Niigata + Sado Island: Wisteria Wonderland 2024 | 11 Days | Flower Festival

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Niigata + Sado Island: Wisteria Wonderland

11 days 9 nights
from
RESERVE ONLINE RESERVE
2024
Flower Festival
Ashikaga Flower Park, Nikko, Gunma, Niigata, Sado Island

Rustic Japan Drives Your Senses

Like beating Taiko drums of Sado, Niigata drives your senses
Tub boats and tidy towns, riverside onsen painted by nature
Meet a geisha - embodiment of elegance
Stay in a refined 450 year old ryokan
Satisfyingly delicious rice, fruits, sake, & udon fill your soul
We'll bring home wonderful memories from this unforgettable adventure

tour-map

Highlights

  • Flower Festival Highlights | Mid-April to Mid-May
    • 4/23 & 5/14 Arrival: Enter the paradise of flowers at Ashikaga Flower Park. The impressive cascading colorful waterfalls of wisteria flowers in Ashikaga Flower Park are unforgettable!
  • Nikko | Be immersed in this peaceful and historical town, home to one of Japan's most famous shrines
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine: Final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu and well-known for its intricate wood carvings
    • Chuzen-ji Temple: Intimate and serene, the views of nearby Lake Chuzenji are also breathtaking
  • Gunma  | Stay in world-famous hot spring resorts and enjoy mountain scenery
    • Mt. Haruna: Ride the cable car for an expansive bird's-eye view of the Kanto Plain and Lake Haruna scenery
    • Suwakyo Gorge Trail: Hike the trails and admire brilliant seasonal colors along mountain streams
    • Takaragawa Onsen: Named one of Japan's best hot springs by Lonely Planet (and locals too!), the flowing riverside hot spring will soothe your mind
    • Joetsu Train: Cross the long tunnel into "snow country," setting of the namesake novel by Nobel Laureate Kawabata Yasunari
  • Niigata | Experience Japan's traditional customs, culture and food
    • Stay in Shima Tamura, one of Japans' oldest Ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) and most renowned hot springs
    • Northern Culture Museum: Meet elegant geishas and join in on fun games with a private performance. Tour the Northern Culture Museum and experience traditional mochi pounding.
  • Sado Island | Explore culture unique to Sado, even by Japan's standards, thanks to its remote location
    • Two nights on Sado Island give us ample time to explore
    • Learn Taiko drumming, enjoy immense natural beauty, rich folk culture, and sample delicious food from the Sea of ​​Japan

Itinerary

Open All Days
USA/Canada aircraft-icon
Japan
Narita Airport (NRT)
Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!
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Japanese Cuisine
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Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport
Hotel Nikko Narita
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110 mi
, 2.5 hrs

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25 mi
, 1 hr

Lake Chuzenji Onsen
See Wisteria up close at Ashikaga Flower Park
See Wisteria up close at Ashikaga Flower Park
White Wisteria in Ashikaga Flower Park
White Wisteria in Ashikaga Flower Park
Ashikaga
  • Ashikaga Flower Park: Chosen by CNN as one of 10 "Dream Destinations." Walk through wisteria tunnels and enjoy this fantastic flower wonderland.
    • 4/19 Arrival: Light Red Wisteria, Purple Wisteria, Tulip, and Japanese Thunberg Spirea
    • 5/10 Arrival: White Wisteria, Yellow Wisteria, and Clematis

*Flowering depends on weather.

Nikko
  • Chuzen-ji Temple:
    This quiet and unique location overlooking Lake Chuzenji has a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
  • Kegon Falls:
    One of Japan's three famous waterfalls. This 300ft high waterfall is prized for its perfect shape, representing the prime beauty of nature.
  • Lake Chuzenji Onsen: 
    Known as "the spring of good skin," the hot spring water appears emerald green, but turns milky white when in contact with air. The emulsified mineral water is good for cleaning and exfoliation.
 
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Hotel Buffet
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Mini Kaiseki Tofu Set
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Okunikko Hotel Shikisai (Lake Chuzenji Hot Spring)
Nikko
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Ryuzu Falls (Autumn only)
Ryuzu Falls (Autumn only)
  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine:
    A World Heritage Site. Enshrines the most famous samurai leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first general of the Edo period. All buildings were carved and luxuriously lacquered by skilled craftsmen from all over Japan.
  • Nikko Carving:
    Using a unique v-shaped gouge called a “hikkaki”, create your own unique woodworked piece of art.
  • Senjogahara Plateau:
    This rare and relatively untouched westlands is one of the best nature hikes in Nikko. Each season offers dramatically unique views.
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Japanese Breakfast
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Japanese Western Cuisine
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Okunikko Hotel Shikisai (Lake Chuzenji Hot Spring)
Nikko 2
105 mi
, 2 hrs

