taiko drumming workshop. Conclude with a visit to the historic Sado Gold Mine before returning to your hotel.
  • Hotel: Hotel Azuma
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – March 12, 2026 (Thursday): Return to Mainland & Aizu Onsen

• Sail back to Niigata, where you’ll enjoy lunch and visit Sasaiwai Brewery. Stop for strawberry picking before continuing inland to Aizu, where a peaceful onsen hotel awaits.
  • Hotel: Aizu Area Onsen Hotel (TBD)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – March 13, 2026 (Friday): Aizu Heritage

• Step into samurai history at Tsurugajo Castle and the architectural wonder of Aizu Sazaedo. Create your own maki-e lacquerware, stroll Nanokamachi Street, and enjoy a lively izakaya dinner with locals.
  • Hotel: Aizu Area Onsen Hotel (TBD)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – March 14, 2026 (Saturday): Kawagoe & Tokyo Finale

• Travel south to Kawagoe, where Edo-era streets and Hikawa Shrine reveal a nostalgic side of Japan. Return to Tokyo for a farewell dinner and your final night in the city.
  • Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – March 15, 2026 (Sunday): Departure

• Enjoy a leisurely day in Tokyo with time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to Haneda Airport for your evening flight home. (Late check out!!!)
  • Hotel: –
  • Meals: Breakfast

Celebrate the flavors, heritage, and coastal beauty of Japan on our exclusive Sake, Sea & Scenery Tour 2026. Limited to just 24 participants, this 11-day, 9-night journey takes you from the lively energy of Niigata’s Sake no Jin Festival and hands-on artisan traditions to the rugged charm of Sado Island and the samurai legacy of Aizu. Let us handle the details while you taste regional specialties, relax in soothing onsen, and explore Northern Japan’s timeless spirit—one festival, one island, one memory at a time.

This carefully designed journey invites you to celebrate Niigata’s lively Sake no Jin Festival, embrace the coastal traditions of Sado Island, and immerse yourself in the samurai heritage of Aizu. With every detail arranged, you’re free to savor regional flavors, unwind in soothing onsen, and experience the timeless spirit of Northern Japan at an easy pace.

Experience the flavors, culture, and coastal beauty of Japan in comfort and confidence on the Sake, Sea & Scenery Tour 2026, limited to just 24 guests. Travel with a Honolulu-based tour leader and experienced English-speaking local guides who will be by your side throughout the journey. From seamless logistics to a well-paced itinerary, we’ll take care of every detail—so you can celebrate Niigata’s lively Sake no Jin Festival, discover artisan traditions on Sado Island, and immerse yourself in the samurai heritage of Aizu and the timeless streets of Kawagoe.

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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Land package only; international and domestic airfare not included. Single occupancy supplement applies. Customers must provide confirmed flight details to their travel consultant for itinerary coordination. All prices, inclusions, and itinerary details are subject to change without notice.

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From stepping inside a historic sake brewery and learning the craft behind Japan’s signature drink, to savoring its delicate flavors during an intimate sake tasting, each moment draws you into Niigata’s rich traditions. Feel the powerful rhythm of a taiko drum workshop on Sado Island, where the island’s spirit echoes in every beat. Then, shift to the sweetness of the season with fresh strawberry picking, a simple joy that captures the heart of Japan’s countryside. These are the moments—flavorful, cultural, and unforgettable—that define your Sake, Sea & Scenery journey.

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Q:Is this tour only for people who drink sake?

A: Not at all. While sake tastings are included, the tour is designed as a cultural journey—featuring artisan workshops, island exploration, castles, markets, and onsen. Non-drinkers are welcome, and alternatives are often available.

Q: How many people will be in the group?

A: This tour is limited to 24 participants maximum, ensuring a more personal and comfortable experience.

Q: Who will be leading the tour?

A: You’ll be accompanied by a Honolulu-based tour leader from H.I.S. Hawaii, along with experienced English-speaking local guides throughout Japan.

Q: What kind of accommodations are included?

A: Hand-selected 4-star hotels in Tokyo and Niigata, a scenic seaside hotel on Sado Island, and a traditional onsen stay in Aizu. All hotels are chosen for comfort, location, and cultural experience.

Q: Are meals included?

A: Yes. 26 meals are included: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners, featuring kaiseki banquets, izakaya dining, market-fresh seafood, and seasonal treats like strawberry picking.

Q: How is luggage handled during the tour?

A: Luggage transfer is provided on certain days, especially when traveling by shinkansen or ferry. Guests will need a small day bag for overnight transitions.

Q: What level of physical activity is required?

A: This tour is rated as moderate. Expect daily walking (30–90 minutes) through castles, villages, markets, and museums. Some sites, like Aizu Sazaedo and Kawagoe, involve stairs or uneven surfaces.

Q: Will there be free time during the tour?

A: Yes. While most days are guided to maximize festival and regional highlights, you’ll have some evenings and the final morning and afternoon in Tokyo for personal exploration or relaxation.

Q: Can dietary needs be accommodated?

A: With advance notice, we will do our best to accommodate dietary requests. Please note that substitutions may be limited at some traditional venues.

Q: When should I book?

A: Early booking is highly recommended. The Sake no Jin Festival is one of Japan’s most popular events, and with only 24 spots available, the tour is expected to fill quickly.

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Download Application Form (PDF)

Download Terms and Conditions Form (PDF)