DAY 01/09 JUN (SUN): KUL – NARITA

• Assemble at KL International Airport for flight departure to Narita, Japan.
• Flight departs on MH 088 etd 2330hrs.

DAY 02/10 JUN (MON): NARITA - SENDAI                                                         (L/D)

• On arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met and greeted by our Local Representative.
• Then drive to Sendai. Visit Toshogu Shrine (World Heritage), Tonohetsuri, Aizu Tsurugajo Castle.

• Toshogu Shrine - is a magnificent memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 17th century.

The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan, where simplicity has been traditionally stressed in shrine architecture.

• Tonohetsuri - It is a natural cliff locating in southern Fukushima. In 1943, the spot was designated as a national natural monument. “To no Hetsuri” translates to “tower cliffs over a river”. These cliffs formed over a period of around one million years, due to the erosion of the river and the winds of the valley. They measure about 200 meters in width. You can experience the views from the suspension bridge hung across the cliffs. On the other side of the bridge, there is a statue of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva. In the summer, the cliffs are surrounded with silky wisteria. The fall foliage in the autumn is an amazing sight as well.

• Aizu Tsurugajo Castle - The former building of the castle was built nearly 630 years ago by Naomori Ashina; at that time it was named the Higashi Kurokawa Hall. The castle survived a brutal one-month battle during the Boshin Civil War, which is famous throughout Japan. It was demolished in 1874, but rebuilt in 1965, and in 2001, the two terrace houses attached to the tower building were restored using traditional Edo era methods. Inside the tower is a folk museum where you can learn about the history of Aizu. In 2011, restoration of the tower was restored, complete with its red tile roofs tiles in a faithful reproduction of the castle’s design at the end of the Tokugawa period. Tsuruga-jo is the only castle in Japan today which features red tile roofs.

• After dinner, proceed to hotel for check in.
• Overnight in Sendai.

DAY 03/11 JUN (TUE): SENDAI - IWATE                                                     (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Check out and proceed to visit Asaichi Market, Geibekei River Cruise and Takamatsu Pond.

• Asaichi Market - Known as Sendai’s kitchen, the market has shops selling fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, side-dishes and much more. Enjoy walking around the bustling market and finding some great buys at reasonable prices. Miyagi is a seafood paradise thanks to it’s proximity to one of the world’s top three fishing spots, so you'll be able to pick up fresh, seasonal seafood to eat here!

• Geibekei River Cruise - The boatmen and women use a pole to push the boat along, and it is the only place in Japan where boat rides go both up and down the river without using a motor. At the turnaround point of the ride, there is a giant cliff called Daigeibi-gan. It’s said that if you can throw one of the “undama” or lucky stones into the hole in the cliff, your wish will come true. A total of 10 different undama are available, carved with different Chinese characters including destiny, longevity and fortune.

• Takamatsu Pond - Located on the outskirts of Morioka, the pond provides visitors a relaxing retreat complete with wildlife and views of Mt. Iwate. The pond has been voted as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in all of Japan, and provides extensive walkways to ensure everybody can enjoy their beautiful color during full bloom. During the winter, the pond is also home to approximately 60,000 birds including swans, osprey and ducks. During the summer, Ducks dominate the pond as they fight for visitors' attention in the hopes of getting some food scraps. Although the pond is not one of Morioka's most famous attractions, it's still worth a visit for those who may be in the area.

• After dinner, proceed to hotel for check in.
• Overnight in Iwate.

DAY 04/12 JUN (WED): IWATE – AKITA                                             (B/L/D)                              

• Breakfast in the hotel.

• Visit Lake Tazawa, Our Lady of Akita, Catholic Convent Seitai Hoshikai, Oga Shinzan Folkore Village.

• Lake Tazawa – It is one of the most famous landmarks in this prefecture. The lake is Japan’s deepest lake, with a depth of 423 meters. This near-circular body of water is located about 70km from Akita City and in close proximity with the mountains nearing Iwate Prefecture and offers stunning views of nature. The best way to enjoy the lake is riding a 40-minute sightseeing boat. On top of getting panoramic views, we will also get to learn about the history of the Tatsuko Statue and the lake itself through audio commentary during the boat ride. At Lake Tazawa, we can also visit the herb garden and souvenir shop.

