Japan Join Tour: Summer Charm of Akita, Blooming Flowers and Fireworks (8 Days 7 Nights)

Day 4-) 25 Aug 2023 - Akita Nairiku Line - Takanosu station - Kakunodate Station - Samurai District - Akita Art Village - Plaza Hotel Sanrokuso

Day 5- 26 Aug 2023 - Semboku - Dakigaeri Gorge - Lake Tazawa - Omagari Fireworks Festival

Day 6- 27 Aug 2023 - Mount Akita-Komagatake - Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Day 7- 28 Aug 2023 - Nyuto Onsen - Akita

Day 8- 29 Aug 202 - Akita - Tokyo - Bangkok

Day 1 of the trip (1) 22 Aug 2023 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Haneda Airport - Akita Airport (Japan)

21:35 Depart Bangkok on All Nippon Airways flight 850 (travel time 6h 15m on a BOEING 787-9), arriving in Tokyo at 5:50.

5:50 Arrive in Tokyo at HANEDA Airport (HND), layover 1h 50m.

Day 2 of the trip (2) 23 Aug 2023 - Akita - Akita Folklore and Performing Arts Center - Akita Maiko Theater MATSUSHITA - Namahage Museum - Namahage Night Show at ‘GOFU’

7:40 Depart Haneda Airport (HND) on All Nippon Airways 401 to Akita, flight time 1h 5m.

8:45 Arrive at Akita Airport. Akita Airport is located about 25 km southeast of downtown Akita, with regular flights to Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The souvenir shop at Akita Airport (Omiyage Hiroba) offers a relaxed shopping atmosphere with a wide selection of products, including airport-exclusive items, freshly harvested seasonal delicacies, and sake from local breweries.

10:00 Visit the Akita Folklore and Performing Arts Center to watch a Japanese lantern performance demonstration originating from the Kanto Festival (Kanto Festival Performance), a unique tradition of Akita and one of Japan's representative festivals. In addition, Kanto Matsuri features a "Challenge Corner" where visitors can try balancing the Kanto lanterns themselves.

12:30 Head to lunch at Akita Maiko Theater MATSUSHITA. Enjoy a Maiko Show along with lunch and distinctive specialty drinks. This traditional Japanese restaurant has been renovated into a fresh new attraction. Matsushita houses the Akita Maiko Theater, where Akita Maiko perform traditional Japanese dances and tea ceremonies, allowing you and your family to savor the true flavor of local culture.

15:30 Travel 40 km north to Oga to visit the Namahage Museum, a colorful folklore museum ( https://namahage.co.jp/namahagekan/en/ ) that offers an immersive experience, making you feel as if you have stepped back in time through the folktales of Namahage. Visitors sit inside a traditional house to watch traditional performances born and rooted in the local culture of Oga. You and your family will experience all the mystery and history brought to life by realistic performers.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

20:00 After dinner at the hotel in Oga Onsen Village, enjoy a cultural evening with an exciting masked drum performance blending traditional and modern styles by the younger generation at the thrilling and fun Namahage Night Show at ‘GOFU’ ( https://e-ogaonsen.com/taiko/en/ ).

Stay overnight at Oga Kanko Hotel or equivalent. Located in Oga, this accommodation features hot springs open late into the night. The open-air rock bath "Ishiyama no Yu" allows you to enjoy the breath of Oga across all four seasons, admiring beautiful blooming flowers and taking in the seasonal scenery from the outdoor bath to your heart's content.

Tonight, relax at a ryokan-style hotel fully equipped with convenient amenities and surrounded by the beauty of nature. The interiors are beautifully decorated, and everyone can unwind and soothe away fatigue with an onsen mineral bath that revitalizes the skin, bringing a joyful close to the first full day of travel.

Day 3 of the trip (3) 24 Aug 2023 - Akita Dog Visitor - Roadside station, Oyu - Kiritampo making experience - Hanawa Bayashi Festival Museum

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

10:30 Travel 96 km (approx. 1.5 hours) to meet the lovable Akita dogs that kids will adore and adults will fall in love with at the Akita Dog Visitor Center in Akita. Opened in May 2019, it features a display of over 160 plush toys of Masaru, Alina Zagitova's beloved dog, stacked into an adorable plushie tree mountain. The Akita Inu Fureai team and Akita dogs from the Akita Inu Hozonkai take turns warmly welcoming guests.

