Departure date: 30 Aug, 2020 (Sun) Coach
Day 00 (Sat, 29 Aug’20)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Fukuoka
Day 01 (Sun, 30 Aug’20)
Singapore – Fukuoka – Fukue
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Goto Tsubaki Hotel or similar
Arriving in Fukue today, start off your trip with a fishing experience in the rich waters off Goto. Fishing at a spot where locals claim you can get a catch within seconds, reel in fresh fish like yellowtail from the sea. The fish you catch will then be prepared for a dinner that is guaranteed to be fresh!
Day 02 (Mon, 31 Aug’20)
Fukue – Kamigoto
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Goto Islands Resort Hotel Margherita (Hot Spring) or similar
This morning, take a jetfoil over 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. Your first stop on the islands will be 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.
Later, drop by Aosagaura Church a red brick church designed by Tetsukawa Yosuke, a famous Japanese church architect. Built by the heartfelt labours of its parishioners who carried bricks from the port up to the construction site, the church’s history makes its humble brick walls, stained glass windows and layered roof extra meaningful.
Originally built in 1882, Chuchi Church was rebuilt in the north of Nakadori Island in 1978 thanks to the contributions of its parishioners. The red brick building is beautifully accentuated by stained-glass windows which reflect scenes from the New Testament, some of which feature the disciples in the likeness of actual parishioners of the church.
Day 03 (Tue, 01 Sep’20)
Kamigoto
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Goto Islands Resort Hotel Margherita (Hot Spring) or similar
Today, 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!
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.
Try the local specialty of Goto udon for lunch and get hands on 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!
Day 04 (Wed, 02 Sep’20)
Kamigoto – Nagasaki
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resorts or similar
Taking a jetfoil back to the main island this morning, visit 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.
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 05 (Thu, 03 Sep’20)
Nagasaki – Unzen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Unzen Kyushu Hotel (Private Hot Spring) or similar
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.
In the afternoon, 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 06 (Fri, 04 Sep’20)
Unzen – Ureshino Onsen
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Shiibasanso (Hot Spring) or similar
Visit a fruit farm this morning for some pear picking! In season at this time, head out into the farm and have your fill of freshly plucked juicy Japanese pears!
Sprawling out over 150,000 square metres at the base of Mt Mifune, Mifuneyama Rakuen is a picturesque garden sculpted over 3 years by former ruler of Takeo, Shigeyoshi Nabeshima. The mountain, trees, flowers, pond and tea houses all come together beautifully, like a scene from a Chinese painting.
Day 07 (Sat, 05 Sep’20)
Ureshino Onsen – Fukuoka
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
Stop by at Kinoshita Mokugei today, 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.
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.
Day 08 (Sun, 06 Sep’20)
Fukuoka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar
Free and easy day in Fukuoka City.
Day 09 (Mon, 07 Sep’20)
Fukuoka – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore
COACH TOUR
Assemble date: 29 Aug, Sat (SO14224)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
30 Aug 20 SQ 656 Singapore - Fukuoka
0120 / 0810
30 Aug 20 NH 4695 Fukuoka - Fukue
1235 / 1320
07 Sep 20 SQ 655 Fukuoka - Singapore
1000 / 1500
** Discounts **
- Early Bird Discount - 3% off tour price (after other discounts) Valid for bookings made by 20th Dec 2019. T&C apply.
- 1st to 10th pax discount - S$ 200
- Loyalty Discount - Subject to number of times joined FMJ Tours
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 8-9 pax
Adult twin share $7,580; Adult triple share $7,180; Adult single $8,880
Child twin share $7,580; Child with Bed $6,980; Child no Bed $1,180
Group size: 10-14 pax
Adult twin share $7,180; Adult triple share $6,780; Adult single $8,480
Child twin share $7,180; Child with Bed $6,580; Child no Bed $1,180
Group size: 15 pax & above
Adult twin share $6,580; Adult triple share $6,180; Adult single $7,880
Child twin share $6,580; Child with Bed $5,980; Child no Bed $1,180
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Tours and Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air Tickets
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 8 adults/children with bed.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.