Day 00 (Fri, 20 Apr)
Singapore – Haneda

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Tokyo.

Day 01 (Sat, 21 Apr)
Singapore – Haneda - Akita
(D: -/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Akita or similar

(Car pick-up at Akita Airport)
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. The next highlight of Akita is the Akita Citizen’s Market. This food market is a veritable “kitchen of Akita” where you can find everything from fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, mountain vegetables, to Akita-made souvenirs, clothing, and daily sundries. Providing you with the perfect wrap-up of your Tohoku trip, it has a wealth of locally-produced food and lets you experience the seasonal food and food culture of Akita up close.

Day 02 (Sun, 22 Apr)
Akita – Nyuto Onsen
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Nyuto Onsenkyo Taenoyu (Hot Spring) or similar
 
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. As you head towards Appi Kogen, you must visit Lake Tazawa – Japan’s deepest lake at a depth of 423.4 meters. This almost perfectly-circular lake exudes a mysterious atmosphere as its water changes from jade green to sapphire-blue, and all jewelled shades in between depending on the depth of light. Spring is not only about cherry blossoms here in Tohoku! If time allows, do visit the Sashimaki Marsh for the charming blossoms of skunk cabbage. The pure white petals of this lantern-shaped flower contrasts wonderfully with the crisp green of the surroundings, making yet another picture-perfect moment of Spring time Tohoku.

Day 03 (Mon, 23 Apr)
Nyuto Onsen – Appi Kogen
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Appi Grand Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
For over a century, Iwachu in Morioka, has been one of the most well-known manufacturers of modern Nanbu ironware. The production process of the ironware takes almost 68 steps and at Iwachu, most of this process is still done by hand. It requires at least 15 years to become a craftsman at Iwachu, and another 30 to 40 years to become a master craftsman. With such high standards, it is not wonder that Iwachu’s ironware is known worldwide for their superior quality, craftsmanship and durability. Later in the day, you will visit Hachimantai. 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 Appi Kogen 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.

Day 04 (Tue, 24 Apr)
Appi Kogen – Oirase
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Be caught up in the beauty of Tohoku’s nature as you explore some of Tohoku’s most beautiful places in their summer glory. 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 crisp summer greens of the foliage and the clear river water. 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 today, it is probably not hard to think that Nature creates some of the world’s most sublime art.

Day 05 (Wed, 25 Apr)
Oirase
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
 
This morning, you will enjoy the special local activities at Misawa. As we all know, the staple food of Japan is rice and it is no small feat for Aomori rank as the producer of the eighth highest yield in Japan. Through our local activity, you will get to learn more about the efforts behind rice production and even innovative ways at which rice can be sold. Next up in the afternoon is a visit to the Towada Art Center. Opened in the spring of 2008 as the centerpiece of Towada city’s rejuvenation efforts through art, this contemporary art museum has a truly unique concept of presenting its visitors with new experiences at unexpected turns. As the art here is not always found where you would expect it to be, delightful surprises await!

Day 06 (Thur, 26 Apr)
Oirase – Aomori – Haneda
(D: Breakfast/-/-)
 
We have saved the best for the last! 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!
(Car drop-off at Aomori Airport)

Day 07 (Fri, 27 Apr)
Haneda - Singapore

Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (GOLD)
Assemble date:   20 Dec, Fri (SO12525)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
20Apr    JL 36            Singapore - Haneda    
2150 / 0550

21Apr    JL 163          Haneda - Akita      
1110 / 1205

26Apr    JL 150          Aomori - Haneda
2025 / 2145

27Apr   JL 35              Haneda - Singapore
0005 / 0615

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :  Adult twin share $3,350
Corolla/Corolla Fielder :  Adult twin share $3,450
New Prius*/Isis          :  Adult twin share $3,550
Estima/Velfire            :  Adult twin share $3,850
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,050; Adult triple share $2,950
Child twin share $2,950; Child with bed $2,850
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,450

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Wi-Fi Router Rental (1 per room)
Comprehensive travel insurance
ETC Card (Expressway Tolls Fees)
Customized Guide Book (1 per car)
Japan Handphone (1 per car)

Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
IDP Application/ Fees
Visa application fee (if any)
Parking & Entrance fees to sightseeing spots (if any)
Child Seat (if required)
Petrol or Oil refilling
Beverage during meals (own payment)
Cockage charge (if any)

Optional Add-on:
International Sectors Airfare Adult $850; Child $640
Airport Taxes Adult $100; Child $90

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 fare is based on applicable GV2 or FIT fares (subject to ticketing conditions)
Handling fee for flight deviation is S$50 per person.
Child no bed will be served simple meals.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.