JAPAN Air Force & Marine Aviation Airbases including RF/F-4 Phantoms, Shin Meiwa US-1A & Shin Maywa U-2s; Ashiya AB Airshow; & Free Time in Tokyo

Transcription

1 JAPAN Air Force & Marine Aviation Airbases including RF/F-4 Phantoms, Shin Meiwa US-1A & Shin Maywa U-2s; Ashiya AB Airshow; & Free Time in Tokyo PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Tuesday, 3 rd Wednesday, 18 th October The flying career of the fabulous F-4 Phantom is coming to a close with the Japanese Air Self- Defence Force (JASDF): there is now only one airbase operating the type and the aircraft is due to be retired if not in 2017 then in Numbers of Shin Maya US-1 are also going down but at least there is the newer Shin Maywa US-2. Our tour itinerary, therefore, will include: the Shin Maywa US-1 and US-2 base the F-4 Phantom base All photos: Gerry Manning Among the air force and maritime aviation airbases we visit are: JASDF Nyutabaru JASDF Tsuiki JMSDF Iwakuni JASDF Kanawawa/Komatsu JASDF Hamamatsu JASDF Iruma JGSDF Hyakuri We also enjoy a full day at JASDF Ashiya s Open Day/Airshow. Please note that all photography and logging takes place off-base, on the perimeter and/or at the end of the runway: from popular locations used by the local Japanese and foreign photographers and enthusiasts. We will be flying on the scheduled services of All Nippon Airlines (ANA) from London s Heathrow Airport; travel in-country is by air, train (local, express and Shinkansen bullet ) services and chartered coach (please see appropriate paragraph on page 5 General Information ); we stay each night in comfortable hotels on a bed and breakfast ( western-style where possible) basis; and are accompanied by an Ian Allan Tour Manager (and at certain times as stated, by a local English-speaking guide). PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: TUESDAY, 3 rd OCTOBER Please meet your fellow enthusiasts and tour manager in ANA s check-in area in Terminal 2 of London s Heathrow Airport; latest recommended check in time is 16:00 for our flights to Miyazaki via Tokyo. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Flight: NH 212 Departs: 19:00 Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 1 of 7

2 DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, 4 th OCTOBER Tokyo Haneda Airport Arrives: 14:40 After Immigration, Baggage Reclaim and Customs, we hand our luggage back in at the airline s transfer desk and go along to the departure gate of our onward flight to Miyazaki: Tokyo Haneda Airport Flight: NH 613 Departs: 17:45 Miyazaki Airport Arrives: 19:30 After Baggage Reclaim we enter the Arrival s Hall and meet our English-speaking guide and transfer by coach to the Hotel Route Inn Miyazaki staying one night on a bed and breakfast basis (note: as there are no twin-bedded rooms, each person will occupy a single-bed room which is included in the tour price). Website: DAY 3: THURSDAY, 5 th OCTOBER At 08:30 we depart for Nyutabaru airbase by coach. Based here are: F-15J, F-15DJ, T-4, UH-60J and U-125A4Es. At 16:30 we leave the airbase s perimeter and return to Miyazaki. From Takanabe station we go by train to Yukuhashi, arriving at 21:21. Our hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the station; we stay 2 nights at Hotel Route Inn. Website: DAY 4: FRIDAY, 6 th OCTOBER Leaving the hotel at 08:30 we spend a full day outside super base JASDF Tsuiki. Resident here are: F-2, F-2B and T-4s. We arrive back at our hotel at approximately 17:00. DAY 5: SATURDAY, 7 th OCTOBER At 09:00 we accompany a local English-speaking guide and walk to the train station and at 09:22 depart by train to Hakata, arriving late morning. A short walk from the train station is the Hotel Route Inn Hakata Ekimae where we check in and stay for the next 2 nights. Website: Remainder of the day is free. DAY 6: SUNDAY, 8 th OCTOBER Leaving the hotel at 07:30 we attend Ashiya airbase s Open Day/Airshow. Based here are: T-4s, UH-60Js and U-125As. At 17:00 our coach returns us to our hotel. DAY 7: MONDAY, 9 th OCTOBER With a local English-speaking guide we leave the hotel at 08:15 for the short walk back to the train station. We take our seats on the 08:43 Sakura 542 bullet train to Tokuyama, and from their take another train to Iwakuni arriving at 11:04. Meeting our coach driver we spend the rest of day at super base Iwakuni; resident here are: US-1A, US-2, EP-3, OP-3C, UP-3D, U-36A, MH-53E, MCH-101 and CH-101s. We transfer to our hotel at 17:00: the Green Rich Hotel Iwakuni Ekimae. Website: Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 2 of 7

