Departure date: 16 Feb, 2018 (Fri) Coach Tour
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Tokyo.
Day 01
Singapore – Haneda – Shonai – Tsuruoka
(Coach: -/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Atsumi Onsen Bankokuya (Hot Spring) or similar
The first stop on this tour is the Mogami River Swan Park where thousands of swans gather every year. Wild swans from Siberia flock to the river banks and surrounding area over winter on their yearly migration to warmer regions. Boosting numbers of over 10,000, they are a sight to see as they congregate in the river, and especially when they take flight together. Visitors to the park can observe the swans from special cabins and even feed them with the food provided. Next is a visit to Kamo Aquarium, home to the world’s largest collection of jellyfish. Backlit by colourful lights, the numerous species of jellyfish are without a doubt the stars of the aquarium and utterly mesmerizing to watch. For the adventurous, unique snacks such as jellyfish ice cream are sold as well.
Day 02
Tsumoka – Mogami
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Yumemi no Yado Kanshokan (Hot Spring) or similar
Start the day with the Hagurosan Snow Shoe Walking activity. Enabling you to walk across heavy snow easily, snow shoes are the perfect way to explore the snow-covered landscapes and magnificent cedar trees of Hagurosan. To warm up after a trek out in the snow, spend the afternoon relaxing on the Mogami River Cruise. Well equipped with Japanese heated tables, you will be warm and snug as you journey down Yamagata’s “mother river”, listening to the boatman’s songs and viewing the gorgeous snowscapes that surround you.
Day 03
Mogami – Zao Onsen
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso (Hot Spring) or similar
Take a trip back in time to the quaint town of Ginzan Onsen. Originally developed around a silver mine, the area, nestled in the mountains, is now one of the most picturesque onsen towns in Japan. Three or four-storied wooden ryokan line the river where crystal clear waters flow while a waterfall flows endlessly at the back of the town. A blanket of snow covering the roofs and the narrow walkways make strolling the streets particularly beautiful. It is no wonder that award-winning animation “Spirited Away” and Japanese drama “Oshin” derived inspiration from this town. Yamagata is famous for it’s characteristic sake. It's many sake breweries have collectively met stringent criteria for Yamagata sake to be granted Geographical Indication, recognising the quality and pure origins of the product. What better way to appreciate the high standard of the locally produced sake than a visit to a Sake Brewery to learn how it is brewed, and sample some for yourself? End the night on a high note by viewing the spectacular Zao Snow Monster Light-up. The towering “snow monsters”, huge trees engulfed in snow, can only be seen in certain parts of Japan. Zao’s massive ‘army’ of snow monsters are majestic enough in the daylight, but take on a magical feel when lit up at night. Bask in their magnificence before retiring to your ryokan for dinner and a soak in the hot spring bath.
Day 04
Zao Onsen – Akiu Onsen
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Akiu Onsen Saryo Soen (hot spring) or similar
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. Next up, feast your eyes on Akiu Falls, a nationally designated place of scenic beauty and one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. The 55 metre high waterfall truly deserves the titles bestowed upon it as it transforms into a serene picture of beauty when covered in a blanket of fresh snow.
Day 05
Akiu Onsen – Sendai – Tokyo
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery takes advantage of the clean air, water and optimum climate conditions to produce quality Japanese whiskey. Enjoy the charming surroundings and take a tour of the distillery to learn the processes involved in making whiskey. To top it off, you will get to sample a few varieties whiskey produced at the distillery and can purchase whiskey and other snacks only sold at the location itself. After lunch, you will take a bullet train down to Tokyo. Reaching speeds of 240 to 320 km/h, yet providing a smooth and comfortable ride, the shinkansen is the pride of Japan and a must-experience for tourists.
Day 06
Tokyo
(Coach: Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Jump into the action of Tokyo city life on your free day today! Indulge in shopping at the fashion centres of Shinjuku and Ginza, get into history and the arts with a visit to one of the many museums around Ueno, or play at amusement parks at Asakusa and Tokyo Dome City. There is surely something for everyone to enjoy!
Day 07
Tokyo – Narita – Singapore
(Coach: Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore
COACH TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 16 Feb, Fri (SO12408)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
16Feb SQ 636 Singapore - Haneda
2245 / 0620
17Feb NH 395 Haneda - Shonai
1100 / 1200
23Feb SQ 11 Narita - Singapore
1455 / 2140
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 15-19 pax
Adult twin share $5,680; Adult triple share $5,480
Group size: 20 pax & above
Adult twin share $5,380; triple share $5,180
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Tours and Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air tickets
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Optional Add-on:
International Sectors Airfare Adult $850
Domestic Sector Airfare Adult $200
Airport Taxes Adult $120
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.
Deviation airfare is based on applicable GV2 or FIT fares. (subject to ticketing conditions)
Handling fee for flight deviation is S$50 per person.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 15 adults/children with bed.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.