JAPAN MEETINGS & INCENTIVE TOUR
( Tokyo / Hakone / Izu / Kyoto )

This incentive programme starts in Tokyo, a cosmopolitan metropolis at the crossroads of the city’s old and new cultures. Skyscrapers boasting the latest in architectural designs and avante-garde buildings co-exist in common spaces. Experience the rich culture and vibrancy of this dynamic city!

Day 1
Upon arrival in Tokyo, transfer to hotel for check-in. Lunch at the scenic Tofu restaurant before joining a half day tour to Asakusa. Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa’s oldest and most visited Buddhist temple, and the Asakusa Shrine. After the temple tour, walk out to Nakamise Street right outside the temple, a shopping street with shops selling a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs.

In the evening, dine at Ryotei, an established Japanese restaurant. Dinner may be accompanied by traditional dance performances by geishas.

Day 2
Fly from Tokyo to Hakone or Izu by helicopter*. En route, enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and its surrounding forests.

Upon arrival at Hakone, embark on a privately chartered cruise on Lake Ashi. This cruise is subject to availability as capacity allowance is usually 250 passengers or more. Private charter may be possible subject to coordination with the cruise’s schedule.

*Note:
Due to the constraints of heliports and other factors, it may not be possible for all delegates to fly via helicopter. In such cases, some may have to transfer via land transport. In instances of bad weather and poor visibility, the helicopter ride will be cancelled for safety reasons.

Day 3
Visit Hakone Shinto Shrine, located on the shore of Lake Ashi. The vermillion colored shrine creates a spiritual atmosphere in the densely forested grove, particularly in the morning when it is shrouded in mist.

Proceed to one of Hakone’s luxurious ryokans (inn) for an onsen (hot spring) bath. Onsen water contains various minerals, believed to have numerous health benefits.

For spouses and children – Special Tour of Hakone

Spouses and children of delegates can take a separate tour of Hakone which focuses more on art and nature.

Visit Owakudani, a dynamic volcanic vent bubbling with white steam – a mixture of vapor and hydrogen sulfide. Eat a black egg cooked by this steam! There is a famous belief that by eating one egg, you will live 7 years longer!

Then, proceed to shop for local handicrafts - yosegi-zaiku - at the shops in the area. The art is recognized as a traditional Japanese craft by the Japanese government.

In the afternoon, explore the Hakone Open Air Museum at leisure. In this vast area surrounded by nature, 120 masterpieces carved by modern artists are displayed. Children can play with some of the artwork displays on the ground. In the evening, proceed to one of Hakone’s luxurious ryokans (inn) for a Kaiseki dinner.

Day 4
Travel to Kyoto on a Bullet Train – the fastest train in the world! In the afternoon, visit a private garden decorated in the theme ‘eternal modern’, created by one of Japan’s most famous contemporary gardeners, Mirei Shigemori. Then, visit UNESCO’s World Heritage temple, where visitors can choose to go through a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or learn Zazen meditation.

Day 5
While delegates are engaged in meetings and conferences, the day is free for their spouses and family to spend at leisure. Exclusive art and cultural activities like a Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono wearing, or incense ceremony, complete with instructions by a master, can be scheduled.

Day 6
After breakfast, proceed to Kansai International Airport for your departing flight.