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21 mi
, 1 hr

Shima Onsen
Tomioka Silk Mill
Tomioka Silk Mill
Get Inspired at Shima Onsen Street Sekizenkan
Get Inspired at Shima Onsen Street Sekizenkan
Gunma
  • Tomioka Silk Mill:
    Registered as a World Heritage Site in 2014, this national treasure signifies the start of Japan’s Industrial Revolution.
  • Tomioka's Country Town:
    In this simple town, a reproduction of a Meiji café of the early twentieth century plays music of the 1930s and offers a taste of the local miso pudding - a true delicacy!
  • Mt. Haruna Cable Car:
    Fans of the racing anime, Initial D, will know Mt. Haruna Cable Car as Mt. Akina, the most famous "togue" (mountain pass). Take a cable car to the highest point for a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain featuring famous Lake Haruna, and overlook peaceful mountain roads.
  • Shima Onsen:
    A quiet hot spring well-known for its healing properties, rumored to be able to heal forty thousand ailments! Famous as the inspiration for the animated film, Spirited Away, savor the old-world atmosphere of this town.
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Japanese Breakfast
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Mizusawa Udon (top 3 in Japan)
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Shima Tamura (Shima Hot Spring)
Gunma
Minakami Fruit Land Mogitore
Minakami Fruit Land Mogitore
Suwakyo Gorge Trail
Suwakyo Gorge Trail
  • Suwakyo Gorge:
    Follow the promenade for breathtaking views of the Tone River and nearby mountain canyons.
  • Minakami Fruit Land Mogitore:
    Tour a local farm for seasonal fruit picking. Taste unbelievably fresh fruits unlike anywhere else - delicious and fun!
    • Mid Jan~mid May: Strawberries, mid Jun~early-Jul: Cherries, Jul: Blueberries, early~mid Aug: Peaches, late Aug~Sep: Grapes, late-Sep~Nov: Apple
    • If the fruit yield is not enough to provide the experience of friut picking, it will be replaced by other attraction.
  • Takaragawa Onsen:
    Noted as one of Japan's top 10 hot springs by Lonely Planet and the world's largest open-air hot spring. The alkaline content is said to help fatigue and digestive troubles.
    • Beware: the springs here are very traditional as they are mixed genders. Visitors who prefer not to bathe may relax and enjoy the magnificent and serene atmosphere of the nearby Tone River rustling through the hot springs.
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Japanese Buffet
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Roasted Curry Rice Set
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Shima Tamura (Shima Hot Spring)
Shima Onsen 2
31 mi
, 1 hr

Minakami 4
20 mi
, 50 mins

Niigata 2
80 mi
, 1.5 hrs

Iwamuro Onsen
Best Rice In The World – Koshihikari
Best Rice In The World – Koshihikari
Sake tasting at Asahi-shuzo
Sake tasting at Asahi-shuzo
Minakami
  • "The train came out of the long tunnel into the snow country." Board the Joetsu train line to the location that inspired Kawabata Yasunari's Nobel-winning novel, Snow Country.
Niigata
  • Echigoyuzawa Station:
    Explore fun local markets and find all of Niigata's most famous agricultural products in one place, including world famous Koshihikari Rice from Minami Uonuma.
  • Asahi-shuzo:
    Niigata's rice is considered the best in Japan, and with great ingredients comes great sake unique to the region! Try the especially popular Kubota series.
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Japanese Buffet
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Refund (Koshihikari Rice & Sushi from Sea of Japan Recommended)
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Niigata Kaiseki Hotel Buffet
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Hotel Hoho (Iwamuro Hot Spring)
Hotel Nikko Niigata (Deluxe Sea View)
Iwamuro Onsen 2
24 mi
, 1 hr

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40 mi
, 2.5 hrs

Sado Island
Yahiko Shrine
Yahiko Shrine
Sunset at Nanaura Seaside
Sunset at Nanaura Seaside
Niigata
  • Yahiko Shrine: 
    Surrounded by Mt. Yahiko, the huge torii gate here is a symbol of Yahiko Shrine, the most renowned shrine in Niigata Prefecture. Established 1300 years ago, it honors love and good fortune. National treasures, including paintings and other valuable cultural assets, are displayed in the treasure hall.
  • Yahikoyama Ropeway:
    Standing on the top of Mt. Yahiko, enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, Sado Island and the Echigo Plain.

