Off the Beaten Path: 2025 Shibata City Organic Rice Planting, Nagano, Niigata Plus Tokyo Shopping

Enjoy your choice of Japan Airlines’ “Economy,” “Premium Economy,” or the affordable luxury of ”Business” class service. Premium Economy class customers will begin their journey with a relaxing visit to JAL’s “Sakura Lounge” and the brand new “Sakura Lounge — Hale” for Business class.

Plant your very own organic rice paddy in the heart of Niigata prefecture! Your organic Koshihikari Rice will be delivered to Honolulu in the fall!!

• 11 Nights / 13 Days
• 23 Meals (11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 8 Dinners)
• Escorted from Honolulu
• Includes an English-Speaking Local Guide

TOUR DATE & MANAGER:

May 12 – 24, 2025
Tour Manager: Michael Lindo

VISIT:

Tokyo, Nagano, Yudanaka, Niigata & Shibata City

OVERVIEW:

Introducing Shibata City, Niigata — “The Rice Capital of Japan!”  Celebrating organic Koshihikari Rice, Shibata wagyu beef, organic sake and one of the best natural onsen hot springs in Japan! Join Non-Stop Travel on this one of a kind tour to the “Rice Capital of Japan!”

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Asakusa Sensoji Temple, TeamLab Borderless – Azabudai Hills, Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride, Zenkoji Temple, Shirone Kite Museum, Northern Culture Museum, Suwa Taisha Shrine, Rice Storage Facility & Zoshunkaku

SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES:

Nakamise, Obuse Area, Oyaki Farm, Yoneyama SA, AEON MALL Niigata Kameda Inter, Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery, Minato Marche Pier Bandai, Tonton Ichiba, Aumont Sake Brewery & Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES:

Mini Kite Making, Mochi Pounding, Rice Planting, Onigiri Making and Cooking Local Specialties with Farmers & Strawberry Picking

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO (TOKYO — 2 NIGHTS + 2 NIGHTS = 4 NIGHTS TOTAL): The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is at the perfect location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Just outside the Tochomae Station and only a five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, this luxury hotel provides stunning experiences which will linger with guests for a long time. Stay in a Premier Grand Room (located on the 35th to 41st floors), with stunning views of the city, where you will have access to the Club Lounge on the 45th floor.

ISSA NO KOMICHI BIYU NO YADO (YUDANAKA — 2 NIGHTS): Located within reach of the Japanese Alps, the famed Jigokudani Monkey Park, and the hot springs of Yudanaka Onsen, Biyu no Yado is an authentic Japanese-style ryokan and a great addition to your tailor-made tour of Japan. Two public baths make the most of the area’s fascinating volcanic geography, filled with 100% natural onsen hot spring mineral water.

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL NIIGATA (NIIGATA — 2 NIGHTS): Escape to the vibrant city of Niigata and experience a luxurious stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, indulge in delicious seafood, and explore nearby landmarks like CoCoLo Niigata shopping center, Niigata Nippo Media Ship, and Pia Bandai Market. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the JR Niigata Station.

SHIRATAMA NO YU KAHOU (SHIBATA CITY — 3 NIGHTS): Relax in your Japanese-style room that includes a wide veranda. The hotel’s large public bath is equipped with an indoor bath, large sauna, cold water bath, circular cypress open-air bath, large rock bath, lying bath, and a sitting bath. The outdoor air bath and cooling space are equipped with infinity chairs. After getting out of the bath, you can enjoy the hotel’s special shrimp miso soup and various drinks in the spacious rest area, and at the back of the large bath, there is the dedicated beauty salon and scrubbing space. It’s no wonder the facilities are considered the 2nd best onsen hot springs in ALL of Japan.