758 Kapahulu Ave. #220, Honolulu, HI. 96816
Tel. No.: (808) 739-9010 ** Fax no: (808) 735-0142 ** TAR#4988
HUOA STUDY TOUR 2013
(October 03 – October 14, 2013)
HIGHLIGHTS of the TOUR: Staying at the same hotel for 10 nights, a visit to OKINAWA
PREFECTURE GOVERNMENT BUILDING, LEARN ABOUT THE CULTURES AND HISTORY
OF OKINAWA, HANDS ON EXPERIENCE, & to enjoy the 2 days Festivities of NAHA MATSURI
Thursday, Oct 3rd
11:30a.m.
1:20p.m.
Friday, Oct 4th
4:55p.m.
7:25p.m.
10:45p.m.
11:00a.m.
2:30p.m.
4:30p.m.
6:40p.m.
Welcome to Okinawa ___________________
Arrival at Tokyo/ Narita International Airport. Upon arrival, immigrations and custom
procedures are required. After customs, we will need to check-in again , proceed to the
domestic section on the left hand side of the arrival lobby.
Depart Narita on Japan Airlines Flt. #3095 bound for Naha, Okinawa.
Arrive Naha, Okinawa. At Naha Airport, please pickup your own baggage. We will
proceed straight to our awaiting motorcoach. We will be transported to
HOTEL ROYAL ORION (formerly Seibu Orion) in Naha on famous Kokusai Doori
(International Street). On foot 3-5 minutes away from Makishi Monorail Station.
10-15 minutes walk away from Heiwa Doori (Peace St.), one of the tourist attractions in
Okinawa and right across the street from the Hotel Royal Orion is the Cargoes
Shopping Mall that newly opened on July 2011.
Saturday, Oct 5th
6:30-9:00a.m.
9:30a.m.
Honolulu - Okinawa via Tokyo/ Narita_____
Please meet your tour coordinator, Nadine Shimabukuro, at the Japan Airlines baggage
check-in area located on the right hand side of the airport. Due to tight airport security, you
will be checking in individually. Nadine will instruct with directions.
Depart on Japan Airlines Flt.#0781 bound for Tokyo/ Narita, Japan. In-flight service (a meal
and snack) and complimentary drinks (beer, wine, and assorted soft drinks) will be
served. ** Complimentary alcohol only on International flights **
Naha – Shin Toshin – Naha_______________
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel on the Basement 1 or to be advised.
Visit OKINAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM in a newly developed area of Naha City, called
“Shin Toshin” new town.
The museum opened on the first of Nov 2007. The museum is suitable for the
21st Century, raising awareness of Okinawa’s nature, history, and culture.
After visiting the museum, we will walk across to SAN-A NAHA MAIN PLACE, a shopping
mall with supermarket, boutiques, and etc. On 2nd floor: Food court, toy & stationary section,
children’s,men, and women’s clothing section, shoe dept., “Daiso” 100 yen shop & etc.
On the 1st floor: Starbuck, Ramen Shop, Japanese, Tonkatsu, Italian Restaurant, & Mister
Donut.
Last stop of the day, ZUISEN AWAMORI FACTORY. Zuisen has been made for over
100 years, a long established distiller proud of supplying the largest volume of awamori to
stores in Okinawa. Zuisen has been selling it in New York City since 2002.
Return back to hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.
OPTIONAL: OKINAWAN DINNER SHOW at YOTSUDAKE TEA HOUSE in Kume.
( 7:00p.m.-8:45p.m.) Dinner consists of ½ baked spiny lobster or deep fried gurukun fish,
rafute (shoyu pork), Kubu irichi (sautéed konbu), mozuku (seaweed namasu), soup, rice &
etc. 4,000 yen per person will be collected before going to the dinner show. ( B )
Sunday, Oct 6th
6:30-9:00a.m.
10:00a.m.
Naha – Oroku – Naha (optional)____________
Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
For Oroku Aza Jin Club members, families, & friends. A goodwill tour and get together with
the Oroku people in Okinawa.
For the rest of the tour members, today is a free day at your leisure to visit with relatives and
friends or do some shopping.
Tomomi can take you down to Heiwa Doori, where Hawaii people usually buy lots of
Konbu, Mushroom, Nori, & etc. She will take you to the wholesale store, “Matsumoto
Shoten”. ￥100 Shop, Okazu places, and lots of souvenir shops along the way.
