Departure date: 01 Oct, 2019 (Tue) Coach
Day 00 (Tue, 01 Oct’19)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Tokyo
Day 01 (Wed, 02 Oct’19)
Singapore – Haneda – Toyama
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: River Retreat Garaku (hot spring) or similar
Arriving in Toyama this morning, have a good lunch before visiting Nosaku, a manufacturer of metal cast products such as tableware, Buddhist ritual objects and other decorative items. Using superior casting techniques, some of which are self-developed, a large variety of quality tin, brass and bronze products can be found here. The stylish tableware, accessories and other decorative items will make beautiful and lasting souvenirs.
Day 02 (Thu, 03 Oct’19)
Toyama
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: River Retreat Garaku (hot spring) or similar
Take in some of the scenic sights of the Alpine route today as you walk along trails on the mountain. At Murodo, be treated to an unobstructed view of Mt Tateyama, one of the tallest mountains in Japan and one of its three holy mountains. Located at 2450m above sea level, the Murodo plateau is even more beautiful when tinged with the colours of autumn. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and the sights of the Tateyama mountain range surrounding you!
After lunch, take a walk through the wetlands of Midagahara. 1930m above sea level, the wetland marsh here is home to a large variety of plants, many of which are particularly spectacular when they change colours in autumn. Protected by elevated boardwalks which form walking trails, you can admire the ponds and marshlands against the backdrop of the Tateyama mountain range on one side, and Toyama City, the Noto Peninsula and Sea of Japan on the other.
Day 03 (Fri, 04 Oct’19)
Toyama
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Toyama or similar
Inami Town is famous for its fantastic wood carvings, or chokoku. Wood carvers were brought here from Kyoto in the 18th century to help to rebuild Zuisenji Temple, creating wood carvings that are unmatched in skill up to today. The wood carving trade was passed on and eventually, Inami became the centre for high quality wood carvings. In a unique Inami Chokoku walking tour this morning, you will get to see the wonderful wood carvings that can be found all around the town and learn about the history and intricacies of Inami Chokoku.
Next up is our specially-organised Nanto Activity. Nestled deep in the mountains of the Japan Alps, this was the birthplace of Japan’s oldest folk song, Kokiriko bushi. Soulful singing is accompanied by music and dance that are both unique to the area. Feel the heart of the locals as you delve into their local culture with them.
This evening, dine on a medley of fresh seafood, carefully prepared and elegantly presented in a Japanese kaiseki meal at one of Toyama City’s best Japanese restaurants. This traditional Japanese meal, although simple, showcases the wonderful flavours of the ingredients used and is sure to satisfy your palate.
Day 04 (Sat, 05 Oct’19)
Toyama – Wakura Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Matsu no Midori (hot spring) or similar
This morning begins with a visit to the Toyama Glass Art Museum. Housed in a building that is itself a work of art by architect, Kuma Kengo, the museum showcases contemporary glass art pieces by artists from around the world. Located in the same building as the central public library, there are ample spaces for quiet admiration of the art pieces and even a glass art garden featuring works by glass art master, Dale Chihuly.
Located next to the Himi fishing port along the coast, Himi Banyagai is a fish market and rest stop rolled into one. Here, you can find seafood brought in fresh from Toyama Bay, one of Japan’s best fishing places with seafood available all year round. Try some of the fresh local seasonal fish and shop for local specialties that are sold here.
Day 05 (Sun, 06 Oct’19)
Wakura Onsen – Kanazawa – Wakura Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Matsu no Midori (hot spring) or similar
Begin the day with a visit to a Wajima lacquerware workshop where you can meet some of the craftsmen behind the exquisite lacquerware that Wajima is known for. Learn first-hand how each product is carefully crafted, and get a little taste of the skill and effort required by decorating a piece of gold-inlaid lacquerware yourself under the tutelage of the masters.
After lunch, take a leisurely ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Noto on the Noto Satoyama Satoumi Scenic Train. The Japanese style carriages of the train are decorated with traditional crafts from the Noto, giving you a chance to appreciate the local crafts even as you enjoy the scenic views.
For tea, treat yourself to something sweet at Le Musee De H. Opened by award-winning pastry chef Tsujiguchi Hironobu, this café serves up decadent desserts along with a beautiful view of the Nanao Bay and Notojima Island in a stylish ambiance.
Day 06 (Mon, 07 Oct’19)
Wakura Onsen – Kaga Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Beniya Mukayu (hot spring) or similar
Heading south, you will stop by at Malga Gelato’s Chirihama branch. Creamy and delicious ice cream creations by Japan’s top gelato chef are made using local milk and seasonal ingredients to bring you fantastic flavours that change with the seasons, including ones that are exclusive to this shop. Savour the flavours of Ishikawa in gelato form and try some of the best gelato in Japan!
Next, have a satisfying lunch of sushi in the heart of Kanazawa. With its location near the Sea of Japan, you can be assured that only fresh seafood is used on the menu. The high rainfall of the area also produces delicious rice which perfectly complements the seafood.
After lunch, take a walk in Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens and the icon of Kanazawa. Gorgeous in every season, this sprawling hill-top garden contains all the features of a traditional Japanese garden and is very pleasant to stroll around.
Later, move on to the elegant 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.
Day 07 (Tue, 08 Oct’19)
Kaga Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Beniya Mukayu (hot spring) or similar
Take a stroll through nature at Kakusenkei Gorge just a few blocks from the centre of town. The gorge has 3 unique bridges spanning its breadth, each providing its own gorgeous view. Walk down the tranquil path along the river and soak in the beauty of nature.
In the afternoon, experience fruit picking at Kaga Fruit Land. Have your fill of juicy seasonal grapes picked right from the vine and purchase some to bring home as souvenirs too!
Day 08 (Wed, 09 Oct’19)
Kaga Onsen – Komatsu – Narita – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
End your trip with a shopping spree at AEON Mall Shinkomatsu before flying home this afternoon. The largest shopping mall in the Hokuriku region, this mall carries many popular Japanese brands, as well as some international ones, and is a great place to get your shopping fix.
COACH TOUR (LUXURY)
Assemble date: 01 Oct, Tue (SO13439)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
01Oct NH 844 Singapore - Haneda
2215 / 0630*1
02Oct NH 315 Haneda - Toyama
1010 / 1110
09Oct NH 3124 Komatsu - Narita
1440 / 1550
09Oct NH 801 Narita - Singapore
1805 / 0015*1
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 8-9 pax
Adult twin share $10,980; Adult triple share $10,880; Adult single $13,880
Group size: 10-14 pax
Adult twin share $10,280; Adult triple share $10,180; Adult single $13,180
Group size: 15-17 pax
Adult twin share $9,280; Adult triple share $9,180; Adult single $12,180
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
International 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 8 adults.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.