JAPAN PHANTOMS Air Force Super Bases: Tsuiki, Komatsu, Iruma & Hyakuri Plus Iwakuni

Transcription

1 JAPAN PHANTOMS Air Force Super Bases: Tsuiki, Komatsu, Iruma & Hyakuri Plus Iwakuni REVISED Issue 2 PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Saturday, 9 th Saturday, 23 rd March It s now or never if you want to see a good number of phabulous F-4 Phantoms before the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) ends it flying career. As the months go by, more of the aircraft are withdrawn from service. It s a long way to Japan, and it s not cheap so now is the time to take the plunge, bite the bullet or you might live to regret it! This tour purposely focuses on this classic fighter and the JASDF s super bases of Tsuiki, Komatsu, Iruma and Hyakuri spending 2 days at each 3 days with the Phantoms at the latter! Plus Iwakuni and its unique US-2 flying boats: also based here is US Marine s Carrier Air Wing 5. Time also to look around the collection of aircraft in the Museum of Aerospace Science on Tokyo s Narita Airport perimeter complete with 2 viewing decks. There will be an opportunity in each town/city to purchase stepladders. We recommend you purchase fold-out stairs so that you can take them on the Shinkansen bullet train services which we now understand is possible, although storage space is limited. The main group will travel on the scheduled services of LOT Polish Airlines from London s Heathrow Airport to Narita via Warsaw and, in Japan, with Jetstar Japan. We stay each night in a comfortable hotel, on a bed and western-style breakfast basis, located within walking distance of the train stations, most of which have excellent food courts; travel in-country is by air and rail (rather than long journeys by road), plus our own coaches for hotel airbase transfers. In addition to one of our Aviation Tour Managers we also have local English-speaking assistants with us. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: SATURDAY, 9 th MARCH Between 08:00 and 08:25 please meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow travellers who will be congregating in the check-in area of LOT, who operate out of Terminal 2 of London s Heathrow Airport. Latest recommended check-in time advised by the airline is 2 hours, 08:25. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Flight: LO 282 Departs: 10:25 Warsaw Arrives: 13:55 Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 1 of 7

2 Remaining airside, boarding for our connecting flight to Tokyo should start around 14:00. Warsaw Flight: LO 79 Departs: 14:40 DAY 2: SUNDAY, 10 th MARCH Tokyo Narita Airport, Terminal 1 South Wing Arrives: 09:15 After Immigration, Baggage Reclaim and Customs, we transfer to Terminal 3D (Domestic) and check in with Jetstar Japan for our flight to Fukuoka. Boarding should commence at 12:50. Tokyo Narita Airport, Terminal 3D Flight: GK 509 Departs: 12:10 Fukuoka Arrives: 14:30 After Baggage Reclaim we enter the Arrivals Hall and meet our English-speaking assistant and transfer by private coach to Yukuhashi. We stay 2 nights on a bed and western-type breakfast basis at the Hotel Route Inn Yukuhashi. Full details of facilities can be found on their website: DAY 3: MONDAY, 11 th MARCH Leaving the hotel at 08:00 we spend a full day outside the first of 4 super bases : JASDF Tsuiki with its resident F-2, F-2B and T-4s. Pictured right are 2 Mitsubishi F-2As of 6 Squadron. We arrive back at our hotel at approximately 17:00. DAY 4: TUESDAY, 12 th MARCH At 08:00 we depart for a second day outside Tsuiki. At 16:30 we leave for Fukuoka railway station to start our journey to Iwakuni: departing at 17:22 we arrive in Iwakuni at 19:54. It s a 2-minute walk to our hotel. We stay overnight at the Green Rich Hotel Iwakuni on a bed and Western breakfast basis. All rooms include refrigerators and electric kettles, free wi-fi and wired Internet, LCD TV, hair dryer, desk and free toiletries. Website: (click translate for English) DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, 13 th MARCH Leaving the hotel at 08:30 we spend a full day outside JMSDF Iwakuni with its resident US-2 flying boats (pictured left), EP-3 and OP-3Cs, UP-3Ds, U-36As MCH-101 and CH-101s. Also operating out of here is the US Marine s Carrier Air Wing 5. At 16:00 the light is slowly fading so we return to the railway station and depart by train at 16:44 for Komatsu, arriving at 21:52. A short walk from the railway station is our hotel the 3* Granbinario Komatsu; we stay 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis in rooms with air conditioning, free wi-fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels DAY 6: THURSDAY, 14 th MARCH At 08:30 we leave on our coach for a full day outside Komatsu super base : you can expect to see F-15J, F-15DJ, T-4, UH-60J and U-125As. We arrive back at our hotel by 17:00. DAY 7: FRIDAY, 15 th MARCH At 08:30 we depart for a second day at Komatsu super base. At 15:45 we return to Iruma railway station and go by train to Tokyo Ikebukuro, departing at 16:12 arriving 20:11. From the railway station we walk 7 minutes to the Hotel Resol Ikebukuro where we stay 2 nights. Each person has a single room here, with internet and wi-fi, 32-inch LCD TV (general/satellite Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 2 of 7

