Departure date: 05 May, 2018 (Sat) Coach Tour
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Narita.
Day 01
Singapore – Narita – Kamogawa
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kichimu Ryokan (hot spring) or similar
Naritasan Omotesando Street is an 800m long old town street that still retains the charm of Edo period Japan. In fact, some of the buildings here have existed since then! Walk along the shops, peruse local-made products, and snack on yokan sweet bean jelly, rice crackers and more. Don’t miss out on the many shops selling eel, the delicacy of Narita, too!
Tucked away in a corner of the Boso peninsula sits Daifukuji temple, a Buddhist temple founded in the late Nara period. Also known as Gake no Kannon, it is famous for its vivid red Kannon Hall, built on the side of the almost vertical cliff of Mount Funakata. Climb the steps up to the hall and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sea and bay area on a clear day.
Day 02
Kamogawa
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kichimu Ryokan (hot spring) or similar
Sea bream are known to live in deep waters, but here in Kamogawa is a place swarming with sea bream despite the water being only about 15m deep! It is the only place in the world where you can find these fish at such shallow depth. Take the Tainoura sightseeing cruise along the coast where you will be greeted by sea bream swimming close to the surface of the water.
In the afternoon, take the Mt. Nokogiri ropeway up “saw mountain”, so called for the resemblance of its profile to a Japanese saw. At the top, hike round the mountain trail, formerly used to transport high quality stone. Pass by stone statues lining the trail, the tall Hyakushaku Kannon carved into the cliff face, and the Ishidaibutsu big stone Buddha along the way. Don’t forget to take a peek over the “View of Hell” outlook jutting out from the cliff for an exhilarating view!
Head to Kamogawa Seaworld next and get to know some marine life. Over 11,000 marine animals from 800 different species are here for you to view, and even interact with! The aquarium comprises of different areas made to replicate the animals’ natural habitats and there are opportunities to feed and touch some of them. The highlight has to be the various shows put on by killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and belugas which are not to be missed!
Day 03
Kamogawa – Mito
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Mito Plaza Hotel or similar
Start early today at the Katsuura fishing port and morning market. With nine active fishing ports, it’s no surprise that Katsuura boasts the second largest catch in Chiba prefecture. Watch as fish hauled off fishing trawlers change hands and are transported off to restaurants or markets. Nearby, the Katsuura morning market is in full swing as stalls line the street, selling all kinds of seafood, produce, cooked food, flowers, crafts and more. As one of the largest morning markets in Japan and with a history of over 400 years, this lively market is worth waking up for.
Step into a piece of history when you visit Kyu Hottatei, the former residence of the last lord of the Sakura clan. A rare relic from the Meiji Era, the residence consists of seven different buildings and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property while its gorgeous garden has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Take a peek into how lives were lived in olden Japan and immerse yourself in history here.
Day 04
Mito
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Mito Plaza Hotel or similar
Surround yourself with fields of flowers this morning at the Hitachi Seaside Park! Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, this spacious park is home to a huge variety of flowers and other plants. In this season, you will be treated to rolling hills covered in Nemophila! Also known as Baby Blue Eyes, 4.5 million of these pretty, blue flowers will be spread out before you, juxtaposed against the blue of the sky and the ocean.
In the afternoon, strollround one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kairakuen. Constructed to share the enjoyment of flowers with not only feudal lords, but commoners as well, Kairakuen features plum trees, a bamboo grove, cedar woods and Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese style building. Take in the beauty of this garden full of flowers and greenery!
Round off the day with a trip to the Museum of Umeshu and Sake Besshunkan. As its name suggests, this special brewery provides insight into how sake was brewed, including the tools and ingredients used, and also shows how umeshu, the signature alcohol of Ibaraki, is made. Of course, there is sake and umeshu to be bought and tasted at this museum too.
Day 05
Mito – Kinugawa
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yumenotoki (hot spring) or similar
Today begins at the Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge. This 100m tall and 375m long bridge over the Ryujin Dam is the longest pedestrian-only bridge in Honshu. Designed to resemble a dragon, you can take in views of the surrounding hills, dam, and river below. Specially for Children’s Day in May, colourful carp streamers flank both sides of the bridge and are a cheerful sight to see billowing in the wind.
Tochigi is known for the Tochiotome strawberry, one of the sweetest varieties in Japan, and today, you will have the chance to visit its source at the Nasu Highland Strawberry Farm! Take your pick of the ripe, red strawberries hanging from the vine and bring home a pack of your self-picked strawberries to savour!
A seasonal highlight in Shiobara Onsen, enjoy the Peony Festival held in Myounji. More than 3,000 peony trees paint the temple grounds with blossoms of red, pink, white, yellow and purple for a limited time every year. Enjoy strolling round the peony trees and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 06
Kinugawa – Tokyo
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar
The Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a must visit in Nikko. Built as the final resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu, enshrined here as the “Great Deity of the East Shining Light”, it contains elements of both Buddhism and Shintoism, a practice that no longer exists today. Moreover, the extravagant design, which includes intricate wood carvings and gold leaf decorations, is a rarity amongst shrines in Japan. Admire the unique architecture and beautiful wood carvings of the buildings as you wander round the shrine grounds.
Make a stop at Kegon Waterfall, the most famous of Nikko’s many falls and one of the most beautiful in Japan. This 97m tall waterfall is the only outlet for Lake Chuzenji situated behind it and is accompanied by about 12 smaller waterfalls to its side and back.
Day 07
Tokyo
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar
Free and easy day in Tokyo.
Day 08
Tokyo – Narita – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore
COACH TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 05 May, Sat (SO12481)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
05May SQ 638 Singapore - Narita
2355 / 0800
13May SQ 11 Narita - Singapore
1445 / 2100
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 15-19 pax
Adult twin share $4,750; Adult triple share $4,650
Child twin share $4,750; Child with bed $4,450
Child no bed (Age 4 & below) $1,250
Group size: 20 pax & above
Adult twin share $4,350; triple share $4,250
Child twin share $4,350; Child with bed $4,050
Child no bed (Age 4 & below) $1,250
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
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)
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 15 adults/children with bed.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.