10D7N Autumn Romance in Sanyo & West Japan

HIGHLIGHTS

Assemble dates:

18 NOV 2024

24 NOV 2024

Price :

S$5,288

Autumn Leaves Viewing:

Kosanji Temple, Garyu Sanso, Ritsurin Park Garden, Osaka Expo’70 Park, Osaka Castle Park

Unique Experiences:

Itsukushima Shrine, Matsuyama Castle & Ropeway, Fruit Picking (Mandarin), Shinkansen from Okayama Station to Himeji Station

Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences:

Omote Sando Shopping Street, Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome & Museum), Yamato Museum, Onomichi U2, Shimanami Kaido Bridge, Miraishin Hill, Futami Seaside Park, Shimonada Station, Garyu Sanso, Matsuyama Castle and Ropeway, Towel Museum, Ritsurin Garden, Kurashiki Bikan Quarter, Himeji Castle, Kobe Harborland, Kobe Tower, Dotonbori

Special Gourmet Delights:

Sumptuous Japanese multi-course dinner Japanese Kaiseki or buffet in Ryokans/Hotels, local delights at the restaurant

Hotel/Ryokan Stays:

01 night authentic Japanese Onsen/Ryokan/Hotel at Imabari. 06nights centrally located hotel in Hiroshima, Onomichi, Ozu, Okayama & Osaka

ITINERARY

Day 1 Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

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Day 2 Hiroshima – Itsukushima 広島 - 厳島

Hotel: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar / Western room

Meal: Meal on Board / L / -

Upon arrival at Hiroshima Airport, coach transfer to a local restaurant for lunch [Anago Eel & Fried Oyster Set] before heading to Miyajima by ferry. First, visit Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社). The most famous attraction here is the giant torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which looks like it is floating during high tide, and is also ranked as one of Japan’s 3 best views. Playing with the contrasts in color between the red gate and shrine, green mountains and blue sea, it illustrates Japanese scenic beauty which combines nature and human creativity. Next, enjoy some free time shopping at Omote Sando Shopping Street (表参道商店街), the 350m main street of Miyajima that leads to Itsukushima Shrine. Here, you will find many stores selling food such as noodles, okonomiyaki, oysters and red bean cakes, as well as souvenir shops with trinkets such as a mini floating torii, rice spatulas and more! Transfer back to Hiroshima for hotel check in. This evening, you will have free and easy time and dinner will be under your own arrangement.

Day 3 Hiroshima – Kure – Onomichi 広島 - 呉市 - 尾道

Hotel: Onomichi Kokusai Hotel or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, transfer to Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome & Museum) (平和記念公園) . The museum consists of 2 buildings surveying the history of History, the atomic bomb, and its outcome. There is also the A-Bomb Dome which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which used to be the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and remains standing after the explosion. Next, transfer to Kure and visit the Yamato Museum (大和ミュージアム). Here, you will learn about the battleship Yamato which was the largest and most heavily armed warship in the world. There are also authentic relics from World War 2, including fighter planes and submarine Kaiten human torpedo. Enjoy your lunch [Boiled Whitebait Bowl Set] at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to Onomichi and proceed to Onomichi U2. A refurbished former shipping warehouse, it now houses a hotel, restaurant, cafes, lifestyle shops and cycling store under one roof. Finally, transfer to the hotel to check in and enjoy your dinner [Japanese Kaiseki] at the hotel for tonight.

Day 4 Onomichi – Shimanami Kaido – Iyo – Ozu 尾道 - しまなみ海道 - 伊予 - 大洲

Hotel: Nipponia Hotel Ozu Jokamachi or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, on the way to our first stop of the day, we will drive past Shimanami Kaido Bridge (しまなみ海道). The 60km toll road is also known as Nishiseto Expressway and is the only one traversable by foot or bicycle that connects the main island Honshu with Shikoku Island. First, visit Kosanji Temple (耕三寺) ✿ & Miraishin Hill (未来心の丘). The temple belongs to the True Pure Land Sect of Japanese Buddhism and was founded in 1936 by a successful businessman who was inspired by his devotion to his mother. Taking over 30 years to be completed, many of its buildings are modelled after other famous temples. In autumn, gorgeous warm foliage create a stunning contrast to the traditional temple buildings. Miraishin Hill directly translates to The Hill of Hope. Entirely made of white marble imported from Italy. It is reminiscent of Santorini Island in Greece and created by world renowned sculptor, Ittou Kuetani. After lunch [Fresh Seafood Rice Bowl] at a local restaurant, you will then visit Futami Seaside Park (鳴門の渦潮). Known as a sanctuary for lovers, it is a popular destination visited by many couples. Some attractions you can visit here are the Koibito Misaski ‘Lovers’ Cape’, Wishing Stone and Bell of Happiness. After that, take a photo stop at Shimonada Station (下灘駅). The small seaside station is famous for its sea view from its singular platform. Featured in movies and TV dramas, it reminds visitors of a scene from Spirited Away. Finally, chekc in to Nipponia Hotel Ozu Jokamachi in Ozu city. This hotel offers a blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern comfort in the historic district of Ozu Jokamachi. The hotel features restored machiya (traditional wooden townhouses), providing an authentic Edo-period ambiance. Guests can enjoy serene tatami rooms, a Japanese garden, and delicious Western Course cuisine at the hotel restaurant, offering a peaceful retreat in a picturesque setting.

