Information
From downtown hotel in Osaka to KIX Airport - about 70 mins (Bus)
From downtown hotel in Osaka to ITM Airport - about 30 mins (Bus)
C/O Kinokuniya Bookstores TGV 500 George Street Sydney NSW 2000
C/O Kinokuniya Bookstores TGV 500 George Street Sydney NSW 2000
Expand your horizons and join us for the fun during the Takayama Festival during our Takayam Festival | Grand Tour package. Take part in the Takayama Festival, known for huge floats and mechanical puppet shows, taiko drums, paper lanterns, and laughter! Make your vacation memorable with a Grand tour visiting Japan's must see spots on the three main islands!
| Price: |
Adult (age 12+) USD
6,248
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| Duration: | 13 nights 14 Days |
| Tour Start: | Tokyo |
| Tour End: | Osaka |
| Departure Date: |
2020
11 Apr
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| Route: |
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| Includes: |
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| Exclusions : |
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| Day 1 |
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Arrival Tokyo
Narita Int'l Airport (NRT) or Haneda Int'l Airport (HND) - Itami Airport
Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel.
Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.
Information
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins (Bus) From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins (Bus)
Hotel : Tokyo
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Day 2
(Meals : B/L)
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Tokyo | Cherry Blossoms Sightseeing
Morning : Fukagawa Fudo Temple & Fire Ritual / Tsukiji Fish Market / Asakusa / Sensoji Temple
Afternoon : Teppan-Yaki / Harajuku / Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Shibuya Hachiko
Evening : Hotel
Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo.
Our tour will first start in Tokyo's Koto-ward to explore visit the inconspicuous Fukagawa Fudo Temple.
Unlike other temples in Tokyo, Fukagawa Fudo hosts daily fire-burning rituals which your tour group plans to join.
Refresh your mind and your spirit while the thunderous sounds of taiko drums and the burning of the goma-taki revitalizes your soul.
The temple grounds is also home to a few can't miss attractions, including a massive collection of crystal figures and a mystifying tribute to Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage. From there, it's off to the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily as your Japan tour explores the wonderful sights and attractions of Tokyo!
We will then delve in the old town district of Asakusa for some gift shopping at the Nakamise area. We will also be visiting the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous shopping district. Enjoy Japanese arts and traditional snacks with your tour group through this can't miss Tokyo temple. For lunch, we will enjoy authentic Teppan-Yaki meal before we head to Harajuku to do some shopping and to admire the scenery. Enjoy shopping in the trendy districts home to the world-renowned Harajuku Fashion, or visit one of the local restaurants and sample Harajuku Crepes or other extra kawaii Tokyo treats! Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. While here, our Tokyo tour will also see the Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner. This Tokyo spot is a popular meet-up area for couples and friends when at Shibuya Station. Anime fans have probably seen this famous statue featured in some of their favorite anime & manga works. We then return to the hotel.
Hotel : Tokyo
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Day 3
(Meals : B/L/D)
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Shirakawago & Takayama
Morning : [Hakone] Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
Afternoon : [Nagano] Matsumoto Castle
Evening : Hotel
After our time in Tokyo, our Takayama Festival tour will stop by Lake Kawaguchi for some sight-seeing before making our way to our hotel. We will first head off to enjoy the fine works of art at the Kubota Art Museum. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric dyeing technique. Many of his work is on display at this museum. Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. A hybrid of miso soup and flat udon noodles, this dish is truly a local Japanese specialty.
After lunch, your Takayama Festival tour is off to the imposing Matsumoto Castle nestled in the Northern Alps of Japan. As one of the few remaining original Japanese castles intact since construction, the castle's 5-story, 6-layer tower built int he Bunroku Period (1593-1594) is Japan's oldest existing castle tower and is designated as a national treasure. Remaining unscathed over centuries, Matsumoto Castle, or Karasu-jo (Crow Castle), is one of the best spots for viewing cherry blossoms and enjoying traditional Japaneses arts and architecture. Our Takayama Festival tour will spend some time enjoying the scenery and relaxing with the stunning view of the city from Matsumoto Castle. We then proceed to the hotel.
Hotel : Nagano
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Day 4
(Meals : B)
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Hakone & Nagano
Morning : Azumino Wasabi Farm
Afternoon : Shirakawago / Nagase House
Evening : [Takayama] Takayama Festival / Hotel
Our Takayama Festival Tour is off to the city of Takayama with a few interesting tourist stops along the way. First, our tour begins the morning at the Azumino Wasabi Farm to get a better understanding about the famous sushi garnish. Located in the heart of Nagano tucked between the mountains in the Japan Alps, the Azumino Wasabi farm grows fresh Japanese horseradish to accompany delicious cuts of sashimi. Learn about the history and process involved to produce Japan's most famous sushi condiment. While at the farm, Japan Deluxe Tours highly recommends sampling wasabi ice-cream or wasabi juice made fresh at the cafe!
