Kobayashi Travel Service

03/18/2024

More New Tours for the end of 2024.

2024 Journey Through Izu & Kii Peninsula October 8 - 20, 2024
2024 Autumn Hokkaido & Tohoku October 19 - 30, 2024
2024 Autumn Tokaido Odyssey October 24 - November 5, 2024

CHECK THEM OUT HERE:

With a convenient location in Honolulu, Kobayashi Travel Service is a full service travel agency providing quality escorted tours to Japan, Korea, US Mainland and all parts of Asia. Contact Us Today!

02/14/2024

It's Cherry Blossom Time!!!

01/05/2024

Seasons greetings from Kobayashi Travel Service, Ltd.

May your holidays be filled with happiness and cherished moments! As we at Kobayashi Travel Service look back over the years, we remember with sincere gratitude our friendly and faithful customers – like you! We hope to continue travelling with you.

Our Spring tours are still available and our Autumn tours are coming up shortly. Please feel free to call our office at 808-593-9387 to inquire for our upcoming tours.

With warmest thoughts and Best Wishes for a wonderful Holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

12/15/2023

MAHALO!

11/30/2023

Aloha, sake enthusiasts of Hawaii! Elevate your love for fine sake with a journey to Otokoyama Sake Brewery & Museum—an unforgettable cultural experience awaits you.

Immerse yourself in the timeless art of sake-making as we invite you on an exclusive tour through our historic brewery. Discover the secrets behind our renowned craftsmanship, steeped in centuries of tradition and precision.

Indulge in the allure of Japan's finest sake varieties, meticulously crafted by our revered master brewers. From crisp and refreshing to bold and aromatic, savor the diverse flavors that define Otokoyama's exceptional range.

Our museum beckons, offering a glimpse into the fascinating history and cultural significance of sake. Explore the heritage that shapes every bottle, understanding the essence of this revered Japanese drink.

Join us at Otokoyama Sake Brewery & Museum for an enriching voyage into the world of sake. Elevate your palate and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese tradition—right here, in the heart of sake excellence.

See you next spring: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2024-springtime-in-hokkaido

11/26/2023

Is this Japan?! YOU BET!!!!

One of the many memorable stops on the TOHOKU OHANAMI Tour is the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site. We love visiting here because of the:

Ancient History: It offers a glimpse into prehistoric Japan, showcasing well-preserved remains of a Jomon Period settlement, including pit dwellings, artifacts, and ancient structures.

Educational Value: Visitors can learn about the lifestyle, culture, and habits of Japan's ancient inhabitants through informative exhibits and guided tours.

Reconstructed Dwellings: Some dwellings have been reconstructed based on the archaeological findings, providing a more vivid understanding of how people lived during that era.

Scenic Setting: The site is set amidst natural surroundings, offering a serene environment that complements the historical significance of the place.

Cultural Insight: Gain insights into the origins of Japanese culture and society, seeing firsthand the foundations of ancient Japanese communities.

Visiting the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site is a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover Japan's ancient past in an engaging and informative manner.

Learn more about this tour: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2024-tohoku-ohanami-2nd

We'd love for you to join us!

11/23/2023

One of my favorite stops for the Spring Nihon Kai tour is the Takayama Festival Museum! Here are my highlights:

Year-Round Festivities: Experience the essence of Takayama's famous festivals, like the Spring and Autumn festivals, regardless of the time of year. The museum showcases the elaborate floats and cultural performances associated with these celebrations.

Detailed Displays: Explore intricate replicas and displays of the festival floats, costumes, and historical artifacts. The exhibits offer an up-close look at the craftsmanship and artistry behind these traditional festivals.

Interactive Experience: Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and sometimes even try on festival costumes. It's an immersive way to learn about the history and significance of the Takayama festivals.

Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, traditions, and the importance of these festivals within Takayama's community.

All-Weather Attraction: Whether it's raining or shining, the museum offers an indoor activity, making it a reliable destination regardless of weather conditions.

Visiting the Takayama Festival Museum provides a rich and immersive experience into the vibrant festivals that define the cultural identity of Takayama.