• Our Lady of Akita – It was carved in 1963 by Saburo Wakasa, a local sculptor. From 1975 to 1981, it shed tears over a hundred times, with more than two thousand witnesses. One of the nuns, Sr. Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, was cured of her deafness during a mass in 1982. Sr. Sasagawa is still alive but very old and ill now and nobody can see her. She currently lies in Kumamoto in Kyushu which is 1500km away from Akita.

• Catholic Convent Seitai Hoshikai – It is also known as Institute of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist. Members make vows of Obedience, Chastity, Poverty, and follow the example set by the lives of Jesus Christ and Mary, in offering their lives to the service of God and neighbor. Seitai Hoshikai is comprised of sisters who reside at the Motherhouse in Akita, who lead a community life centered on prayer, and sisters who lead an apostolic life of evangelization among lay people in society. There are a number of gardens and spots for prayer and meditation in the grounds, such as Garden of the Lamb. There is a mix of Japanese and European influences in the gardens and chapels. One of the more tranquil spots is the Japanese Garden, with trees donated from various parts of Japan. Many volunteers worked on this garden which is a labour of love.

• Oga Shinzan Folkore Village - Shinzan Shrine has thrived as a sacred place for Sangaku-shinko mountain worshipers since ancient times, providing sanctuary from the rulers of the time. The main shrine sits at the summit of Shinzan (567 meters) and is revered as the guardian deity of the well-being of the nation, continued luck in the fortunes of war, a bountiful harvest, and safety on the seas. You can reach the shrine grounds after climbing about 70 steps from the Niomon gate. The grounds are quiet and solemn, surrounded by cedar trees. The giant kaya tree, said to be over 1000 years old, extends its branches and makes its permanence known.

In addition to your visit to the shrine, be sure to also see the nearby Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, which recreates the Namahage procession, and the Namahage Museum, which has a collection of Namahage masks from different villages.

• After dinner, proceed to the hotel for check in.
• Overnight in Akita.

DAY 05/13 JUN (THU):  AKITA – NIKAHO – SAKATA                                   (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Check out and depart for Nikaho.
• Visit Kisakata Michi-no-eki nemu no Oka, Moto taki Fukuryusui.

• Kisakata Michi-no-eki nemu no Oka - One of the largest product promotion centers in the Tohoku region, the roadside station offers a wide selection of Nikaho specialties, Inaniwa udon and folk crafts. The hot spring bath on the 4th floor provides sweeping views of the Sea of Japan.

• Moto taki Fukuryusui – It features the beautiful contrast between the green moss and white water spray. About five tons of water bursts abundantly from the 30 meter-long rock area each day, keeping the moss vibrant throughout the year with plenty of water. This sightseeing spot makes you feel its refreshing, mysterious beauty when it is enveloped in white fog from the water spray.

• Mt Chokai - The mountain is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. Thanks to its majestic appearance the mountain is known as “Dewa Fuji” (the Mount Fuji of Dewa), and locals love the grace of the snow-capped mountain. The uninterrupted panoramic view from the top of this isolated mountain peak is spectacular. The mountain itself is a designated national park home to rare alpine plants and a popular crater lake.

• Then drive to Sakata and proceed for dinner.
• Check in and overnight in Sakata.

DAY 06/14 JUN (FRI):  SAKATA - YONEZAWA                                              (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Check out and proceed to visit Homma Museum of Art & Miyagizao Kokeshi Museum.

• Homma Museum of Art - This mansion is owned by the once famously wealthy Homma Family has been converted into an art museum. The beautiful garden and pond are a must see.

• Miyagizao Kokeshi Museum – It boasts a collection of kokeshi dolls 5,500 strong—the largest in Japan! Kokeshi are a traditional craft that originated in the hot springs regions of northern Japan. Characteristics such as the shapes and facial features of the dolls are unique to each region. At the Zao Kokeshi Museum, you can wander through displays of kokeshi from all over the Tohoku region. If you time your visit right, you may be lucky enough to witness a kokeshi artisan at work. Visitors can also try their hand at painting their own original kokeshi.

• After dinner, proceed to hotel for check in.

• Overnight in Yonezawa.

DAY 07/15 JUN(SAT): YONEZAWA - IBARAKI                               (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Check out and proceed to visit the Yonezawa Catholic Church.
• City Tour – Uesugi-Jinja Shrine in the ruins of Yonezawa Castle, Uesugi-ke Go-byosho (Uesugi Family Mausoleum) and other historic sights related to the Uesugi family. There are also a row of old houses and samurai residences along one of the city streets. The traditional techniques of Yonezawa textile weaving and sake (rice wine) brewing have continued to be followed on to the present day.