Following our visit to the wasabi farm, our Takayama Festival Tour will travel to the rural village of Shirakawa-go. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features old traditional farm homes made using the Japanese gassho-zukuri method. These charming, thatched-roof houses provides travelers a glimpse of traditional life during Japan's traditional eras. During our Shirakawa-go tour, your Takayama Festival tour will also venture to the Nagase house, a former house-turned-museum in Shirakawa-go filled with traditional Japanese tolls and trinkets commonly used during Shirakawa-go's early days as a farming village. After our adventures in Shirakawa-go, your tour guide will lead you to the sound of drums and flutes as we reach Takayama. After we check into the hotel, enjoy the lively energy and fun at the Takayama Festival. Following the sound of drums, we will make it just in time to witness the festival in full swing. Considered one of the top festivals in Japan, the Takayama Festival is an energetic celebration filled with loud sounds, amazing foods available at yatai food booths, and lavishly decorated floats paraded through the city. The decorative, huge floats light up the nightfs sky with a breathtaking array of colorful paper lanterns. Enjoy the Takayama Festival before returning back to the hotel.
Hotel : Nagano
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Day 5
(Meals : B/D)
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Takayama & Kanazawa
Morning : Takayama Morning Market / Takayama Old Town / Takayama Jinya
Afternoon : [Kanazawa] Kenrokuen Garden
Evening : [Kaga] Hotel
Our Takayama Festival Japan tour begins with a visit to the MIHO Museum to enjoy a morning of contemporary and Japanese art. Designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the MIHO Museum is a modern architectural treasure located in the quiet forests of Japan. Designed with the intention for the building to blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature, the museum invokes a feeling of serenity, unity, and sustainability. The museum is filled with classic artworks from ancient civilizations to modern day treasures. Enjoy the calming grounds and picturesque atmosphere during your vacation at this wonderful architectural masterpiece.
After our time at the museum, your Takayama Festival tour will head to the can't miss Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Famed for the endless red tori gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is an essential stop on any Kyoto tour. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. While at the shrine, you might see a Geisha or her apprentice strolling through the gates, or other tourists dressed in elegant kimonos posing for photos. After we take our photos of the shrine, our Takayama festival tour will return to the hotel.
Hotel : Kaga
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Day 6
(Meals : B)
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Shiga & Kyoto
Morning : Miho Museum
Afternoon : [Kyoto] Fushimi Inari Shrine
Evening : Hotel
Takayama, or as some people call it "little Kyoto," has many areas where homes and shops are more than 300 years old and well preserved. During your Takayama Festival Tour, enjoy browsing with your tour guide all the best sights the city has to offer. Among the list, Takayama's Morning Market is considered a must for any traveler making their way through Takayama. Enjoy some time to to roam around to buy souvenirs, take pictures, or visit other important sight see spots through this market filled with vendors and activities. During your Takayama festival Japan tour, we will have time to see the Takayama floats during the day time to see a puppet performance from the floats. The portable shrines are also stages to mechanical puppets that people control inside the floats called karakuri.
While exploring Takayama, Japan Deluxe Tours highly recommends the Takayama Jinya, which served as the local government office of the old town. Open to the public as a museum, visitors can enjoy browsing through the various rooms for administrative purposes, offices, kitchens, toilets, bath rooms, residential space, a court room and storehouses. We will also visit Takayama's old town. This district is filled with many well-preserved buildings and houses from the Edo Period (1600-1868), back when the city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants. After our time in Takayama, your vacation will continue to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden in the scenic Kanazawa Prefecture. Considered one of the top three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen is a beautiful zen garden best enjoyed during spring or with a relaxing cup of tea. A stroll along this beautiful garden featuring streams, hills, and everything nature has to offer is sure to calm your soul. Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, to rejuvenate you for tomorrowfs adventure. Yukata, a Japanese robe, will be provided for you. The onsen is located in our own ryokan, a Japanese style hotel, which includes a traditional Japanese food.
Hotel : Kyoto
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Day 7
(Meals : B/D)
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Nara & Kyoto
Morning : [Nara] Todaiji Temple / Deer Park
Afternoon : [Kyoto] Kyoto Handicraft Centre / Arashiyama / Rickshaw Ride /Golden Pavilion / Ninenzaka / Tea Ceremony / Maiko Dining Experience
Evening : Hotel
Our Takayama Festival Tour begins with a visit to Nara to explore the scenic Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat. Following our time in Nara, our Takayama Festival Tour will head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center for some souvenir craft shopping. Find incredible, traditional Kyoto goods at this dedicated center for craft arts.
