Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda

Day 01
Haneda – Aomori – Hirosaki
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Art Hotel Hirosaki City or similar
 
(Car pick up at Aomori airport)
Arriving in Aomori this morning, head to Furukawa Fish Market for a fresh seafood breakfast! Also known as Aomori Gyosai Center, visitors can create their own seafood rice bowls called ‘nokkedon’. Exchange purchased coupons for various seafood toppings as you browse the different stalls at the market, and then settle down at one of the tables to savour your customised nokkedon!
 
Hirosaki is one of the largest producers of apples in Japan and what better way to enjoy this signature produce than to go apple picking? Fill up on crunchy apples plucked from the trees in the orchard in an all-you-can-pick-and-eat experience.

Day 02
Hirosaki – Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Towada Prince Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
First constructed in 1611, Hirosaki Castle is one of the few in Japan that has not been rebuilt in the recent era. The three-storey castle stands in a large park, full of open spaces and trees that turn fiery red in autumn, providing a striking contrast to white castle walls and massive Mt Iwaki in the background.
 
The mountainside of Nakano Momiji Mountain is lit up with bright reds, yellows and oranges each year at one of Kuroishi City’s most famous autumn spots. Over 100 maple trees, said to have been brought here from Kyoto during the Edo period, create a gorgeous scenery together with the natural surroundings. Take a stroll through the mountain paths and round Nakano shrine to enjoy the autumn leaves.
 
Jogakura Bridge is the longest deck arch bridge in Japan spanning a distance of 360 metres. From here, you can gaze down at the Jogakura Keiryu stream in the valley 120 metres below, surrounded by walls of trees decked in autumn colours spreading up to the mountains.

Day 03
Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Towada Prince Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
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. Take your time to stroll through the forested paths and bask in the fresh air, brilliant colours of the autumn leaves, and the clear flowing water as you follow the river round its bends.
 
One of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, Mt Hakkoda consists of a few volcanic peaks and is one of the first places in Tohoku to see autumn colours each year. Take the Hakkoda Ropeway up the side of the mountain for breath-taking panoramic views of vivid autumn colours covering the mountainous landscape.

Day 04
Oirase – Appi Kogen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Appi Grand (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Make a stop at the Hakkatoge Observatory for a panoramic view of Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on the main island of Japan. Situated at a height of 631m, the observatory is considered the best of the viewpoints in the area as it provides a clear, sweeping view of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. In autumn, the view is even more spectacular as the forested cliffs of the caldera’s rim are set ablaze with colour.
 
Not far from Lake Towada is Nanataki Waterfall, one of the 100 famous waterfalls in Japan. Its name ‘seven waterfalls’ comes from the fact that it is comprised of seven cascades, totalling a drop of 60 metres. Take a rest at the peaceful park around the waterfall and admire its beauty along with the tranquil settings.
 
Driving along the Hachimantai Aspite Line is one of the best ways to enjoy the autumn foliage. This scenic road runs through the volcanic plateau of Hachimantai which is 1,613 metres above sea level. Each curve in the winding road brings to view more beautiful scenery and wonderful sights of nature for you to feast your eyes on.

Day 05
Appi Kogen – Kakunodate
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Formed by an explosion of Mt Iwate in 1732, the Yakehashiri Lava Flow is a massive spread of hardened lava that is 3 kilometres long and up to 1.5 kilometres wide. Although over 280 years have passed since the eruption, no plant life can be found on the barren lava rocks which are 5 to 10 metres thick. Feel the power of nature as you walk on the trails on this lava flow.
 
If you like crafts, then you will enjoy Morioka Handi-Works Square. A craft village where you can “see, touch, and create” different traditional crafts and food of Morioka, the facility consists of an exhibition and workshop area. There are 14 workshops covering 11 industries where you can watch skilled craftsmen execute traditional techniques, and even get a hands-on experience! Join one of the classes like pottery, dyeing, bamboo work, Morioka reimen making, senbei making and more.
 
Stop by at Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake at a depth of 423.4m. The scenic caldera lake retains its natural and rustic atmosphere and is well known for the golden statue of Tatsuko at its western shore. This almost perfectly circular lake exudes a mysterious atmosphere as its water changes from jade green to sapphire blue depending on the depth of light. 

Day 06
Kakunodate
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Head to Dakigaeri Gorge this morning, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tohoku region. Its name comes from the words “daki” (to hug) and “kaeri” (to switch) as the trekking path in the past was so narrow that people coming from opposite directions had to hug each other to pass through.  An iridescent blue stream runs through the gorge, surrounded by fantastic autumn foliage on the magnificent mountains. A short walk along the hiking trail will bring you to the impressive Mikaeri Waterfall, a hidden cascade in the forest.
 
Take a stroll around the charming streets of Kakunodate and soak in the atmosphere of this former castle town and samurai stronghold. Built with two distinct areas, the samurai district and merchant districts, the town has not changed much since its founding in 1620. Admire the old samurai houses, framed by colourful red, yellow and orange leaves.

Day 07
Kakunodate – Akita
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
Seitai Hoshikai is a catholic church housed in a Japanese-style building akin to temples and shrines. Set in a semi-rural area with tranquil gardens, the church is most famous for its crying statue, Our Lady of Akita. Tears were found coming out of the statue’s eyes one day in 1975, a phenomenon that continued intermittently over the next few years. See this mysterious statue this morning before you fly back home today.
(Car return at Akita airport)

DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date:  18 Oct, Thu (SO12959)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
18Oct    JL 36                 Singapore - Haneda    
2150 / 0550 

19Oct    JL 141               Haneda - Aomori     
0800 / 0915

25Oct    JL 168               Akita - Haneda    
2050 / 2200

26Oct    JL 35                 Haneda - Singapore     
0005 / 0615

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :  Adult twin share $4,580
Corolla/Corolla Fielder :  Adult twin share $4,680
New Prius*/Isis          :  Adult twin share $4,780
Estima/Velfire            :  Adult twin share $5,080
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $4,180; Adult triple share $4,080
Child twin share $4,180; Child with bed $2,780
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,580

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guidebook (1 per car)
ETC card and Japan Handphone (1 per car)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Complimentary Wi-fi router (1 per room)
Car rental with insurance coverage

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)
Any other charges not stated as included

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.