Day 00 (Mon, 11 Nov’19)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda
 

Day 01 (Tue, 12 Nov’19)
Singapore – Haneda – Lake Kawaguchi
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko or similar
 
(Car pick up at Haneda Airport)
 
The seaside town of Kamakura is a great first stop for your journey. Formerly the centre of Japan’s government, numerous temples, shrines and historical sites are located here, including the famous Great Buddha. The 11.4-metre-high bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the second tallest in Japan and has been kept intact since its construction in the mid-13^th century, outlasting its surrounding building.
 
A popular nature site near Tokyo, Mt Takao attracts millions of visitors each year. Take Japan’s steepest cable car incline up the side of the mountain and admire breath-taking views of Tokyo city from the observation deck. Stroll along some of the mountain trails for some exercise and fresh mountain air!

Day 02 (Wed, 13 Nov’19)
Lake Kawaguchi – Matsumoto
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Shoho (hot spring) or similar
 
The largest glass museum and shop in Japan, Suwa Glass no Sato showcases and sells a huge variety of glass art and glassware. Not only can you enjoy the different glass works, including Japan’s largest crystal ball, there is also a workshop where you can have a hands-on experience making or decorating glass pieces.
 
Headquarters of the famous agar-producing company, Kanten Papa Garden is where you can learn all about kanten, a natural gelatine made from seaweed. This healthy, low-calorie agar can be used in a variety of foods and you can pick up various kinds of kanten products here.
 
Wasabi is an essential accompaniment to sushi and sashimi and today, you can see how it is grown. At Daio Wasabi Farm, Japan’s largest wasabi farm covering 15 hectares, rows of wasabi plants are irrigated using natural spring water from the Northern Alps. Wasabi lovers should not miss out on trying the wasabi soft serve and other wasabi-themed products available here.

Day 03 (Thu, 14 Nov’19)
Matsumoto – Nagano
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano or similar
 
Head to the Kyu Karuizawa Ginza for a leisurely stroll this morning. Located in the centre of Karuizawa, this charming street is a popular shopping area with a relaxed atmosphere. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants and a few sights, walk down the street and enjoy the pleasant ambience and autumn colours.
 
Set in the mountains of Karuizawa, Shiraito Falls is a spectacular waterfall made up of groundwater flowing out over the bedrock in thin streams that look like threads. Although only 3m high, the waterfall stretches for 70m, making it look like a curtain of white threads stretching across the mountainside.
 
Take a walk around Obuse Town, an artistic town known for chestnuts and sake. Stroll down Obuse’s chestnut path, lined with traditional white-walled houses with tiled roofs and brick chimneys, taking in the romantic feel of the town. As the last residence of Japan’s premier ukiyo-e artist, Hokusai, his art can be seen at the Hokusai Museum and Takai Kozan Memorial Museum.

Day 04 (Fri, 15 Nov’19)
Nagano – Myoko
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Akakura Kanko Hotel (private hot spring) or similar
 
Located at the base of a mountain, Togakushi Shrine consists of a lower, middle and upper shrine, each housing different gods. A short hike is needed to reach the upper shrine, but the pathways lined with 400-year-old cedar trees and towering Mt. Togakushi in the background make the walk a beautiful one.
 
The monkey park of Jigokudani Yaen-Koen needs little introduction as the only place in the world where wild monkeys soak in natural hot springs. Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, come down from the mountainside to feed and bathe in the hot springs, especially in winter, making this a hot photography spot for capturing the adorable monkeys relaxing in the springs.
 
In the evening, you will want to head back early to Akakura Kanko Hotel, Japan’s pioneer resort hotel. Built on an area of 3.3 million square metres at an altitude of 1,000 metres high, you are guaranteed uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery. Panoramas of Akakura Onsen town below can be seen from large picture windows, and even from your private hot spring bath. When weather conditions are right, you may find yourself dining above a sea of clouds, just like being in a castle in the sky.

Day 05 (Sat, 16 Nov’19)
Myoko
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Akakura Kanko Hotel (private hot spring) or similar
 
One of Japan’s 3 most beautiful gorges, Kiyotsu Gorge is a stunning V-shaped valley made up of columnar joint rock formations and a crystal-clear flowing river. A 750m long tunnel allows visitors to view the gorge from 4 observation points, framing the gorgeous scenery in its openings.
 
An unusual sight for a countryside area like Echigo Tsumari, over 100 art pieces can be found around the area, the result of the local Art Triennale. Serving as the centre of the event, the Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art KINARE is itself an architectural art piece encompassing many smaller artworks by local and international artists that is open to art appreciators year-round.

Day 06 (Sun, 17 Nov’19)
Myoko – Niigata
(Breakfast/Lunch /-)
Hotel: Hotel Nikko Niigata or similar
 
Full of maple trees that turn to bright reds and yellows in autumn, Momiji Garden is a great place to savour the autumn colours. Formerly part of a prominent local family’s villa, many of the trees spread across the grounds of the garden are over 150 years old.
 
Enjoy a specially arranged Tsubame Sanjo activity this afternoon, one of Follow Me Japan’s signature local activities. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and gain a new perspective of Japanese culture as you interact with and learn from them today.
 
Take the Mt Yahiko Ropeway and bask in the panoramic views from the mountaintop. Looking out onto the Niigata plains on one side and the Sea of Japan and Sado Island on the other, get a bird’s eye view of Niigata from here.
 

Day 07 (Mon, 18 Nov’19)
Niigata – Haneda
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore.
 
(Car drop-off at Niigata Airport)

DRIVE TOUR
Assemble date:   11 Nov, Mon (SO13646)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
11 Nov    NH 844             Singapore - Haneda    
2220 / 0555*1

18 Nov    NH 3240             Niigata - Narita    
1435 / 1545

18 Nov    NH 803             Narita - Singapore    
1650 / 2325

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :    Adult twin share $4,280; Adult single $6,280
Corolla / Fielder          :   Adult twin share $4,380; Adult single $6,480
New Prius/Isis            :   Adult twin share $4,480; Adult single $6,680
Estima/Vellfire            :   Adult twin share $4,680; Adult single $7,080
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,780; Adult triple share $3,680
Child twin share $3,680; Child with bed $3,380
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.