Day 00

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda

Day 01
Singapore – Haneda – Tottori
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel:Hotel Mansuiro (Hot Spring) or similar
 
(Car pick up at Tottori Airport)
Begin your trip with a visit to the icon of Tottori, the Tottori Sand Dunes. Spanning 16km by 2km along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the naturally formed sand dunes reach up to 50m in height. Trek up to the Umanose “Horse’s Back” for outstanding views of the sea and sand ripples caused by wind sweeping across its surface.
 
After admiring these natural creations, head over to the Tottori Sand Museum nearby to marvel at some man-made wonders. The world’s first museum specialising in sand sculptures, masterpieces by sculptors from around the world are exhibited here. As the sculptures are made of sand, they eventually collapse, making their transience part of the attraction.

Day 02
Tottori
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Mansuiro (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Joining Follow Me Japan’s tours brings you off the typical tourist paths and also introduces you to some of best restaurants that only locals know about. However, travelling has to be about something a little more to be truly meaningful. Our answer to the “little more” can be found in People—the people that you will meet in our local activity day.
 
Today, many of you will be brought back to your childhood days as we visit a local school. Aside from getting an intimate glimpse of the daily lives of Japanese children, through deeper interaction with the town people, you will be further entrenched into the social fabric of this small rural town – emblematic of countless small towns throughout Japan with a diminishing workforce and aging population.

Day 03
Tottori – Kaike Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kaike Kikunoya (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Japan’s one and only museum showcasing everything about pears, the Tottori 20th Century Pear Museum is a pear paradise. Centred around a great pear tree with a branch span of 20m, the museum is replete with exhibits and information on Asian pear history and agriculture. See, and taste, the story of the Nijisseiki Pear here.
 
One of the largest flower parks in Japan, the Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park includes a flower dome, flowerbeds, and an European garden. A one kilometre roofed porch allows visitors to stroll among the flowers regardless of the weather, while the flower dome ensures beautiful flowers all year round.
 
Mt. Daisen, the tallest mountain in the Chugoku region, is one of Japan’s four famous mountains and one of Japan’s 100 famous views. Located right on its mountainside, Daisen Masumizu Kogen offers close views of the magnificent summit of Mt. Daisen above, and the Sea of Japan and cityscape of western Tottori, up to neighbouring Shimane Prefecture below.

Day 04
Kaike Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kaike Kikunoya (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Yuushien Garden is most famous for its peony flowers with up to 250 varieties of the flower grown here. Together with seasonal flowers, they are showcased among traditional landscape garden elements like ponds, waterfalls, streams and rock gardens, creating magnificent scenes of beauty.
 
One of Japan’s most important shrines, Izumo Shine is often considered to be the oldest having existed since before the 7th century. It houses the deity Okuninushi, the mythological creator of Japan and deity of marriage, and is a designated National Treasure. Also found in this magnificent shrine is Japan’s largest shimenawa, a sacred rope made of straw.
 
Established in 1980 by Adachi Zenko in order to combine his love of art and garden design, the Adachi Museum of Art houses a collection of renowned Japanese paintings, ceramics and other artwork. However, it is best known for its award winning garden. The six stunning gardens here are said to be “as beautiful as pictures” and are indeed incredibly photogenic.

Day 05
Kaike Onsen – Onomichi
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Resort Hotel Ofutei (Hot Spring) or similar
 
In the mountains of Oda City sits the historic Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Discovered in the 16th century, the fine quality of silver from this mine made it the most prominent one in Japan. After 400 years of mining activity, two of the tunnels of this now defunct mine are open to the public for visitors to see how mining conditions were like in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
Nearby the silver mine is Omori Town, a small mining town still inhabited by families of some of the original prospectors. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage together with the mines, the traditional buildings with red roof tiles, singular to the town, are well preserved relics. Visit the historic residences, museums and religious sites in the area, or just stroll around the charming streets, reminiscent of the past.
 
Make a stop at Sera Kogen Farm to admire the gorgeous flowers in bloom! Open only when its flowers are in season, take advantage of the springtime to witness a sea of pretty pink Moss Pink flowers and baby blue Nemophilia at the Flower Village.

Day 06
Onomichi
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Resort Hotel Ofutei (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Take a ferry to Miyajima today, home to one of Japan’s most photographed sights and one of its top three most scenic views. The red-lacquered complex of Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate seemingly float on water, painting a perfect picture of beauty and calm. Aside from this well-known shrine, Miyajima also contains many other shrines, virgin forests, Mt. Misen and wild deer.

Day 07
Onomichi – Kinosaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Head out to Kurashiki this morning, a town reminiscent of a bygone era. A former rice distribution centre, Kurashiki, literally “town of storehouses”, was centred around a system of canals with storehouses and merchant houses on either side. The Edo period storehouses have now been converted into museums, boutiques and cafes, while the willow tree-lined canal and stone bridges make the area extremely picturesque.
 
One of the three best landscape gardens in Japan, Korakuen is an exquisite garden located just beside Okayama Castle. Built in 1687 as a place for entertainment for the ruling family, the garden was opened to the public at the end of the feudal era. Stroll around this gorgeous garden with atypical features like spacious lawns and tea and rice fields.

Day 08
Kinosaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Genbudou Cave was formed 160 thousand years ago when magma from a volcanic eruption created rocks with stunning hexagonal prism shapes. These rocks were mined by locals and eventually, a cave resulted. The caves in Genbudou Cave Park have since been designated as natural monuments and can be visited along with a museum displaying mineral crystals from around the world.
 
Toyooka, the “City of Bags”, has been making bags for over 1,000 years and is the largest bag producer in Japan. The quality of Toyooka Bags is maintained at the highest standard and recognised not only by the Hyogo Prefecture Bag Manufacturing Union, but by the national government too. Do pick up a quality bag or two while you are here.

Day 09
Kinosaki Onsen – Tottori – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)

Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date:   05 May, Sat (SO12747)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
05May    SQ 636             Singapore - Haneda    
2250 / 0645 

06May    NH 295           Haneda - Tottori      
0940 / 1055

14May    NH 296           Tottori - Haneda    
1140 / 1300

14May    SQ 633             Haneda - Singapore     
1705 / 2305

1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz                           :  Adult twin share $5,050
Corolla/Corolla Fielder :  Adult twin share $5,150
New Prius*/Isis          :  Adult twin share $5,250
Estima/Velfire            :  Adult twin share $5,650
3rd & 4th passenger 
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $4,450; Adult triple share $4,250
Child twin share $4,150; Child with bed $3,150
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,650

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)
Car rental with insurance coverage
Comprehensive travel insurance

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)

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.