Day 00 (Tue, 29 Oct’19)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda

Day 01 (Wed, 30 Oct’19)
Singapore – Haneda – Aomori
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Aomoriya (Private Hot Spring) or similar
 
Arriving in Aomori today, enjoy its signature produce in its best season by going apple picking! As the largest apple producing region in Japan, there is no better way to savour Aomori’s apples than right from the farm!
 
Later, stop by Jogakura Bridge, 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 02 (Thu, 31 Oct’19)
Aomori
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Aomoriya (Private 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 a stroll through the forested paths this morning 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.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Towada Art Center, a contemporary art museum housing works by internationally acclaimed artists like Yayoi Kusama, created specifically for this museum. Each piece of art is incorporated into the museum’s building and seemingly on display for the world to see.
 

Day 03 (Fri, 01 Nov’19)
Aomori – Appi Kogen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Appi Grand (Hot Spring) or similar
 
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 631 metres, 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.
 
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 today and marvel at the autumn scenery as you travel through the Hachimantai Aspite Line.

Day 04 (Sat, 02 Nov’19)
Appi Kogen – Kakunodate
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura (Private Hot Spring) or similar
 
Stroll around the charming streets of Kakunodate this morning 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.
 
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.

Day 05 (Sun, 03 Nov’19)
Kakunodate
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura (Private Hot Spring) or similar
 
Seitai Hoshikai is a catholic church housed in a Japanese-style building akin to temples and shrines. Set in a semi-rural area with tranquil gardens, the church is most famous for its crying statue, Our Lady of Akita. Tears were found coming out of the statue’s eyes one day in 1975, a phenomenon that continued intermittently over the next few years.
 
Later, head to the “kitchen of Akita”, the Akita Citizen’s Market. Selling everything from seafood, meat, mountain vegetables and fruits to clothing, souvenirs and household items, there’s lots to see and buy in this casual and lively market. Try some of the locally produced food, including regional fish not available elsewhere, and experience the food culture of Akita first hand.
 

Day 06 (Mon, 04 Nov’19)
Kakunodate – Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Begin your day over the Yamano Honey Shop where they are famous for their very own handmade, naturally sweet honey. With over 300 types of products to choose from and different honeys available for tasting, you will definitely find something you like and even more to bring back home.
 
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 07 (Tue, 05 Nov’19)
Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (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.
 
Option: A unique park dedicated to renowned local poet and children’s literature author, the Miyazawa Kenji Dowa Mura transports you into Miyazawa’s fairy tale world. Inspired by the natural beauty of the region, the fantastical displays and whimsical elements of the park are sure to entertain you.

Day 08 (Wed, 06 Nov’19)
Hanamaki Onsen – Rikuzentakata
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 09 (Thu, 07 Nov’19)
Rikuzentakata – Matsushima
Hotel: Matsushima Sakan Shoan (Hot Spring) or similar
 
This morning, 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.
 
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.

Day 10 (Fri, 08 Nov’19)
Matsushima – Miyagi Zao
Hotel: Chikusenso (Hot Spring)  or similar
 
Start today at the Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market, home to over 140 stalls selling fresh and preserved seafood, processed marine products and more. Located right next to the port, the catch of tuna here is the largest in Japan, making it the best place to buy and try some fresh caught premium tuna!

Oriental Carpet is known for creating high quality hand-woven carpets used in the likes of luxury Train Suite Shiki-shima, the lobby of Kabukiza from yarn making to weaving is carried out in house by skilled craftsmen to ensure only the highest quality product. Learn how the carpets here are made and see why they are so sought after for yourself. 
 

Day 11 (Sat, 09 Nov’19)
Miyagi Zao
Hotel: Chikusenso (Hot Spring) or similar
 
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.
 
There is no better way to appreciate the high standard of Yamagata’s sake than to visit a sake brewery. This afternoon, learn why Yamagata sake has been granted Geographical Indication recognising its quality and pure origins, and taste some of this exceptional sake!

Day 12 (Sun, 10 Nov’19)

Miyagi Zao – Sendai – Narita – Singapore

Flight back to Singapore

COACH TOUR
Assemble date:   29 Oct, Tue (SO13621)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
29 Oct 19    SQ 636                Singapore - Haneda   
2245 / 0620*1

30 Oct 19   JL 143               Haneda - Aomori 
0955 / 1115

10 Nov 19   NH 3234                Sendai - Narita   
1435 / 1545

10 Nov 19    SQ 11                Narita - Singapore     
2025 / 0305*1

** Discounts **
- Early Bird Discount - 3% off tour price (after other discounts) Valid for bookings made by 31st July 2019. T&C apply. 
- 1st to 10th pax discount - S$ 200
- Loyalty Discount - Subject to number of times joined FMJ Tours

Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size:   06-07 pax
Adult twin share $14,550; Adult triple share $14,350; Adult single $19,650
Group size:   08-09 pax
Adult twin share $13,550; Adult triple share $13,350; Adult single $18,650
Group size:   10 pax & above 
Adult twin share $12,550; Adult triple share $12,350; Adult single $17,650

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Tours and Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance

Tour price excludes:
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Air Tickets

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 6 adults. 
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.