Departure date: 20 Aug, 2018 (Mon) Fly & Drive
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda
Day 01
Singapore – Haneda – Noto – Wakura Onsen
(D: -/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Niji to Umi (Hot spring) or similar
(Car pick up at Noto Airport)
Landing in the pristine nature of the Noto peninsula, enjoy its fantastic offerings of both forest and sea with a drive round the beautiful Notojima Island. Situated in the Nanao bay, the island is connected to the mainland by two impressive bridges. Home to attractions such as the Notojima aquarium and glass art museum, the island itself is pleasant to drive around as its roads wind through forested areas, rice fields, farms, and along the coast. Summertime is also the perfect season to do some dolphin watching on Notojima Island! Take a boat out to visit the resident family of dolphins, or try your luck at catching sight of them from the comfort of a café on the coast!
After a long day of traveling, treat yourself to something sweet at Le Musee De H. Opened by award-winning pastry chef Tsujiguchi Hironobu, this café serves up decadent desserts along with a beautiful view of the Nanao Bay and Notojima Island in a stylish ambiance.
Day 02
Wakura Onsen – Noto
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Shunran no Sato or similar
One of the hidden secrets of the Noto, Malga Gelato is a small, nondescript shop amongst rice fields serving up delicious ice cream. Made using local ingredients, the flavours here change seasonally, but always offer something new and interesting to try. A cold, creamy mound of gelato is the perfect snack on a summers day!
Get an authentic Japanese experience at Shunran no Sato, a rural village in the Noto that aims to introduce and preserve the traditional agricultural lifestyle. Local experts guide visitors in seasonal activities such as gathering wild plants, fishing and firefly watching before sharing a meal consisting of local ingredients together. What’s more, the locals have converted their homes into guesthouses, allowing you to stay the night in an authentic Japanese farm house residence and experience the local lifestyle. Feel the warmth of the locals as they open their homes, and hearts, to you and leave with bonds of friendship that you will never forget.
Day 03
Noto – Wajima
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kaiyu Noto no Sho (hot spring) or similar
Immerse yourself in local culture today with a slew of Wajima Activities! First, visit a salt farm to see how Noto salt is made. Recognised as one of the best salts in Japan, the mineral-rich Noto salt is produced using the labour-intensive process of Agehama salt farming, an almost extinct technique. Not normally shown to the public, FMJ customers will get the rare chance to see all the steps in the process, and gain a better appreciation of the quality of Noto salt. Next, pay a visit to a Wajima lacquerware workshop where you can meet some of the craftsmen behind the exquisite lacquerware that Wajima is known for. Learn first-hand how each product is carefully crafted, and get a little taste of the skill and effort required by decorating a piece of gold-inlaid lacquerware yourself under the tutelage of the masters!
After dinner, join in the revelry at the Wajima Taisai Festival! This annual summer festival is one of the biggest in the Noto and takes place over 4 days. Huge Kiriko lantern floats unique to the Noto are carried through the streets to the sound of flutes and drums in this boisterous festival. This being Wajima, the Kiriko are also coated in lacquer and adorned with gold leaf ornaments and other decorations. The festivities climax with a large bamboo torch being set on fire, and men rushing into its flames as it topples in a bid to snatch the lucky Gohei paper attached to it. With enough excitement to rival the summer heat, this festival is not to be missed!
Day 04
Wajima – Kanazawa
(D: Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar
Driving down the Noto Kongo Coast today, make a stop at Ganmon, the “gate rock” carved out by crashing waves. Head down to the natural sea cave to watch the waves burst through the ‘gate’ when the wind is high, and take in the view of the wide expanse of coast and sea from the top of the rugged, tree-covered cliffs.
Further south, take in the sights of the Chirihama beach driveway, the only beach in Japan which you can drive on. Cruise along the sandy beach as you watch the waves lapping the shoreline right next to you.
Day 05
Kanazawa
(D: Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar
Enjoy a Free and Easy day in Kanazawa today and visit the sights in the city. Head to the famous Kenrokuen to admire one of Japan’s top three gardens, or dive into art at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Walk through the geisha entertainment quarters of Higashi Chaya District and feast on fresh seafood at Omicho Market. There is lots to keep you occupied here!
Alternatively, drive south and do some fruit picking at Kaga Fruit Land. Indulge in all-you-can-eat grapes or blueberry picking and enjoy fruit fresh from the vine!
Day 06
Kanazawa – Komatsu – Narita – Singapore
(D: Breakfast/-/-)
Do some last minute shopping at AEON Mall Shinkomatsu this morning before you fly home. This fairly new mall carries many popular Japanese brands, as well as some international ones, and is a great place to get your shopping fix.
(Car return at Komatsu Airport)
DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 20 Aug, Mon (SO12522)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
20Aug NH 844 Singapore - Haneda
2215 / 0630
21Aug NH 747 Haneda - Noto
0855 / 0950
26Aug NH 3124 Komatsu - Narita
1440 / 1555
26Aug NH 801 Narita - Singapore
1805 / 0015
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz : Adult twin share $2,750
Corolla/Corolla Fielder : Adult twin share $2,850
New Prius*/Isis : Adult twin share $2,950
Estima/Velfire : Adult twin share $3,150
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $2,450; Adult triple share $2,350
Child twin share $2,350; Child with bed $2,250
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,050
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guide book (1 per car)
Car rental with insurance coverage
ETC card and Japan Hand phone (1 per car)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
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)
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.
Child no bed will be served simple meals.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.