12:00 Enjoy lunch at Roadside station, Oyu, savoring local nabe hot pot made with Shottsuru, a locally produced fish sauce. Here, you are invited to taste Akita's summer specialty: "Baba-hera" ice cream. Served by elderly ladies called "Baba," the pink and yellow ice cream is shaped like roses or tulips, earning it the nickname "Baba-hera."

13:30 Join the Kiritampo making experience and discover authentic Japanese flavors by learning to make kiritampo (toasted rice skewers) with your own hands.

15:00 Travel 40 km to admire the exquisite art at the local historic festival float museum, Hanawa Bayashi Festival Museum. On display are 10 preserved golden festival floats paraded through town accompanied by the resounding beats of large Japanese drums and flutes.

Note: The competitive float parade festival is normally held at the end of the Obon season on August 19 and 20 in the Hanawa area of Kazuno City (http://www.hanawabayashi.jp/) every year.

17:00 Travel 15 km to check in at Hotel Kazuno (or equivalent), an onsen hotel with mineral waters that are wonderfully nourishing for the skin. Enjoy free time to soak in the hot springs at your leisure.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 4 of the trip (4) 25 Aug 2023 - Akita Nairiku Line - Takanosu station - Kakunodate Station - Samurai District - Akita Art Village - Plaza Hotel Sanrokuso

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

11:20 Depart for a 2-hour ride on the local scenic railway, the ‘Akita Nairiku Line’ (https://www.akita-nairiku.com/thai/). The Akita Nairiku Line is a charming local train in Akita Prefecture with short carriages running 94.2 km between Takanosu Station and Kakunodate Station, passing through rice paddies, mountains, and local settlements. It is fondly nicknamed the Smile Rail, dedicated to greeting every traveler with a warm smile.

The train also passes through Junidan Tunnel, which cuts through Mount Junidan between Kitaakita City and Semboku City. Measuring 5,697 meters in length, it is the longest tunnel in Akita Prefecture. The tunnel has no curves at all, running completely straight. Near the crest of the slope, there is a fleeting moment of just a few seconds where you can see both the entrance and exit simultaneously. During those few seconds when both ends of the tunnel are visible, try making a wish!

Cross the Omatagawa River Bridge, a steel truss bridge connecting Okashinai and Kayakusa. This spot is renowned for its uniquely picturesque views along the railway and has frequently been featured in promotional posters for the Nairiku Line.

Along the rice fields, the paddies are transformed into beautiful designs, such as the local Akita dog motif, making the Akita Nairiku Line famous for its rice paddy art around Ogata Station. In truth, this railway line has charming highlights all along the way—a leisurely, retro train rolling slowly and peacefully through the scenery. We will enjoy a Boxed Lunch on the Train for lunch.

13:30 Arrive at Kakunodate Station, Japan.

Visit the historic Samurai District, also known as the Kakunodate Samurai District. This centuries-old village has been carefully preserved and retains its historic ambiance. Today, some samurai residences in Kakunodate are still inhabited by descendants of samurai families, with 6 residences open to the public. Inside, exhibits showcase the lifestyle of ancient samurai, historical artifacts such as samurai armor and swords that you can touch or hold, and lovely Japanese gardens, some of which even operate as cafes inside the samurai homes.

We will take you to visit the Former Aoyagi House. The Aoyagi family was a high-ranking samurai clan that maintained its prominence even after the Meiji Restoration and continued to reside in this house until 1985. Today, the residence has been converted into a valuable museum, while artifacts from other buildings have been relocated to the Samurai and Folk Museum. This is one of the best places to gain an understanding of high-ranking samurai life, as the Aoyagi clan also served as heads of the border guard and possesses an impressive collection of weapons and armaments.

Enjoy free time for shopping or renting a rickshaw to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Kakunodate. There are 3 rickshaw companies offering services, which can be booked in front of the Denshokan Museum at 3,000 yen (15 minutes), 5,000 yen (30 minutes), and 9,000 yen (60 minutes). Advance bookings can be made at +81 90-2970-2324 or +81 90-4888-0790. Alternatively, if you would like to rent a Tatetsuya yukata for 4,000 yen, you can do so via the website www12.plala.or.jp/kabasen/tatetsu.html

We will visit Akita Art Village (Akita Geijutsu Mura), an art village featuring the Warabi Theater, restaurants, a hotel, and souvenir shops that showcase the culture of the people of Akita. Inside is Tazawako Beer Restaurant (www.warabi.or.jp/beer/), a fusion-style restaurant serving dishes made from local ingredients, with its famous signature dish being Akita beef marinated in Tazawako beer paired with Akita's renowned, delicious steamed rice.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Akita Art Village.