Spots still open at: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2024-spring-nihon-kai

11/18/2023

I am very excited to revisit this spot in 2024!

Okinawa World is a popular tourist destination located in Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan. It's a cultural theme park that offers visitors a glimpse into Okinawa's rich cultural heritage, particularly focusing on the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

The park features various attractions:

Gyokusendo Cave: This is one of the main attractions—a sprawling limestone cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore a portion of the cave's several kilometers of underground passages.

Kingdom Village: A recreated village showcasing traditional Ryukyuan architecture, with workshops demonstrating crafts like pottery, weaving, and glassblowing. There are also performances of traditional dance and music.

Habu Park: This area is dedicated to the habu snake, a venomous species native to Okinawa. Visitors can learn about these snakes, their habitats, and their role in Okinawan culture.

Ryukyu Traditional Performing Arts: Visitors can enjoy performances of Eisa, a traditional Okinawan dance with energetic drumming and vibrant costumes.

Okinawa World Museum: A museum that provides historical and cultural insights into the Ryukyu Kingdom era, displaying artifacts and information about the region's history.

Overall, Okinawa World offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical insights, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring Okinawa's unique heritage.

Learn more about our Okinawa Tour here: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2024-spring-okinawa

11/16/2023

The Takayama Festival Museum offers a year-round glimpse into Takayama's iconic festivals. See detailed exhibits of floats, costumes, and enjoy an interactive experience to learn about local culture and traditions. See you in 2024!

https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2024-spring-nihon-kai

11/16/2023

Photo from one of our meals on our last Tour! Why is food always amazing in Japan!

11/01/2023

BACK AGAIN: Springtime in Korea

Dates: April 4 - 14, 2024

It’s time to experience the beauty of South Korea during the cool spring month this April. Our tour includes many of the sights often viewed on television programs including the Blue House as well as the National Folk Museum in Seoul.

This tour will also include flying to the famous honeymoon destination called Jeju Island to experience several of its unique cultural sights. You will also enjoy a visit to Asia’s largest aquarium, the Hanhwa Aqua Planet Jeju. Two nights at a new resort hotel: Jeju Shinhwa World Resort Landing

We also include a stop at the famous seafood mecca known as the Jagalchi Market in Busan, where you can experience the many fresh delicacies as well as finding many dried and tasty seafood products to bring home.

https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2024-springtime-in-korea

You can’t leave Korea without experiencing the shopping in the South Gate Market (Namdaemun), as well as time for some art and crafts souvenir shopping in Insadong. You may enjoy an evening of shopping and browsing through the fashion street of Myeongdong

You will also enjoy a visit to the KBS Drama Center in Suwon, to imagine how Korean movies and television dramas are produced. This is a comprehensive tour that includes the most talked about locations in Korea as well as enjoying our international flights with Korean Airlines

Hope you will join us on this exciting adventure.

09/29/2023

Experience the wonders of Okinawa's marine realm at the magnificent Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Step into a world of intrigue and fascination as you embark on a journey through our captivating exhibits.

Begin your adventure with the Coral Sea tank, bathed in natural light, showcasing a vibrant selection of coral reefs. Next, venture into the awe-inspiring Kuroshio Sea tank, a dynamic haven where you can marvel at the world's largest fish, alongside mesmerizing whale sharks and graceful manta rays. We're proud to announce that we've achieved a world-first accomplishment by successfully breeding these majestic creatures.

As you delve deeper into the aquarium, prepare to be mesmerized by the Deep Sea tank, an intricate recreation of Okinawa's enigmatic deep-sea ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the entirety of Okinawa's underwater world, right here within our walls.

VIEW TOUR HERE: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-test

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium invites travelers from Hawaii to embark on an exploration filled with discoveries and unique encounters at every turn. We eagerly await your visit and the opportunity to share the marvels of the ocean with you. Join us soon!

08/29/2023

Sōunkyō (層雲峡, Sōunkyō) is a range of gorges located in Kamikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan. Situated in the Daisetsuzan National Park, the area is known for its hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts as well as waterfalls and magnificent cliffs scenery. The term "Sōunkyō" means respectively the layer (層), cloud (雲) and gorge (峡) in Japanese, and the origin of the name is a word "Souunbetsu" in Ainu language, which means "the river with many waterfalls".

