Departure date: 19 Dec, 2018 (Wed) Coach
Day 00 (Wed, 19 Dec’18)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Tokyo
Day 01 (Thu, 20 Dec’18)
Singapore – Haneda – Komatsu – Kanazawa – Wakura Onsen
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Wakura Onsen Kagaya (hot spring) or similar
The first stop of your tour will be the icon of Kanazawa, Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Gorgeous in every season, the garden is especially picturesque in winter when blanketed in a layer of pristine, white snow. Pine trees held up by yukitsuri, a Japanese technique used to protect branches from heavy snow, are a signature of the garden in winter and create a stunning image when reflected on the calm surface of the Kasumigaike pond.
Day 02 (Fri, 21 Dec’18)
Wakura Onsen – Shirakawa-go – Wakura Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Wakura Onsen Kagaya (hot spring) or similar
Journey out to Shirakawa- Go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are hundreds of years old. The thatched gassho-style roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, are constructed entirely without the use of nails. In addition, the use of attic space in the roofs for cultivating silkworms is unique to Shirakawa-Go. Spend the morning wandering through the tranquil village of traditional houses and rice fields and take the chance to examine these architectural wonders up close.
Next up is our specially-organised Nanto Activity. Nestled deep in the mountains of the Japan Alps, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the grand surroundings and a better understanding of the locals here after our unique activities.
Day 03 (Sat, 22 Dec’18)
Wakura Onsen – Kanazawa – Yamashiro Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Mori no Sumika (hot spring) or similar
This morning, visit the Higashi Chaya District. Chaya, or teahouses, are where geisha have been entertaining guests with music and dancing since the Edo period. Many of these immaculately preserved traditional wooden houses have been converted into cafes and shops selling local specialities such as tea, gold leaf products and Japanese sweets, but a few remain as geisha houses, providing a brief glimpse into their lives.
Wander round the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market. The go-to market in Kanazawa for almost 300 years, 186 stalls selling fresh and cooked food fill the market with fresh seasonal seafood and produce. Sample the different foods on sale as you walk round the market or sit down at one of the eateries for a meal.
Later, immerse yourself in art at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, but is perhaps known more for its permanent exhibits, such as Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool”. The museum itself is a work of art given its unusual architecture and incorporation of art pieces into its design. Exhibits are scattered throughout the building and large lawn, many of them encouraging interaction with art and with other visitors.
Day 04 (Sun, 23 Dec’18)
Yamashiro Onsen – Lake Biwa
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Biwako Hotel (hot spring) or similar
Jagged basalt cliffs bordering the sea, carved over time by wind and waves, are the hallmark of Tojinbo. These unique rock formations can only be seen in three places in the world and paint a breath-taking picture when juxtaposed against the choppy sea. Take one of the trails to explore the cliffs and the different views it offers.
Pay a visit to the Megane Museum and learn the history and process required to manufacture a pair of glasses. Located in Sabae, where titanium spectacle frames originated and Google glass frames are produced, the museum showcases why the area is one of the leading spectacle producers in the world. Bespectacled visitors can take the chance to purchase a pair of quality frames too.
Stopping by at Hikone Castle, admire the historical castle with its unique design that incorporates different architectural styles. The 400-year-old castle is a designated national treasure and one of only 12 original castles in Japan that have survived since the feudal times. Admire the elegant beauty of the castle’s facade and take in the panoramic views from the top of the castle keep as well.
Day 05 (Mon, 24 Dec’18)
Lake Biwa – Osaka
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Granvia Osaka or similar
Get your shopping fix at Shinsaibashi, the premier shopping district in Osaka. One of Osaka’s oldest and busiest shopping areas, this is the place to go for high end fashion and brand name goods. Numerous department stores, fashion retailers, independent boutiques, tea shops and cafes line the covered arcade, while smaller, more traditional stores can be found on side streets branching out of it.
In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the city. Walk around Osaka Station City and Umeda and you will find bountiful options for shopping, dining and entertainment at the many department stores, underground shopping malls and shopping arcades. For a bit of festive atmosphere, drop by the German Christmas Market at the nearby Umeda Sky Building where you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observatory.
Day 06 (Tue, 25 Dec’18)
Osaka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Granvia Osaka or similar
Free and easy day in Osaka
Day 07 (Wed, 26 Dec’18)
Osaka – Kansai - Singapore
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Flight back to Singapore
COACH TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 19 Dec, Wed (SO13203)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
19Dec SQ 636 Singapore - Haneda
2245 / 0620*1
20Dec NH 751 Haneda - Komatsu
0840 / 0945
26Dec SQ 619 Kansai - Singapore
1100 / 1710
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 10-14 pax
Adult twin share $5,580; Adult triple share $5,380
Child twin share $5,580; Child with Bed $4,980; Child no Bed $1,680
Group size: 15-19 pax
Adult twin share $5,180; Adult triple share $4,980
Child twin share $5,180; Child with Bed $4,580; Child no Bed $1,680
Group size: 20 pax & above
Adult twin share $4,780; Adult triple share $4,580
Child twin share $4,780; Child with Bed $4,180; Child no Bed $1,680
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Tours and Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Remarks:
The prices are subject to change upon fluctuations of currency exchange rates. Flight schedule and the sequence of the itinerary are subject to change with or without prior notice to ensure the smooth running of the tour.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 10 adults/children with bed.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.