Hanamaki, Japan trip this fall

Retired Hot Springs teacher Christine Black, right, and daughter Joy Black.

The opportunity of a lifetime will be extended to interested area residents who would like to visit Hanamaki, Japan, Hot Springs’ sister city, from September 3-11.

The fall citizen delegation visit to Hanamaki will take place as scheduled, according to Sister City Program Coordinator Mary Neilson. "This year, more than ever, our sister city welcomes our support and the economic benefit derived from our visit,” said Neilson. “I have no doubt the incredible hospitality always extended by our sister city will be even more amazing this year. Sister city citizen delegation travel to Hanamaki is not just a tour or a vacation, although it is an incredible trip. Being part of the delegation allows individuals to experience Hanamaki, its beautiful countryside, the wonderful flavors of their food, the incredible hospitality of the people of our sister city, and the culture of the Japanese people."

Christine Black, retired teacher and administrator from Lake Hamilton High School, commented: "The trip I took to Hanamaki last year as part of the sister city delegation was incredible. I have traveled a lot, and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. I especially enjoyed getting to know the people of our sister city and experiencing the Japanese culture. My daughter Joy went with me, and we highly recommend the trip to anyone. The Sister City Program is wonderful, one of the best things Hot Springs has going."

The group will spend the first two nights are spent in Tokyo, where they will visit ancient temples, shrines and tour the city. The following day, the delegation will travel by world-famous bullet train to Hanamaki, where guides take the group to visit shrines, museums, and onsen, or Japanese bathhouses. The accommodations are all western-style hotel rooms. The highlight of the trip will be the Hanamaki Festival, which takes place September 10 – 13. Delegation members are even invited to take part in the festival parades, and will have a special viewing platform to watch the festival dancers, mikoshi (portable shrines carried on the shoulders of local groups), and finally the lighted floats, traveling down the street to the sound of ancient rhythms.

The estimated travel cost of $3500 for single, or $3400 each for double occupancy includes airfare, transportation, lodging, tours, guides and most meals. The initial $500 deposit is due by June 1. For more information on how to join the travel group, contact Sister City Program Coordinator Mary Neilson at 501-545-6960.