LEARN MORE: https://ktshawaii.com/our.../2023-autumn-hokkaido-in-depth

08/18/2023

Autumn Hokkaido in Depth

Our travels in Autumn also includes a trip to visit the four corners of the northernmost island of Hokkaido. The 2023 Autumn Hokkaido in Depth tour is named appropriately to include visits to the northern tips of Hokkaido. You may enjoy many of the sites that will highlight the autumn colors of Hokkaido on this country tour.

Besides the usual stop in Sapporo city, we will travel to see the Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei. Originally constructed to divert or decrease the flow of water in order to protect nearby Mount Tokachi, the unusual natural phenomena occurs to create its amazing blue color.The color will actually vary from greenish blue to bright blue, depending on the season all due to the different minerals in the water.

The autumn mountain colors of Sounkyo gorge is also a wonderful sight, depending on the season. This forest covering Mt Daisetsuzan also have several waterfall to behold and enjoy.

The northeast corner will also include the Shiretoko National Park for a sightseeing cruise to see the rugged coastline to reveal the five lakes located between the sea and the mountains.

Last but not least, enjoy the healing and relaxing effects of the hot spring onsen baths of our resort ryokans as well as the wonderful kaiseki dinners of the chefs of Hokkaido.

LEARN MORE: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-hokkaido-in-depth

07/25/2023

Shirogane Blue Pond, also known as Aoike, stands as one of Hokkaido's most renowned and captivating tourist spots. Its deep, mesmerizing hues give the impression of a beautifully dyed masterpiece, accentuated by the presence of withered Japanese larch trees. The surreal spectacle it presents leaves visitors in awe.

Interestingly, the origins of Shirogane Blue Pond are tied to human intervention. It came into existence due to the construction of a dam on the Biei River, undertaken as a measure to control a mudflow that emerged from the active volcano, Mount Tokachi, during its eruption in 1988. The accidental byproduct of this engineering feat resulted in the formation of this exquisite tourist attraction that continues to captivate visitors to this day.

To Learn more about our new tour that stop by Shirogane Blue Pond, visit: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-hokkaido-in-depth

07/12/2023

The Usuzan Ropeway in Sōbetsu, Hokkaidō, is a Japanese aerial lift operated by Wakasa Resort. It opened in 1965 and takes passengers up Mount Usu, an active volcano in Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. The observatory offers stunning views of Lake Tōya, Shōwa Shinzan, and the central crater of Mount Usu. Weather permitting, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Usu-zan Ropeway to the observation deck for a close-up view of the volcano's summit, along with panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighboring Mt. Showa Shinzan.

October 16 - 27, 2023 AUTUMN HOKKAIDO & TOHOKU FALL TOUR: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-hokkaido-tohoku

06/16/2023

NEW TOUR: Autumn Hokkaido in Depth

Our travels in Autumn also includes a trip to visit the four corners of the northernmost island of Hokkaido. The 2023 Autumn Hokkaido in Depth tour is named appropriately to include visits to the northern tips of Hokkaido. You may enjoy many of the sites that will highlight the autumn colors of Hokkaido on this country tour.

Besides the usual stop in Sapporo city, we will travel to see the Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei. Originally constructed to divert or decrease the flow of water in order to protect nearby Mount Tokachi, the unusual natural phenomena occurs to create its amazing blue color.The color will actually vary from greenish blue to bright blue, depending on the season all due to the different minerals in the water.

The autumn mountain colors of Sounkyo gorge is also a wonderful sight, depending on the season. This forest covering Mt Daisetsuzan also have several waterfall to behold and enjoy.

The northeast corner will also include the Shiretoko National Park for a sightseeing cruise to see the rugged coastline to reveal the five lakes located between the sea and the mountains.

Last but not least, enjoy the healing and relaxing effects of the hot spring onsen baths of our resort ryokans as well as the wonderful kaiseki dinners of the chefs of Hokkaido.