Our hotel is located near the monorail “Yui Rail”. Would you like to try to ride the
“Yui Rail”? YUI RAIL – OROKU STATION (260YEN 1 WAY FOR ADULT or
130YEN 1 WAY FOR CHILD). Oroku Station is connected to JUSCO, department
store (supermarket, food court, drug store, clothing section, & toy section).
(B)
Monday, Oct 7th
Naha - Shuri - Naha_____________________
**Dress Code: Aloha or Kariyushi wear for Men & Casual wear for Ladies **
6:30-8:45a.m.
9:00a.m.
9:15a.m.
9:30a.m.
10:00a.m.
11:15a.m.
12:30p.m.
1:15p.m.
2:30p.m.
5:30p.m.
Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
We will visit the OKINAWA PREFECTURAL (KEN-CHO) and the Congress building.
Okinawa Prefectural Government Building is one of the tallest buildings in Naha City.
Opened in 1990 and cost nearly 220 Million US Dollars.
Arrive Okinawa Prefectural (Ken-cho).
Opening ceremony with the Okinawa Government dignitaries at the 1st floor lobby area .
GROUP PHOTO will be taken before the tour of the government building.
A special Ken-cho and Legislative Building tour begins.
You will have a special privilege to have lunch at the “Ken-Cho” employee cafeteria.
Lunch prices are very reasonable. ( at your own expense )
They serve Okinawa Soba, Sooki (Spare Rib) Soba, Goya Champuru (Bittermelon &
Tofu), Curry Rice, Katsu Curry (curry rice with pork cutlet over the rice), Yushidofu
(fresh hot tofu), and other Okinawan specialties.
Bus departs for HIMEYURI NO TO (STAR LILY MEMORIAL) in Itoman.
Arrive at HIMEYURI NO TO (Star Lily Memorial). The monument was erected in
remembrance of the female high school students who supported the Japanese military as
nurses but were killed during the Battle of Okinawa. We will also go inside and tour the
HIMEYURI PEACE MUSEUM, inside exhibits pictures of the many victims, their personal
effects, model reconstructions of the shelter. It’s a site that tells about the misery of war.
Bus departs for Shuri, the former ancient capitol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. We visit the
“SHUREI NO MON” (Gate of Courtesy). In 1972 the gate was designated as a
prefectural cultural asset. And SHURI CASTLE, served as the residence of the Ryukyu
kings for several centuries, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879.
Return back to HOTEL ROYAL ORION.
(B)
Tuesday, Oct 8th
6:30-8:15a.m.
8:30a.m.
10:30a.m.
12:00p.m.
Naha – Northern Okinawa – Naha___________
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Today we will go to “YANBARU” the northern part of Okinawa.
Bus departs for a Northern Okinawa Tour. We’ll be making a stop at the service area in
Igei for 5-4-4 (go-shi-shi) break.
First stop is MORI NO GARASU (RYUKYU GLASS FACTORY), here you will
experience how to blow and make your own glass mug.
Arrive at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu Town to see CHURAUMI AQUARIUM.
Churaumi means beautiful ocean in Okinawan dialect.
The aquarium is unique in that it features the world’s largest acrylic panel, which
is sure to dazzle you with exotic and colorful fishes, whale sharks, and manta rays.
Before exiting be sure to ask aquarium staff for re-entry stamp before you leave the
aquarium. Dolphin Show (1:00p.m. & 2:30p.m.) at Oki-chan theatre, which is a few
minutes walk from the aquarium.
Lunch at your own expense. Near the aquarium is the oceanview restaurant “INOH”
3:30p.m
5:00p.m.
6:30p.m.
which serves buffet style Okinawan food with asst. dessert & soft drinks (1470yen for
Adults, Senior Citizen 65 yrs old or older: 1150yen & Elementary student: 860yen per
person ) or try “CAFÉ OCEAN BLUE” known for their Taco Rice, Spaghetti, Soft
drinks, & Beniimo Ice Cream for a snack break near the window of the Kuroshio Sea
Tank. There is also a snack bar near the Okichan Show Area & Dolphin Lagoon serving
curry rice, American dog (corn dog), Okinawa soba, Taco rice, & more.
Bus departs for NAGO PINEAPPLE PARK (PINEAPPLE FACTORY), new thing is ride
on the cute automatic pineapple cart that will guide you through the large open pineapple
field and the tropical garden before getting to the shopping area.