After our time at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, your small group will head off to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, it's off to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japanfs must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. After shopping, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. This rustic shopping street hasn't changed since the Edo Period, making it a perfect backdrop for photos or to enjoy traditional Japanese architecture. Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax and enjoy Japanese culture. After our tea ceremony, we will head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. After we take our photos, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko Dinner. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the dinner is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. We then proceed to the hotel.
Hotel : Kyoto
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Day 8
(Meals : B/D)
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Hyogo & Shimane
Morning : [Hyogo] Himeji Castle
Afternoon : [Shimane] Adachi Museum of Art
Evening : [Hiroshima] Hotel
Our cherry blossom tour begins the day by heading to the Himeji prefecture to invade the remarkable Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle.
Himeji-jo was registered as a UNESCO distinguished site in 1993, representing Japanese castle architecture at its peak.
Nicknamed White Heron Castle due to the Japanese castle's graceful white walls, Himeji Castle maintains almost all of it's original structures from its initial construction in the early 1600s. Unlike some of the country's other castles, this classic Japanese castle has overcome wars, earthquakes, and natural disasters over the last four centuries.
While the castle's architecture and classic structures are stunning, Himeji Castle is often considered to be one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in all Japan!
From there, our cherry blossom tour will travel west to the Shimane Prefecture to explore the Adachi Museum of Art. The art museum is known for its great collection of artwork and amazing Japanese gardens. The musuem's art collection includes fine works from illustrious talented Japanese artists including Yokoyama Taikan, Takeuchi Seiho, Hashimoto Kansetsu, and Sakakibara Shiho. While the art is impressive, the true gem is the museum's impressive array of Japanese gardens. Split into six smaller gardens, each garden provides a distinct feel and atmosphere. Enjoy the relaxing scenery with your tour guide and gaze upon the stunning Japanese flowers. The art museum's impresive Japaense gardens have been named the Best Garden in Japan annually since 2003 by the Journal of Japanese Gardening and received the top rating of three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Enjoy this scenic area before we make our way to our hotel.
Hotel : Hiroshima
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Day 9
(Meals : B)
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Hiroshima
Morning : [Miyajima] Itsukushima Shrine
Afternoon : [Hiroshima] Peace Memorial Park / A-Bomb Dome
Evening : [Fukuoka] Hotel
Today our cherry blossom Japan tour begins with a visit to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine.
Located off the main shore on the island of Miyajima, Japan's iconic gate that floats off the shores of Hiroshima is a must during your vacation in Japan.
During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight considered one of Japans top three most beautiful sights.
Miyajima is also known for its mouthwatering momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and delicious oysters which you can enjoy while our cherry blossom tour explores scenic island.
After our time in Miyajima, it's off for our Hiroshima tour through the city. One of the main highlights here in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Park Memorial where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadakos statue and the Freedom Bell. We then return to the hotel.
Hotel : Fukuoka
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Day 10
(Meals : B/D)
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Kumanoto & Takachiho
Morning : [Kumanoto] Kumamoto Castle / Johsaien - Castle Town
Afternoon : Ama-No-Yasukawara / Takachiho Gorge / Tunnel Station
Evening : [Beppu] Hotel
Our cherry blossom grand tour begins the day in Kumamoto to explore Kumamoto Castle.
Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle.
Among the impressive collection of treasures in this Japanese castle, thirteen structures in the complex are designated as Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Several ancillary wooden buildings remain of the original castle.
While we won't be going inside the castle due to reconstruction, enjoy the many views and picturesque scenery of this famous Japanese castle.
While by the castle grounds, our Japan tour will visit the Johsaien.
Johsaien is a shopping arcade by Kumamoto Caslte filled with over 20 shops and the Wakuwaku-za museum featuring the history and culture of Kumamoto.
After our time in Kumamoto, our cherry blossom grand tour will proceed to the fabled lands of Takachiho. According the legends, when Susano-o, the God of Storms, terrorized Amaterasu, his sister and the Sun Goddess, she hid into the heavenly rock cave Ama-No-Iwato. In doing so, the world was plunged into darkness. Legend states Amaterasu was drawn out of the cave, returning the light to Japan. Your grand tour will explore the mythical area before a brief stop at Tunnel Station to pick up local specialties and mementos during your vacation. After our time at the station, your cherry blossom tour will proceed to the hotel.
Hotel : Beppu
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Day 11
(Meals : B/L/D)
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Kumanoto & Takachiho
Morning : Tour of Hell
Afternoon : [Ehime] Matsuyama Castle / Dogo Onsen
Evening : Hotel
Our cherry blossom tour begins with a visit to the the hot spring town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture.
Famous for the abundant Japanese hot-springs waters, our tour will take on the highlight attraction, Beppu's exciting Tour of Hell.
