9D7N Autumn Charms of Chugoku & San'in Japan

HIGHLIGHTS

Autumn Leaves Viewing:

Chinkokuji Temple, Miyama Koen, Miyama English Garden, Okayama Korakuen Garden

Seasonal Scenery:

Yushien Japanese Garden, Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, Adachi Museum of Art, Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park “Various Flowers”

Unique experiences:

Apple Picking Experience, Shinkansen Bullet Train Experience from Shin Yamaguchi to Okayama, Tottori Sand Dunes & Sand Museum, Soba Making

Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences:

Munakata Taisha Temple, Mojiko Port, Karato Market, Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, Motonosumi Inari Shrine, Akiyoshido Cave, Izumo Taisha Shrine, Izushi Castle Town

Special Gourmet Delights:

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

Hotel / Ryokan Stays:

05 nights of authentic Japanese Onsen experience in Nagato Yumoto, Yamaguchi, Okayama & Hyogo. 02 nights of centrally located hotels in Kokura & Osaka

ITINERARY

Day 1 Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

JL038 SIN-HND 0215-0950

JL319 HND-FUK 1300-1455 (GRP 1)

SQ656 SIN-FUK 0120-0810 (GRP 2)

Day 2 Fukuoka – Kokura 福岡 - 小倉

Hotel: JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura or similar / Western room

Meal: Meal on Board / L (GRP2 ONLY) / D

GROUP 1

Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, coach transfer to Munakata Taisha Temple (宗像大社). Considered the head shrine of the thousands of Munakata Shrines in Japan, it also represents several Shinto shrines, such as the Nakatsu-gu and Okitsu-gu, which are located offshore. After that, proceed to a local restaurant for dinner [Japanese Set with Local Ingredients]. Finally, transfer to hotel for check-in.

GROUP 2

Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, coach transfer to Dazaifu (太宰府) ✿. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most important shrine dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane who was a scholar and politician during the Heian Period. He is also associated with Tenjin, a Shinto deity for education, making the shrine popular among students. In autumn, the red and orange foliage sets a warm ambience amongst the shrine grounds. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant [Motsunabe]. Following that, head to Chinkokuji Temple (鎮国寺) ✿. The oldest temple of the Shingon sect is said to have been founded in 806 and is known as the Temple of Flowers and Prayers as there are floral landscapes to be found here every season. In autumn, ginkgo and maple trees adorn the temple grounds in an array of gold and red. Thereafter, proceed to a local restaurant for dinner [Japanese Set with Local Ingredients]. Finally, transfer to hotel for check-in.

Day 3 Kokura – Nagato Yumoto 小倉 - 長門湯本

Hotel: Yumoto Kanko Hotel Saikyo or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, visit Mojiko Port (門司港), the waterfront area has been a prominent international trading port since the 19th century. The former port has a nostalgic atmosphere with its preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Next, visit Karato Market (唐戸市場), a lively fish market with fresh seafood and local seasonal ingredients on sale. Try some of Shimonoseki’s speciality: fugu (blowfish) while exploring the market! After that, proceed to a local restaurant for lunch [Sushi Set]. After lunch, continue your journey to Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge (角島大橋). The bridge spans over an azure sea and leads to a sunny seaside resort. The stunning scenery has been featured in numerous TV commercials. Thereafter, transfer to Motonosumi Inari Shrine (元乃隅神社). The shrine sits along the coast of the Sea of Japan in northern Yamaguchi. Famous for its photogenic hundreds of red torii gates and scenic location. Finally, transfer to the hotel and enjoy your dinner at the hotel [Japanese Kaiseki Course]

Day 4 Nagato Yumoto – Hagi – Akiyoshidai – Yamaguchi 長門湯本 - 萩 - 秋吉台 -

Hotel: U-bell Hotel Matsumasa or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, the apple orchard awaits you! Enjoy Apple Picking Experience, which is just in season. Upon arrival at Akishidai, have a lunch [Japanese Set with Local Fish] at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park (秋吉台国定公園) ✿. Within the national park is a vast land called Akiyoshidai Plateau, dotted with limestone pinnacles which was a former coral reef over 300 million years ago. In autumn, the reddish-yellow seasonal appearance of the plateau is popular among visitors. Next, visit the Akiyoshido Cave (秋芳洞), a massive limestone cave that lies below the plateau. The cave spans about 9 kilometers and is filled with various natural formations such as underground waterfalls and limestone pools. Thereafter, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Tonight, enjoy your dinner [Japanese Kaiseki Course] at the hotel.

