Do we have to be walk the whole day and get exhausted when visiting Japan on a personal trip? That’s not necessary so! Joining a local tour is the new smart option to visit Japan. With HATO BUS, now you can easily travel from the heart of Tokyo to major sightseeing spots in the suburbs. If you are visiting during winter, then you must not miss the classic tour “Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination and Sano Premium Outlet”. You can even choose either Chinese or English tour guide. This value-for-money itinerary is perfectly suited for those who prefer a leisure tour!
Winter romance is here! Now’s the time to visit Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination and SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS
From 28th October 2018 to 31st January 2019, the bus tour will depart from Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal at 1:40 pm on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. In the morning, you can visit around Tokyo or spend some relaxing time in the hotel. There is also free connecting bus to the bus terminal at certain hotels in Tokyo area! (Click here to see hotels with connecting bus service). For return trip, it is expected to arrive at Marunouchi at night. A perfect ending of the day with the classical and elegant view of Tokyo Station!
Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal is near both JR and Toei Subway station, which is a very convenient location. After registering, remember to attach the HATO BUS sticker on your body for identification purpose. There are various beverage vending machines at the waiting area. Such a convenience! Don't just sleep while you aboard the bus. Remember to enjoy the view along the journey as you can see Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree®, and Sumida River! A professional Chinese or English tour guide will be there to provide detailed explanation so that you can enjoy the pleasure of travelling even while you are on the way.
SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS, with its collection of Japan and international brands
The first stop is SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS. The whole outlet has a feel of the US East Coast; fountains everywhere and illuminations at nights give you a holiday feel. There are many convenient services available at SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS, for example, baby stroller rental at information center, nursery room next to it, and what’s more, free WI-FI at designated areas like food court, Starbucks, BEAMS, etc.
When you get off the bus, the tour guide will give you a special coupon solely for foreign travelers. You can also get it at the information center by showing your passport. The coupon can only be used at stores that have marked “TAX FREE”. Remember to check before you shop! With this coupon, in addition to the sales season and limited time sale, you can get what you want at a pretty good price. From international brands to trendy apparel, sports brands, shoes and bags, sundries, kitchen utensils, baby and children’s items, toys, you can find everything and choose from the 180 stores in the outlet. It is so much fun and simple to shop! We list down some of the famous brands below. We suggest that you visit the official website of SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS beforehand so that you can immediately go for your aims once you arrive!
- International brands: GUCCI, PRADA, Vivienne Westwood, dunhill, MICHAEL KORS…
- Trendy apparel: BEAMS, EDWIN, Champion, Nano・Universe, URBAN RESEARCH, GAP, LOWRYS FARM, etc.
- Sports brand: Under Armour, Adidas, Reebok, Nike, PUMA, etc.
- Shoes and bags: VANS, Timberland, Ray-Ban, SEIKO, UGG, Toms, etc.
- Sundries: Francfranc, Sanrio, Plaza, etc.
- Kitchen utensils: Le Creuset, T-fal, Royal Copenhagen, etc.
- Baby and children’ items, toys: Lego, Combi, Miki House, etc.
Furthermore, SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS is a good place for food hunts. You can find takoyaki, ramen, udon, pasta, etc. at the FOOD COURT. During weekends or public holidays, there are food trucks and stalls as well. The famous burger store from Hawaii, “KUA’AINA” is said the favorite place of former US president, Mr. Obama; he would visit every time he returns home, and once even caused a road closure! If you wish to spend more time on shopping, you can order take away at some restaurants. Have your dinner in the bus and you get more time for your shopping spree!
Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination “The Garden of Illuminated Flowers – Flower Fantasy” – One of the “Three Greatest Illuminations in Japan” that one must visit
It takes approximately 30-minute drive from SANO PREMIUM OUTLETS to Ashikaga Flower Park. Keep all your bought spoils in the bus, and so you don't have to carry them around or to look for a locker. That’s why a bus tour is so convenient! Ashikaga Flower Park is famous of its wisteria. Every April and May the entire park is covered with wisteria to give a fairytale-like scenery. It’s even selected by CNN as one of the Top 10 Dream Destinations in the world.
The exclusive winter illumination “The Garden of Illuminated Flowers – Flower Fantasy” is very popular, together with Kyushu’s “Huis Ten Bosch - The Kingdom of Lights” and Hokkaido’s “Sapporo White Illumination”, designated as the “Three Greatest Illuminations in Japan”. In addition, it has won the first place in Japan for the second year in a row! If you happen to be in Kanto during this season, you must not miss this winter festival!
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How to make reservation?
To join the HATO BUS “Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination and Sano Premium Outlet” tour, you may make reservation via the official website. Make payment using your credit card and when you get a notification email, the reservation is successful. On the day of your trip, proceed to HATO BUS counter at Hamamatsu-cho bus terminal and show your reservation number or email. It is just so convenient!
- Fee: Adult 8,000 yen, 6~11 years old 7,000 yen
- Meeting point: Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal
- Address: 2-4-1, Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Remarks: Minimum participants – 5 people
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