Departure date: 8th Jul, 2017 (Sat) Drive Tour
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda.
Day 01
Haneda – Chitose – Noboribetsu
(D: -/L/D)
Hotel: Noboribetsu Mahoroba (Hot Spring) or similar
(Car pick up at Chitose Airport Toyota Branch)
One of the best things about travelling is the exposure to good eats. Let Wagyu Beef Loghouse Bibi introduce you to the world of Hokkaido food. Mouth-watering smells of the barbecue meats assail before you even step foot into the restaurant. As the door opens, you will be greeted with the ultimate sight and sound of tender cuts of wagyu beef sizzling on the charcoal grill here. After rediscovering the meaning of “melt in the mouth” over lunch, you can work off the effects of this indulgence with some shopping over at the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera. This is Hokkaido’s first large-scale outlet mall and houses over 400 different brands. Make full use of your time here amidst the summer sales period! A visit to the Noboribetsu Jigokudani is up before heading to your hotel tonight. Literally meaning “Hell Valley” with patches of barren landscape, vents with clouds of steam escaping and the smell of sulphur permeating the air here, you can see and definitely smell for yourself why this name came about.
Day 02
Noboribetsu – Rusutsu
(D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Rusutsu Resort (Hot Spring) or similar
In summer, there are probably few more enjoyable activities than a spot of fruit-picking*. Here, you can have your fruits and eat them too! Biting into the tart red cherries right off the trees and letting the sweet tartness spread inside your mouth is one experience that is guaranteed to be memorable. In the afternoon, you will experience an outdoor geography lesson at Mt Usu as you take the ropeway up this active volcano to panoramic views and learn about the amazing formation of Showa Shinzan before heading back to your hotel.
Day 03
Rusutsu
(D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Rusutsu Resort (Hot Spring) or similar
With its relatively mild summer temperatures, Hokkaido is the perfect place for a light hike in July. Over at Shinsen Marsh, you can take in picture-perfect moments of charming flowers and a lush green forest on a 15 to 20 minutes’ walk. Waiting for you at the end of the boardwalk is a shining wetland that opens up right in front of your eyes proving why the name Shinsen-numa literally translates to “Place of gods”. Today seems to be the day to bask in the wonderful nature of Hokkaido as you drop by the Fukidashi Park. Nestled in the foot of Mt Yotei – Hokkaido’s very own Mt Fuji, the park sprouts over 80,000 tons of water per day. Do as the locals do here over at one of Japan’s top hundred best springs; bring an empty bottle with you to collect the spring water!
Day 04
Rusutsu – Otaru
(D: B/-/-)
Hotel: Grand Park Hotel Otaru or similar
Extending defiantly into the deep blue Sea of Japan, the precarious cliffs of Cape Kamui and unique rock formations make for a stunning photo stop this morning. Clear water, cool air and rich peat give rise to the perfect conditions for whisky production here in Yoichi. This is why Nikka Whisky, one of Japan’s top whisky makers, has its main distillery here. Started in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, father of Japanese whisky, Nikka Whisky is home to numerous award-winning whiskies and its most renowned has to be its Taketsuru Pure Malt. A tour around the distillery will culminate in a sampling room where you can try this liquid gold for yourself. In the afternoon, you will spend some time in Otaru. With a rich history that dates back to its early days as a major herring centre and the terminal station for Hokkaido’s first railroad, Otaru’s charming buildings now house whimsical music box museums, patisseries with absolutely tempting cream puffs and also those selling intricate glassware ornaments.
Day 05
Otaru – Furano – Sapporo
(D: B/-/-)
Hotel: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo or similar
This morning, you will head off towards the highlight of this tour – Farm Tomita. The image of rows of flowers carpeting the rolling hills of Farm Tomita like a rainbow stretching as far as the eye can see was probably the picture that propelled Hokkaido into worldwide popularity. You will get the chance to see, smell and experience it for yourself today! Although the next garden that you will visit literally translates to the Hill of Four Season, summer has to be the best time to be at Shikisai no Oka. Featuring rainbow-coloured flowers coaxed to bloom by the summer heat amidst the gently-rolling hills of Biei, you can fully appreciate the grand nature of Hokkaido today. Besides bringing on the blooming of gorgeous flowers to Hokkaido, the heat of the summer days also bring about ripening fruits. Do remember to give the famous Yubari melons a try! You can enjoy it on its own, or with a scoop of delicious vanilla soft cream – the signature Hokkaido dessert in summer.
Day 06
Sapporo
(D: B/-/-)
Hotel: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo or similar
Every holiday requires a free and easy day. Take some time to do your necessary shopping at the countless shops lining Sapporo city both above and underground! From Daimaru and Esta to Tokyu Hands and Tanukikoji, there will be no end to the shopping here in the capital of Hokkaido. Hit the Ramen Republic tonight for a steaming bowl of delicious miso ramen to complete your experience in Hokkaido!
(Return car in Sapporo City)
Day 07
Sapporo – Chitose – Haneda
Enjoy some additional free time this morning before bidding farewell to Hokkaido.
Day 08
Haneda – Singapore
Arrival in Singapore
DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 08 Jul, Sat (SO11928)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
08Jul JL36 Singapore - Haneda
2150 / 0550*1
09Jul JL503 Haneda - Chitose
0730 / 0905
15Jul JL528 Chitose - Haneda
2100 / 2235
16Jul JL35 Haneda - Singapore
0005 / 0615
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz : Adult twin share $3,050
Corolla/Corolla Fielder: Adult twin share $3,150
New Prius*/Isis : Adult twin share $3,250
Estima/Velfire : Adult twin share $3,450
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $2,850; Adult triple share $2,750
Child twin share $2,750; Child with bed $2,650
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,350
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guide book (1 per car)
Rental car with insurance coverage.
ETC card and Japan Hand phone.
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Tour price excludes:
Return economy class airfare
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)
Optional Add-on:
International & Domestic Sectors Airfare Adult $750; Child $565
Airport Taxes Adult $150; Child $140
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/children with bed.
Deviation surcharge based on applicable GV2 or FIT fares (subject to ticket conditions). Handling fee for flight deviation id SG$50 per person. Child no bed will be served simple meals. Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.