October 2025 Tour
In October 2025, the Orient Express Old Timers team journeyed from Vancouver to Japan—an unforgettable adventure for a team with an average player age of 72.
With a long history of friendship with VANSTAR, a Japanese team, they set out to experience not just hockey, but a full-scale journey across Japan.
The tour began in Shin-Yokohama, where the team hit the ice for four games over a single weekend—two intense days of hockey, energy, and camaraderie.
From there, they traveled to Kyoto, stepping into the heart of traditional Japan for three days of culture, history, cuisine, and timeless beauty.
In Kobe, the journey continued with two more games. During their stay, they boarded the Shinkansen and visited Himeji Castle—widely regarded as the most beautiful castle in Japan—adding a truly iconic experience to their tour.
After Kobe, they took the Shinkansen west to Kure, Hiroshima, and Miyajima.
In Kure, they explored the inside of a real submarine. In Hiroshima, they visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, reflecting on its powerful history.
On Miyajima, they admired the iconic floating torii gate and enjoyed dinner at a local island izakaya.
Next came Okinawa. Flying south, the team arrived in Japan’s tropical paradise, often compared to Hawaii.
There, they faced a local team and enjoyed hockey in one of the most unique settings imaginable.
They also visited a massive aquarium featuring giant sharks and enjoyed the beautiful ocean park.
The final chapter brought them back to Tokyo, where they spent three days exploring vibrant districts such as Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku—experiencing the perfect blend of tradition and modern Japan.
This was more than just a hockey trip.
It was a 19-day journey filled with connection, culture, and lifelong memories.
