ITINERARY

DAY 1: SINGAPORE - NARITA - HANEDA - CHITOSE

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Chitose via Narita/Haneda. Upon arrival, proceed to hotel. For Groups Departing By Scoot on Direct Flight, Day 1 As Follows, DAY 1 SINGAPORE – CHITOSE – OTARU (Meal On Board/Lunch/Dinner) Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Chitose. Ready? Kick off your day in the most delectable way possible after a fortifying breakfast with a stop at Shiroi Koibito. Fashioned in a distinctively Tudor-styled building that evokes fairy tale impressions, this purveyor of quality confectionary is an institution unto itself that would please the inner Hansel or Gretel in you. Your next stop will be the evocative Otaru Canal, where charming century-old stone warehouses line both sides of the lively canal. The genteel theme continues at Otaru Music Box Museum, where whimsical displays of beautifully-crafted music boxes – each bearing lovely tinkling tunes – will delight even the grumpiest of cynics.

DAY 2: CHITOSE - SAPPORO - OTARU - JYOZANKEI

Ready? Kick off your day with a drive to the evocative Otaru Canal, where charming century-old stone warehouses line both sides of the lively canal. The genteel theme continues at Otaru Music Box Museum, where whimsical displays of beautifully-crafted music boxes – each bearing lovely tinkling tunes – will delight even the grumpiest of cynics. Thereafter, make your way to an onsen resort in scenic Jozankei. Tonight, don a traditional Japanese yukata and savour a sumptuous 8-course Kaiseki dinner before taking a rejuvenating dip in a hot spring bath. You deserve it.For Groups Departing By Scoot on Direct Flight, Day 2 As Follows,**DAY 2 OTARU – JYOZANKEI (Breakfast/Lunch/8-course Kaiseki Dinner)** Take a morning stroll at the evocative Otaru Canal, where charming century-old stone warehouses line both sides of the lively canal. The genteel theme continues at Otaru Music Box Museum, where whimsical displays of beautifully-crafted music boxes – each bearing lovely tinkling tunes – will delight even the grumpiest of cynics. Thereafter, make your way to an onsen resort in scenic Jozankei. Tonight, don a traditional Japanese yukata and savour a sumptuous 8-course Kaiseki dinner before taking a rejuvenating dip in a hot spring bath. You deserve it.

DAY 3: JOZANKEI - FURANO - ASAHIDAKE

With its pristine waters, vast pastures and bracing air, Hokkaido is renowned for churning out some of Japan’s best dairy products. Make a stop at Glass Forest to view its trove of exquisite diamond dust glassware known as Shibare glass. Distinguished by an embedded crack line, each piece is unique and a consummate work of art. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy a candle making session.Bonus Get up close and personal with huge polar bears, furry white fox, chubby and witness the adorable penguins walk at Asahiyama Zoo from December to January. The zoo is closed from 30December to 2January and the visit will not be replaced.

DAY 4: FURANO - ASAHIDAKE - MOMBETSU

This morning, enjoy a hands-on, interactive education at Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum. Wander around this sprawling science centre and find out more about the wonders of science and nature through exhibits on subjects such as sea ice and climate change. Later, proceed to Okhotsk Tower to experience the mystery and wonder of drift ice in a sub-20 degree environment. Catch a glimpse of the “ice fairy”, a mysterious creature, or try blowing “ice bubble”. Later, come face-to-face with rare seal seals at Okhotsk Seal Centre, a conservation centre that offers dwelling and protection for these remarkable creatures. This evening, make you way to an onsen resort in Mombetsu. Enjoy a kimono dress-up session and see how the traditional snack, mochi, is made during a mochi pounding show. Bonus Enjoy Ice-Breaker Cruiseride and admiring the panoramic view of Sea of Okhotsk covered with 40-50cm thick drift ice from February to 15March

DAY 5: MOMBETSU - ABASHIRI - SHIRETOKO

This morning, make your way to Shiretoko after breakfast. Along the way, make a stop at historic and imposing-looking Abashiri Prison. Built in the 1890s, this complex had once held dangerous criminals; today, it houses a comprehensive museum that documents the daily lives of the prisoners. Arrive at Shiretoko National Park, one of the world heritage sites located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido and is one of Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled national park. In winter, the peninsula's coast along the Sea of Okhotsk becomes one of the northern hemisphere's southernmost regions to see drift ice. End the day with a sumptuous seafood dinner in the hotel. Bonus Hands onIce Fishingon ice-lake fromJanuary to 15March

DAY 6: SHIRETOKO - AKAN NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, take a leisurely morning drive to Lake Akan, a unique crater lake located in Akan National Park, and home to colonies of marimo, a very rare algae species that transforms to beautiful green balls if left untouched for a few centuries. Along the way, walk through the sulphurous valley and see boiling ponds and steaming streams at the Mt Iou, here you might get to taste the local sulfur steam egg. Rest those tired feet after a morning of walking and enjoy a foot spa at the enchanting Lake Kusshar**o. If times permit, you may want to experience snow mobile ride on fine powdery snow at own expenses. Spend the night at an onsen hotel** in Lake Akan.

DAY 7: LAKE AKAN - SAPPORO

This morning, bid farewell to peaceful Lake Akan and make your way to buzzing Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido prefecture. Go all out and embark on a quick shopping spree at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima,an outlet mall that boasts a plethora of domestic and imported brands under one roof. Next, proceed to Odori Park, located in the heart of Sapporo. This beautifully manicured green space is a charming assembly of monumental fountains, sculptures and flowerbeds. Each winter, its verdant grounds play host to the famed Sapporo Ice Festival. End the day with a stroll along famed Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, the longest shopping street in Hokkaido.

DAY 8: SAPPORO - CHITOSE - HANEDA - NARITA - SINGAPORE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. For Groups Departing By Scoot Direct Flight, Day 8 As Follows, DAY 8 SAPPORO - CHITOSE – SINGAPORE (Breakfast/Meals On Board) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.