3 DAY 8: TUESDAY, 10 th OCTOBER We depart the hotel at 08:30 for a second day outside Iwakuni airbase. At 16:04 we take the train to Komatsu arriving at 21:52. A short walk from the railway station is our hotel the APA Hotel Komatsu Grand: we stay here overnight. Website: DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, 11 th OCTOBER 08:30 and we leave by 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. At 16:30, with the light fading, we return to Komatsu railway station and depart at 17:05 for Hamamatsu where we arrive at 20:05. A short walk away is the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hamamatsu, where we stay the next 2 nights. Website: DAY 10: THURSDAY, 12 th OCTOBER Taking your seat on the coach, at 08:30 we set off for a full day at Hamamatsu airbase with its resident T-4, E-767, UH-60J and U-125A aircraft. At 15:15 we return to Hamamatsu railway station and take the Kodama 664 bullet train to Tokyo; transferring to another train we arrive in Irum-shi station at 20:05 and walk to our nearby hotel. We stay 2 nights at the Iruma Daiichi Hotel; website: DAY 11: FRIDAY 13 th OCTOBER Our coach leaves the hotel at 08:30 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, T-4, U-4, EC-1, YS-11EA, YS-11EB and CH-47Js. As the light fades, at 16:00 we return to our hotel. DAY 12: SATURDAY, 14 th OCTOBER Leaving the hotel at 08:50 we walk back to Irumahsi station and take the express train to Tokyo Ikebukuro arriving at 09:46. We stay overnight at the B Ikebukuro hotel; website: The remainder of the day is free to enjoy as you wish in Tokyo: sightseeing, shopping, airports etc. DAY 13: SUNDAY, 15 th OCTOBER A full day free to enjoy as you wish in Tokyo. At 17:00 we meet up in the hotel s reception area then board our coach for the transfer to Tsukuba. We stay 2 nights at the Hotel Marroad Tsukuba; website: DAY 14: MONDAY, 16 th OCTOBER Departing at 08:00 by coach we spend a full day on the perimeter of super base Hyakuri with its resident F-4EJ Kai, RF-4E Kai, RF-4EJ Kai, T-4, F-15J, F-15DJ, UH-60J and U-125As! DAY 15: TUESDAY, 17 th OCTOBER 08:00 depart by coach for a second full day at Hyakuri airbase. At 16:00 we set off for Tokyo s Haneda Airport, arriving at 17:45, and check in for 1 night at the Hotel JAL City Haneda; website: Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 3 of 7

4 DAY 16: WEDNESDAY, 18 th OCTOBER Using the hotel s courtesy shuttle service we transfer to Haneda Airport and check in with ANA for our flight back to London; latest recommended check-in time is 08:35. Tokyo Haneda Airport Flight: NH 211 Departs: 11:35 Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Arrives: 16:10 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, Based on sharing a twin bedded room (single in Miyazaki) with private facilities on a bed and breakfast basis Single room supplement On request Land only (please speak with one of our consultants before booking) TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of All Nippon Airlines (ANA) from London s Heathrow Airport UK and Japanese Airport Taxes and UK Passenger Service Charge Train tickets for journeys as stated Ground transportation throughout the itinerary, as stated 13 night s hotel accommodation sharing a twin-bedded room with private facilities 1 night in a single-bed room (night of 4 th October) Breakfast each morning at all hotels Services of a local English-speaking guide, as stated Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Meals, except as stated above Travel insurance see General Information Visas: not required by UK Passport holders see General Information for details Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc Tips and gratuities (it is customary NOT to give tips in Japan as it can cause offence) Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 4 of 7

