Tohoku Spectacular Sakura Tour 2027
Destination Highlights for the Tohoku Spectacular Sakura Tour
Gunma – Niigata – Yamagata – Iwate – Matsushima – Tokyo
Tour Dates (Full Package):
April 5 – 16, 2027
Full Package: $6,090/person
(includes roundtrip air tickets from HNL)
Land Package: $4,890/person
(does not include any air tickets)
Special Offer: Book by September 30, 2026 for $100 off!
Tohoku Spectacular Sakura Tour Overview
Watch as cherry blossoms cascade from the trees of Tohoku
Point your compass north and discover Japan’s exceptional Tohoku region during its most colorful season! From the ephemeral beauty of spring cherry blossoms to unique Japanese cultural activities, like having dinner with authentic geisha in Niigata, this is a one-of-a-kind journey. Connect with local residents and artisans through hands-on activities such as aizome indigo dyeing, clamshell painting, wearing your own gorgeous yukata, and more! Uncover a region of Japan far off the usual tourist path and dive into these fascinating northern prefectures to meet the majesty of Tohoku.
What’s included on the Tohoku Spectacular Sakura Tour
Transportation
- Round-trip flights with Japan Airlines from Honolulu (Full Package only)
- A private driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- A one-way bullet train ticket (from Sendai to Tokyo)
Meals
- 29 delicious meals, carefully curated with local flavors and regional specialties
- No hidden fees! HIS includes more meals than any other travel agency!
Accommodations
- 10 nights at premium accommodations, including six nights with first-class hot springs
- Tired of switching hotels all the time? We include consecutive stays multiple times throughout the tour. No unpacking and repacking every night!
And More!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
- $200 repeater discount on all future HIS tours
Cultural Activities
- Enjoy Japan’s favorite spring tradition, hanami (cherry blossom viewing) at some of Tohoku’s most iconic sakura spots
- Hands-on experiences such as strawberry picking and senbei making
- Authentic cultural experiences such as strolling around in yukata, a traditional riverboat cruise in Geibikei Gorge, and a geigi (Niigata geisha) lunch and performance.
- Exciting craft workshops such as shippoyaki accessory making, traditional indigo dyeing, Tsuchime metal cup hammering, and a Sendai clamshell painting experience
Tohoku Spectacular Sakura Tour Itinerary
April 5, 2027: Honolulu Departure (Day 0)
Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport (HNL). Relax before your nonstop flight to Tokyo with Japan Airlines (JAL), known for their excellent in-flight service and surprisingly good food!
April 6, 2027: Arrival in Japan (Day 1)
Welcome to Japan! After landing at Haneda International Airport, pass through immigration and customs before meeting your local Japanese guide. Enjoy dinner right at the hotel restaurant, relax, and rest up for your big adventure!
- Hotel: Grand Prince Shin Takanawa (or similar)
- Meals: Light dinner, plus two meals onboard your flight
April 7, 2027: Gunma Experiences (Day 2)
Start your journey towards the scenic mountains of Minakami, stopping at local rest areas to discover regional specialties and souvenirs. Continue to Takumi no Sato for hands-on traditional craft experiences, including Sippo-yaki accessory making and aizome indigo dyeing. Check into your hotel, and unwind in a relaxing open air onsen and cypress bath.
- Hotel: Minakami Hotel Juraku – onsen hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 8, 2027: Discovering Niigata (Day 3)
Begin your day with stunning views of Kiyotsu Gorge through the famous Tunnel of Light, known for its beautiful water reflections. Visit Sasaiwai Sake Brewery for a tour & tasting, then savor a special dinner paired with a Furumachi Geigi performance, showcasing Niigata’s traditional geisha culture and cuisine.
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 9, 2027: Niigata Deep Dive (Day 4)
Surround yourself with beautiful cherry blossoms at Yahiko Shrine, your first sakura destination. Try a hands-on Tsuchime metalworking experience before exploring the Northern Culture Museum. End the day with a seasonal local seafood dinner, full of Niigata’s fresh, regional flavors.
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 10, 2027: Up to Aizu (Day 5)
Get hands-on with Japanese food culture while making your own rice crackers! For lunch, enjoy a build-your-own ramen buffet, then marvel at Tsurugajo Castle’s cherry blossoms with a hanami viewing experience.
- Hotel: Aizu Ookawaso – onsen hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 11, 2027: Into Yamagata (Day 6)
Indulge in a day of seasonal delights with strawberry picking and a visit to Inawashiro Okashikan, a local Japanese sweet shop. Dig into a delicious yakiniku lunch before strolling beneath the sakura at Eboshiyama Park and Tendo “Shogi” Park. Cap the day with a kaiseki dinner this evening.
- Hotel: Yamagata Tendo Hotel – onsen hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 12, 2027: On to Iwate (Day 7)
Wander the magical town of Ginzan Onsen, full of nostalgic charm and picturesque wooden buildings lining the river. Explore the historic Chuson-ji temple, then embark on a scenic river boat journey through the beautiful Geibikei Gorge. Don’t miss the captain’s memorable songs!
- Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 13, 2027: Kitakami Heritage (Day 8)
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kitakami Tensho-chi Sakura Street, home to over 10,000 incredible cherry blossom trees! Try a fun Wanko soba experience before stepping back in time at Esashi Fujiwara Heritage Park. Lastly, finish the day with a creative clamshell painting experience!
- Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 14, 2027: Down to Matsushima (Day 9)
Discover the famous craftsmanship of Nanbu Ironware at the Nanbu Ironware Museum. Dress in a traditional Japanese yukata and wander the quaint town’s streets to capture amazing pictures in your beautiful garments!
- Hotel: Matsushima Century Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 15, 2027: Matsushima Bay to Tokyo (Day 10)
Glide through the waters of Matsushima Bay on a scenic cruise and try a tasty kamaboko grilling experience. Find omiyage at Aeon Mall, then take the shinkansen bullet train down to Tokyo for a deluxe farewell dinner.
- Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 16, 2027: Return to Honolulu (Day 11)
Enjoy free time in Tokyo in the morning and afternoon, with late check-out included. In the evening, head to Narita Airport for your flight back to Honolulu. Welcome home!
- Hotel: N/A
- Meals: Breakfast, plus two meals onboard your international flight
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
Book by September 30, 2026 to SAVE $100!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$6,090.00*
$4,890.00**
$900.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: April brings mild spring weather and beautiful cherry blossoms! Tokyo and Niigata are typically in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C), while the mountainous areas of Gunma, Yamagata, and Iwate can be cooler, generally in the 40s–50s°F (5–15°C), especially in the mornings and evenings. We recommend layered clothing, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella for occasional spring rain.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including time for shopping at AEON Mall. Additionally, you’ll have a full free morning and afternoon in Tokyo prior to departure on the last day. Late checkout is included so you can use your hotel room until heading to the airport in the evening.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 29 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu and Japan are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: Can I join the tour if I’m not departing from Honolulu?
A: Yes! We can accommodate guests from all over the world. When you sign up, just select the Land Package, which includes everything except for flights. You can arrange air tickets on your own, or, if you’d like assistance, our staff is happy to help.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
