Day 00 (Thu, 20Apr)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Narita

Day 01 (Fri, 21 Apr)
Singapore – Narita – Sendai – Minami Sanriku (-/-/D)
Hotel: Minami Sanriku Hotel Kanyo or similar
 
(Car pick-up at Sendai Airport Toyota branch.)
In a region where stunning views of scenery rivals its palpable sense of tradition, Matsushima has to be one of the best places to begin your tour. Presenting its own panoramic views across the Matsushima Bay, this is where you can find over 260 pine-crusted islands scattered in the deep blue waters, which is ranked as one of Japan’s top three most beautiful sights along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Hiroshima’s Miyajima.

Day 02 (Sat, 22 Apr)
Minami Sanriku – Rikuzentakada (B/-/-)
Hotel: Capital Hotel 1000 Rikuzentakada or similar
 
Aside from enjoying beautiful scenery and tucking in to sumptuous cuisine, a journey is made more meaningful when you join the locals to see the world through their eyes. The Storytelling Bus Tour from Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo, led by local survivors of the March 11 tsunami, will bring you through their town that was devastated by the natural
disaster. This emotional experience will take you into
accounts of human bravery, the triumph of the human spirit and ignite the desire to rebuild this beautiful region.

Day 03 (Sun, 23 Apr)
Rikuzentakada – Appi Kogen (B/-/D)
Hotel: Hotel APPI Grand Tower (Hot Spring) or similar
 
When in Iwate in Spring, one of the most-visit spots has to be Tenshochi Park. Over 10,000 cherry trees line the Kitakami River forming a sakura tunnel of over 2 kilometres and earning the park a spot among Japan’s top 100 places for sakura-viewing. Many come in search of these fragile pink blossoms that sprawl over an area of 293 hectares, which is equivalent to 62 Tokyo Domes. Make sure to get your cameras and megawatt smiles ready for today! Enroute to your hotel at Appi Kogen, you will stop by the Iwachi Casting Works to see and learn all about the production of the famed Nanbu cast ironware. Nanbu Iron Kettle has been certified as a Traditional Craftwork of Japan and is very popular for its
stylish design and high quality.

Day 04 (Mon, 24 Apr)
Appi Kogen – Towada (B/-/D)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The volcanic plateau of Hachimantai stands at 1,613 metres above sea level and there are many scenic roads running through the area. Take one of the routes on the way to Lake Towada and get your cameras ready for beautiful scenery and get your cameras ready for beautiful scenery as you drive through the snow corridor of Hachimantai Aspite Line. It has been said that “there is no other lake like Lake Towada in the world, just as there is no other mountain like Mt Fuji.” It is a crater lake that sits atop a 400-meter high mountain and surrounded by the steep, forested cliffs of the caldera rim made up of soaring mountains between 600 to 1,000 meters. After a visit here, it is not hard to think that Nature creates some of the world’s most sublime art.

Day 05 (Tue, 25 Apr)
Towada (B/-/D)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Be caught up in the rhythm of the changing seasons today as you explore one of Tohoku’s most beautiful places. 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. As you follow the river round its bends, you can feast your eyes on the symphony of spring colours of crisp greens of young foliage and the clear river water. Spring is the best time to visit the Hirosaki Castle. First constructed in 1611, the main castle is one of the few in Japan that has not been rebuilt in the recent era. Adjacent to the castle keep is the Hirosaki Park. A visit to this park is equivalent to visiting multiple cherry blossoms spots. Over 2,500 trees – checked, cherry blossom tunnels – checked,
petal-filled moats – checked!

Day 06 (Wed, 26 Apr)
Towada – Oga (B/-/D)
Hotel: Umito Irihi no Yado Teisui (Hot Spring) or similar
 
As you head towards the Oga Peninsula, a visit to Cape Nyudo is up. Situated at the northern tip of the Oga Peninsula, Cape Nyudo commands a stunning view of the dynamic Sea of Japan, the cape’s rugged coastline and the emerald green grassy slopes. Continuing on to the Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory, you will be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding land. If you time your visit properly, you can also see the area at its most glorious moment – sunset – where the rays of the setting sun paints everything with a golden hue. For dinner tonight at Teisui, you will be enjoying a truly local highlight: Ishiyaki hotpot! This rustic dish that was traditionally a staple of Oga fishermen has gained popularity among locals and tourists. Freshly-caught fish, shellfishes, and local vegetables are put into a wooden tub filled with dashi and miso. Stones grilled on charcoal for about three hours are placed directly into the tub, cooking the ingredients in a dramatic instant and locking in the fresh flavours.

Day 07 (Thu, 27 Apr)
Oga – Hanamaki Onsen (B/-/D)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Senshu Park is one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Aside from the 800 cherry trees that welcomes the arrival of Spring with their precious pink blooms, the park is also home to the ruins of Akita Castle, a temple and a shrine. Strolling along the winding paths through these historical and natural treasures will be a wonderful way to spend the morning here. Today’s journey will bring you from Akita prefecture across to the Yamagata prefecture. Enclosed by mountains on three sides is one of Tohoku’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots - Kakunodate. History is almost palpable as you stroll old Samurai district with its historical buildings accented by weeping cherry trees. End your day along the River Hinokinai that runs through the town’s southern border. Such is the beauty of the cherry blossom tunnel here that the Japan government has designated this spot as a Place of Scenic Beauty.

Day 08 (Fri, 28 Apr)
Hanamaki Onsen – Tendo Onsen (B/-/D)
Hotel: Tendo Onsen Yubo Ichiraku (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The Naruko Gorge is Tohoku’s most scenic gorge and presents spectacular views all year round. You can work off the effects of these few days of feasting by walking the scenic trail that winds through spectacular deciduous trees. Next up is Risshakuji, where you will be able to catch stunning views of the mountain valley below and soak in the crisp Spring mountain air…that is, if you are able to survive the 1,015 steps climb up the mountain slope. After all, the temple’s more common name of ‘Yamadera’, literally meaning Temple of the Mountain, is definitely not just for show. Check in to your hotel early tonight to enjoy the 
private hotspring in your luxurious room at Yubo Ichiraku!

Day 09 (Sat, 29 Apr)
Tendo Onsen – Tokyo (B/-/-)
Hotel: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
 
(Car drop off at Yamagata Station Branch)
Bid farewell to Tohoku as you take the bullet train from
Yamagata to Tokyo in the afternoon. Enjoy the bustle and excitement of this megacity that never sleeps!

Day 10 (Sun, 30 Apr)
Tokyo – Haneda – Singapore (B/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore.

DRIVE TOUR (GOLD)
Assemble date:   20 Apr, Thu (SO11871)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
20Apr   SQ 638     Singapore – Narita  
2355 / 0800*1

21Apr   NH 3231   Narita – Sendai       
1000 / 1105

30Apr   SQ 11       Narita – Singapore  
1445 / 2100

Tour price per person (in SGD)
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz:  Adult twin share $5,050
Corolla/Corolla Fielder:  Adult twin share $5,150
New Prius*/Isis:  Adult twin share $5,250
Estima/Velfire:  Adult twin share $5,650
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $4,650; Adult triple share $4,550
Child twin share $4,550; Child with bed $4,050
No bed (age 4 & below) $2,050

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 Sectors Airfare Adult $650; Child $480
Domestic Sectors Airfare Adult $150; Child $150
Airport Taxes Adult $180; Child $170

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.