Overnight at Plaza Hotel Sanrokuso or equivalent.

Day 5 of the trip (5) 26 Aug 2023 - Semboku- Dakigaeri Gorge - Lake Tazawa - Omagari Fireworks Festival

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

In the morning, travel to Semboku (SEMBOKU) and visit Dakigaeri Gorge (www.city.semboku.akita.jp/en/index.html), a natural attraction in Semboku City. "Dakigaeri Keikoku (Dakigaeri Gorge)" boasts breathtaking scenery of vibrant green trees and autumn foliage. The view from the "Kami no Iwahashi (God's Stone Bridge)" is truly spectacular. "Mikaeri no Taki (Waterfall)" is the prime highlight to visit in the gorge, located about a 30-minute walk from the entrance.

Around noon, visit “Heart Herb Herb Garden" Tazawako Herb Garden Heart Herb (www.heart-herb.co.jp/), an herb garden by Lake Tazawa. The spacious area is divided into Herbal Hill, a zone of herbs and flowers, and a Green House greenhouse where you can purchase seeds to plant at home. In addition, there is Salato, a restaurant serving both à la carte dishes and weekend buffets, featuring the highlight "Inaniwa Udon," Akita's famous specialty, as well as Shop Feels souvenir area; we will have lunch here.

At noon, enjoy lunch at Tazawako Herb Garden Heart Herb.

14.00 Visit Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan. "Lake Tazawa" and its clear azure waters present an incredibly mystical view. This uniquely beautiful lake features water colors that change with the weather as if by magic. Lakeside stands a tall, vivid vermilion “Torii Gate" right on the shores of Lake Tazawa.

Nearby is a small Shinto shrine and a spring where Tatsuko drank to keep herself from aging, known as “Gozanoishi Shrine,” along with the “Statue of Tatsuko" (Statue of Tatsuko), erected in 1968 to commemorate the maiden Tatsuko from the legend of Lake Tazawa.

According to a romantic legend passed down through generations, long ago, Tatsuko could not bear the thought of her youth fading away with time. She prayed to the Goddess of Mercy, who instructed her to drink holy water from a spring to the north, which was water from the lake. After drinking it, she transformed into a dragon. The dragon maiden Tatsuko then found love with a young male dragon from Lake Towada. Every winter, the young dragon would come to visit Tatsuko at Lake Tazawa, causing Lake Towada to freeze over, while Lake Tazawa never freezes due to the warmth of their love. In reality, the reason it never freezes is simply that Lake Tazawa is exceptionally deep.

We will take you to take photos along the shore near Shirahama Port and around the Statue of Tatsuko, as well as Kansagu Shrine, a small lakeside shrine situated near the Statue of Tatsuko. It was built to dedicate a large tree that floated up to the water's surface, giving it the alternative name Ukigi, which in Japanese means a shrine of floating wood on water. This shrine is also well-known for praying for love.

Travel to Omagari to watch the Omagari Fireworks Festival (if you wish to upgrade tickets, prices are available at https://www.oomagari-hanabi.com/ticket_02.html ), a competition where pyrotechnicians from across Japan come together to compete at Japan's grandest competition arena. More than 20,000 fireworks are launched during the event, creating a truly spectacular sight, with an estimated 760,000 spectators. This national competition brings together pyrotechnic teams from all over the country to showcase their finest skills.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight in the Omagari area.

Day 6 of the trip (6) 27 Aug 2023 - Mount Akita-Komagatake - Towada-Hachimantai National Park

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Travel 60 km to Mount Akita-Komagatake. The highest peak of Mount Akita-Komagatake is Onamedake, and the second highest peak is Odake, offering views well worth the climb.

Mount Akita-Komagatake stands at an elevation of 1,637 meters, making it one of the highest mountains in Akita Prefecture and the second highest in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 1970-1971 (B.E. 2513-2514). The mountain features multiple peaks and a network of relatively easy trails with captivating views well worth a few hours of hiking.

