Hokkaido Itinerary

7D FABULOUS HOKKAIDO (JP7H)

Highlights

· Ascend Mt Moiwa to see the glittering Sapporo city under the starry nights
· Visit Hokkaido Jingu and admire the colourful foliage and blooms in sakura and autumn seasons
· See the breathtaking Shooting Star Falls and Silver River Falls at Sounkyo Gorge
· Walk through the sulphurous valley and see boiling ponds at the “Hell Valley”

Value-added Inclusions
· Experience the best seasonal bonus for visits in different seasons
· Rejuvenate in 3 different famous Japanese onsen
· View an authentic Ainu tribe performance
· Savour complimentary Kegani Crab and Tanaba Crab, 2 of Hokkaido’s 3 most famous crabs
· Enjoy an afternoon tea in Otaru served in an exquisite porcelain cup which you can bring home as memento
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Itinerary
Day(s) Activities

DAY 1 SINGAPORE – CHITOSE (VIA TOKYO) (Meals on Board) - 05/02/08
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Tokyo.

DAY 2 CHITOSE – OTARU – SAPPORO (Lunch/Dinner) - 05/03/08
Upon arrival, transfer by flight to Chitose. Visit the Salmon Aquarium in Chitose, one of the only few freshwater fish aquariums left in the world. In its underground observation room, view thousands of salmon in the Chitose River swimming towards their breeding ground as well as many Hokkaido aquatic creatures. Proceed to Otaru Music Box Museum to view beautifully crafted music boxes. Enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon, served in an exquisite porcelain cup that will be yours to keep as a memento. Tonight, ascend Mt Moiwa to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Sapporo city.

Note
Ascension of Mt Moiwa is subject to weather conditions.

DAY 3 SAPPORO – Furano – Biei – SOUNKYO (Breakfast/Dinner) - 05/04/08
After breakfast, visit the famous White Chocolate Factory before heading to Odori Park, decorated with fountains, sculptures and flowerbeds. Visit the tranquil Hokkaido Jingu, one of Japan’s largest shrines steeped in nature and traditions. You may witness a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony if you are lucky. Your next tour destination will depend on the season during your visit.* Tonight, enjoy a relaxing Japanese hot spring bath in the resort.

DAY 4 SOUNKYO – ASAHIKAWA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) - 05/05/08
This morning, proceed to Sounkyo Gorge, situated at the foot of Mt Daisetsu-zan. You can choose to ascend the magnificent mountain via a ropeway at your own expense to have a panoramic view of its surrounding landscape. The mountain is accented by dramatic columnar cliffs that are lined with waterfalls such as Shooting Star Falls and Silver River Falls. Your next tour destination will depend on the season during your visit.*

DAY 5 ASAHIKAWA – NOBORIBETSU (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) - 05/06/08
Explore Shiraoi Ainu Village for a glimpse into the village’s rich and unique history. Move on to Noboribetsu to visit Jigokudani or “Hell Valley”. Walk through the sulphurous valley and see boiling ponds and steaming streams. Tonight, enjoy onsen in the famous Noboribetsu region.

DAY 6 NOBORIBETSU – SAPPORO (Breakfast/Dinner) - 05/07/08
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Sapporo. Visit Japan Beer Factory, where you can view the production process of one of Japan’s finest beer. Proceed to Nijo Fresh Seafood Market, where there are 50 shops selling all sorts of Hokkaido delicacies. Next, head to the famous Susukino Ramen Alley, which has over 10 established ramen restaurants that serve ramen in a miso-flavoured soup, a Hokkaido specialty. Continue to shop at Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade, the longest shopping street in Hokkaido. Overnight in Susukino area, well known as Japan's largest entertainment district.

DAY 7 SAPPORO – CHITOSE – SINGAPORE (VIA TOKYO) (Breakfast/Meals on Board) - 05/08/08
If time permits, you can do some last-minute shopping before you transfer to the airport for your flight home. (1040hrs flight from Japan, will reach SG at around 6+pm)


* Seasonal Bonus
Spring To Autumn
· Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum, which has a 330-year-old history of brewing some of the best sakes in Japan and enjoy sampling of different types of sakes


According to the lady who served us (Chloe Ng), we will not be visiting the white chocolate factory as it is suspended due to some problems with their raw materials. So instead, we will be going to a branded goods shopping district where I hope to buy...eh..my LV wallet at a cheaper price? Or should I buy a bag? LoL. See how ba!!

We will be spending 3 nights at 3 different hot springs inns, and we can use their hot springs! But I'm not allowed to wear any swimming costume or whatever. I would have to go in in my birthday suit. -_-"

Oh did I tell you that I'm more interested in going to the music box factory? It was what that made me wana go on this instead of the previous one I mentioned. And it was the Sapporo Beer factory visit that attracted my dad. LoL. Mom was more interested in the sceneries, which I told her we will go another year to see the flowers in bloom. After I grad that is. =P

Sad thing is we have to change hotels every night and mom has to sleep on the floor on 3 of the nights. Saded. But still, I'm excited!! May hurry come lehz!!