JAPAN PHANTOMS Air Force Super Bases: Tsuiki, Komatsu, Iruma & Hyakuri plus Nyutabaru & Hamamatsu PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Sunday, 10 th Wednesday, 27 th 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 As the months go by, more of the aircraft are withdrawn from service.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! Plus the airbases of Nyutabaru and Hamamatsu. Time also to look around the large collection of aircraft in the JASDF Museum located on the perimeter of Hamamatsu airbase (this is an optional visit, admission is free), and the 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. Although we strongly advise against taking them on the shinkansen bullet train services as there is absolutely nowhere you can store them! The main group will travel on the scheduled services of KLM from London s Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam and, in Japan, with Jetstar. There is also the convenient option of flying with KLM from your local airport and meeting up with your colleagues at Schiphol Airport please ask for details. 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 around the country is by air and rail (rather than long journeys by road), with our own coaches for hotel airbase transfers. In addition to one of our Aviation Tour Managers we also have a local English-speaking guide with us. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: SUNDAY, 10 th MARCH Between 06:30 and 07:10 please meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow travellers who will be congregating in the check-in area of KLM, who operate out of Terminal 4 of London s Heathrow Airport. Latest recommended check-in time advised by the airlines is 90 minutes, 07:10. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 Flight: KL 1002 Departs: 08:40 Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Arrives: 11:05 Remaining airside, boarding for our flight to Tokyo should start around 13:55. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Flight: KL 861 Departs: 14:35 Tour 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 8
DAY 2: MONDAY, 11 th MARCH Tokyo Narita Airport, Terminal 1 North Wing Arrives: 09:45 After Immigration, Baggage Reclaim and Customs, we transfer to Terminal 3D (Domestic) and check in with Jetstar Japan for our flight to Miyazaki. Boarding should commence at 12:50. Tokyo Narita Airport, Terminal 3D Flight: GK 635 Departs: 13:30 Miyazaki Airport Arrives: 15:35 After Baggage Reclaim we enter the Arrivals Hall and meet our English-speaking guide and transfer by coach to the Hotel Route Inn Miyazaki where we stay 2 nights. Full details on: www.routeinn.co.jp/search/hotel/index_hotel_id_567 DAY 3: TUESDAY, 12 th MARCH At 08:30 we depart for Nyutabaru airbase by coach. Based here are: F-15J, F-15DJ, T-4, UH-60J and U-125A4Es. We will spend the day outside the airbase. Pictured right is one of 305 th Tactical Fighter Squadron s Mitsubishi F-15Js. At approximately 17:00 we return to our hotel. DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, 13 th MARCH At 08:30 we leave for a second day at Nyutabaru airbase aboard our chartered coach. At 16:00 we leave the airbase s perimeter and transfer to Miyazaki railway station and take trains to Kokura. Departing at 17:31 and arriving Kokura at 22:29. Our hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the railway station; we stay 3 nights at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kokura Ekimae. Full details on: www.daiwaroynet.jp/english/kokuraekimae/ DAY 5: THURSDAY, 14 th MARCH Leaving the hotel at 08:00 we spend a full day outside the first of 3 super bases : JASDF Tsuiki with its resident F-2, F-2B and T-4s. Pictured left are 2 Mitsubishi F-2As of 6 Squadron. We arrive back at our hotel at approximately 17:00. DAY 6: FRIDAY, 15 th MARCH At 08:00 we depart for a second day outside Tsuiki, arriving back at our hotel at approximately 17:00. DAY 7: SATURDAY, 16 th MARCH Assembling in the lobby at 09:15 we walk back to the train station and let the Bullet trains take the strain to Hamamatsu. Departing Kokura at 09:50 we arrive in Hamamatsu at 13:47. A short walk away is the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hamamatsu, where we stay the next 2 nights. See details on: www.daiwaroynet.jp/english/hamamatsu/ DAY 8: SUNDAY, 17 th MARCH In the morning we visit the JASDF Museum which opens its doors at 09:00: admission is free. Remainder of the day at leisure. Optional sightseeing will be offered. Tour 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 8
DAY 9: MONDAY, 18 th MARCH At 08:30 we leave by coach for a day outside Hamamatsu airbase with its resident T-4 (pictured right), E-767, UH-60J and U-125A aircraft. At 16:00 we board our coach and return to Hamamatsu railway station and go on to Komatsu, departing at 16:36. After 2 train changes we arrive in Komatsu at 19:30. A short walk from the railway station is our hotel the APA Hotel Komatsu Grand where we stay the next 2 nights. See details on: www.apahotel.com/hotel/hokuriku/13_komatsugrand/ DAY 10: TUESDAY, 19 th MARCH We board our coach at 08:30 for a full day outside our second super base : Komatsu. Here you can expect to see F-15J, F-15DJ, T-4, UH-60J and U-125As. Pictured left are 2 of 306 Squadron s Mitsubishi F-15s. With the light beginning to fade we return to our hotel by 17:00. DAY 11: WEDNESDAY, 20 th MARCH At 08:30 we depart for a second day at Komatsu super base. At 15:30 we return to Komatsu railway station, departing at 16:12 for Iruma, arriving there at 21:06. It s only a 9-minute walk to our nearby hotel, the Iruma Daiichi Hotel, for a stay of 2 nights. See details on: www.iruma001.com/ DAY 12: THURSDAY 21 st MARCH Our coach leaves the hotel at 08:30 and we enjoy a full day outside our third super base : Iruma. Based 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 (pictured right) and CH-47Js. As the light fades, at 16:00 we return to our hotel. DAY 13: FRIDAY, 22 nd MARCH A second day at Iruma At 16:00 we return to Iruma railway station and take our seats on the 16:12 departure to Tokyo Ikebukuro arriving at 16:44. We stay the next 2 nights at the Super Hotel JR Ikebukuro Nishiguchi which is located at the railway station itself. Please note that all rooms are for single occupancy and the supplement is included in the tour price. See details on: www.superhotel.co.jp/s_hotels/jrikebukuro/ DAY 14: SATURDAY, 23 rd MARCH Free day to enjoy as you wish in Tokyo: sightseeing, shopping, airports etc. DAY 15: SUNDAY, 24 th MARCH At 10:00 we depart by coach for the Museum of Aerospace Science an aviation museum located on the perimeter, at the end of one of the runways of Narita Airport complete with an external and internal viewing deck (the far runway is within binocular/big lens range). Admission included in the tour price. Tour 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 8
Later in the day we continue to Tsukuba, about an hour s drive away where we stay 2 nights at the Hotel Marroad Tsukuba. For details please click on: www.japanican.com/en/hotel/detail/4141007/ DAY 16: MONDAY, 25 th MARCH Departing at 08:30 by coach we spend a full day 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 left, are a couple of RF-4EJs. DAY 17: TUESDAY, 26 th MARCH At 08:30 we depart by coach for a second full day at Hyakuri airbase. When the flying stops and/or the light fades, we take our leave. Arriving in Narita we stay overnight near the airport, at the Hotel Welco Narita. For details please click on: www.hotelwelconarita.com/english/ DAY 18: WEDNESDAY, 27 th MARCH Using the hotel s courtesy shuttle service (or the train, ticket not included), we transfer to Narita Airport (a 20-30 minute drive away) and check in with KLM for our flights back to London via Amsterdam. Latest recommended check-in time is 08:25. Tokyo Narita Airport Flight: KL 862 Departs: 11:25 Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Arrives: 15:30 On arrival we make our way to the departure gate of our connecting flight to Heathrow; boarding should start around 16:55. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Flight: KL 1031 Departs: 17:35 London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 Arrives: 17:55 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: 227924 From 3,739.00 From 155.00 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 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 8
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of KLM from London s Heathrow Airport as stated Flight on the scheduled services of Jetstar Japan as stated UK, Dutch and Japanese Airport Taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge Transfers by train as stated Transfers by air-conditioned charter coach as stated 16-night s accommodation in rooms with private facilities (single accommodation on Day 13) Breakfast each morning Admission to the Museum of Aerospace Science Narita Airport Services of local English-speaking guides 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 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 8
GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of 750.00 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 16-18 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 www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo 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: 020 3117 0599. 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 KLM Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: Economy passengers on KLM 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: KLM 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 16 x 12 x6ins (40 x 30 x 15cms). A total of 26lbs (12 kgs) is the total allowable weight for the two items. Tour 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 8
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). 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. Tour 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 8
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 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 Miyazaki 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 - nor the domestic flight with Jetstar Japan - 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. 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 01932 255625 for the latest special offers. KLM fly from numerous airports around the UK to Amsterdam, giving you the option of flying from your local airport instead of incurring added time and cost of going to Heathrow Airport. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking We can offer special rates for the above 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 227924 Japan Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 8