The main trailhead for hiking Mount Akita-Komagatake is at the mountain's 8th station (approximately 80% up the mountainside) at an elevation of 1,305 meters. The summit of Mount Akita-Komagatake is well known for its diverse alpine flora from June to August. This area is also gorgeous from early to mid-October during the autumn foliage season. Although the trail is above the tree line, you can enjoy views from above of the colorful sea of trees descending into the valley (during winter, most parts of the mountain are inaccessible).

We will guide you along the most popular trail, which spans approximately 2.4 kilometers and winds along the western side of the mountain to Amida Pond (Amidaike), nestled in the heart of the forest, where various trails branch out to different peaks. It should take less than 1 hour to reach the pond along an easy trail with scenic views looking down into the valley.

Depart 60 km to “Nyuto Onsen,” a milky-white onsen village hidden deep in the valleys of Akita Prefecture. It features 7 natural onsen springs nestled in Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

“A milky-white onsen village deep in the valleys of Akita Prefecture so beautiful it might take your breath away” is the tagline of Nyuto Onsen. Nyuto is like a dream onsen village surrounded 360 degrees by nature, featuring healthy milky-white hot spring waters.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park area.

Day 7: 28 Aug 2023 - Nyuto Onsen - Akita

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Spend a relaxing morning at your leisure soaking in the hot springs at Nyuto Onsen at the foot of Mount Eboshidake (2,066 m), also known as Mount Nyuto. Home to 7 onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), each with its own separate hot spring source nestled deep within the beech forest, this peaceful onsen area was voted the top hot spring chosen by international travelers on a Japanese TV program broadcast in 2019. Enjoy quality time away from the city in this historic hot spring retreat dating back to the 17th century, freely exploring surrounding nature and savoring rustic mountain dishes.

14:00 Take you to enjoy lunch, then travel 150 km to Akita. Take a stroll through the local market Akita Shimin Ichiba (Akita Citizen's Market). Truly the “Kitchen of Akita,” this lively market offers everything from fresh seafood, meats, fruits, vegetables, wild mountain herbs, and pickles to Akita-made souvenirs, clothing, and everyday goods. Packed with local specialties, it offers an intimate glimpse into Akita’s seasonal cuisine and food culture.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight in the Akita Castle Hotel area.

Day 8: (8)29 Aug 202 - Akita - Tokyo - Bangkok

07:35 Fly from Akita on All Nippon Airways flight 402 (flight duration 1h 5m aboard a Boeing 767). Arrive in Tokyo at 08:40.

08:40 Arrive at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). 2h 10m transit time before connecting to All Nippon Airways flight 847 (flight duration 6h 40m).

15:30 Arrive safely at Suvarnabhumi Intl. (BKK), concluding the trip with wonderful memories.

Note: Itinerary details are subject to change as appropriate due to natural disasters, weather conditions, political situations, airline schedules, etc. In addition, hotels specified in this itinerary may be adjusted to other locations or neighborhoods of equivalent standard based on route convenience during the tour, without prior notice.

Tour Rates

Adult (2 persons per room): 91,500 THB

Child under 12 years sharing room with 1 adult: 89,500 THB

Child under 12 years sharing room with 2 adults (with extra bed): 89,500 THB

Child under 12 years sharing room with 2 adults (no extra bed): 85,500 THB

Single supplement: 19,500 THB per person

Price Includes

Round-trip economy class airfare along the specified routes and airlines as stated in the itinerary, including taxes

All airport taxes

Accommodation (twin/double sharing, 2 persons per room) at hotels specified in the itinerary or equivalent standard

Meals as specified in the itinerary

Admission fees as specified in the itinerary

Licensed tour guide from Thailand to assist you throughout the journey

Transportation as specified in the itinerary

Travel accident insurance coverage of up to 1,000,000.- THB per person (subject to policy terms and conditions)

Price Does Not Include

Personal expenses such as meals and drinks outside the itinerary, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

3% withholding tax and 7% value-added tax (VAT)

Passport application / renewal fees

Additional fuel surcharges levied by the airlines

Other expenses not stated as included

For more details, contact Line: https://line.me/ti/p/~004207289999999 Tel: 083 035 9755 (Rin)