【Tour Itinerary】

【Meeting Time: 40 Minutes Before the Departure of the Limited Express Train】

• Shinjuku Station (Departure between 7:00–8:00)｜Limited Express AZUSA [Ordinary Car/Reserved Seat]
• Ogino-ya Suwa Store (Approx. 20 minutes)
• Takato Castle Ruins Park (Admire the “Takato Sakura,” one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom sites / 2-hour stay)
• Takashima Park (Enjoy the stunning reflection of cherry blossoms and Takashima Castle Tower on the moat’s water / Approx. 40 minutes)
• Suwa Taisha – Upper Shrine Honmiya (Visit the head shrine of all Suwa shrines in Japan / Approx. 30 minutes)
• Tateshina Cheesecake Factory (Approx. 30 minutes)
• Return to Chino Station → Shinjuku Station (Arrival between 20:08–21:15)｜Limited Express AZUSA [Ordinary Car/Reserved Seat]

【Important Notes】

• Total Bus Travel Distance: 70 km
• Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point 5–10 minutes before the departure time.

★ Travel Comfortably on the JR Limited Express AZUSA! Avoid Traffic Jams! ★

• Travel quickly and comfortably with round-trip tickets on the Limited Express AZUSA (Shinjuku ⇔ Chino)
• Visit the breathtaking cherry blossom spot, “Takato Sakura,” known as Japan’s No.1 Cherry Blossoms! Enjoy a full 2-hour stay for a memorable experience.
• Lunch: Enjoy a must-try Nagano specialty, “Toge no Kamameshi” bento from Ogino-ya!

◆ Takato Cherry Blossoms ◆

Takato Castle Ruins Park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom viewing sites. The park is home to a unique variety of “Takato Kohigan Zakura” cherry blossoms, which have smaller petals and a distinct pink hue. These blossoms bloom densely on each branch, creating a spectacular sea of flowers, earning the title “Japan’s No.1 Cherry Blossoms.”

Highlights:

• Ounkyo Bridge: A drum bridge surrounded by a breathtaking sea of cherry blossoms.
• Shirousagi Bridge: A magnificent view featuring cherry blossoms with the backdrop of the majestic Japanese Alps (visibility depends on the weather).
• Hakusan Kannon: Located on Mount Goro, this spot offers a panoramic view of the park’s cherry blossoms, resembling a pink sea of clouds.

Blooming Season: Early to mid-April (Reference: Japan National Tourism Organization)

2024 Cherry Blossom Viewing & Ranking in Nagano – No.1!
(Source: KADOKAWA / Walker Plus)

◆ Takashima Park ◆

Takashima Park features around 90 cherry blossom trees, primarily Somei Yoshino Sakura. Surrounding Takashima Castle, also known as the “Floating Castle of Suwa,” the cherry blossoms reflect beautifully on the moat, creating an iconic springtime view. The combination of cherry blossoms and the historic castle makes it a must-visit photography spot.

Blooming Season: Early to mid-April (Reference: Japan National Tourism Organization)

◆ Suwa Taisha – Upper Shrine Honmiya ◆

Located near Lake Suwa in Nagano, Suwa Taisha is said to be one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back 1,500–2,000 years. It is dedicated to the god of wind and water, often depicted as a dragon or serpent in Japanese folklore. The shrine complex consists of four separate shrines:

• Upper Shrine: Kamisha Honmiya & Kamisha Maemiya (southern side of Lake Suwa)
• Lower Shrine: Shimosha Harumiya & Shimosha Akimiya (northern side of Lake Suwa)

This tour includes a visit to Kamisha Honmiya, the most historically significant shrine in the complex, featuring impressive Suwa-style architecture and intricate wooden carvings.

◆ Ogino-ya “Toge no Kamameshi” Bento ◆

A beloved Nagano specialty for over 60 years, Ogino-ya’s “Toge no Kamameshi” is a famous ekiben (train station bento).

• The bento is served in a molded pulp container, maintaining its traditional presentation.
• Enjoy a delicious, well-balanced meal featuring local ingredients.

◆ Tateshina Cheesecake Factory ◆

A charming café and shop offering handmade cheesecakes, cookies, and baked goods. Enjoy a relaxing break while browsing a selection of high-quality, locally made treats.

【Meeting Instructions】

• The pick-up and drop-off locations are fixed and cannot be changed.
• Children aged 6 and above are charged the same fare as adults.
• Children aged 3–5 are only charged for transportation costs.
• Detailed meeting point information will be sent to your email upon successful booking. Please check your inbox in advance.
• If you do not receive the email in your inbox or spam folder, please contact our travel consultant via email or call +852 2152-3599 during office hours.