Sample pineapple wines, assorted juices, assorted pineapple baked sweets, and one of the
famous item is the pineapple charcoal soap for your skin.
Depart Nago Pineapple Park for naha via toll way.
Bus arrives at Hotel Royal Orion. Evening is free.
(B)
Wednesday, Oct 9th
6:30-9:30a.m.
Thursday, October 10th
6:30 – 8:45a.m
9:00a.m.
5:00p.m.
8:30a.m.
10:30a.m.
11:15a.m.
12:15p.m.
Naha – Uruma City – Naha______________
Breakfast at the hotel.
Bus departs for the east side of Okinawa overlooking the Pacific Ocean to Henza Island in
Uruma City. OKINAWA KAICHU ROAD is a road on the sea whose length is 4.7
kilometers (almost 3 miles) the largest of the kind in Asia. It is a beautiful scenic and
naturalistic drive.
We will make a stop at UMI no EKI “AYAHASHIKAN” near the beginning of the road to
Henza.
Continue on to MIYAGI ISLAND to the “NUCHI MASU FACTORY” (sea salt of
Okinawa). Nuchi masu (salt) contains 21 kinds of minerals, was registered in the Guinness
World Records in 2000 for its significant mineral richness.
Last stop, AEON GUSHIKAWA SHOPPING MALL (Jusco), free leisure time for lunch
and some shopping time. On the 2nd floor, there are 100 Yen Daiso and UNIQLO (Japanese
OLD NAVY Store).
Bus arrives back to Royal Orion Hotel. The rest of the day at your leisure.
(B)
Friday. October 11th
6:30 - 8:15a.m.
Naha – Ginowan City – Naha (optional )___
Breakfast at hotel.
For Ginowan Shinjin Kai members, families, & friends. A goodwill tour and get together
with the Mayor Atsushi Sakima of Ginowan City and the people of Ginowan City.
For the rest of the tour members, today is a free day at your leisure to visit with relatives and
friends or do some shopping.
Or Nadine can take you to OKINAWA TAIYO NO MACHI (in Haebaru), sheltered work shop
for the physically disable people. They manufactured and sells “RYUKYU MIYARABI
KOKESHI”, Ryukyu girl doll made of wood. Prices start from 1050 yen – 2100 yen each dolls.
Ceramic Shisa are also on sell at this place, cost is from 1050 yen per pair.
(B)
Naha - Southern Okinawa – Naha ______
Breakfast at the hotel.
Bus departs for the Southern portion of Okinawa. We will visit GYOKUSENDO
PARK, which features a large underground stalactite grotto and an exhibit of poisonous
Okinawa “Habu” (snakes).
Upon arrival, enter Gyokusendo Cave. It takes about 25-30 minutes to walk through the
cave. After exiting the cave it will lead you to the tropical garden and Ryukyu Village.
Watch an Eisa dance performance by local students at the cultural stage, located near the
2nd floor of the gift shop (20 minute performance).
Buffet lunch (Okinawan food) at Gyokusendo restaurant located on the 2 nd floor above
the gift shop.
After lunch, hands on experience, your choices are:
BINGATA: coloring place mat or bandanna
HATAORI: weaving textile to make keyholder or “ masu bukuro” salt pouch
UJI ZOME: coloring a coaster made of “UJI” sugar cane
Or if you don’t want to do any hands on experience, how about trying out the Okinawan
Costume and take a picture with it.
2:15p.m.
2:45p.m.
6:00p.m.
Some free time to shop around or check-out Dr. Fish inside the Ryukyu Village, the cost
7 minutes is 500 yen per person.
Bus departs from Gyokusendo Park for PEACE MEMORIAL PARK.
Arrive at OKINAWA PREFECTURAL PEACE MUSEUM, which opened on April 1st 2000.
The museum is divided into 4 sections: “The Road to the Battle of Okinawa”, “Okinawan on
the Battlefield”, “Room of Testimony” and “From the Refugee Camps”.
Next walk to the CORNERSTONE OF PEACE (Heiwa no Ishiji). It is inscribed with names of
each individual, who lost their life in the Battle of Okinawa.
MABUNI HILL or “Hill 89” the final command post of the Japanese army in Okinawa.