During our Tour of Hell, we will explore three of the famous Hell Spots, including: the Sea Hell made up of bright cobalt blue hot water, the Blood Pond Hell where hot water containing red melted clay gushes out, and the Tornado Hell, a fiery geyser that erupts every 20 minutes.
After lunch, our cherry blossom tour will take a ferry to the castle city of Matsuyama in Shikoku. While in Matsuyama, your grand Japan tour will invade Matsuyama Caslte, one of twelve original Japanese castles still standing since Japan's post-feudal era from 1868. Modified into a museum, this charming Japanese castle has a breathtaking view over the city of Matsuyama. After our castle invasion, your vacation will spend the rest of the day relaxing with a visit to one of the oldest hot springs in the world: Dogo Onsen. Said to have a history of over 3,000 years, this onsen is widely known for welcoming the imperial family as geusts in the exclusive Yushinden room. Bath like royalty in this ancient hot-springs, often said to be the inspiration to the hit anime film Spirited Away. Enjoy an optional Rickshaw ride through the city grounds or just relax with some light shopping in Dogo Onsen's shopping arcade. (additional fee's may apply).
Hotel : Matsuyama
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Day 12
(Meals : B/D)
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Tokushima
Morning : [Tokushima] Iya Valley / Yaen / Oboke Gorge
Afternoon : [Kagawa] Naoshima / Takamatsu
Evening : Hotel
To change things up, your cherry blossom tour will either travel through Southern Japan's Kagawa Prefecture to explore the famous art island of Naoshima or spend the day in Tokushima's scenic Iya Valley.
For tour participants interetsed in Naoshima, enjoy a day exploring the island dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Home to multiple museums, many of which were built by the Benesse Corporation and designed by architect Ando Tadao, Naoshima is filled with stunning works of art. Enjoy popular art museums include the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House, and more while on this island dedicated to contemporary and Japanese artists. For those interested in Tokushima, your Japan tour holiday will venture off into the southern island of Shikoku to cross the ancient vine bridge of Iya Valley. Rebuilt every three years and made of vines suspended over the Yoshino River. Be sure to take a selfie or photos to share on Facebook and Insta of this epic bridge. Before our day in Tokushima ends, we also have a pleasurable boat ride along Oboke Gorge to further enjoy the untouched beauties of Japan's southern region.
Hotel : Tokushima
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Day 13
(Meals : B/D)
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Takamatsu & Tokushima
Morning : [Kagawa] Ritsurin Garden / Udon (Lunch)
Afternoon : [Tokushima] Awaodori Kaikan
Evening : [Osaka] Hotel
Our Cherry Blossom Japan tour will spend the day traveling towards Osaka with a couple unique stops along the way.
Traveling East, our southern Japan tour will visit Risturin Garden, one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens overlooking Shikoku's gorgeous Mt. Shiun. The Michelin Green Guide rated the garden three stars and is a great place to take photos, especially from the highest point that overlooks the entire garden.
Often included in any list for what to do in Shikoku, Ritsurin Garden is a must when traveling through Japan's southern island.
After our time at the Japanese garden, your grand tour will make it's way through Tokushima. During our travels, we will stop at the Awa-odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the prefecture dance of Tokushima. During the annual Awa-Odori festival, thousands of spectators flock to Japan to watch the traditional dance performed during Obon. Enjoy learning some steps and history of Awa-odori at this great museum and maybe pick up a few moves for the next time you hit a dance floor. Although a relatively new style of dancing, Japan Deluxe Tours has confidence the Awa Odori yosakoi dancing is bound to show up in future few dance videos and competitions. We then head to our hotel in Osaka.
Hotel : Osaka
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Day 14
(Meals : Breakfast) |
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Departure Osaka Kansai Int'l Airport (KIX) or Osaka Int'l Airport (ITM) - Itami Airport
Information Hotel : N/A |
| Day | City | Hotel Name | Hotel Type |
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| 1-2 | Tokyo | Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 3 | Nagano | Shirakaba Resorts Ikenotaira Hotel or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 4 | Takayama | Hotel Kuretakeso Takayama Ekimae or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 5 | Kaga | Yamashiro Onsen Rurikoh or similar | Hotel (Japanese-style Room) |
| 6-7 | Kyoto | Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 8 | Hiroshima | Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 9 | Fukuoka | Hyatt Regency Fukuoka or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 10 | Beppu | Beppuwan Royal Hotel or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 11 | Dogo Onsen | Tsubaki-kan or similar | Hotel (Japanese-style Room) |
| 12 | Tokushima | Crowne Plaza or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
| 13 | Osaka | Nikko Kansai Airport Hotel or similar | Hotel (Western-style Room) |