Join us if you dare

October 13 – 24, 2023

Learn More:https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-hokkaido-in-depth

06/06/2023

The Tottori Sand Dunes, located outside the city center, are Tottori's top tourist spot. Stretching for about 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan, these dunes are up to 2 kilometers wide and 50 meters high. They are part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park.

Formed over thousands of years, the dunes were created by the Sendaigawa River carrying sand to the sea, which was then deposited along the coast by ocean currents. The tides and coastal winds continuously shape the dunes, creating a dynamic landscape.

The main sightseeing area is a half-kilometer stretch of sand between the visitor center and the sea. It offers stunning views of the coast from the top of the largest dunes. Exploring the vast expanses of sand in all directions is also possible.

Besides the dunes, there are other attractions to enjoy. Visitors can take camel or horse-drawn cart rides, try paragliding or sandboarding provided by local companies, or admire the dunes from the observation deck of the Sakyu Center, which is accessible by a chair lift.

We will be visiting the Tottori Sand Dunes in our 2023 AUTUMN NIHON KAI TOUR. To learn more, click here: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-nihon-kai?fbclid=IwAR0bZTcrQ4AG-fJh0gV-rmO81MrpBjBaBl10aSLnssRjPPAknHlqsCxNRxU

05/22/2023

Indulge in a culinary adventure like no other during our 2023 Autumn Nihon Kai Tour featuring Sado Island! One of the highlights of this remarkable journey is the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Wajima morning market. Here, you'll have an exclusive opportunity to savor the delectable flavors of steamed abalone, a local delicacy renowned for its exquisite taste and tender texture.

As you navigate through the bustling market, you'll be captivated by the sight of numerous stalls showcasing an array of fresh seafood, colorful produce, and unique handicrafts. Take a moment to engage with local vendors, who will gladly share their expertise and stories about the region's culinary traditions. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking to expand your palate, this gastronomic experience at the Wajima morning market is not to be missed. Join us on this remarkable journey and savor the essence of Nihon Kai's culinary treasures!

LEARN MORE: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-nihon-kai

05/10/2023

Take a 14-day tour of Japan with the 2023 Autumn Nihon Kai. This trip includes a visit to Sado Island and Kurobe Dam. The tour will start in Honolulu and travel to Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. The itinerary includes stops at Furusato Mura, Northern Culture Museum, Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, Toki Forest Park, and Sado Rekishi Densetsukan. Other attractions include the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Kenroku-en Garden, and the Tottori Sand Dunes. There is also a visit to Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, and the Hawaii Museum of Japanese Emigration.

To learn more, view this link: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-nihon-kai

04/25/2023

The Matsue Vogel Park, also known as Shimane Vogel Park, is an aviary park located in Shimane Prefecture on the Sea of Japan. Situated amidst beautiful green hills on the north shore of Lake Shinji, the park features four aviaries housing a variety of tropical birds such as toucans, turacos, hornbills, and ibises, along with other rare and exotic birds from around the world. The aquatic birds aviary is home to several species of waterfowl, and the park also houses emus and penguins. Visitors can enjoy an owl flight show exhibited four times daily, while strolling along the park's paved walkways. Say Hi to Peter!

04/17/2023

Looking for a picturesque island getaway? Look no further than Rebun Island! Located just 50 kilometers off the northern coast of Hokkaido, this hidden gem is a nature-lover's paradise.

Famous for its stunning alpine flora, Rebun Island boasts an array of flowers that can't be found anywhere else in the world. From June to August, the island is ablaze with colorful blooms, making it the perfect time to plan your visit.

But Rebun Island isn't just a pretty face. Its rugged natural beauty is best explored by foot, with a network of walking and hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. And with nearby Rishiri Island just a short distance away, the possibilities for adventure are endless.

Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Rebun Island - VIEW TOUR ITINERARY HERE: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-summer-hokkaido

04/14/2023

Limited seats are still available for our summer and autumn tours!

