Day 01 (Sun,24 Mar'19)
Singapore - Haneda - Kagoshima
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Hot Spring) or similar

(Car pick-up at Kagoshima Airport branch)

Arriving in Kagoshima this afternoon, relax and have a good rest this evening. 

Day 02 (Mon, 25 Mar’19)
Kagoshima – Ibusuki – Kagoshima 
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Hot Spring) or similar
 
The Chiran Samurai District 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. Pay a visit to the gardens attached to the houses, especially attractive in springtime when accented by beautiful cherry blossoms.
 
With a shoreline of 15km, Lake Ikeda is the largest in Kyushu. The picturesque lake is a designated natural monument, home to giant eels and, supposedly, Japan’s equivalent of the loch ness monster, Issie.
 
Located at the tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, Cape Nagasakibana is a scenic spot from which you can admire fantastic views of “Satsuma Fuji”, Mt Kaimondake, Cape Sata and even Yakushima on a clear day.

Day 03 (Tue, 26 Mar’19)
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. Stop by at the Yunohira Observatory, the closest one to the peak at 373m, for a view of the mountain peak, port, Kagoshima City and mountains of 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.
 
Kirishima Shrine is considered the “Nikko of the West” due to its beautiful design being similar to the extravagant Nikko Shrine. The shrine has strong connections to Japanese mythology and is dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto, descendent of sun goddess Amaterasu, who became human to rule the area. An 800-year-old sacred cedar tree said to answer prayers can also be found on its grounds.

Day 04 (Wed, 27 Mar’19)
Kirishima – Hitoyoshi
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel & Ryokan Ayunosato (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Join in 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.
 
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.
 
The former castle town of Hitoyoshi is sometimes referred to as the little Kyoto of Kyushu. Exploring its traditional style stone-paved streets, castle ruins, ancient shrines and temples and numerous hot springs, stop by at local specialty shops and try the locally produced miso, soy sauce and Kuma Shochu.

Day 05 (Thu, 28 Mar’19)
Hitoyoshi – Aso
D: (Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Yumeshizuku (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Take a ride on the Isaburo/Shinpei train today! Named after two significant contributors to railroad development, this sightseeing train is one of the most beautiful in Japan with a unique route including switchbacks to climb steep slopes. Lounge in the comfortable wooden carriages as you admire panoramic views of the Kirishima mountains from the large windows.

Day 06 (Fri, 29 Mar’19)
Aso – Takachiho
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Yumeshizuku (Hot Spring) or similar
 
One of Miyazaki prefecture’s most famous sights, Takachiho Gorge is a V-shaped gorge created by the Gokase River eroding through volcanic rock. The 17m high Minainotaki waterfall cascading into the river midway through the gorge paints a particularly impressive picture as the clear water cascades down against a background of grey cliffs and green foliage.
 
Shirakawa Suigen is a famous water source selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan. 60 tons of spring water gush out every minute into the river and is free for anyone to take. Be sure to bring a bottle to fill up with this fresh spring water!

Day 07 (Sat, 30 Mar’19)
Aso – Yufuin
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Yufuin UBL Hotel (hot spring) or similar
 
Drive up to Mt Nakadake, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. Located on Mt Aso, the steaming emerald crater lake and smell of sulphur in the air is sure to leave an impression of the volcano on your senses!
 
Get ready for more spectacular scenery as you stop by Daikanbo, a popular lookout near Mt. Aso. Standing at 936m, it offers panoramic views of Mt. Aso and the Kujo mountain range. Interestingly, from this vantage point, the five peaks of Aso resemble a sleeping Buddha.
 
Not for the faint-hearted, Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge is one of the longest and tallest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan. Spanning 390m across a mountain valley and towering at 777m in height, fantastic views of beautiful waterfalls, great forests, mountain ranges and a deep valley can be had from here.

Day 08 (Sun, 31 Mar’19)
Yufuin – Beppu – Yufuin
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Yufuin UBL Hotel (hot spring) or similar
 
Japan’s hot springs are well known for soaking in, but the Hells of Beppu are more of a visual treat rather than a physical one. Each of the seven hells contains a different kind of hot spring, from cobalt blue water, to bubbling mud pools, to blood red ponds. While you cannot bathe at these ‘hells’, they certainly make interesting sights!
 
Taking the Beppu ropeway up Mt Tsurumi, you will be able to see panoramic views of Beppu with its steaming hot springs on a clear day. What’s more, over 2000 cherry blossom trees surround the mountain, making it a spectacular spot for admiring the flowers when they are in bloom.
 
Head to the quaint town of Yufuin to stroll about its picturesque streets. With many intimate cafes, boutiques and small museums, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Round off your walk by stopping at Lake Kirinko, next to Mt. Yufu, at the end of the main walking path.

Day 09 (Mon, 01 Apr’19)
Yufuin – Hakata
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
 
Visit Hita Mameda Town, a well-preserved district of historic buildings. While many of the traditional Japanese houses have been converted into cafes, museums and shops, the street itself retains the flavour of the Edo period. Gas lamps still line the streets and electric cables are purposely hidden underground to preserve the traditional feel of the town.
 
(Car drop-off in Hakata City)

Day 10 (Tue, 02 Apr’19)
Hakata
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
 
Free and easy day in Hakata

Day 11 (Wed, 03 Apr’19)
Hakata – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date:   24 Mar, Sun (SO13321)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
24 Mar    JL 38              Singapore - Haneda    
0220 / 0950

24 Mar    JL 647            Haneda - Kagoshima    
1145 / 1340

03 Apr    JL 304             Fukuoka - Haneda    
0820 / 0955

03 Apr    JL 37             Haneda - Singapore     
1130 / 1735

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :  Adult twin share $5,080; Adult single $6,980
Corolla/Corolla Fielder :  Adult twin share $5,180; Adult single $7,180
New Prius*/Isis          :  Adult twin share $5,280; Adult single $7,380
Estima/Velfire            :  Adult twin share $5,580; Adult single $7,980
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $4,480; Adult triple share $4,380
Child twin share $4,480; Child with bed $3,980
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,880

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
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.