• Hokusanbara Christian Martyrdom Site - During the Edo period, the Tokugawa Shogunate declared Christianity a crime and forbade its practice. This eventually spread to Yonezawa as well. 53 Christians who were practicing their religion in secrecy, including Uesugi clan member Uemon Amakasu, were put to death in 1629. In 1929, 300 years later, the execution ground was developed into a martyrdom site with statues of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist being presented by Germany to honor the martyrs. In 2008, Uemon Amakasu and the other martyrs were beatified by the Vatican.

• After dinner, proceed to hotel for check in.
• Overnight in Ibaraki.

DAY 08/16 JUN (SUN): IBARAKI – ASHIKAGWA – TOKYO                           (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Check out and proceed for sightseeing. Visit Hitachi Seaside Park or Ashikaga Flower Park.

• Hitachi Seaside Park – It is a spacious park near Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture featuring a variety of green spaces and seasonal flowers spread out across 350 hectares, as well as an amusement park and several cycling and walking trails. The park's iconic flower is the blue nemophila, which covers Miharashi Hill in the spring and mimics the color of the sky. The flowers are usually at their peak from late April to mid May. Paths crisscross the hill providing views over the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the park. In fall, the hill is covered by green kokia bushes which slowly turn red as the weather turns cooler. These autumnal colors are usually best from early to mid October.

• Ashikaga Flower Park - The Park features lots of blue, white and pink wisteria, as well as yellow laburnum (kingusari) which look like yellow colored wisteria.

One large wisteria tree is 100 years old and its branches are supported to create a huge umbrella of blue wisteria flowers. There is also a long tunnel of white wisteria flowers, while a tunnel of yellow kingusari needs a few more years to become an actual tunnel. Yae-fuji, a variety with more than the usual number of petals, can also be viewed.

• After lunch, enroute to Sano Outlet Shopping.
• Then drive to Tokyo.
• Check in, dinner & overnight in Tokyo.

DAY 09/17 JUN (MON): TOKYO                                                               (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Proceed to visit Royal Imperial Palace & Tokyo Tower.

• Royal Imperial Palace - From Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

The inner grounds of the palace are generally not open to the public. Only on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday), visitors are able to enter the inner palace grounds and see the members of the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances on a balcony. Adjacent to the inner grounds of the palace are the Imperial Palace East Garden.

• Tokyo Tower - The Tokyo Tower, is a communications and observation tower in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, built in 1958. At 332.9 meters, it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. ou can choose to take the elevator or walk up 600 steps to the main deck, located 150 meters above the ground. If you are lucky, on sunny days you can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji rising in the distance. If you are not afraid of heights, try standing on the glass floor sections and look directly down to the ground—almost 145 meters under your feet. The very top deck— up at 250 meters— was renovated in early 2018, adding topsy-turvy mirrors and LED lighting effects to give the feeling of floating above the city in a high-tech spaceship.

• Dinner & overnight in Tokyo.

DAY 10/18 JUN (TUE): TOKYO                                                          (B/L/D)

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Proceed to visit Tokyo St Ignatius Church and Shinjuku Shopping.

• St Ignatius Church - Before the founding of St. Ignatius, there was a catholic church near its current location in Kōjimachi. This church was called Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus and it was burned down during an air raid in 1945. Temporarily, the Sophia University Jesuit chapel served as the Kōjimachi church. It has an oval-cylindrical appearance. Above the spiral staircase in the church is a 7-sided stained-glass window, painted with religious themes such as the torture of Jesus, and the colorful light and shadow are very beautiful at any time.

• Dinner & overnight in Tokyo.

DAY 11/19 JUN (WED): TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT DEPARTURE   (B/L) 

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Check out and proceed for lunch.
• The drive to Narita Airport for flight back to KUL.
• Flight departs for KUL MH 071 etd 2230hrs.

DAY 12/20 JUN (THU): ARRIVE KL                                                                                                      Arrive Kuala Lumpur at 0455hrs with beautiful memories of your pilgrimage.

                                                  ~~~~~~~ End of Pilgrimage ~~~~~~~