Day 00 (Sun, 09 Dec’18)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Fukuoka.

Day 01 (Mon, 10 Dec’18)
Singapore – Fukuoka – Yakushima
(-/-/Dinner)  (Coach Tour)
Hotel: JR Hotel Yakushima (hot spring) or similar
 
Arriving in Yakushima today, have a good rest this afternoon before beginning your sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 02 (Tue, 11 Dec’18)
Yakushima
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)  (Coach Tour)
Hotel: JR Hotel Yakushima (hot spring) or similar
 
Your island exploration this morning begins with a trip to the Senpiro Falls. One of the highest waterfalls on Yakushima, the magnificent Senpiro falls roughly 60 metres down a V-shaped valley. The name ‘Senpiro’, or ‘thousand fathoms’, came about as the granite wall is said to be as wide as a thousand people holding hands in a line and the sight of the voluminous waterfall plummeting down over the massive bedrock is a fantastic sight.
 
Heading through the Seibu Rindo Forest Path, you will enter a green tunnel of evergreen forest which is home to magnificent plant life and animals unique to the island. Endangered Yakushima white pine trees, giant Gajomaru trees with hanging roots, and many other kinds of fauna can be seen here. As the habitat for native Yakushima deer and macaques, it is also very likely that you will encounter these animals as you make your way through the path.
 
Get more of the grand forests at Shiratani Unsuikyo, a verdant nature park that contains some of the island’s oldest cedar trees. The network of hiking trails brings you around the ravine, past moss-covered rocks and towering trees with twisted roots. If any of the settings look familiar, it is because this forest served as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s animated film, Princess Mononoke.

Day 03 (Wed, 12 Dec’18)
Yakushima – Ibusuki
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Ibusuki Hakusuikan (hot spring) or similar

(Car pick up at Kagoshima Izuro branch)

For your final foray into the forests of Yakushima this morning, head into Yakusugi Land, a nature park home to a number of Yakusugi, or Yakushima cedars over 1,000 years old. Bask in the fresh forest air, shade of the towering trees and spectacular views of the river crossings as you appreciate the wonders of nature. Lastly, make a final stop at Kigensugi, a roughly 3,000-year-old Yakusugi, before bidding the island goodbye and taking a ferry to Kagoshima.

Day 04 (Thu, 13 Dec’18)
Ibusuki – Kagoshima  
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Shiroyama (hot spring) or similar
 
Flower lovers can head to Flower Park Kagoshima, a large park containing about 400,000 plants of some 2,400 species. Aside from the typical Japanese flowers, exotic plants from places like Brazil, Australia and South Africa can also be found here. Located along the coast, you can enjoy the coastal views and ocean breeze from various lookout points while admiring the flowers.
 
One of the more unique shrines, Kamafuta Shrine is named after an iron pot lid. According to legend, when the Emperor visited the area long ago, an iron rice pot lid was blown by a gust of wind to where the shrine is now located. The lid was enshrined and many people now come here to pray for success in their endeavours. Try the unique method of worship – balancing a pot lid on your head and walking from the gate to the shrine to make your wish!
 
The Chiran Samurai District in the middle of the Satsuma Peninsula is a well-preserved samurai town with houses and gardens dating back around 250 years. The well-maintained residences along the street and care taken to avoid signs of modernity, such as telephone poles, help to keep the historic character of the area intact.

Day 05 (Fri, 14 Dec’18)
Kagoshima – Kirishima
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Sukinoyado Yakakutei (hot spring) or similar
 
The symbol of Kagoshima, Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, it stands at 1,117m and has a circumference of about 50km. Take the Sakurajima Ferry across to the island and enjoy a leisurely drive. Stop by at the Yunohira Observatory, the closest one to the peak at 373 metres, for a view of the mountain peak, port, Kagoshima City and mountains of Kyushu. As you make your way around Sakurajima, drop by Ogaku Pottery to find out about Sakurajimayaki pottery from its proprietor and creator. Made using ash from the volcano, the dark coloured ceramics are a stark contrast to the traditional cream colour of Satsumayaki pottery of South Kyushu. Another fantastic observation point, the Arimura Lava Observatory is where you can peek into the volcano’s craters. Walk along the lava flow on the mountainside, distinguished according to eruption date by the state of the surrounding vegetation.
 
Black vinegar is known to have a multitude of health benefits and Kakuida Black Vinegar Factory has been producing it for the last 200 years. Try some of their high quality black vinegar, brewed for more than three years in earthenware pots, and rejuvenate your body from the inside.

Day 06 (Sat, 15 Dec’18)
Kirishima
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Sukinoyado Yakakutei (hot spring) or similar
 
Steep yourself in nature at the Sekino-o Waterfalls. One of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan, it consists of three falls – a large, natural waterfall of approximately 18m in height, and two smaller manmade falls, bursting forth from a frame of grey rock and green foliage.
 
Join one of FMJ’s signature activities and a favourite amongst our customers, Follow Me Kitchen! Showcasing seasonal local ingredients and prepared with the full passion of the locals, this is where you will find both your heart and stomach filled.

The Kirishima Open-Air Museum is a modern art museum set in tranquil natural surroundings. About 22 art pieces dot the open space of the museum, melding seamlessly with the beautiful Kirishima forest. The works of art here are in fact created with their surroundings in mind and are all original pieces crafted by local and international artists who have visited the museum. Enjoy art with all your senses as you interact with the art works here.

Day 07 (Sun, 16 Dec’18)
Kirishima – Kagoshima – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
(Car drop off at Kagoshima Airport branch)
 
Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date:   09 Dec, Sun (SO12965)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
10Dec    SQ 656              Singapore - Fukuoka    
0120 / 0820

10Dec    JAC 3671            Fukuoka - Yakushima    
1310 / 1420

16Dec    NH 624               Kagoshima - Haneda    
1135 / 1315

16Dec    SQ 633               Haneda - Singapore     
1640 / 2320

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :  Adult twin share $4,880
Corolla/Corolla Fielder :  Adult twin share $4,980
New Prius*/Isis          :  Adult twin share $5,080
Estima/Velfire            :  Adult twin share $5,180
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $4,580; Adult triple share $4,380
Child twin share $4,580; Child with bed $4,080
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,680

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guidebook (1 per car)
ETC card and Japan Handphone (1 per car)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Complimentary Wi-fi router (1 per room)
Car rental with insurance coverage

Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Parking & Entrance fees to sightseeing spots
Petrol or Oil refilling
Child seat (if required)
Application fee for IDP
Visa application fee (if any)
Any other charges not stated as included

Remarks:
English Voice-over GPS Navigation system subject to availability.
The prices are subject to change upon fluctuations of currency exchange rates.  Flight schedule and the sequence of the itinerary are subject to change with or without prior notice to ensure the smooth running of the tour.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 10 adults/children with bed.
Child no bed will be served simple meals.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.