[Travel conditions]
Departure/Destination: Tokyo and Fukushima Prefecture
Number of days: 1
Transportation: JR and chartered bus
Operating bus company: Nasu Chuo Kanko Jidosha or bus companies in the Tohoku area (according to our company standards).
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour conductor: 1
Guides: 0
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd. East Japan Sales Headquarters Media Sales Division 1
Address: New Pier Takeshiba South Tower, 1-16-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022
Registration number: Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 1847
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Inc.
2nd floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 10 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 14:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 6
This tour is primarily a local tour for Japanese tourists. While the tour guide will communicate in Japanese, necessary information will be provided in written form in English and Chinese. In case of emergencies, translation apps on tablet devices will be used.
At the meeting point, a staff member will be waiting for you holding a "Hankyu Travel" sign (board or flag). Please confirm the course name and complete the registration using the name of the group representative. Please note that registration will only be completed once all members of your group have arrived.
This course includes a final itinerary (which will specify the exact departure time and date). It will be sent to you via KKDAY 5-7 days before departure.
All seats on JR limited express trains and Shinkansen are non-smoking. / The JR limited express train and Shinkansen you will board will be the designated train (at the designated time) within the indicated time frame, and we cannot accommodate your preferences. / Depending on the number of participants, seats on the train or bus may be shared or in front of or behind each other. We cannot accept requests for specific seats. / If you do not use the designated train or miss it due to your own circumstances, your train ticket and limited express ticket will become invalid.
Children aged 6 to under 12 are charged the same price as adults. Children aged 3 to under 6 will be provided with round-trip JR train fare and a bus seat. Other expenses such as meals and miscellaneous expenses incurred during the trip are not included.
On the day of departure, the bus company may change due to vehicle malfunction or the driver's health (we are not liable for changes due to these reasons).
Depending on the number of participants, you may unfortunately be seated with other passengers on the bus or at the lunch venue, either sitting in front of or behind others. We appreciate your understanding.
This tour does not include a guide. The tour conductor will manage the tour itinerary (they will not act as a sightseeing guide). Tourist information leaflets and other materials distributed by the tour conductor will generally be in Japanese.
The above schedule may be subject to change due to transportation issues (buses, etc.), weather, local conditions, road conditions, etc., including the itinerary, sightseeing locations, order of visits, meal details, and return time.
The timing of cherry blossoms may differ from previous years and may vary slightly.
Ouchi-juku is a historic post town in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, renowned for preserving the appearance of an Edo-period (1603-1868) village. Its traditional thatched-roof houses line the main street, offering a glimpse into feudal Japan. While 'Ouchi-juku' is its widely recognized name, it is often described in English as the 'Ouchi-juku Post Town' or 'Ouchi-juku historical village,' emphasizing its role as a rest stop for travelers during the Edo era.
A typical day tour to Fukushima Prefecture features several notable attractions. Visitors often explore Ouchi-juku, a well-preserved Edo-period post town, offering a unique historical experience. Another highlight is the Nichu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom Avenue, famous for its 'cherry blossom tunnel' formed by hundreds of weeping cherry trees. Additionally, tours may include a stop at Yunokami Onsen Station, known for its unique station building and scenic surroundings, allowing a comprehensive appreciation of the region's charm.
The best time to visit the Nichu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom Avenue to experience its famous cherry blossom tunnel is typically in mid-April. This is when the weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura) are usually in full bloom, creating a breathtaking floral canopy. Specific tour dates, such as April 18th and April 20th, are often set to coincide with the peak viewing period for these spectacular blossoms, ensuring visitors witness the avenue at its most beautiful.
On a tour visiting the Aizu region of Fukushima, a delightful local specialty often included for lunch is Aizu Sauce Katsu-don. This dish features a deep-fried pork cutlet (katsu) generously drizzled with a rich, savory sauce, served over a bowl of rice. It's a popular and hearty meal that represents the local gourmet culture of the Aizu area, providing a flavorful taste of the region's culinary traditions during the tour.
Yunokami Onsen Station is a distinctive stop, often included on tours to Fukushima, particularly known for being the only station in Japan with a thatched-roof building. Beyond its unique architecture, visitors can experience the charm of a rural hot spring town. The station itself offers a foot bath (ashiyu) for travelers to relax. The surrounding area provides a glimpse into local life and scenic beauty, often serving as a gateway to the broader Yunokami Onsen hot spring district.
Utilizing a round-trip Shinkansen from Tokyo Station significantly enhances the convenience of visiting Ouchi-juku and other Fukushima sites. This high-speed rail service drastically reduces travel time to the Tohoku region, making a day trip feasible and comfortable. Travelers can avoid the complexities of driving long distances or navigating multiple local transport connections, allowing more time to explore the attractions and enjoy the scenery without the stress of intricate travel planning.
Ouchi-juku is unique due to its exceptional preservation of an Edo-period post town, allowing visitors to step back in time. Its most distinctive feature is the row of traditional thatched-roof private houses, many of which now operate as shops, restaurants, or inns, retaining their historic charm. The entire village is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life and architectural style of feudal Japan.
To fully enjoy a day tour visiting multiple attractions like Ouchi-juku and the Nichu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom Avenue, it's advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring historical streets and scenic pathways. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, especially during cherry blossom season, as temperatures can vary. Bring a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and traditional architecture. Staying hydrated and following the guide's schedule will help maximize your experience at each unique location.