Highlights:
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Celebrate the end of winter with the locals at traditional winter festivals, each with their unique character and charm
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Discover some of the numerous regional craft traditions, including exquisite woodcraft and ceramics
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Absorb the nostalgic snowscapes of Akita’s historic country towns
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Warm up over hearty hotpots, sample ocean-fresh seafood, and enjoy other culinary delights of regional Tōhoku
A short version of the 'Akita Winter Festivals (long)' itinerary, this tour will provide you with a taste of the diverse winter festivals of Akita Prefecture in northern Tōhoku that are little known to the mainstream international traveller. Celebrate the end of winter with the locals at three differently exciting festivals, including Yokote’s Kamakura (Snow Igloo) festival. Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of historic towns mantled in winter white, observe everyday winter life in coastal and rural areas, and sample regional food at local eateries handpicked by your tour leader based on his personal travel experiences.
MAIN DESTINATIONS COVERED: Kakunodate, Oga, Yokote
TOUR LENGTH: 5 days (4 nights)
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS: 6 (larger groups possible on request)
SEASON: mid-February; THIS TOUR ONLY DEPARTS ONCE A YEAR DUE TO THE FIXED DATES OF FESTIVALS (in 2020, departs on 12 February)
BOOKINGS CLOSE: 180 days before agreed departure date
START LOCATION: JR Shinjuku Station, Tokyo [MAP]
END LOCATION: JR Tokyo Station [MAP]
FITNESS LEVEL: moderate
CULTURAL TOLERANCE: moderate (must be able to sleep on traditional futon bedding on 2 nights)
COST: AUD $3000/person (6 persons) to $4800/person (2 persons) including ALL ground transport, accommodation, meals, tour guiding, fees and charges