Departure date: 21st Mar, 2017 (Tue) Coach & Drive - Gold
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda.
Day 01
Singapore – Haneda - Fukuoka
(C: -/L/D) . (D: -/L/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
Arriving into Fukuoka in the late morning, we will proceed to one of Fukuoka’s must-visit spot - Dazaifu Shrine. Located in a tranquil district and yet close to the station, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane - the God of Learning. Aside from joining the crowds in search of blessings in the shrine upcoming examinations, you can also enjoy the bustle of the shopping street lining the walkway towards the shrine.
Day 02
Fukuoka – Yufuin
(C: B/L/D) . (D: B/-/D)
Hotel: C: Yufuin Yumeguri Hotel Sankoen (Hot Spring); D: Yufuin Hanayoshi (Hot Spring) or similar
(Car pick-up in Hakata city)
Let the locals of Tachiarai give you a warm welcome in the afternoon with some local activities. You will start off with a welcome lunch that will highlight local season ingredients prepared by the people here. In the recent years, fruits flavoured sake has been gaining popularity in Japan. After lunch, you will be introduced to this whole new world of sake and can try some that has been infused with the fruity sweetness of strawberries! After lunch, you will be visiting the Hita-Mameda Town. Up until the end of the Edo period, it was governed directly by the Tokugawa shogunate. Such land, called "Tenryo", was located in over 50 regions throughout the country, with the four most crucial locations (Edo, Takayama, Kasamatsu, and Hita) being designated as administrative seats of the surrounding regions. Tenryo Hita thus played an important role in keeping a close eye on the daimyo rulers of Kyushu. Walking through the town feels like travelling back to the Edo Period.
Day 03
Yufuin
(C: B/L/D) . (D: B/-/D)
Hotel: C: Yufuin Yumeguri Hotel Sankoen (Hot Spring); D: Yufuin Hanayoshi (Hot Spring) or similar
When in Kyushu, one of the must-visits has to be the Beppu Hells. Although you cannot soak in these hot springs, looking at the sheer variety of hot springs that exist within one small town is simply unbelievable. They range from bubbling pools of grey mud to bright blue water and a deep blood red. Yufuin is up in the afternoon, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along its picturesque main street that is lined with intimate cafes, boutiques and small museums, rounding up with a visit to Yufuin’s beautiful Lake Kinrinko.
Day 04
Yufuin – Mt Aso
(C: B/L/D) . (D: B/-/D)
Hotel: C: Bettei Soan (Hot Spring); D: Yumeshizuku (Hot Spring) or similar
Definitely not for the faint-hearted, the Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge is up next. Spanning the mountain valley at 375 metres from one end to another and towering at the height of 777 metres, you will feel like you are taking a walk over the forest canopy. The dramatic elevation and bridge’s slight swaying in the wind will make it a thrilling walk. Harajiri Waterfalls, which is sometimes referred to as "Niagara Falls of Kyushu", is majestically grand. It is said to have formed from the accumulation of lava caused by a huge eruption of Kumamoto prefecture’s Mt Aso about 90,000 years ago. After that, we will take you to one of Kyushu’s premier tourist spots, the Daikanbo lookout is a well-known destination in Japan. Located at a superior point, it offers you breath-taking views of the five peaks of Mt Aso and Kuju mountain range. Interestingly, they form the shape of a Buddha lying on his back. The panoramic view of Aso town from the observatory is also outstanding.
Day 05
Mt Aso – Miyazaki
(C: B/L/D) . (D: B/-/-)
Hotel: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort (Hot Spring) or similar
This morning, you will be passing by Shirakawa Suigen, one of Japan’s 100 best water locations, with an astounding 60 tonnes of water emerging from this spring every minute. The Takachiho Gorge has to be one of Miyazaki prefecture’s most famous sights. The V-shaped gorge has been formed by the Gokase River as it carves its way through the Aso lava. Later in the day, you will be able to see the cliff of Hyuga Cape, and the Hyuganada Sea from the viewing platform near Hososhima Lighthouse. Towering as high as 70 metres, the precipitous cliff of pillar-like rocks commands an excellent view of the waves below breaking against the rocks and sending up sprays of water.