On June 23, 1945, when General Ushijima & Lt General Cho committed suicide on Mabuni
Hill, fighting in the Battle of Okinawa came to an end. These deaths, combined with the status
of the Battle of Okinawa as the last battlefield of WWII.
Arrive back at Hotel Royal Orion. Evening is free.
(B,L)
Saturday, October 12th
6:30-9:30a.m.
2:00-6:30p.m.
Naha – Free Day ( Naha Matsuri Parade )
Breakfast at the hotel.
NAHA MATSURI PARADE held in Kokusai Dori, every kind of club, regional organization,
traditional art groups, Citizen’s performance and folk arts parade, which consists 50 groups that
present a magnificent performance.
Naha Matsuri Festival is held at OnoyamaPark ( Okinawa Cellular Stadium).
Delicious food stalls, entertainments, & other activities will be around the stadium area.
.
Sunday, Oct
6:30 - 9:30a.m.
12:00-2:30p.m
3:15-5:00p.m.
13th
Breakfast at hotel.A free day at your leisure to visit relatives or friends.
Today is the 43rd NAHA TSUNAHIKI MATSURI ( Naha Great Tug of War Festival ) is the
Largest festival in Okinawa. More than 15,000 people will join hands trying to move a
40 ton rope in the great Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Tsunahiki, an event that first made the way
into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1997.
UFUNNASUNEI (the parade) is held on Kokusai Dori for about 2 hours and a half. About
2000 people wearing a uniform called MUMUNUCHIHANTA will be carrying
‘HATAGASHIRA” seven flags of west and seven flags of east.
Ceremony and the main attraction of the festival, NAHA GREAT TUG of WAR is open to
everyone held on the busy Kumoji intersection of Route 58. Route 58 will be completely cleared
with the road divider to make way for this gigantic rope measuring 200 meter ( 656 feet) in
length. Estimated 280,000 people come to see and 15,000 people can pull the rope. ( B )
Monday, Oct 14th
6:30-7:45a.m.
8:00a.m.
8:30a.m.
11:45a.m.
2:15p.m.
(B)
Naha_ - Free Day ( Naha Tsunahiki )____
Okinawa – Honolulu via Tokyo/ Narita_____
Breakfast at hotel.
Baggage outside your door to be pickup by the staff of the hotel.
Check-out of the hotel. Bus departs for Naha Domestic Airport.
Upon arrival, please have your passport and “e” ticket ready.
Check-in at Naha Airport at JAL. Be sure to check that you have your passport with you.
After check in procedures, you are free to roam around the airport or get something to eat.
There will be no food served on the flight to Tokyo/ Narita International Airport.
Depart on Japan Airlines Flt. # 3098 bound for Tokyo/ Narita International Airport.
Arrive Tokyo/ Narita International Airport. No need to pick-up your luggages.
At the Tokyo/ Narita International Airport, 3rd floor is your departure lobby.
4th floor are restaurants and shops.
6:30p.m.
7:50p.m.
8:10a.m.
Go thru security check and passport control to go to your designated gate for your departure
flight. After passport control, couple duty free shops and gift shops for your shopping
convenience.
Depart on Japan Airlines Flt.#786 bound for Honolulu. Crossing the International Date
Line, you will arrive in Honolulu on the same day you departed Japan, Thursday morning.
Please remember to fill out your Customs Declaration form prior to your arriving in
Honolulu, to speed up your time at Customs.)
Arrival at Honolulu International Airport on Oct 14th, Monday.
**SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE**
Based on 25 full paying tour members & based on the yen exchange rate.
Special Group Airfare is based on N & K Travel Contract effect on 03/31/2013
Tour cost is subject to change according to any airfare increase and the rate of the
exchange between US dollar and Japanese yen.
Sign-up by July 31, 2013 ***** Payment is due on August 09, 2013
Tour Cost: ** Exchange rate: 94-95 Yen per U.S. Dollar **
OKINAWA TOUR :
TWIN/TRIPLE OCCUPANCY:
$3685.00 per person
SINGLE OCCUPANCY:
$4035.00 per person
LAND COST ONLY: (Transfer to/from the airport is not included, can be arranged
with separate fee, check with us):
OKINAWA LAND COST: ( 10/04 -10/14)
TWIN/TRIPLE OCCUPANCY: $2285.00 per person
SINGLE OCCUPANCY:
$2635.00 per person