Japan Cup

Welcome to Japan and the stunning northern island of Hokkaido! Upon arrival in Sapporo, we’ll check into the Mercure Sapporo Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Take some time to settle in and freshen up before we gather for our first evening together.

We’ll start with welcome drinks—a perfect opportunity to relax, mingle, and meet your fellow travellers. From there, we’ll head out for a fabulous local dinner, where you’ll get your first taste of Hokkaido’s renowned cuisine. As we enjoy a delicious meal, we’ll talk about the exciting experiences ahead and make plans for the week.

It’s the perfect way to kick off what promises to be an unforgettable tour!

Today is all about discovering the best of Sapporo.

Our morning begins with a visit to Mt. Moiwa, one of Sapporo’s most iconic viewpoints, where you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the city and surrounding landscape. We’ll then explore some of Sapporo’s key sights, giving you a chance to experience the character of Hokkaido’s vibrant capital and see a mix of its modern cityscape, local landmarks and unique atmosphere.

For lunch, we’ll head to the Sapporo Beer Garden, a must-visit for food and beer enthusiasts. Enjoy a freshly brewed Sapporo beer, paired perfectly with “Genghis Khan,” a local specialty dish of grilled lamb and mutton that’s both hearty and delicious.

After a busy and exciting morning, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You might choose to continue exploring Sapporo’s lively streets, discover hidden cafés and boutiques, or simply relax and recharge after your journey 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 Northern Farm, one of Japan’s most renowned stud facilities, home to many of the country’s top-bred champions.

Next, we’ll visit Northern Horse Park, a unique equine‑themed park set in the beautiful Hokkaido countryside, offering an unforgettable hands‑on experience with horses and nature.

We’ll then stop for lunch at a great local restaurant, where you can enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine, including the famous Wagyu beef.

The evening is yours at leisure to enjoy Sapporo’s nightlife and sample the local food.

This morning, we check out of our hotel in Sapporo and transfer to Chitose Airport for our flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we’ll make our way to Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, a luxurious base in the heart of the city. Known for its unbeatable location, the hotel is just moments from Tokyo’s most popular shopping and entertainment districts, offering the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With stylish accommodations and stunning views over central Tokyo, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and prepare for the days ahead.

After settling in, we’ll come together for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, where we’ll savor some authentic Japanese cuisine. Later in the evening, those feeling adventurous might want to explore Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife—famous for its buzzing bars, hidden izakaya’s, and neon-lit streets.

Today we are off to explore Tokyo in the easiest and best way possible, the underground Metro. We’ll start with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, then a visit to Asakusa followed by the busiest intersection the world, Shibuya Crossing. You’ll have option to explore other parts of Tokyo along the way, otherwise you have the afternoon free.

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 favourites 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.

Today is yours to explore the vibrant city of Tokyo at your own pace. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse experiences. You might choose to indulge in some retail therapy in Tokyo’s renowned shopping districts such as Ginza, Shibuya, or Harajuku, each offering a unique blend of high-end boutiques, quirky fashion, and local treasures.

For those seeking adventure beyond the city, consider a day tour to the iconic Mount Fuji, where breathtaking views and serene landscapes await. Alternatively, embark on a high-speed journey aboard the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, where you can discover ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and stunning gardens.

In the evening, we’ll reconvene for relaxed drinks and a chance to share stories from the day as we gear up for the excitement of the Japan Cup tomorrow.

This is it—the pinnacle of the week and the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It’s Japan Cup Day, one of the most prestigious and celebrated events in the global racing calendar. Held at the iconic Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, the Japan Cup is the crown jewel of Japanese racing, attracting the best horses, jockeys, and racing fans from around the world.

Today’s race meeting promises an electric atmosphere, with over 100,000 passionate racegoers in attendance. We have reserved grandstands seats in the heart of the action with great views over the whole course. No hospitality is included, however, there are many great food & drink outlets throughout the course

Get ready to soak up the excitement and witness racing history unfold as we cheer on the contenders in this remarkable international showdown.

After the races, we’ll head back to the hotel for our farewell dinner before we have to head back to Australia, or maybe onto the Hong Kong International Races.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Tokyo and the incredible experiences we’ve shared. For those returning home, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey back to Australia.

If your travels are continuing, perhaps you’ll explore more of Asia’s vibrant destinations. With the Hong Kong International Races just around the corner next week, it’s the perfect opportunity to extend your adventure and experience even more world-class racing and culture.