Day 00 (Sat, 14 Apr’19)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Narita
 

Day 01 (Sun, 15 Apr’19)
Narita – Sendai
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai or similar
 
(Car pick up at Sendai airport)
 
Arriving in Sendai, stop by at the Yuriage Saikai Market for lunch. Opened after the original Yuriage Market was damaged by the tsunami, the Saikai market is where former stall owners have restarted businesses and reunited with customers.
 
Feast your eyes on Akiu Falls, a nationally designated place of scenic beauty and one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. See why the 55-metre-high waterfall deserves the titles bestowed upon it when you trek down to the roaring falls nestled in the forest.

Day 02 (Mon, 16 Apr’19)
Sendai – Minamisanriku
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Known as one of the three most scenic views of Japan, the 260 pine covered islands of Matsushima promise a beautiful view from each vantage point. The abundant pine trees, many bent into a permanent slant by the wind, give character to the islands by decorating each in a unique way.
 
In the afternoon, a very special Minamisanriku activity awaits! Go on a storytelling bus tour where survivors of the March 11 tsunami will share their experiences as you travel round the disaster hit areas. Witness the resilience of the people who are working to rebuild the area as it continues to recover from the disaster and learn from their strength and bravery.

Day 03 (Tue, 17 Apr’19)
Minamisanriku – Rikuzentakata
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Capital Hotel 1,000 or similar
 
Rikuzentakata on the east coast of Tohoku was one of the areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Following massive rebuilding projects, including a community hall that was built using donations from Singapore, the city is on the path to recovery, showing great resilience and unwavering hope for a better future. Join the locals in a special Rikuzentakata Activity today that promises to be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Day 04 (Wed, 18 Apr’19)
Rikuzentakata – Appi Kogen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Appi Grand Tower (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Kitakami Tenshochi Park is one of the top three sakura-viewing spots in Tohoku and one of the top 100 in Japan. Over 10,000 cherry trees line the Kitakami River forming a sakura tunnel of over 2km. These fragile pink blossoms spread over an area of 293 hectares, equivalent to 62 Tokyo Domes.
 
Geibikei is a 2km gorge formed by the Satetsu River carving through bedrock. With waterfalls, rock formations, a limestone cave and soaring cliffs of almost 100m at some places, take a boat ride down the river to enjoy the sights and be serenaded by the boatman singing local folk songs along the way.

Day 05 (Thu, 19 Apr’19)
Appi Kogen – Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The volcanic plateau of Hachimantai stands at 1,613 metres above sea level and many scenic roads run through the area. Take one of them on the way to Oirase and marvel at the scenery as you drive through the snow corridor of the Hachimantai Aspite Line.
 
Flowing along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, the Oirase River winds through a pristine forest made up of towering white cedar, Japanese beech and maple trees. Stroll through the forested paths and bask in the fresh air, lovely green foliage and clear river water as you follow the river round its bends.

Day 06 (Fri, 20 Apr’19)
Oirase – Hirosaki – Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
First constructed in 1611, Hirosaki Castle is one of the few in Japan that has not been rebuilt in the recent era. The three-storey castle stands in a large park, home to over 2,500 cherry trees which cover the park in gorgeous pink blooms each spring, making it one of the most popular sakura-viewing spots in Tohoku.

Day 07 (Sat, 21 Apr’19)
Oirase – Oga
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Umi to Irihi no Yado Teisui (Hot Spring) or similar
 
At the Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory, you can see a fantastic view from the top of the mountain. Enjoy views of the Oga Peninsula, Sea of Japan and nearby towns without having to move as the rotating observatory brings you a 360-degree view.
 
Situated at the tip of the Oga Peninsula is Cape Nyudozaki, a popular site for panoramic views of the Sea of Japan against the vast blue sky and rocky cliffs of the cape. A landmark black and white lighthouse stands out on the cape, which is also one of Japan’s 100 best places to view the sunset.

Day 08 (Sun, 22 Apr’19)
Oga – Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Aside from the 800 cherry trees that welcome the arrival of Spring with their precious pink blooms, Senshu Park is also home to the ruins of Akita Castle, a temple and a shrine. Walk along the paths through these historical and natural treasures and enjoy one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.
 
Take a stroll around the charming streets of Kakunodate and soak in the atmosphere of this former castle town and samurai stronghold which has not changed much since its founding in 1620. The samurai district which once housed about 80 families still has some of the best examples of samurai architecture in Japan, a few of which are open to tourists.