Day 5 Yamaguchi – Okayama 山口 - 岡山

Hotel: Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, we will take the Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride from Shin Yamaguchi Station to Okayama Station. Upon arrival, visit Miyama Koen (深山公園) ✿. Surrounded by lush green pines and 5 ponds dotted around the park, there are over 150,000 trees planted of over 300 species such as cherry, plum and maple trees. This autumn leaves viewing spot is a hidden charm of the city and recommended by locals. After that, visit the Miyama British Garden (深山イギリス庭園) ✿. Designed by British garden designer, Peter Thurman, to commemorate the city’s 60th anniversary. It is said to be reminiscent of the Sissinghurst Castle Garden with a romantic feel and 6 distinct garden rooms of different themes. Next, lunch [Japanese Set with Hotpot] at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue your journey to Okayama Korakuen Garden (後楽園) ✿. It is Okayama’s main attraction and one of Japan’s best landscaped gardens. Located beside Okayama Castle, the borrowed scenery, large pond and hills are some distinctive features. The autumn foliage is particularly spectacular here, contrasting against the spacious lawns, tea and rice fields. Finally, transfer to the hotel for check-in and dinner [Buffet].

Day 6 Okayama – Shimane – Okayama 岡山 - 島根 - 岡山

Hotel: Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, visit Izumo Taisha Shrine (出雲大社) – one of Japan’s most important shrines. Every October, the shrine is said to be the place where all the gods meet every year. Visitors pray to the deity for good relationships and marriage. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant [Tai-Meshi Set]. After lunch, visit the Yushien Japanese Garden (由志園) ✿. The garden sits on Daikonshima Island in the middle of Lake Nakaumi. It is best celebrated for its peony flowers, a collection of over 250 varieties which can be viewed all year round in indoor and outdoor displays. Following that, visit the Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館). Founded by Adachi Zenko, he combined his passion for art and garden design. Today, it is best known for its award-winning garden since 2003 and can be enjoyed any time of the year. This evening, enjoy dinner [Yakiniku] at a local restaurant. Finally, transfer back to the hotel.

Day 7 Okayama – Tottori – Hyogo 岡山 - 鳥取 - 兵庫

Hotel: Izutsuya / Blue Ridge Hotel or similar / Japanese or Western room

Meal: B / L / -

After breakfast, we will visit the Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park (とっとり花回廊) ✿. The fifty-hectare flower park located at the foothills of Mt. Daisen has stunning displays of various flowers throughout the year. In November, you will be able to see red salvias, splendens and more. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant [Tempura Soba]. After lunch, transfer to visit the Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘). The only desert in Japan. The sand dunes were created over 100.000 years ago as deposits of sand from the Chugoku Mountains carried by the Sendaigawa River. After that, visit The Sand Museum (砂の美術館). Located just next to Tottori Sand Dunes, is an incredible themed sculpture, all made of sand. Finally, transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening will be free at your own leisure. Tonight, dinner will be under your own arrangement.

Day 8 Hyogo – Izushi – Osaka 兵庫 - 出石 - 大阪

Hotel: Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / -

After breakfast, learn how to make your own soba at a local restaurant, which will be part of your lunch [Soba Noodle Set]! After lunch, transfer to Izushi Castle Town (出石城跡). The town is popular for its nostalgic atmosphere and townscape which is reminiscent of the Edo era with original architecture preserved. Spend some time exploring what the town has to offer such as the castle ruins, clock tower, kabuki theatre and temples. In autumn, the fall foliage brings out the bright vermilion of the torii gates. After that, transfer to Osaka for hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure and dinner will be under your own expense.

Day 9 Osaka – Singapore 大阪 - 新加坡

Meal: B / - / -

JL3306 ITM-HND 1450-1615

JL711 NRT-SIN 1800-0045 (GRP 1)

SQ623 KIX-SIN 2320-0510 (GRP 2)

After breakfast, free at your own leisure until departure.

Bid farewell to Japan this morning as we depart for 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 Singapore