Japan trip...finally

Okay, finally. My Hokkaido trip.
But due to my "laziness" and the lack of time, I didn't manage all pix.
For more photos, check out my facebook

DAY 1 - SINGAPORE/NARITA (Meals on board)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for our flight to Tokyo.
Upon arrival transfer to hotel for check-in.
Spend rest of the day at leisure to explore Narita city.

DAY 2 - HANEDA/CHITOSE - OTARU - SAPPORO

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After breakfast, transfer to airport to take a domestic flight to Chitose.
Begin today’s tour with our journey to Otaru and visit Kitaichi Glass Shop, reputed for its unique lamps and hand-blown glassware.
Standing next to the shop is the Otaru Music Box Museum, where we can see beautifully crafted music boxes and enjoy heavenly music.
Continue to Asahi Beer Factory where you can witness the beer production process and even get to sample the freshly brewed beer.
Next, we visit the Tokeidai Clock Tower.
The rest of the day is for us to explore the famous Sapporo Underground Shopping Mall.

Second day where we had free asahi beer.

And saw snow!
It's also my first time seeing snow from the sky.
In those times I saw snow, it was already fallen to the ground.

DAY 3 - SAPPORO - ASAHIKAWA - SOUNKYO

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

In the morning, we procced to the Sapporo Morning Fish Market where different types of fish are on sale.
Next, we drive to Asahiyama, the second largest city in Hokkaido and visit the famous Otokoyama Sake Factory where we can learn and understand how Japanese sake is being processed and enjoy sake tasting session of sweet to bitter sake.
Next, we visit Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan.
It boasts about 40-year history.
The animals’ natural behaviors can be observed at a number of very innovative facilities.
During winter, you can watch the king penguins parade or the polar bears playing in the snow.
We will pass by Lake Nukabira, surrounded by deep forest reflected Taisetsu mountains, and is filled to a quiet charm.
Continue our journey to Sounkyo Gorge, situated in Mt Daisetsuzan National Park.
This gorge consists of many 100-m-tall cliffs and is popular for its numerous waterfalls.
Of these, Ryusei-no-taki Falls and Ginga-no-taki Falls,also known as Shooting Star Falls and Milky Way Falls respectively, are the most well known.
In the winter, the gorge is frozen over.

Nice flowers

DAY 4 - SOUNKYO – AKAN NATIONAL PARK – SHIRETOKO NATIONAL PARK – LAKE AKAN

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning, we drive through Lake Mashu, a beautiful crater lake in the Akan National Park known for its clear, deep blue water and its mysticism when shrouded by fog.
We take a walk around the Shiretoko Five Lakes to enjoy the picturesque lakes and pristine nature.
Explore Shiretoko National Park, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a variety of floral, fauna and wildlife.
Continue to view one of Shiretoko’s great water falls, the Oshinkoshin Falls.
Tonight, we will have a chance to enjoy hot spring bath.

DAY 5 - LAKE AKAN – KUSHIRO – ABASHIRI

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today, we proceed to visit Japan’s largest wetland, Kushiro Shitsugen Marsh.
Over at the Observatory deck, we will overlook the impressive views of the wetlands that change depending upon the season.
On the way to Abashiri, we visit Okhotsk Tower, the first observation tower in the world to see the mystery of drift ice in a minus 15-degree environment.
You can even catch a glimpse of the mysterious creature, “Ice fairy”.
We will experience and enjoy the ice breaking cruise for departure 01Feb – 15 Mar 09 only.

DAY 6 - ABASHIRI - MOMBETSU OR KUSHIRO – TOKYO - NARITA

(Breakfast / Lunch)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for our domestic flight back to Tokyo.
Upon arrival, we begin our city tour.
It starts with the popular Asakusa Kannon Temple, which has a history of more than 1,300 years.
Its gate is guarded by the God of Wind and God of Thunder, with a huge red lantern hanging above.
Purchase some souvenirs and traditional Japanese snackson Nakamise Shopping Street.
Thereafter, we proceed to Tokyo’s most famous up market shopping, dining and entertainment district – Ginza.
Then go on a night tour of Shinjuku and enjoy the night views and life of this city that never sleeps. Tonight’s accommodation is in Narita.