Day 09 (Mon, 23 Apr’19)
Hanamaki Onsen – Tendo Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Tendo Onsen Yubo Ichiraku (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Established in 850, Chusonji is Tohoku’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hiraizumi’s most famous attraction. The Konjikido is the crown jewel of Chusonji and the opulence of Tohoku’s past can be seen from its hall that has been completely covered in gold leaf.
 
The spectacular Genbikei Gorge is a Place of Scenic Beauty known for its dramatic rock formations carved out by the strong currents of the flowing river. When here, you should also try ‘flying dango’, skewered rice ball snacks that are delivered via a pulley system from across the gorge.

Day 10 (Tue, 24 Apr’19)
Tendo Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Tendo Onsen Yubo Ichiraku (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The ‘mountain temple’ of Yamadera is a collection of over 30 temples on a mountainside surrounded by towering trees, crisp mountain air and stunning scenery. Famous for its ancient temples and a popular Buddhist power spot, it is also renowned for its 1,015 steps that lead up to the top, a trek known to break bad luck if completed.

Day 11 (Wed, 25 Apr’19)
Tendo Onsen – Aizu-Wakamatsu
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Konjyakutei (Hot Spring) or Onyado Toho (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The historic battleground of the Boshin War, Tsuruga Castle, also called Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, is iconic as being the only castle in Japan with red roof tiles. The standout structure is not only a sight to see but offers panoramic views of the city as well.
 
Oyakuen, literally meaning “medicinal garden”, is a peaceful Japanese landscape garden built around a pond that is perfect for strolling in. Its name comes from the large variety of medicinal plants that are grown within the garden, some of which are still used for traditional remedies today.

Day 12 (Thu, 26 Apr’19)
Aizu-Wakamatsu
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Konjyakutei (Hot Spring) or Onyado Toho (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The mighty eruption of Mt Bandai in 1888 created the scenic landscapes of the area, including Goshikinuma, a set of lakes in Urabandai known for their beautiful waters in various shades of blue and green. The colour of the lakes changes hues depending on the weather and time of day and can be easily visited via nature trails around them.
 
The award-winning sake from Suehiro Sake Brewery is known throughout Japan for its high quality and taste. Take a tour of the brewery and get behind the scenes of the traditional sake brewing process used, its progress over time, and taste some of the fantastic sake for yourself.

Day 13 (Fri, 27 Apr’19)
Aizu-Wakamatsu – Niigata
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata or similar
 
Visit the former post town of Ouchijuku and get a feel of Japan from the Edo period. The well-preserved town is filled with thatched-roof traditional buildings that house shops, restaurants and small inns, very much the same as when it was a rest stop for travellers in the past.
 
The 1,300-year-old Enzoji Temple is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Kokuzo Bosatsu. Standing on a cliff, it is here that the symbol of Fukushima, the red cow “akabeko”, originated from a legend of a mythical red bull that helped in the building of the temple.
 
(Car return in Niigata City)

Day 14 (Sat, 28 Apr’19)
Niigata
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata or similar
 
Free and easy day in Niigata
 

Day 15 (Sun, 29 Apr’19)
Niigata – Narita – Singapore 
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (GOLD)
Assemble date:   14 Apr, Sun (SO13300)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
15Apr   SQ 672               Singapore  - Nagoya
0120 / 0905

15Apr    NH 3143            Nagoya - Sendai    
1115 / 1220

29Apr    NH 3240            Niigata - Narita     
1435 / 1540

29Apr    SQ 11                Narita - Singapore     
2010 / 0225*1

Category 1- Superior (16 rooms only)
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :    Adult twin share $8,680; Adult single $11,680
Corolla                       :   Adult twin share $8,780; Adult single $11,880
Prius/Isis                    :   Adult twin share $8,880; Adult single $12,080
Estima                       :   Adult twin share $9,380; Adult single $13,080
Additional Pax            :   Adult triple share $7,480; Adult twin $7,280

Category 2 - Deluxe (4 rooms only)
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                            :   Adult twin share $9,680; Adult single $13,380
Corolla                       :   Adult twin share $9,780; Adult single $13,580
Prius/Isis                    :   Adult twin share $9,880; Adult single $13,780
Estima                        :  Adult twin share $10,380; Adult single $14,780
Additional Pax             :   Adult triple share $8,480; Adult twin $8,280

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guidebook (1 per car)
ETC card and Japan Handphone (1 per car)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Car rental with insurance coverage

Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Parking & Entrance fees to sightseeing spots
Petrol or Oil refilling
Application fee for IDP
Visa application fee (if any)
Any other charges not stated as included

Remarks:
English Voice-over GPS Navigation system subject to availability.
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.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.