Sado Island

  • Toki Forest Park: 
    Visit the conservatory to see one of the world's most endangered species up close, the Japanese Crested Ibis.
  • Nanaura Seaside:
    Encounter beautiful and strange rock formations along the Nanaura coast paired with fading sunset light - an unforgettable view of the Sea of Japan (we will adjust our schedule based on the season and sunset time).
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Ryokan Breakfast Hotel Breakfast
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Onboard Cruise Meal
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Sado Island Seafood Banquet
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Yahatakan (Yahata Hot Spring)
Sado Island
Experience the Tub Boats of Sado Island
Experience the Tub Boats of Sado Island
Sado Island Taiko Center
Sado Island Taiko Center
  • Yajima:
    Picturesque like a postcard, the sight of "Tarai Bune" tub boats bobbing in clear waters are a unique sight.
  • Sado Island Taiko Centre:
    Learn the art of Taiko from local Taiko Masters. It's a fun, invigorating activity which taps into the full energy of your body. Here, have a chance to beat 600-year-old taiko drums and hear echoes from ancient times.
  • Shukunegi:
    Unique even by Sado Island standards, Shukunegi was a village of shipbuilders who turned their skills to architecture as the local shipyard demand shrank. Through the course of years, they've managed to create a truly distinct building style in this isolated town.
  • Senkakuwan Ageshima Park:
    Take a close look at the marine ecology of Senkaku Bay.
  • Sado-kinzan Gold Mine:
    The largest gold mine in Japan 400 years ago, today it's a preserved national heritage site. Tour the mine tunnels for an up-close understanding of what life was like during the gold mining era.
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Ryokan Buffet
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Handpicked Local Specialties
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Sado Island Seafood Banquet
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Yahatakan (Yahata Hot Spring)
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40 mi
, 1.5 hrs

Niigata 2
20 mi
, 1 hr

Tsukioka Onsen
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Private Geisha Performance
Private Geisha Performance
Niigata
  • Northern Culture Museum: 
    • Relax your mind in the Japanese gardens and quiet atmosphere of the museum.
    • Specially-arranged private geisha performance: enjoy elegant dancing and play games with authentic Niigata Furumachi Geigi  - Geisha of Niigata.
    • Try "3 person mochi pounding" for a fun and delicious experience.
    • Wisteria blooms of the Northern Culture Museum usually take place late April to early May.
  • Tsukioka Onsen:
    Within all prefectures of Japan, Niigata won the bronze medal in the competition of a number of hot springs. One of the most popular hot springs is Tsukioka Onsen, found by an oil company in 1917. Water rich in minerals won it the name of “Hot Spring of the Beauty,” which has properties that smooth and tighten your skin!
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Ryokan Buffet
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Niigata-Style Seaweed Soba Set
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Kaiseki Banquet
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SHIRATAMA NO YU: KAHOU (Tsukioka Hot Spring)
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16 mi
, 1 hr

Niigata 4
206 mi
, 2 hrs
20 mins

Tokyo 2
43 mi
, 50 mins

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Your Next Destination
  • Board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) bound for Tokyo Station
  • After arriving at Tokyo Station, a Supera representative will send all guests to airport together.
A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!
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Hotel Buffet
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Refund - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions

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  • Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.
  • Balance:Due days before tour departure.
  • Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book flights scheduled to arrive/depart within the times listed below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Please review the Terms & Conditions before you book.
  • Is This Trip Right for Me?
    • Please see the Itinerary for activity levels and details.
    • Accessibility: Due to the nature of the itinerary, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
    • Age + Health: Our tour welcomes guests aged 2 and above. No upper age limit applies, but please consider your physical capacity. If you have limited mobility, you will need to travel with a companion
    • Dietary Restrictions: Following our tradition of encouraging our guests to “savor the world,” we arrange delicious local menus, but many restaurants cannot meet custom preferences. If you have a serious meal restriction (i.e., fatal allergy, vegetarian, etc.), please let us know before booking and we can check if it can be accommodated.
    • In case you cannot continue the tour for safety reasons or disrupt the group's experience during the trip, you may be asked to leave at your own expense. We will assist in arranging a cancellation. If you have any questions or special needs, kindly notify us beforehand and we'll gladly assist in determining if the trip suits you. In some cases, private group charter options may also be available.
    • Transportation:
      On our private bus, a limited number of seats near the front will be reserved for guests who are prone to motion sickness. Other seats will be rotated periodically.
  • Accommodations:
    • Most reserved rooms are TWIN (2 bed) rooms. Please let us know if you require a DOUBLE (1 large bed) for the entirety of the tour - we will try our best to accommodate. For most hot spring hotels, we will use tatami rooms featuring futon mat bedding.
    • If you have special requirements, please inform us at time of booking so we may make arrangements as soon as possible.
    • For guest privacy and security considerations, we do not have single sharing arrangements.
  • Visas:
    • A Visa is temporarily being required for US or Canada passport holders to Japan. 
    • Please be aware once a visa is processed by Supera, we will not be able to provide a refund under any circumstances.
  • Passports:
    • Please provide a copy of your passport at sign up; we recommend having a copy of your passport with you in case of emergencies.
    • Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and two blank “Visa” pages.
  • Flights and Luggage:
    • Some airlines charge a fee for pre-assigned seats. If so, we will let you know the details at time of booking.
    • If you are booking your own tickets, we recommend reserving at least 3 hours connecting time between international airports.
    • Luggage allowances will vary based on the rules for each airline. Excess baggage fees are the responsibility of the traveler.

Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!
A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.


Chiba :

Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport

Just 2.5 miles from Narita International Airport, the Hilton is the best in the area. Its proximity to Japan's largest international airport makes it the ideal resting point after a long flight. Available amenities include swimming pool, fitness center, and tennis court (fee required).

Deluxe Room    
35 m² (377 ft²)
120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Deluxe Room + Rollaway Bed (90 x 180 cm)

Chiba :

Hotel Nikko Narita

Its convenient location makes the Nikko Narita one of the top two hotels in the area. Its proximity to the airport means travelers with late arrivals can rest well and avoid a long commute into the city.

Executive Room in Annex Building    
33 m² (355 ft²)
120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
160 x 200 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Executive Room + Single Bed (120 x 200 cm)

Tochigi :

Okunikko Hotel Shikisai

Sourced from nearby Oku Nikko mountains, the hot springs here replenish over 58,000 gallons of fresh onsen water daily. The unique hot springs here are characterized by white mineral deposits which bloom in the water like flowers called "Yubana." The Yubana effect creates a distinct milky appearance in the onsen baths.

The atmosphere of this ryokan is warm and friendly. You may curl up with a book and cup of coffee in the spacious lobby, enjoy birdwatching through telescopes, or watch the faint lights dancing off the surface of Lake Chuzenji.

Japanese Room    
8 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Gunma :

Shima Tamura

One of the oldest businesses in Japan, Shima Tamura was founded 450 years ago and is considered one of the best hot springs in the country. The name, Shima, originates from the word representing 40,000 - signifies the nickname for the natural hot springs which were said to be able to cure 40,000 ailments. Our two night stay here lets you try each of its seven unique baths.

Japanese Room    
15 ~ 16 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Niigata :

Hotel Hoho

The ancient hot springs of Ohashi began flowing in 1713, making it one of the oldest local onsen. Supera Tours provides special arrangements for our guests to enjoy the unique stone spa in the hotel. Created exclusively with natural water and ore, the sauna will rejuvenate your body with a unique sauna experience.

Japanese Room in Yubae Building    
16 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Niigata :

Hotel Nikko Niigata

Hotel Nikko Niigata situated at the Niigata Convention Center is one of the top hotels in Niigata city as a landmark. It's possible to overlook the unique view of the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan, which flows into the sea.

 

 

Deluxe Twin (22F ~27F)    
32 m² (344 ft²)
120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Deluxe Room + Rollaway Bed (120 x 200 cm)

Sado Island :

Yahatakan

Cradled in a vast pine forest, this ryokan features a combination of modern facilities and Japanese tradition. It is a favorite for celebrities and members of the royal family visiting Sado Island. Enjoy beautiful local gardens and luxurious hot springs including a magnificent open-air bath with views of the pine garden.

Mountain View Japanese Room    
16 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Mountain View Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Niigata :

SHIRATAMA NO YU: KAHOU

Drawn from 3000ft underground, the mineral content of the onsen here is rich in hydrogen sulfide, known as the "beauty mineral." This hotel is one of the top ten hot spring hotels in Japan, combining natural hot springs, delicate and intimate service, and exquisite meals.

Japanese Room    
58 m² (624 ft²)
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room
Andrew S.
(04/11/2023) Andrew S.

Our guide Hui is a gem. Her presence added so much to my enjoyment of the trip. For lack of a better expression, she is a most beautiful person - not just her appearance and demeanor, but her constant attention to the needs of travelers. She was rarely able to eat the food presented because there were matters or details or persons to attend to. All this was done with constant positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. I hope we meet again on another tour.

Carol S.
(04/01/2020) Carol S.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was well run, the places we stayed at were very nice and the food was excellent. Above all, Hui, our tour guide was absolutely fantastic!! Thank you for such a wonderful trip!

Evelyn S.
(11/11/2019) Evelyn S.

Super Value (now Supera) did it again! We had a wonderful trip except my husband got a bad case of gout at the beginning. However, the hotels, airlines, and especially our escort, Hui, all took specially good care of him. She arranged & escorted him to the doctor for which we are grateful. She even went back to NRT airport from the hotel to buy him a cane; took her at least 2 hours. Can't say enough good things about her and her cheery disposition.

 
Minako B.
(10/30/2019) Minako B.

Thank you for everything. Super Value [now Supera Tours] is the only company we will travel with to Asia.

May T
(04/18/2023) May T

This is my 3rd time with Supera and as before, very pleased with the tour. The tour programs, scenic spots and activities are well designed and operated. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.