This itinerary visits sites associated with Sugihara Chiune (杉原 千畝,, Jan. 1, 1900 – Jul 31, 1986), the famous Japanese diplomat who, as the Vice-Consul in Kaunas, Lithuania at the beginning of WWII issued over 2,000 transit visas to mostly Polish Jews fleeing Europe, thus saving thousands as each visa was valid for an entire family. In 1985, the State of Israel honored Sugihara as one of the Righteous Among the Nations (Hebrew: חסידי אומות העולם) for his actions. He is the only Japanese national to have been so honored.

Given the total time and distance involved in this itinerary it is suggested that one break up the trip into two parts. The first part including only the Waseda and Kamakura stops, and the second part covering the rest of the stops. If convenient one could do part one, then take a train to Gifu City and rent a car there for the second part of the itinerary.