FMJ 10D9N Tohoku Spring Rejuvenation (DRIVE) (**FULLY BOOKED**)

SEASONAL TOURS

TOHOKU

FMJ 10D9N Tohoku Spring Rejuvenation (DRIVE) (FULLY BOOKED)

Departure date:11 Apr, 2023 (Tue) Drive Tour

Day 00 (Tue, 11 Apr'23)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda.

Day 01 (Wed, 12 Apr'23)
Singapore – Haneda – Tokyo
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Tokyo Station Hotel or similar

Arriving in Japan today, spend some free time in Tokyo and get ready your drive tomorrow.

Day 02 (Thu, 13 Apr'23)
Tokyo – Sendai
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East or similar
(Car pick up at Sendai Station)

Taking the shinkansen up to Sendai this morning, start your trip proper by capturing the famous view of “a thousand cherry trees at a glance” and the snow-capped peaks of the Zao Mountain Range at the Funaoka Castle Ruins Park. A slope car ride through a beautiful tunnel of cherry blossoms will culminate in a breath-taking view of the mountain range and a sea of precious pink blossoms below.

Day 03 (Fri, 14 Apr'23)
Sendai – Rikuzentakata
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Capital Hotel 1,000 or similar

Known as one of the three most scenic views of Japan, the 260 pine covered islands of Matsushima promise a beautiful view from each vantage point. The abundant pine trees, many bent into a permanent slant by the wind, give character to the islands by decorating each in a unique way.

After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami destroyed much of the town, Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village was opened as a temporary market aimed to bring cheer to the area like the shining sun. It has since become a permanent market street with eateries and shops selling fresh seafood, souvenirs and more. Interestingly, there is also a real Moai statue gifted by Easter Island here.

Tamatsukuri Grand Hotel Choseikaku

(Hot Spring) or similar

Day 04 (Sat, 15 Apr'23)

Rikuzentakata – Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) or similar

Rikuzentakata on the east coast of Tohoku was one of the areas devastated by the

March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Following massive rebuilding projects, including a community hall that was built using donations from Singapore, the city is on the path to recovery, showing great resilience and unwavering hope for a better future. Join the locals in a special Rikuzentakata Activity today that promises to be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Geibikei is a 2km gorge formed by the Satetsu River carving through bedrock. With waterfalls, rock formations, a limestone cave and soaring cliffs of almost 100m at some places, take a boat ride down the river to enjoy the sights and be serenaded by the boatman singing local folk songs along the way.

Day 05 (Sun, 16 Apr'23)

Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Hot Spring) or similar

Kitakami Tenshochi Park is one of the top three sakura-viewing spots in Tohoku and one of the top 100 in Japan. Over 10,000 cherry trees line the Kitakami River forming a sakura tunnel of over 2km. These fragile pink blossoms spread over an area of 293 hectares, equivalent to 62 Tokyo Domes.

Established in 850, Chusonji is Tohoku’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hiraizumi's Hiraizumi’s most famous attraction. The Konjikido is the crown jewel of Chusonji and the opulence of Tohoku’s past can be seen from its hall that has been completely covered in gold leaf.

Day 06 (Mon, 17 Apr'23)
Hanamaki Onsen – Kakunodate
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura (Private Hot Spring) or similar

See the cherry blossoms at one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, Takamatsu Park! Centred around a peaceful pond, roughly 800 cherry trees can be found here. Take a stroll around the pond, or even a paddle boat into the water, and marvel at the beauty of the flowers against the backdrop of a snow-capped Mt Iwate in the distance!

Blooming for only a short period of time each spring, see the skunk cabbage flowers at Sashimaki Wetland while you can! The wetland is home to 60,000 Asian and Eastern skunk cabbage which can be best admired by taking a stroll on the raised boardwalk through the marsh.

Head back to your hotel early today to make full use of your stay at Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura. There are only 8 rooms in this exclusive luxury ryokan where you can luxuriate in the private outdoor hot spring in your room and savour local delicacies in the Japanese kaiseki dinner.

Day 07 (Tue, 18 Apr'23)

Kakunodate – App Kogeni
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: ANA Crown Plaza Resort Appi Kogen or similar

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 along the bountiful cherry blossom trees that surround them.

Make a stopover at Matsubokkuri for some home-made gelato this afternoon. Featuring seasonal flavours made with ingredients supplied by local farms, savour the creamy and delicious gelato amid the beautiful natural surrounds of this quaint shop.

Spring is the season for strawberries, so indulge in some strawberry picking! Pick and eat your fill of delicious, sweet strawberries at a strawberry farm and get some for the road too!

Day 08 (Wed, 19 Apr'23)

Appi Kogen – Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar

The volcanic plateau of Hachimantai stands at 1,613 metres above sea level and many scenic roads run through the area. Take one of them on the way to Oirase and marvel at the scenery as you drive through the snow corridor of the Hachimantai Aspite Line.

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, panoramic view of the lake, the forested cliffs of the caldera’s rim, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

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, lovely greens of the foliage and the clear river water as you follow the river round its bends.

Day 09 (Thu, 20 Apr'23)

Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar

The largest and most well-known of the Tsuta Seven Lakes, Tsutanuma Lake is a spring-fed lake enveloped by primeval forests. On a calm day, the surrounding trees reflect stunningly on the water’s surface, creating a picture of verdant beauty.

Visit the Towada Art Center, a contemporary art museum housing works by internationally acclaimed artists like Yayoi Kusama, created specifically for this museum. Each piece of art is incorporated into the museum’s building and seemingly on display for the world to see. Art here is not always found where you would expect it to be and often spills out into the city around it.

Day 10 (Fri, 21 Apr'23)

Oirase – Aomori – Haneda – Singapore
(Car return at Aomori Airport)

One of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, Mt Hakkoda consists of a few volcanic peaks peaks surrounded by expanses of greenery. Take the Hakkoda Ropeway up the side of the mountain for breath-taking panoramic views of fresh greens and snow caps covering the mountainous landscape.

Home to the three-storey Hirosaki Castle, a historical monument, Hirosaki Park is a large park in the middle of the city. Home to over 2,500 cherry trees which cover the park in gorgeous pink blossoms each spring, it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular cherry blossom-viewing spots in Tohoku, and perhaps Japan.

DRIVE TOUR
Assemble date: 11 Apr 2023, Tue (SO14611)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
12 Apr JL 38 Singapore - Haneda
0150 / 0950

21 Apr JL 150 Aomori - Haneda
2025 / 2125

22 Apr JL 35 Haneda - Singapore
0005 / 1525

1st & 2nd passenger
S: Vitz / Passe / Tank / Roomy / Yaris
Adult twin $8,250; Adult single $10,850

A: Aqua / Axio / Corolla / Fielder
Adult twin $8,350; Adult single $11,050

B: Prius / Fielder HV / Yaris HV / Corolla Touring HV
Adult twin $8,550; Adult single $11,350

WS: Sienta / Wish / Sienta HV
Adult twin $8,550; Adult single $11,450

WB: Estima / Vellfire / Alphard
Adult twin $9,050; Adult single $12,400

3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin $7,350; Adult triple $7,050

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)
Car rental with insurance coverage

Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges
Parking & Entrance fees to sightseeing spots
Petrol or Oil refilling
Application fee for IDP
Visa application fee (if any)
Beverage during meals (own payment)
Corkage charge (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.

CONTACT FMJ

USEFUL INFORMATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS

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