3 broadcasting: free, CS broadcasting: additional charge), refrigerator, kettle, mobile telephone charger (compatible with 3 mobile carriers). Website: DAY 8: SATURDAY, 16 th MARCH A free day in Tokyo: spotting at Narita or Haneda Airports, sightseeing, or, check out the latest camera and computer equipment: Japan has the very latest models before the UK - and at a cheaper price! DAY 9: SUNDAY, 17 th MARCH At 09:00 we board our coach and go to the Museum of Aeronautical Science an aviation museum located on the perimeter of Narita Airport. It also has 2 observation decks with views of both runways. We then continue to Iruma and check in to the Iruma Daiichi Hotel where we stay 2 nights including breakfast. Wi-fi is free and there is a restaurant/tavern on the premises. Website: DAY 10: MONDAY, 18 th MARCH Our coach leaves the hotel at 08:45 and we enjoy a full day outside super base Iruma; flying out of here is a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing types including: C-1, U-4, YS-11FC, U-125 (pictured left are the last 2 types), T-4, U-4, EC-1, YS-11EA, YS-11EB and CH-47Js. As the sun begins to wane, at 16:00 we return to our hotel. DAY 11: TUESDAY, 19 th MARCH A second day at Iruma. At 16:30 we depart for Tsukuba arriving at 18:30, and check in to the Hotel Marroad Tsukuba for the next 3 nights, with breakfast, DAY 12: WEDNESDAY, 20 th MARCH Departing at 08:30 by coach we spend the first of 3 full days on the perimeter of super base Hyakuri, home to the 7 th Air Wing with its resident F-4EJ Kai, RF-4E Kai, RF-4EJ Kai, T-4, F-15J, F-15DJ, UH-60J and U-125As! Pictured right are a couple of RF-4EJs. DAY 13: THURSDAY, 21 st MARCH At 08:30 we depart by coach for a second full day outside Hyakuri airbase. When the flying stops and/or the light fades, we return to our hotel. DAY 14: FRIDAY, 22 nd MARCH Departing the hotel at 08:30 we return for one last look at the Japanese Phantoms on Hyakuri. Late afternoon, as the sun sinks below the horizon, we drive to Narita Airport, staying overnight at the Hotel Welco Narita (formerly the Mercure). It has 2 on-site restaurants, a Japanese and a Korean, and a sports bar. In the immediate area there are more restaurants, eateries and bars. For hotel details please click on: DAY 15: SATURDAY, 23 th MARCH Using the hotel s courtesy shuttle service we transfer to Narita Airport and check in for our flight back to London Heathrow, via Warsaw; latest recommended check-in time is 2 hours prior to departure: 08:55. Tokyo Narita Flight: LO 80 Departs: 10:55 Warsaw Arrives: 14:25 Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 3 of 7