Day 5 Ozu – Matsuyama – Imabari 大洲 - 松山 - 今治

Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, you will visit Garyu Sanso (臥龍山荘)✿. The rustic and elegant villa is located at Ozu’s old river-side town. Marvel at the villa’s interesting features, such as intricately carved transoms, lattices, alcoves and more. Following that, transfer to Matsuyama and have a lunch [Sea Bream Mixed Rice] at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Matsuyama Castle and Ropeway (松山城). Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", i.e. castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact. It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on Mount Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Thereafter, transfer to the Towel Museum (招き猫美術館). Imabari city is well known for being Japan’s largest towel producing town with a long history. Exhibiting towels as forms of art, Imabari towels are famed for its craftsmen’s artisanal skills, exceptional quality and workmanship. Finally, head to the hotel for check in. Tonight, enjoy dinner [Western Set] at the hotel restaurant.

Day 6 Imabari – Ritsurin Garden – Okayama 今治 - 栗林公園 - 岡山

Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Okayama or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, the mandarin orchard awaits you! Enjoy the Mandarin Picking Experience, a popular produce from Ehime prefecture, which is just in season. Next, proceed for lunch [Western Course] at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園) ✿. The large historic garden in Takamatsu was completed in 1745 as a private strolling garden and villa for feudal lords and is one of the largest of its kind. Nowadays, it is open to the public and a beautiful spot for cherry blossom viewing, with over 1,000 trees. Next, transfer to Kurashiki Bikan Quarter (倉敷美観地区). During the Edo period, it was an important point along the distribution route for rice. Today, the original shophouses with white walls and black tiles have been converted into cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and museums. Finally, transfer to the hotel and check in. Tonight, enjoy dinner [Japanese Set] at the hotel restaurant.

Day 7 Okayama – Himeji – Kobe – Osaka 岡山 - 姫路 - 神戸 - 大阪

Hotel: Voco Osaka Central or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / -

Luggage delivery service to Osaka, please prepare 1 night bag

After breakfast, we will head to Okayama Station for the Shinkansen Bullet Train Experience to Himeji Station. Upon arrival, visit Himeji Castle (姫路城). Out of the 12 original castles that are still standing, this is Japan’s best preserved feudal castle. The white and elegant castle is considered the most spectacular for its size, beauty and well-preserved castle grounds, which have never been destroyed by war or natural disasters. After lunch [Japanese Set with Himeji Oden & Tempura] at a local restaurant, transfer to Kobe Harborland (神戸ハーバーランド), a shopping and entertainment district. Spend some time shopping or simply enjoy the stunning waterfront view of Kobe. This is also the perfect photo spot of Kobe Tower (神戸ポートタワー), an iconic landmark of the city that resembles a Japanese drum. Following that, transfer to Osaka for hotel check in. Tonight, enjoy free and easy time and dinner will be at your leisure.

Day 8 Osaka 大阪

Hotel: Voco Osaka Central or similar / Western room

Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast, visit the Osaka Expo’70 Park (万博記念公園) ✿. The commemorative park was the grounds for the Japan World Exposition which exhibited over 75 pavillions to show off the wonders of the world in 1970. It is now a large garden with around 5000 cherry trees, Dream Pond – where you can paddle around sculptures erected in the water and a large Japanese landscape garden. Few of the original installations remain, such as the Tower of the Sun which stands over 70m tall. Autumn is one of the best times to visit the park as the fall foliage paints a beautiful vast scenery. Next, transfer to Osaka Castle Park (大阪城公園) ✿. The prominent landmark of Osaka is surrounded by a 106-hectare park that promises a spectacular display in fall with the abundant cherry, apricot and plum trees. Following that, transfer to Dotonbori (道頓堀) for some free and easy time to shop and have lunch under your own arrangement. Finally, transfer back to the hotel.

Day 9 Osaka – Singapore 大阪 - 新加坡

Meal: B / - / -

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After breakfast at the hotel, free at your own leisure until departure.

Bid farewell to Japan as we proceed to the airport and take a flight back to Singapore. We hope that you have enjoyed this vacation with JTB and we look forward to helping you create your next perfect moments, always!

Day 10 Singapore 新加坡

Arrive at Singapore