Departure date: 20 Nov, 2018 (Tue) Fly & Drive
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Fukuoka
Day 01
Singapore – Fukuoka – Beppu
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hana Beppu (hot spring) or similar
(Car pick-up at Fukuoka Airport branch)
The Akizuki Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle rebuilt in 1623 according to the dying wishes of then feudal lord, Kuroda Nagamasa. The Kuromon front gate and Nagayamon rear gate of the castle are the most noteworthy structures and have been declared Tangible Cultural Properties of Fukuoka. In autumn, the red of the leaves contrast beautifully against the stone walls and wooden gates.
Go Persimmon picking today and try some of the seasonal fruit fresh from the tree! Take your pick of the bright orange persimmons from the trees in the farm, then rest your feet at the little café on the premises which sells up to 50 varieties of delicious fresh fruit cake.
Day 02
Beppu
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hana Beppu (hot spring) or similar
One of the new three best views of Japan, Shin Yabakei Gorge was formed by the flow of the Yamakuni river over 2.5 million years ago. From Hitome Hakkai, eight different landscapes can be seen, making it the best viewing spot in the gorge. In autumn, the red and orange colours provide a stunning contrast against the brown and grey cliffs and rock formations, accentuating the gorgeous scenery.
Take a stroll down Yunotsubo Yokocho in Yufuin, a picturesque shopping street with small shops, cafes and museums. Local crafts, souvenirs and snacks can be found all along the street, making it a great place to try some local goods and do a bit of shopping.
Day 03
Beppu – Mt Aso
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Yumeshizuku (hot spring) or similar
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.
Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns with a well preserved traditional atmosphere. Earthy tones and wooden structures along with autumn foliage and a river flowing through the town make it particularly pleasant to stroll through. Drop in at the many quaint cafes and shops and spend a relaxing afternoon here.
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.
Day 04
Mt Aso – Miyazaki
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort (hot spring) or similar
One of Miyazaki prefecture’s most famous sights and a spectacular autumn viewing spot, 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 bright red and yellow foliage.
Steeped in mythology, the Amano Iwato Shrine is built near a cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu was said to have hidden herself from her brother, depriving the world of light. Built at the edge of a river surrounded by tranquil forests, the shrine is shrouded in a mystical air befitting of the legend behind it.
Day 05
Miyazaki – Kagoshima
D: (Breakfast/Lunch/-)
Hotel: Hotel Shiroyama (hot spring) or similar
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.
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.
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. Furthermore, an 800-year-old sacred cedar tree said to answer prayers can also be found on its grounds.
Day 06
Kagoshima – Ibusuki
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Ibusuki Hakusuikan (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. Take the Sakurajima Ferry across to the island and enjoy a leisurely drive. Stop by at the Yunohira Observatory, the closest one to the peak at 373 metres, for a view of the mountain peak, port, Kagoshima City and mountains of Kyushu. As you make your way around Sakurajima, drop by Ogaku Pottery to find out about Sakurajimayaki pottery from its proprietor and creator. Made using ash from the volcano, the dark coloured ceramics are a stark contrast to the traditional cream colour of Satsumayaki pottery of South 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.
Day 07
Ibusuki – Kagoshima – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
A scenic park along the coast, Bandokorobana Park is the perfect place to view the “Satsuma Fuji”, Mt Kaimon, rising out of the sea. On clear days, the view from the park extends all the way to Yakushima Island and visitors can take rocky paths out to the tidal pools where small fish and seahorses reside.
A traditional Japanese garden that is beautiful in all seasons, Senganen Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is over 350 years old. The garden consists of a preserved residence that was the home of the former ruling Shimazu clan, ponds, streams and shrines, including a cat shine for cat-lovers! The attractive garden is accentuated by the “borrowed scenery” of Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima in the background, creating picture perfect settings.
(Car drop off at Kagoshima Airport branch)
Day 08
Arrival in Singapore
DRIVE TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 19 Nov, Mon (SO12982)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
20Nov SQ 656 Singapore - Fukuoka
0120 / 0820
26Nov NH 630 Kagoshima - Haneda
1930 / 2110
26Nov SQ 635 Haneda - Singapore
2250 / 0525
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz : Adult twin share $3,980
Corolla/Corolla Fielder : Adult twin share $4,080
New Prius*/Isis : Adult twin share $4,180
Estima/Velfire : Adult twin share $4,380
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,480; Adult triple share $3,380
Child twin share $3,480; Child with bed $3,180
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $2,180
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
Complimentary Wi-fi router (1 per room)
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.