Departure date:08 Sep, 2019 (Sun) Coach
Day 00 (Sun, 08 Sep’19)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Fukuoka
Day 01 (Mon, 09 Sep’19)
Singapore – Fukuoka – Kumamoto
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kumamoto or similar
Start off your trip with a visit to a fruit farm for some grape picking. In season at this time, head out into the vineyard and have your fill of freshly plucked grapes!
In operation since 1711, the Shoubunsu Vinegar Brewery prides itself in using traditional methods handed down within the family for generations. Made using organic local ingredients, the quality of the ingredients can be tasted in the resulting brown rice vinegar. Enjoy a delicious meal whipped up with their signature vinegar here.
This afternoon, stop by at Kinoshita Mokugei, a woodworking establishment known for kumiko wood joining. Traditionally used for creating gorgeous latticework decorations for doors and windows, it is now also used for furniture and other items. Famously known for their work on the luxury cruise train Seven Stars, see the intricate designs and skilful craftsmanship of kumiko masters here.
Day 02 (Tue, 10 Sep’19)
Kumamoto – Shimabara
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Unzen Kyushu Hotel (private hot spring) or similar
Taking a ferry over to Shimabara, you will first visit the Hara Castle Ruins, the stage of the Shimabara Rebellion some 400 years ago. Rebelling against excessive taxation and religious oppression from the government, the local people, most of whom were Christians, held out against the forces of the feudal lord at Hara Castle. Unfortunately, they were defeated and the castle destroyed. The castle ruins are now an Important Historical landmark with a few monuments to the rebellion.
Later, move on to Unzen Jigoku, sulphurous hot spring ‘hells’ scattered around the sides of Unzen Onsen that are marked by constant clouds of steam billowing above bubbling pools and vents. The hot spring hells were once used to execute Christian rebels after the Shimabara Rebellion, but are now a major attraction and the source of hot spring waters for the many resorts in the town.
Day 03 (Wed, 11 Sep’19)
Shimabara – Nagasaki
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resorts or similar
This morning begins with a visit to the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan on Nishizaka Hill. This is where 26 foreign missionaries and Japanese Christians were executed for their faith, marking the start of the ban against Christianity in Japan. A monument to the canonised martyrs can be found in front of a museum dedicated to them, explaining the tumultuous history of Christianity in Japan.
At Glover Garden, former residences of Western merchants who settled in Nagasaki can be seen, including the Former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan. The open-air museum is complemented by attractive gardens with cobblestone paths and wall fountains fitting for the houses they surround.
The nearby Oura Catholic Church, with its European style architecture and stained-glass windows, was built near the end of the Edo period by French missionaries and is considered the oldest church in Japan. Dedicated to the 26 Christian martyrs, it is also the first western-style building to be designated as a National Treasure.
Day 04 (Thu, 12 Sep’19)
Nagasaki – Kamigoto
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Goto Islands Resort Hotel Margherita (hot spring) or similar
Today, take a ferry to the Goto Islands, a group of islands where many Hidden Christians relocated to in order to continue practicing their religion in secret during the ban on Christianity. First, try their local specialty in a Goto udon making experience. These udon noodles have camellia oil added, making the chewy noodles extra smooth. Learn to make these unique noodles and taste the fruits of your labour!
Next, visit the Kashiragashima Church, a stone church built after the ban on Christianity was lifted. It was constructed at the site where Hidden Christians secretly trained as Catholic priests before a crackdown on Christianity on the island forced them to evacuate. Years later, the church building was painstakingly built by parishioners who quarried and carried the rocks and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 05 (Fri, 13 Sep’19)
Kamigoto
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Goto Islands Resort Hotel Margherita (hot spring) or similar
On the way to the port this morning, make a stop at Kiri Church, a picturesque white church building on a hill. Seemingly praying for the safe return of ships, the church stands out against the green mountains and emerald waters, producing a beautiful sight especially when it is reflected on the calm surface of the sea.
After that, head out to sea for a tuna feeding experience! The sea surrounding the Goto Islands is a prime fishing ground for Pacific Bluefin Tuna, making it the perfect place to farm them as well. Take a boat out to experience feeding these large tuna fish up close!
After lunch, take part in a Camellia oil extraction experience. One of Goto Islands’ valuable exports, the nourishing oil used to rejuvenate hair, skin and nails is made from the seeds of the Camellia flower. See how this oil is extracted and get a hands-on experience for yourself!
Day 06 (Sat,14 Sep’19)
Kamigoto – Takeo – Fukuoka
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
Taking a jetfoil back to the main island, a special Takeo Activity awaits! A town which values community building and bringing people together, see how they have created an inclusive environment when you visit today. Meet the passionate locals responsible for producing Saga Biyori rice, ranked “Special A grade” for eight consecutive years and used on luxury cruise train Seven Stars. Share a delicious meal of this rice and other homecooked foods, lovingly prepared by the welcoming locals and become a part of their community too.
Day 07 (Sun, 15 Sep’19)
Fukuoka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
Free and easy day in Fukuoka City.
Day 08 (Mon, 16 Sep’19)
Fukuoka – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore
COACH TOUR
Assemble date: 08 Sep, Sun (SO13620)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
09Sep SQ 656 Singapore - Fukuoka
0120 / 0835
16Sep SQ 655 Fukuoka - Singapore
1000 / 1520
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 10-14 pax
Adult twin share $6,280; Adult triple share $5,980; Adult single $7,280
Child twin share $6,180; Child with Bed $5,980; Child no Bed $2,080
Group size: 15-19 pax
Adult twin share $5,880; Adult triple share $5,480; Adult single $6,880
Child twin share $5,780; Child with Bed $5,580; Child no Bed $2,080
Group size: 20 pax & above
Adult twin share $5,480; Adult triple share $5,080; Adult single $6,480
Child twin share $5,380; Child with Bed $5,180; Child no Bed $2,080
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Tours and Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Remarks:
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.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.