Day 01 (Thu, 01 Nov’18)
Singapore – Narita – Niigata
(D: -/-/-)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata or similar
 
Arriving in Niigata this evening, have a good rest and get ready to begin your journey tomorrow.

Day 02 (Fri, 02 Nov’18)
Niigata – Aizu – Wakamatsu
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Konjyakutei (hot spring) or similar
 
(Car pick-up in Niigata City)
 
The historic battleground of the Boshin War, Tsuruga Castle, also called Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, is iconic as being the only castle in Japan with red roof tiles. The standout structure is not only a sight to see with its red roof complementing the red of the autumn leaves but offers panoramic views of the city as well.
 
Oyakuen, literally meaning “medicinal garden”, is a peaceful Japanese landscape garden built around a pond that is perfect for strolling in. Its name comes from the large variety of medicinal plants that are grown within the garden, some of which are still used for traditional remedies today.
 
The award-winning sake from Suehiro Sake Brewery is known throughout Japan for its high quality and taste. Take a tour of the brewery and get behind the scenes of the traditional sake brewing process used, its progress over time, and taste some of the fantastic sake for yourself.

Day 03 (Sat, 03 Nov’18)
Aizu – Wakamatsu – Bandai – Aizu – Wakamatsu
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Konjyakutei (hot spring) or similar
 
Go on a scenic drive around the Bandai area to admire the autumn colours today, starting off with the Bandaisan Gold Line. This mountain road up the side of dormant volcano, Mt Bandai, is dotted with small waterfalls and viewpoints from which to see the surrounding area dressed in autumn foliage. Along the way, stop at the Mt Bandai Eruption Memorial Museum where you can learn, and even have a simulated experience, of the powerful 1888 eruption that shaped the mountain and surrounding landscapes. This eruption was also responsible for creating Goshikinuma, a set of lakes in Urabandai known for their beautiful waters in various shades of blue and green. The colour of the lakes changes hues depending on the weather and time of day. Some of the lakes can also be seen against the backdrop of vibrant coloured trees on a drive along the Bandai-Azuma Lake Line. Continuing on to the Bandai-Azuma Skyline, drive along one of Japan’s most scenic roads, most known for its splendid scenery in autumn.

Day 04 (Sun, 04 Nov’18)
Aizu – Wakamatsu – Shiobara – Kinugawa
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yumenotoki (hot spring) or similar
 
Visit the former post town of Ouchijuku and get a feel of Japan from the Edo period. The well-preserved town is filled with thatched-roof traditional buildings that house shops, restaurants and small inns, very much the same as when it was a rest stop for travellers in the past.
 
The large Momijidani Suspension Bridge is a 320-metre bridge spanning the Shiobara Dam. This scenic bridge is especially popular in autumn when bright autumn leaves surround and are reflected in the lake.
 
Lined by numerous maple trees, the Nichien Momiji Line is flanked by fiery red trees each autumn, making it a popular driving route for enjoying the seasonal colours.
 
One of the most famous waterfalls in Shiobara, Ryuka Waterfall is a beautiful 60-metre-high waterfall. Cascading down three drops, it is said that the waterfall hidden in the forest looks like a flying dragon.

Day 05 (Mon, 05 Nov’18)
Kinugawa – Nikko – Karuizawa
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Karuizawa Prince Hotel East (hot spring) or similar
 
Take a drive on the Irohazaka Winding Road, a pair of winding mountain roads leading up to the Akechidaira Plateau where fantastic views of surrounding valley and mountains bathed in autumn splendour can be seen.
 
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.
 
A golden field of grass will greet you at Senjogahara Marshland. Covering a plateau 1,400 metres above sea level, the large marshland dotted with larch trees is a popular place for hiking against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Day 06 (Tue, 06 Nov’18)
Karuizawa – Hakuba
(D: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel or similar
 
Situated along a one of the major transportation roads, Unno-juku Post Town was a major stopover area for travellers in the past. Edo and Meiji era buildings still line the street of this Important Historical Building Preservation District that brings you back to days of old.
 
See how wasabi is grown at Daio Wasabi Farm, Japan’s largest wasabi farm covering 15 hectares, where rows of wasabi plants are irrigated using natural spring water from the Northern Alps. Wasabi lovers should not miss out on the trying the wasabi soft serve and other wasabi-themed products available here.
 
Japanese artist Chihiro Iwasaki was known for her charming artworks featured in picture books, magazines, novels and more. At the Chihiro Art Museum Azumino, you can admire some of her beautiful art pieces in a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Day 07 (Wed, 07 Nov’18)
Hakuba – Niigata
(D: Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata or similar

(Car return at Niigata City)

Enjoy a day of specially arranged local activities in Tsubame Sanjo where you will have a unique experience of Japanese culture and hospitality.

Day 08 (Thu, 08 Nov’18)
Niigata – Sado
(C: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Ryokan Urashima or similar
 
We will take a Jetfoil to Sado Island this morning and take in its bountiful natural scenery first from the Osado Skyline, a scenic road running though the Osado mountains.
 
Next, we will stop at the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine. Formerly the most productive mine in Japan producing almost 400kg of gold, along with some silver and copper, the mine today allows visitors to walk through the mining tunnels where life-sized displays depict life in the mines.
 
The minerals from the Kinzan mine were then extracted at the Kitazawa Flotation Plant using ground breaking techniques that made it the best in the East. Like the mine, the plant is no longer used, but is now a national heritage site displaying the materials and techniques used.
 
Later, visit the Sado Osaki Lighthouse at Senkakuwan Bay where you can take in some of the best views of the dramatic coast and sea on Sado Island.

Day 09 (Fri, 09 Nov’18)
Sado
(C: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Ryokan Urashima or similar
 
The Taraibune/Hangiri, created in the Meiji period, are more stable than regular boats in rocky waters and are used on Sado Island for collecting shellfish and seaweed. Today, enjoy riding in on one of these boats in the blue waters, and perhaps you might be able to try steering one yourself!
 
You can also learn how to play the Japanese taiko drums at the Sado Taiko Centre. Under the tutelage of world-renowned taiko performing arts ensemble Kodo, even first-timers will be able to experience the unique joy of playing the taiko together.

Day 10 (Sat, 10 Nov’18)
Sado – Niigata – Narita – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (GOLD)
Assemble date:   09 Dec, Sun (SO13201)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
01Nov    NH 802              Singapore - Narita    
0635 / 1425

01Nov    NH 3239            Narita - Niigata    
1735 / 1840

10Nov    NH 3240            Niigata - Narita    
1435 / 1545

10Nov    NH 801              Narita - Singapore     
1805 / 0040

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :  Adult twin share $4,980
Corolla/Corolla Fielder :  Adult twin share $5,080
New Prius*/Isis          :  Adult twin share $5,180
Estima/Velfire            :  Adult twin share $5,680
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $4,380; Adult triple share $4,180
Child twin share $4,380; Child with bed $2,980
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,980

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.