Departure date: 13 Dec, 2017 (Wed) Fly & Drive Tour
Day 00 (Tue, 12 Dec)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for direct SilkAir flight to Kagoshima.
Day 01 (Wed, 13 Dec)
Singapore – Kagoshima – Yakushima
(Drive: -/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Iwasaki Yakushima Hotel or similar
Making use of the early flight arrival of SilkAir’s direct flight to Kagoshima*, you will take a connecting flight to Yakushima in afternoon. Yakushima is Japan’s Island of Natural Beauty and you will have a good night’s rest tonight to prepare for your island exploration tomorrow. For those of you with spare energy, the star-studded skies of Yakushima awaits.
*Flight is subject to regulatory approval
Day 02 (Thu, 14 Dec)
Yakushima
(Drive: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Iwasaki Yakushima Hotel or similar
To the south of Kyushu lies the island of Yakushima, which rises dramatically out of the Pacific Ocean like an emerald green castle. This is the place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life; to lose yourself in the verdant rainforests, full of fairytale-like trees with twisted moss-covered roots. Designated as Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima is home to some of the world’s oldest cedar trees like the Jomon Sugi, which is estimated to even pre-date the Roman Empire. Right here on this 505 square kilometre island, one can move from a subtropical climate to a temperate climate as you move deeper into its incredibly mountainous interior. This is akin to experiencing an Okinawa climate in Jurong to that of Hokkaido in Changi!
With the abundance of waterfalls on the island, Senpiro Falls will give you a fresh start this morning. The name “Senpiro”, or “A Thousand Fathoms”, originates from a story suggesting the granite wall is as wide as one thousand people holding hands in a line. The extremely wet climate of Yakushima means crystal-clear rivers tumble down from the high peaks, resulting in spectacular waterfalls, which carve their way through the granite bedrock. You will see the majestic example of water plummeting down the huge V-shaped granite wall. We will make a final stop at Yakusugi Land, before leaving the island in the evening. This is another nature park populated by many Yakushima cedars. Take a moment to truly appreciate the forest scenery around you as the ancient trees are of impressive size and the river crossings offer some spectacular views. After that, it is time to bid farewell to the untouched nature of Yakushima and head over to Osaka for the night.
Day 03 (Fri, 15 Dec)
Yakushima – Kagoshima – Ibusuki
(Drive: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Ibusuki Hakusuikan (Hot Spring) or similar
(Car pick-up in Kagoshima city)
Leaving the scenic wonder of Yakushima by the Jetfoil Toppy, you will arrive at Kagoshima to pick up your car. Ibusuki is where you will spend tonight 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 04 (Sat, 16 Dec)
Ibusuki – Kagoshima
(Drive: Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Shiroyama (Hot Spring) or similar
Ever find yourself wishing desperately that you know how to prepare foods or drinks that taste exactly like how they did when the professionals do it? Well, let us bring you a few steps closer to this wish today through our Makurazaki activity. We will learn how bonito is made, and how to use it in the preparation of soup stock. After working hard at making the fragrant soup stock, you will get to have it with your udon this afternoon. So pay close attention to your sensei if you would like to have good udon today! 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.
Day 05 (Sun, 17 Dec)
Kagoshima
(Drive: Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Shiroyama (Hot Spring) or similar
First thing this morning is a nostalgic tram ride in Kagoshima city. You can feel the pride and excitement radiating from the enthusiastic station master as he brings you behind the scenes of his daily job. From showing you the different buttons on the absolutely charming train to the different areas of train depot that not everyone can access, this will be an unforgettable morning. In the afternoon, you will be trying your hands at making your own sushi! Under the patient tutelage of the sushi chef, you will learn the intricacies of art of sushi-making and at the end of the sushi rainbow, you will tuck in to the efforts of your labour too.
Day 06 (Mon, 18 Dec)
Kagoshima – Kirishima
(Drive: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Yakakutei (Hot Spring) or similar
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 peek into the volcano’s heart for an idea of the awesome volcanic activities that are happening right beneath your feet. 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 perfect for your body and mind.
Day 07 (Tue, 19 Dec)
Kirishima
(Drive: Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Yakakutei (Hot Spring) or similar
FMJ customers’favourite activity in South Kyushu is up in the afternoon - 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 perfection example of this with its brilliant vermillion structures that tell of an unforgettable tale long before humans walk the earth.
Day 08 (Wed, 20 Dec)
Kirishima – Kagoshima – Singapore
(Drive: Breakfast/-/-)
Car drop off at Kagoshima airport
DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 12 Dec, Tue (SO12421)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
13Dec T.B.A* Singapore - Kagoshima
0145 / 0930
13Dec JAC 3745 Kagoshima - Yakushima
1350 / 1425
20Dec T.B.A* Kagoshima - Singapore
1025 / 1540
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz : Adult twin share $4,980
Corolla/Corolla Fielder : Adult twin share $5,080
New Prius*/Isis : Adult twin share $5,180
Estima/Velfire : Adult twin share $5,380
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,780; Adult triple share $3,680
Child twin share $3,680; Child with bed $3,480
Child 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)
Car rental with insurance coverage
ETC card and Japan Hand phone (1 per car)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Complimentary Wi-fi router (1 per room)
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)
Optional Add-on:
*Important note: These are based on Silkair's Singapore - Kagoshima flights. As seats are still subject to regulatory approval, routing is subject to change.
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 15 adults/children with bed.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.