5 GENERAL INFORMATION 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.. Ian Allan Travel Ltd cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Payment for A deposit of per person per tour 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. 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. For up-to-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting, we suggest you visit: 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 Visa Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the UK. UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Japan. Non-UK citizens should contact the relevant Embassy in their country of residence for specific information and instructions. Baggage Regulations All Nippon Airlines (ANA) Economy Class: From Heathrow Airport Hold baggage - 1 item of checked baggage is carried free of charge; it must not exceed 50lbs (23kgs), and combined total measurements (width + length + depth) are to be no larger than 62ins (158cms). Hand baggage - Passengers departing from Heathrow can take 1 standard-sized bag no bigger than 21½ x 15½ x 10 ins (55cm x 35cm x 25cm) including wheels, pockets and handles. There is a weight limit for cabin baggage of 26lbs (12kgs). In addition to above, passengers may also take into the cabin one personal belonging, such as a small bag. Restrictions remain in place for the carriage of liquids, gels, and creams in hand baggage for all passengers departing from and transferring through all EU airports. Some other airports around the world operate their own restrictions. Customers are advised to check before they travel. Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 5 of 7

6 Limited quantities of liquids (individual containers must not exceed 100ml or 3½ fl oz), are allowed as 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. Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain liquids such as 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. Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside. Hand baggage can also include electronic equipment such as mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit can also be included. 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. Baggage Weight Restrictions UK Airports Since 1 st June 2004, any single piece of checked baggage weighing more than 70lbs (32kgs) has not been accepted at check-in by any airline operating from London s Heathrow Airport. The BAA may introduce this limit at their other airports in the UK (and so might non-baa airports), in an attempt to reduce manual handling injuries amongst airport staff. Please bear this in mind when packing your suitcase. If you are flying with British Airways please see additional limitations below. Meals Meals are not normally included in the price of our tours unless they are included within the room rate as we realise that not everyone wants three meals a day. Furthermore, hotel meals can be expensive and in general, we have found it is better to allow each person to decide for themselves. Breakfast is included at all the hotels on this tour. In-flight meals when included within the cost of the air ticket form part of the tour price, however some airlines (primarily European carriers) now only serve refreshments for which they charge accordingly. Health Requirements There are no known mandatory or recommended health precautions for Japan. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress October is one of the most pleasant months for travelling in Japan as the weather remains warm, but is no longer hot and humid; average temperatures are in the mid 20sºC. Skies are normally perfect for photography: clear and sunny. As it can be cooler during the late afternoon and evenings we recommend you take warm items of clothing with you, including a waterproof. 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 within the past 12 months 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. Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 6 of 7

7 Wheelchair Assistance at Airports. Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, Ian Allan Travel Ltd are able to offer competitive and comprehensive insurance cover. 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 Ian Allan Travel Ltd. 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. These policies also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi-day stays in the same place, 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 in Japan (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we will be very pleased to provide a Land Only price. This price does NOT include any flights whatsoever international or the Japanese internal flight - and 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. This is particularly relevant where travel on specific domestic flights forms part of the tour itinerary. Please note that the Land Only price is based on you meeting the tour at the hotel in Miyazaki and does not include the arrival airport transfer. 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 may change these 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 nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. Ian Allan Travel 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 Ian Allan Travel on for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking We can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Meet & Greet Car Parking Drive from your home or overnight hotel, directly to the Pick Up/Drop Off Lane immediately outside Terminal 2 and your car will be collected by a driver and taken to an off-airport, secure, car park. On your return the driver and your car will be waiting for you in the Pick Up/Drop Off lane. Simple and very convenient. Recommended by our Tour Managers please call for details. * * * Tour Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 7 of 7