Day 00 (Fri, 18 Oct’19)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda
 

Day 01 (Sat, 19 Oct’19)
Haneda – Aomori – Hirosaki
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Art Hotel Hirosaki City or similar
 
(Car pick up at Aomori airport)
 
Arriving in Aomori this morning, head to Furukawa Fish Market for a fresh seafood breakfast! Also known as Aomori Gyosai Center, visitors can create their own seafood rice bowls called ‘nokkedon’. Exchange purchased coupons for various seafood toppings as you browse the different stalls at the market, and then settle down at one of the tables to savour your customised nokkedon!
 
Hirosaki is one of the largest producers of apples in Japan and what better way to enjoy this signature produce in its best season than to go apple picking? Fill up on crunchy apples plucked from the trees in the orchard in an all-you-can-pick-and-eat experience.

Day 02 (Sun, 20 Oct’19)
Hirosaki – Towada
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Towada Prince Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The mountainside of Nakano Momiji Mountain is lit up with bright reds, yellows and oranges each year at one of Kuroishi City’s most famous autumn spots. Over 100 maple trees, said to have been brought here from Kyoto during the Edo period, create a gorgeous scenery together with the natural surroundings. Take a stroll through the mountain paths and round Nakano shrine to enjoy the autumn leaves.
 
One of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, Mt Hakkoda consists of a few volcanic peaks and is one of the first places in Tohoku to see autumn colours each year. Take the Hakkoda Ropeway up the side of the mountain for breath-taking panoramic views of vivid autumn colours covering the mountainous landscape.
 
Jogakura Bridge is the longest deck arch bridge in Japan spanning a distance of 360 metres. From here, you can gaze down at the Jogakura Keiryu stream in the valley 120 metres below, surrounded by walls of trees decked in autumn colours spreading up to the mountains.

Day 03 (Mon, 21 Oct’19)
Towada – Appi Kogen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Appi Grand (Hot Spring) or similar
 
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. Take your time to stroll through the forested paths and bask in the fresh air, brilliant colours of the autumn leaves, and the clear flowing water as you follow the river round its bends.
 
Make a stop at the Hakkatoge Observatory for a panoramic view of Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on the main island of Japan. Situated at a height of 631m, the observatory is considered the best of the viewpoints in the area as it provides a clear, sweeping view of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. In autumn, the view is even more spectacular as the forested cliffs of the caldera’s rim are set ablaze with colour.
 
Driving along the Hachimantai Aspite Line is one of the best ways to enjoy the autumn foliage. This scenic road runs through the volcanic plateau of Hachimantai which is 1,613 metres above sea level. Each curve in the winding road brings to view more beautiful scenery and wonderful sights of nature for you to feast your eyes on.

Day 04 (Tue, 22 Oct’19)
Appi Kogen – Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Take a stroll around the charming streets of Kakunodate and soak in the atmosphere of this former castle town and samurai stronghold. Built with two distinct areas, the samurai district and merchant districts, the town has not changed much since its founding in 1620. Admire the old samurai houses, framed by colourful red, yellow and orange leaves.
 
Head to Dakigaeri Gorge next, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tohoku region. Its name comes from the words “daki” (to hug) and “kaeri” (to switch) as the trekking path in the past was so narrow that people coming from opposite directions had to hug each other to pass through.  An iridescent blue stream runs through the gorge, surrounded by fantastic autumn foliage on the magnificent mountains. A short walk along the hiking trail will bring you to the impressive Mikaeri Waterfall, a hidden cascade in the forest.
 
For over 100 years, Iwachu has been the most famous and respected producer of Nanbu cast ironware known for its quality, craftsmanship and durability. Created by experts in a lengthy process requiring almost 68 steps, ironware here is made mostly by hand to ensure superior standards, and come in beautiful designs and vivid colours. Observe the production process for yourself and see how this increasingly popular ironware is made.

Day 05 (Wed, 23 Oct’19)
Hanamaki Onsen – Rikuzentakata – Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) 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 06 (Thu, 24 Oct’19)
Hanamaki Onsen – Sendai
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai 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.
 
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 of them bent into a permanent slant by the wind, are what gives character to the islands by decorating each in a unique way. A stroll along the bay provides you with different angles to enjoy nature’s artwork, and a couple of the islands can be accessed via bridges from the mainland as well.
 
(Car return at Sendai Station)
 

Day 07 (Fri, 25 Oct’19)
Sendai – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore
 

DRIVE TOUR
Assemble date:   18 Oct, Fri (SO13615)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
18 Oct    NH 844             Singapore - Haneda    
2215 / 0630*1

19 Oct    JL 141             Haneda - Aomori    
0800 / 0915

24 Oct    NH 3234           Sendai - Narita   
1435 / 1545

24 Oct    NH 801             Narita - Singapore     
1805 / 0015*1

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :    Adult twin share $3,880; Adult single $5,680
Corolla / Fielder          :   Adult twin share $3,980; Adult single $5,880
New Prius/Isis            :   Adult twin share $4,080; Adult single $6,080
Estima/Vellfire            :   Adult twin share $4,280; Adult single $6,480
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,280; Adult triple share $3,180
Child twin share $3,180; Child with bed $2,880
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,280

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
Child seat (if required)
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/child with bed.
Child no bed will be served simple meals
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.