4 On arrival we make our way directly to the departure gate of our connecting flight to London which will start boarding around 14:50: Warsaw Flight: LO 279 Departs: 15:30 London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Arrives: 17:20 Whilst waiting for our luggage to appear on the baggage carousel we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until we meet again. TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From 3, From On request Based on sharing a twin bedded room with private facilities, on a bed and breakfast basis Single room supplement Land only (please speak with one of our consultants before booking) TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of LOT Polish Airlines from London s Heathrow Airport as stated Flight on the scheduled services of Jetstar Japan as stated UK, Polish and Japanese Airport Taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge Transfers by train as stated Transfers by air-conditioned charter coach as stated 13-night s accommodation in rooms with private facilities (single accommodation on Day 7) Breakfast each morning Admission to the Museum of Aerospace Science Narita Airport Services of local English-speaking assistants in each city Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Visa see page 6 General Information Meals in addition to breakfast Travel insurance see page 7 General Information Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc Additional tips and gratuities Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 4 of 7

5 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular Advice The FCO's consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. We suggest you visit for up-to-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provide an Information Line for UK callers only, telephone: This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a machine readable full UK Passport which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the UK. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Japan. However, you may have to show a return air ticket and proof of sufficient funds on arrival. Non UK passport holders should consult their nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Baggage Regulations LOT Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: Economy passengers on LOT s European and Intercontinental flights may check 1 bag with total dimensions of max 158 cm (62 in) and a maximum weight of 50lbs (23kgs). Cabin Baggage: LOT Hand Luggage Allowance: 1 larger item of hand luggage, 21.5 x 13.5 x 10ins (55 x 35 x 25 cms), plus 1 smaller item no larger than 21 x 15 x 9ins (55 x 40 x 23cms). Maximum weight of 17.5lbs (8kgs) Baggage Regulations Jetstar Japan Checked Baggage: Jetstar s checked baggage allowance for all regions is: total maximum size of 62ins (158 cms). Maximum weight: 44lbs (20kgs). Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 5 of 7

6 Cabin Baggage: Jetstar's current carry-on baggage restrictions for all Economy Starter, Starter Plus and Starter Max passengers is one main item (56cm height x 36 cm width x 23 cm dimension) and one other small item, with a total combined weight of up to 10kg. Limited quantities of liquids are allowed within your hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note, you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase certain items in any shop and take it onto the aircraft as normal. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed. As baggage regulations can change with little warning, due to security requirements, you are strongly advised to contact the airline for the latest information nearer to the time of your departure. Meals Breakfast is included in the hotel each morning. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Japan, however, we recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress Late spring (March to May) is generally the best time to visit Japan, when there is little rainfall, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild. What's more, the delicate cherry blossom of spring is visually stunning. Warm items of clothing are recommended. Currency Is the Japanese Yen: JPY. Traveller's cheques and some foreign currencies can be used as a means of payment at most large hotels and duty-free shops. However, most of businesses do not accept currency other than Japanese Yen. Credit, debit and prepaid cards of International brands are accepted but not necessarily so outside of the major cities. ATMs: in the past you have been able to withdraw cash nationwide at ATMs in post offices and in 7- Eleven stores, but there have been incidents when certain cards have been refused. We therefore suggest you contact your card provider for the latest information on their use. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, can provide competitive and comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of your tour. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports If you require wheelchair assistance at the airports you must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and airports no longer provide this service without prior confirmation. Please annotate your booking form accordingly. Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 6 of 7

7 Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour at either Narita or Fukuoka Airport (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we will happy to quote you a Land Only price. This price will not include any international long-haul flights but it WILL INCLUDE the domestic flight with Jetstar Japan. You are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary, however, airlines change times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing non-refundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports please call on for the latest special offers. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking Need hotel/car parking, we can provide rates at most UK airports, please ask for details. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. * * * Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 7 of 7