+61 430 347 910
monique@australianracingtours.com.au
The Japan Cup is the most prestigious race in Asia and we will be back again in 2024. We’ve seen some great champions over the years including being there as local champion ALMOND EYE won the Cup in 2018 and SUAVE RICHARD in 2019.
We’ll start the tour off with three nights in Sapporo to discover all that makes Japanese breeding and racing so strong with a visit to Paca Paca Farm and three of Godolphin’s great training and breeding facilities. After this, we fly to Tokyo for five nights in this amazing city to explore what makes it so special including a visit to Mt Fuji before we have two fantastic days at Tokyo Racecourse.
PAYMENT – $500pp deposit due on booking, instalment of $1000 due April 2024, balance due 60 days before the tour begins.
After checking into the Mercure Sapporo Hotel and a freshen up, we’ll meet at the hotel for some welcome drinks and then head out for a fabulous local dinner so we can get to know each other and plan our week ahead.
Today is a chance to explore Sapporo as we head up the chairlift of the 1972 Ski Jump for beautiful views over Sapporo, stop in at Nijo Fish Market to try some local Hokkaido giant oysters and visit the local chocolate factory. We’ll then head to the popular Sapporo Beer Garden for lunch. We’ll try a freshly brewed Sapporo beer and a “Genghis Khan”, a local Hokkaido speciality dish of lamb and mutton.
After a busy first morning, the afternoon is yours for further exploration of Sapporo or to have a rest after the long trip to Japan.
We’re off early today to explore some of the farms that make Japanese racing so strong. We’ll start with a tour of Dr. Harry Sweeney’s famous Paca Paca Farm where 2012 Japanese Derby winner Deep Brillante was bred.
Then we’re off to visit the pre-training facilities at Darley’s Castle Park where we’ll check out their amazing facilities including an undercover uphill 1400m gallop. We’ll then stop for lunch at a great local restaurant where we’ll enjoy some beautiful Wagyu steaks.
After lunch, we will visit Darley’s Stallion Complex where they will parade four of their top stallions for us to inspect. Maybe you’ll find something for your mare!
The evening is yours at leisure to enjoy the Sapporo nightlife and beautiful local food.
We check out of our Sapporo hotel and head to Chitose Airport for our flight to Tokyo. We’re staying at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, which is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, our luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo.
The rest of the day is at leisure to rest or explore Tokyo with an optional wander through Shinjuku and then we’ll have a nice local dinner.
After breakfast, we’re off for a half-day tour of Tokyo with a guide as we get used to the fantastic local trains. coach. We’ll start with fantastic views over Tokyo from the observation deck, see Mt Fuji if the weather is clear, then visit Meiji Jingu Shrine & Harajuku shopping precinct, the world-famous Shibuya crossing before a visit to the old Yanaka Ginza district for some old-world charm and a local feed of Ramen.
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring Tokyo and do some shopping.
Today we have two tours available for guests, either a full day tour visiting Mt Fuji or a morning tour exploring the amazing Tsukiji Fish Markets, your choice.
MT FUJI TOUR DETAILS
The day begins with a 2.5-hour coach journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mt. Fuji, recognizable by its iconic snow-capped peak. On arrival, you’ll ascend to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station—located halfway up the mountain at 7,545 feet (2,300 meters)—and absorb unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji’s Five Lakes.
Following Fuji’s 5th Station, you’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch. Then, head into Hakone National Park by coach and take a short sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi.
Your final stop is the summit of Mt. Komagatake, reachable by Komagatake Ropeway, one of Japan’s highest aerial tramways. During the ride, enjoy more spectacular views and take a stroll along a mountain trail at the top.
Return to Tokyo by bullet train. Total tour time 11 hours.
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TSUKIJI FISH MARKET TOUR
Take a deep dive into the world of Japanese seafood during this tour of the outer Tsukiji Fish Market. Rub shoulders with Michelin-starred chefs as they shop for ingredients at this sprawling, 80-year-old market for all things aquatic. Investigate the various stalls selling fish, shellfish, and everything in between, and sample Japanese favorites such as sushi, dried bonito, fresh Tuna, and sake. A local guide and all food on the tour are included.
The evening is yours to explore the amazing Tokyo nightlife and discover their tiny little bars.
After breakfast, we’re finally off to the races at Fuchu Racecourse. Despite a capacity of 223,000, it will be a quiet day at the track with everyone gearing up for the Cup tomorrow.
We’ll explore the course, visit the museum, grab a few souvenirs and learn the Japanese betting system.
This is it, the end of the week and the highlight of the trip, it’s Japan Cup day!! Today’s race meeting at Fuchu is highlighted by the running of Japan’s most prestigious race – the Japan Cup.
A crowd of 100,000 plus is expected. We’re in a hospitality lounge with a balcony on the sixth floor right near the finish line with all-inclusive food and drinks.
The tour concludes after breakfast today, either head back to Australia or maybe you’re continuing your Asian adventure before the Hong Kong International races next week!