Visit available tours here: https://ktshawaii.com/escorted-tours/japan-escorted-tours

03/10/2023

Introducing one of our more popular itineraries, the AUTUMN TOKAIDO ODYSSEY TOUR (October 19 - 31, 2023)

In Japan’s history, the Tokaido Road was one of the most important routes in the Edo period, where most of the travel from the capital city of Kyoto to Edo (which is now modern day Tokyo) took place. The Tokaido literally translated means “eastern sea route” as it follows the Pacific Ocean.

Our Tokaido Odyssey tour lets you enjoy two nights in the energetic metropolis called Tokyo, enjoying the shopping and dining in this trend setting city. You will continue east for a glimpse of the majestic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji, before continuing on to the city of Nagoya with its magnificent castle. Experience another wonder of the modern era with a ride on the ever-evolving streamlined bullet train, called the shinkansen.

Enjoy two nights in the traditional city of Kyoto, known for its atmosphere of serene temples and a multitude of handicrafts and food. You will also travel for two nights on the island of Shikoku, the fourth largest island of Japan to view a beautiful garden and enjoy the smaller cities of Tokushima and Imabari. Continue on to see the modern city of Hiroshima, which was reborn after the effects of world war two into a peaceful cultured city. Enjoy two nights in Hiroshima before heading to the shopping mecca know as Osaka.

These are the most talked about cities when people mention Japan and we have combined all of them into a whirlwind tour highlighting most of the major sights. It will be an exciting tour showcasing the modern and trendy as well as the traditional and cultured side of Japan. An excellent tour for the first time visit to Japan.

Please call us for details: (808) 593-9387

For more info on this tour, link here:
https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-autumn-tokaido-odyssey

Stay safe.

KOBAYASHI TRAVEL SERVICE / ALOHA WORLD TOURS

03/03/2023

Three new tours have been added to our lineup starting with Summer Hokkaido departing in July. Early booking discounts are available for tours departing in October.

https://ktshawaii.com/escorted-tours/japan-escorted-tours

With a convenient location in Honolulu, Kobayashi Travel Service is a full service travel agency providing quality escorted tours to Japan, Korea, US Mainland and all parts of Asia. Contact Us Today!

02/15/2023

If you love flowers, Visit Hokkaido in May.
“Hokkaido no Haru”
May 11 – 20, 2023
Learn more about this tour here: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-hokkaido-no-haru

01/27/2023

2023 Distilled Flavors in Japan (May 16 – 26th, 2023)

We thought about all of the liquor “enthusiasts” and created a tour to visit popular whiskey distilleries in Japan.

Everyone is familiar with the recent rise in the popularity of Japanese sake throughout the world, but Japan has produced several renowned whiskeys in recent years.

We have included a visit to a sake factory AND we plan to tour Suntory’s Hakushu and their Yamazaki malt whiskey facilities.

The tour also makes a stop at a beer brewery as well as a winery to provide a variety of “ distilled flavors”……

The other wonderful part of this tour is you will have 3 nights in Tokyo at Sunshine City Prince, 2 nights in Kyoto at the Miyako Hotel Hachijo, and 2 nights at the Hotel Granvia Osaka.

These are 3 locations with abundant shopping and eateries available. Of course, you will have the opportunity to enjoy 2 onsen hotels as part of the tour. Great tour for adventure, shopping, and of course, drinking…..

Sorry, but seats are limited!

Please call us for details: (808) 593-9387

Stay safe.

KOBAYASHI TRAVEL SERVICE / ALOHA WORLD TOURS

01/13/2023

If you love flowers, Visit Hokkaido in May
“Hokkaido no Haru”
May 11 – 20, 2023

Learn more about this tour here: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-hokkaido-no-haru

01/11/2023

Hi everyone,

We are finalizing our fun tour called “Distilled Flavors”

The tour includes visits to Suntory Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskey distilleries, two beer breweries, two sake factories, and even a winery….

Stay posted for our new Japan tours here: https://ktshawaii.com/escorted-tours/japan-escorted-tours

01/07/2023

Enjoying our lunch tour briefing for the Hokkaido Ice & Snow Winter Festivals tour.

Tour schedule: https://ktshawaii.com/our-tours/2023-hokkaido-ice-snow-winter-festivals