【Included Items】

• Transportation fares listed in the itinerary (specific cabin classes or seat reservations will be indicated if applicable).
• Accommodation fees, taxes, and service charges as listed in the itinerary.
• Meal expenses, taxes, and service fees as specified in the itinerary.
• Admission fees for sightseeing spots included in the itinerary.
• Tour conductor fees (if applicable for fully escorted tours).
• Non-refundable: If any service included in the package is not used due to personal reasons, refunds will not be provided.

【Excluded Items】

The tour price does not include items beyond the listed inclusions. Some examples include:

• Optional tours (separately paid mini-excursions for interested participants).
• Personal transportation expenses to and from the meeting point (e.g., airport transfers, hotel stays before or after the tour).
• Medical expenses related to injury or illness.
• Domestic travel insurance (voluntary participation).

【Reservation Notes】

• This tour is a local Japanese bus tour, and you will be traveling with Japanese participants.
• Important notices will be provided in both Chinese and English, but the tour conductor only speaks Japanese. They will have a tablet with a translation function for emergency assistance.
• If the tour is canceled, you will be notified via email 4 days before departure.
• The final itinerary (including meeting point, time, and schedule details) will be sent via email 5–7 days before departure.
• The tour conductor/staff will carry a “Hankyu Travel/Trapics” sign or flag. Please check your tour route name carefully and provide your name at check-in. Ensure all accompanying members gather before check-in. If there are any participant changes, please inform the staff.
• This tour does not include a guide, only a tour conductor who manages the schedule and timing. Due to Japanese law, they cannot stand and provide explanations while the bus is in motion, nor do they provide sightseeing commentary.
• Since this is a group tour, bus seating is assigned based on availability. Even if booked together, group members may be seated separately. Seat requests on trains, ships, and buses cannot be accommodated.
• Solo travelers are welcome to join.
• Children aged 3–5 are only charged for round-trip transportation and a bus seat.
• Children aged 6 and above pay the same fare as adults.
• The itinerary confirmation and meeting location details are only available in English. Printed itineraries will not be provided on the day of departure—please screenshot the webpage or print a copy if needed.
• If the itinerary displayed on the member page is in Japanese, please refer to the English itinerary on this webpage as the official version.

【Travel Conditions】

• Tour Duration: 1 day
• Minimum Participants Required: 25
• Transportation: Round-trip via Limited Express AZUSA (reserved seats in standard class)
• Meals: Breakfast: 0 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 0
• Tour Conductor: Accompanying tour conductor (not a guide)

Additional Notes:

• Itinerary order, sightseeing locations, meals, and return time may change due to weather, traffic, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Estimated stop durations are indicated with ＜＞ or ( ) and may vary.
• Meal modifications are not available.
• Sightseeing guidebooks and explanations are only provided in Japanese.
• If you wish to leave the tour early, please request a departure waiver form from the conductor. (Once you leave the tour, you cannot rejoin the bus, and unused portions of the tour are non-refundable).
• Scenic images are for reference only. Actual views depend on season and weather conditions.
• Drop-off locations may change due to traffic or unforeseen events.
• Seat belts must be worn while the bus is in motion.
• Smoking is prohibited on the bus and in train cabins.

【About JR Limited Express AZUSA】

• If you miss the train due to personal reasons, the ticket will be voided, and no refund will be issued.

• This tour's pricing and conditions are based on December 9, 2024, fare rates, fees, and departure/arrival times.

• The bus service provider will be FUKUTOMI Kanko or another certified operator from the Hokuriku & Koshinetsu region (subject to company standards).

  • View the list of bus companies:
    http://www.hankyu-travel.com/yakkan/buslist.php

• In case of unexpected issues with the designated bus or driver, an alternative bus company may be used. (The company assumes no responsibility for such changes).

【Booking Confirmation】

• This tour requires double confirmation. You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours of booking.
• If the minimum number of participants is not met, a cancellation notice will be sent 4 days before departure via email.
• If you do not receive an email, please check your inbox and spam folder. If still missing, contact our travel consultant via email or call +852 2152-3599 during office hours.

【How to Use】

• You must present a printed or electronic voucher upon participation.
• Meeting Details: Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
• If arriving early, please wait near the designated meeting area.

【Cancellation & Refund Policy】

• No cancellations or modifications are allowed after a successful booking.