It's on! The Great Escape 2007

Book liao, book liao!

We will be going to... HOKKAIDO, Japan, come May 2007!

This will be our first packaged group tour together. Yesterday, the SO (aka ol' moneybags hurhur ) plonked down some dosh for the 7 days Floral Hokkaido tour with SA Tours. We will be leaving on 1 May morning and returning on 7 May :D

2 weeks to departure! We're all so excited!

Am abit worried about the cold weather. Forecast on http://www.weather.com/ says we should expect 3 - 12 degree celcius . Will need to borrow some sweaters and jackets from the family :S

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This is what we can look forward to on the 7 days Floral Hokkaido tour (taken off http://www.satours.com/ website) :

Highlights: Indulge in Traditional Onsen in Famous Noboribetsu and Sounkyo Enjoy delicious Japanese Cuisine Sushi/Sashimi/Tempura Platter Seafood Hotpot & Hokkaido Crab

Itinerary

DAY 1 : SINGAPORE - TOKYO (NARITA)Begin your vacation with a pleasant flight to the northern island of Japan, Hokkaido. You will be making a transfer for your domestic flight in Tokyo to Hokkaido.(Meals on board)

DAY 2 : NARITA - CHITOSE - LAKE TOYA - NOBORIBETSUUpon arrival, you will be making a transfer for your domestic flight to Hokkaido. Proceed to Noboribetsu where you find the famous Jigokudani or also known as the Hell Valley. Stroll through the sulphurous valley and you will get to see boiling ponds and steaming streams. Next, visit Mt Showa, an interesting landform that was raised from a farmland after two years of volcanic activities. Thereafter, proceed to Bear Ranch, where besides feeding the 200 bears, you will get to catch some bear shows and performances. Tonight, you can enjoy and relax at the sulphur-mineral water hotspring Bath in Noboribetsu Region.(Lunch/Dinner)

DAY 3 : LAKE TOYA - ASAHIKAWARise and shine, start your day with a drive and visit Asahikawa, the second largest city in Hokkaido. Visit Shiraoi Ainu Village for glimpse of the aborigines lifestyle. Next, visit famous Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum, with 330 year history of brewing some of the best sake in Japan. Enjoy sake tasting session of sweet to bitter sake. Next, we see how ramen is made and sample different varieties at the various ramen stalls in the famous Hokkaido Ramen Village. Thereafter, proceed to Asahikawa shopping street for some great bargains. (Breakfast/Lunch/Ramen Dinner)

DAY 4 : ASAHIKAWA - SOUNKYOThis morning, proceed to Sounkyo Gorge, situated at the foot of Mount Daisetsu-zan, created by dramatic columnar cliffs, lined with the famous worth seeing shooting star and silver river waterfall. Next hop on the Sounkyo Ropeway (gondola and chairlift ride, subject to weather conditions) for a breathtakingly gorgeous view of the majestic mountain. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing spring water hot bath.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

DAY 5 : SOUNKYO - SAPPOROAfter breakfast, we will take a leisurely drive back to Sapporo. See the making of famous Hokkaido chocolate at the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. Next drive pass Tokeidai Clock Tower and then on to Odori Park, a park bustling with people, activities and also the site of the annual Ice Festival. There also the magnificent Sapporo TV Tower and if time permits, you will get to enjoy some sophisticated shopping at JR Tower. At the famous Susukino Ramen Alley, see more than 10 established ramen restaurants competing with each other over tastes. Continue to Tanukikojo Shopping Arcade, the largest shopping mall in Hokkaido, for a great shopping spree. This evening, visit Nijo Fresh Seafood Market where you can find up to 60 shops selling all sorts of Hokkaido delicacies and be treated to the famous Hokkaido Crab dinner.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

DAY 6 : SAPPORO - OTARU - CHITOSEEn-route, to the charming town of Otaru, a lively town famous for its canals. Visit Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can view beautifully crafted music boxes and enjoy their heavenly music. Our next visit is the Kitachi Glass shop, reputed for its unique lamps and hand-blown glassware. Lining Otaru Canal are many shops that sell music boxes, crystalware and glassware. These quaint shops evoke the romantic atmosphere of this enchanting town. Stay overnight in Chitose. (Breakfast Lunch/Dinner)

DAY 7 : CHITOSE - SINGAPORE (VIA TOKYO)This morning, you are free at leisure till your departure transfer to the airport for your flight home. We hope that you have had an exciting holiday with SA Tours!(Breakfast)