Day 06
Miyazaki - Kirishima
(C: B/L/D) . (D: B/-/-)
Hotel: C: Yakakutei (Hot Spring); D: Hotel Shiroyama (Hot Spring) or similar
Cherry blossoms herald the arrival of Spring and over at Mochio Park, over 2,600 cherry trees of various species seem to vie for attention. From the almost pure white of the delicate Somei Yoshino to the pinks of the Yae-Zakura, these beautiful trees form an over 2 kilometer-long road and make this one of Japan’s top 100 places of cherry blossom viewing. In the afternoon, we have something very special for you! FMJ customers’ favourite activity in South Kyushu - 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. One of Kyushu’s attractions lies in its unique balance between stunning architecture and traditional folklore. The Kirishima Shrine is one perfect example of this with its brilliant vermillion structures that tell of an unforgettable tale long before humans walk the earth.
Day 07
Kirishima – Ibusuki
(C: B/L/D) . (D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Ibusuki Hakusuikan (Hot Spring) or similar
If all the hearty eating is pricking your conscience, the visit to Kakuida Black Vinegar Factory will do you good. They have been making black vinegar for over 200 hundred years and getting an icy-cold glass of this tangy and refreshing health drink has to be prefect for your body and mind. Today is time to visit the symbol of Kagoshima – Sakurajima. Located in the middle of the Kagoshima Bay, it is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and from the Arimura Observation Deck, you will be able to peak into the volcano’s heart for an idea of the awesome volcanic activities that are happening right beneath your feet. Ibusuki is where you will spend the night and whenever in Ibusuki, you must give the Hot Sand Bath a try. You can literally feel all your stress and worries drain away as you lay in the warm sand pits heated by the subterranean geysers.
Day 08
Ibusuki – Kagoshima – Haneda
(C: B/L/-) . (D: B/-/-)
First up today is Nagasakibana. It is a triangular shaped cape with a view of the Kaimondake Mountain standing on its western side. Since there is nothing nearby to block the view, the view of this mountain from the cape is truly amazing. Next up is a visit to the Chiran Samurai Town. This well-preserved pre-served samurai district consists of houses and gardens that date back about 250 years. Thanks to the isolated location at the southern end of Kyushu, it has allowed the district to keep much of its historical character intact. You will find the attached gardens delightful as you view them from within the grounds and accented by the beautiful cherry blossoms.
(Car return at Kagoshima Airport branch)
Day 09
Haneda – Singapore
Flight arrival in Singapore.
DRIVE TOUR (GOLD)
Assemble date: 21 Mar, Tue (SO11862)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
21Mar NH 844 Singapore – Haneda
2220 / 0600
22Mar NH 245 Haneda – Fukuoka
0900 / 1100
29Mar NH630 Kagoshima – Haneda
1930 / 2115
30Mar NH843 Haneda – Singapore
0015 / 0630
Tour price per person (in SGD)
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz: Adult twin share $3,880
Corolla/Corolla Fielder: Adult twin share $3,980
New Prius*/Isis: Adult twin share $4,080
Estima/Velfire: Adult twin share $4,280
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,680; Adult triple share $3,480
Child twin share $3,380; Child with bed $3,180
No bed (age 4 & below) $1,480
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guide book (1 per car)
Rental car with insurance coverage.
ETC card and Japan Hand phone.
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Tour price excludes:
Return economy class airfare
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)
Optional Add-on:
International & Domestic Sectors Airfare Adult $900; Child $675
Airport Taxes Adult $120; Child $110
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.
Deviation surcharge based on applicable GV2 or FIT fares (subject to ticket conditions). Handling fee for flight deviation id SG$50 per person. Child no bed will be served simple meals. Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.