Well the time is finally here!!! We are leaving via ANA upgraded business class HNL/NRT then after a 3 hour delay NRT/PEK.

We'll be in China for 16 days then on to Tokyo and Northern Tohoku where we plan follow mrwnrfl's slightly beaten path to Kakunodate, Nyuto Onsen and finally to Nikko.

I'll try reporting along the way and will tell you all when we return. Thanks for all of your help, we couldn't have done it without you!!!!

Aloha!

Do enjoy!

have a good one ht: i email you about tokyo. will ck with you later

HT - have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

have fun and let us share with you through fodors

Have a wonderful time! I look forward to your report.

Have fun, HT and the Mrs. I'll see you soon in Pasadena. I'll be in Honolulu at the end of this month until the beginning of April...can't wait for some R&R. I'll be taking my 86-year old dad. Oh, by the way, when will you arrive to Pasadena? Will you make it to the 6:30PM, Friday dinner? Happy Travels!

Have a great time. See you in Tokyo on April 3!

hope you and mrs ht are having a great trip!

Aloha, HT, have a fantastic time!

Guenmai,

We arrive in LA Friday morning so we will attend the dinner that evening.

Hope you and your dad have a relaxing time in Hawaii......really wish we could be there to extend some Aloha for you and your dad but will be in Japan when you are there. Have a great time and looking forward to your gtg in May. See you soon!

Thanks everyone for the good wishes.

Aloha!

Fabulous HT and the Mrs. Looking forward to seeing you two again. Happy Travels!

hawaii, I want to hear how you enjoy the new ANA business class, and everything else about this trip. It looks like you may be meeting up w/some fodorites in Japan. Hope it all goes wonderfully!

Have a great trip!! I'm jealous.

kuranosuke, are you still in Paris??

gojapan.about.com lists the following "well-known" places for cherry blossoms in Tohoku:

1) Hirosaki Koen - at Hirosaki-jo - 2600 trees
2) Kitakami Tenshochi - at Tenshochi Koen along the Kitakami-gawa (with scenic boat rides during sakura matsuri) in Iwate - 10,000 trees
3) Kajo Koen - Yamagata-shi - 1200 trees (illuminated at night)
4) Aoba-jo - Sendai Castle in Sendai - 480 trees
5) Aizu Tsurugajo Koen - at Tsuruga castle in Aizu Wakamatsu - 1000 trees

Thanks Bill for the info.....here is the latest and it looks good for us in Tokyo but you never know. Boy is this nerve wracking!

http://japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html

By the way we are having a blast in Beijing despite the pollution.

Aloha!