SAKURA OKINAWA 7 ISLANDS TOUR
Jan. 29 ~ Feb. 8, 2023 (9 nights, 11 days)

Date	Place and Hotel ♨=onsen	Activity	B	L	D
Jan. 29 (Sun.)		Depart Honolulu to Narita to Naha.
30 (Mon.)	NAHA HOTEL BLOSSOM	After arrive in Naha, we go to the hotel which is walking distance to Kokusai Dori (International Street), there are many souvenir shops and restaurants.
31 (Tue.)	NAHA HOTEL BLOSSOM	Full day sightseeing of Okinawa's south side. We visit Okinawa World, a theme park about Okinawan culture. First we go to Gyokusendo cave (a limestone cave grown on a coral reef), it is natural museum beautifully carved over 300,000 years. Next visit Traditional Crafts Village, where we can see many old local houses with beautiful red roof tiles and a history of more than 100 years. The houses are registered as National Tangible Cultural Assets. We might feel as if you were in Shuri Castle Town in olden times. We experience Bingata Dyeing, it is the only dyeing craft in Okinawa combining the techniques of stencil dyeing from China and the hand dyeing skills of Kyoto Yuzen. Lunch is Okinawa local food Yushi Tofu set meal. After leaving Okinawa World we go to Himeyuri-no-To, where group of high school girls trained as nurses during World War II died and there is a monument. Then we visit the Peace Memorial Park, monuments in the park include the "Cornerstone of Peace", a collection of large stone plates with the names of all fallen soldiers and civilians, including Japanese, Koreans, Taiwanese, Americans and Britons. Then visit a Ryukyu glass factory, after the war the American army's cola bottles were reused to make the glass. Return to the hotel then for dinner go to watch the Okinawa dance show with Okinawa local food cuisine.	×	×	×
Feb. 1 (Wed.)	NAHA HOTEL BLOSSOM	Full day sightseeing of Okinawa's north side. We visit the Chiraumi Aquarium,  it is widely considered Japan's best aquarium. After lunch we visit Nakijin Gusuku a castle ruin of Ryukyu Kingdom which is known for its Sakura festival, enjoy seeing Cherry Blossoms at the World Heritage Site. Then we cross the Kouri Bridge to Kouri Island. We visit the Kouri ocean tower. The white observation tower at a height of 269 feet above sea level is in a great location to overlook Kouri Bridge. There is an ocean deck on the rooftop, where you can view the beautiful full panoramic landscape. Then we visit the Orion beer factory, Okinawa's local beer, at the end you get to taste it. Then return to the hotel.	×	×
2 (Thu.)	NAHA HOTEL BLOSSOM	After leaving the hotel we go to see Manza-mo, a high-cliff lookout with nice sea breeze & ocean view. Then we visit the Okashigoten (Sweets Palace) and see the popular Beniimo (purple sweet potato) tart factory. Lunch is new local food Taco Rice. After lunch we visit the Yamuchin no Sato, a pottery village. Then we go to see the Shurei-mon, the term “shurei” means “observing propriety.” The plaque on the gate is inscribed with the four Chinese characters that read “Land of Propriety,” or Shurei-no-kuni. This beautiful layered gate still conveys the spirit of Ryukyu and serves as a demonstration of courtesy. Next visit the Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum, it is the mausoleum where the 2nd Sho Dynasty is entombed. It was built in 1501 during the period of King Sho Shin, in the midst of the Golden Age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Then we return to the same hotel.	×	×
3 (Fri.)	MIYAKO HOTEL RISING SUN	From Okinawa island we fly to Miyako island by airplane. Lunch is Okinawa A&W hamburger. After lunch we visit Utopia farm, a flower garden and fruit orchard. Let's eat the famous mango of Miyakojima. Then we visit the Miyakojima city museum, we can learn about Miyako island history and strange festival in Miyako Island “Pantu”. Next go to Sunayama beach, the famous arch was formed by the exposed coral reef being eroded by the sea over the centuries. Then we visit Yukishio (Salt) museum. "Yukishio" renowned Okinawan salt in Japan through collaborative project with many companies. The facility offers factory tour and how to use this special salt. Next drive to Ikema Ohashi that connects Miyakojima and Ikema island. The bridge is popular as the perfect driving course due to it running over very clear emerald green seas. Many sugar cane fields can be seen along the way. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×	×
4 (Sat.)	ISHIGAKI ART HOTEL	From Miyako island we fly to Ishigaki island by airplane. We visit the Minsa textile museum, Ishigaki's traditional craft where we can experience making the Minsa woven fabric, about 30 minutes. Next go to Euglena (Yuugurena) Mall, you can buy Ishigaki island souvenirs. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×	×
5 (Sun.)	YONAGUNI AILAND HOTEL	From Ishigaki island we fly to Yonaguni island by airplane. Yonaguni’s population is about 1600 and the westernmost inhabited island of Japan, closer to Taiwan (70 miles away) than to Okinawa’s main island (about 318 miles away). The small island can be circumnavigated easily by car. We visit the Awamori (Shochu) factory. Next ride the undersea boat (depending on the weather) and view the underwater ruins. The mysterious 328-feet-long stretch of topography appears to be a series of steps and stone pillars, but debate still rages as to whether these are a man-made relic of a lost civilization or a natural occurrence. Lunch is Yaeyama soba. After lunch we go to see the symbol of Yonaguni Island and a popular viewing spot, the Tachigami-iwa. Next visit the Teindabana, which is well known as Agarizaki observatory decks in precipitous cliffs. Then we go to the hotel.	×	×	×
6 (Mon.)	ISHIGAKI ART HOTEL	From Yonaguni island return to Ishigaki island by airplane. We go to the Kabira Bay and take a glass-bottom boat tour where you can see corals & small fishes. Next visit the Yaimamura, a theme park with old Ishigaki houses brought over from different areas of the island. You can see cute squirrel monkeys. Then we go back to hotel, for dinner a Yaeyama dance and music dinner show with Ishigaki's local food cuisine.	×	×	×
7 (Tue.)	ISHIGAKI ART HOTEL	After leaving the hotel we go to Iriomote island by boat. Enjoy the Nakama river boat cruise, where we can see many mangroves and jungle-like areas. Next ride the Gyu-sha (carts pulled by water buffalo) thru shallow waters over to Yubu island, a tiny island with botanical gardens. After lunch we go to Taketomi island from Iriomote island by boat, take a tour of their small village with traditional houses and atmosphere. And we visit the Kaiji beach, you can see the star-shaped sands. Then we go back to Ishigaki island & return to same hotel.	×	×	×
8 (Wed.)		After check out of the hotel, we fly to Haneda airport from Ishigaki Island. Next go to Aeon Mall, please enjoy shopping. Then go to Narita airport for your departure flight to Honolulu.	×