HIGHLIGHTS

Autum Leaves Viewing:

Chinkurinji Temple, Nakatsu Gorge, Kosanji Temple, Miyajima Island, Kintaikyo Bridge, Kikko Park, Chinkokuji Temple, Mifuneyama Rakuen, Dazaifu

Unique experiences:

Yosakoi Show at the Hotel, Mikan Picking Experience, Shinkansen Bullet Train Experience from Hiroshima to Shin Yamaguchi and Shin Yamaguchi to Kokura, Imari Porcelain Painting Workshop

Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences:

Ekingura Museum, Matsuyama Castle, Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, Akiyoshido Cave, Motonosumi Inari Shrine, Mojiko Port, Michi no Eki Munakata, Okawachiyama Village

Special Gourmet Delights:

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

Hotel / Ryokan Stays:

02 nights of authentic Japanese Onsen experience in Kochi & Okudogo. 05 nights of centrally located hotels in Hiroshima, Kokura & Fukuoka

ITINERARY

Day 1 Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

JL038 SIN-HND 0215-0950

JL495 HND-KCZ 1435-1510

Day 2 Kochi 高知

Hotel: OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts or similar / Western room

Meal: Meal on Board / - / D

Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, transfer by coach to Kochi City and visit Ekingura (絵金蔵). The museum houses a remarkable collection of Ekin’s haunting screen paintings. Hirose Kinzo, better known as Ekin, was a famous painter from the 19th century. His works capture stories from his time and are also believed to protect locals from evil spirits and bad luck. Thereafter, proceed to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the Yosakoi Show, a vibrant event that began in 1954, featuring colorful costumes, energetic dancers, and rhythmic music. Dinner [Buffet] will be served at the hotel restaurant.

Day 3 Kochi – Okudogo 高知 - 奥道後

Hotel: Okudogo Ichiyu no mori or similar / Western or Japanese Western room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Chikurin-ji Temple (竹林寺) ✿. This temple is thought to have been established in 1724 and is the 31st stop on the 1,200-km long Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Chikurin-ji is well known for its sweeping Japanese maples, which turn gold and crimson in the fall. The grounds are deeply serene. Next, proceed to Katsurahama Park (桂浜) and have lunch [Japanese Set with Local Vegetables and Ingredients from Kochi] at a local restaurant. After lunch, explore the scenic spots of Katsurahama such as the beach and a statue of local samurai hero Sakamoto Ryoma. The beach is a well-loved spot for moon viewing since ancient times and has been described in local folk songs too. Next, visit Nakatsu Gorge (中津渓谷).A short way up the tributary of the Niyodo River is the Nakatsu Gorge, a natural paradise of boulders and dramatic waterfalls, linked with an easily-walked path and bridges. Interesting birds dive for fish in the translucent pools between the cascades. The clear, blue water churns between the huge boulders that fill the bottom of the gorge. Here you can experience the turquoise water known as 'Niyodo blue'. Finally, transfer to Matsuyama city for hotel check in and dinner [Buffet].

Day 4 Okudogo – Matsuyama – Hiroshima 奥道後 - 松山 - 広島

Hotel: Hilton Hiroshima or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, start your day on the Matsuyama Castle (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. Next the Mikan orchard is waiting for you! Enjoy Mikan Picking at the orchard which is in season. After lunch [Seafood and Sashimi Set] at a local restaurant, visit Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge (来島海峡橋). This is the world’s largest suspension bridge that spans over 4000 meters. On the bridge, it offers unmatched views of the coastal mountain range and sea. After that, visit Kosanji Temple (耕三寺). Founded in 1936 and modeled after some of Japan’s most famous buildings, you might be surprised to see copies of Nikko Toshogu Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin Phoenix Hall. At the top of the hill, you can visit Miraishin no Oka which means Heights of Eternal Hope for the Future. Made entirely from Italy imported marble, it features abstract statues and a Tower of Light. Finally, transfer to Hiroshima for hotel check in and dinner [Buffet] at the hotel restaurant.

Day 5 Hiroshima – Miyajima – Iwakuni –Hiroshima 広島 - 宮島 - 岩国 -広島

Hotel: Hilton Hiroshima or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, board the ferry and visit Miyajima (宮島) ✿. It is a small island less than 1 hour away from Hiroshima. 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. You can also spend some time shopping at the Omotesando Shopping Arcade, which is lined with souvenir shops selling traditional crafts to cute trinkets, cafes and more. Lunch [Anago (Sea Eel)] will be served at a local restaurant before taking the ferry back to the main island. Upon arrival at Iwakuni, visit Kintaikyo Bridge (錦帯橋) ✿. For hundreds of years, it has been the city’s most distinguished landmark and a subject of admiration with its elegant wooden construction. You will also visit Kikko Park (吉香公園), which is next to the bridge. The park was once the residence grounds of the Yoshikawa family. In autumn, the red foliage along the river makes it one of the best spots to enjoy autumn leaves viewing. Thereafter, dinner [Kaiseki Course with O-Nabe] will be served at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, transfer to back to the hotel.

Day 6 Hiroshima – Akiyoshido – Motonosumi Shrine - Kokura 広島 - 秋芳洞 - 元乃隅 - 小倉

Hotel: JR Kyushu Hotel Kokura or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, begin your day with a Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride Experience from Hiroshima to Shin Yamaguchi. Upon arrival, 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.. After lunch [Japanese Set with Yakisoba Noodles] at a local restaurant, visit 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. Thereafter, take the Shinkansen from Shin Yamaguchi to Kokura. Dinner [Japanese Set with Local Ingredients] will be served at a local restaurant before making our way to the hotel for check in.

Day 7 Kokura - Munakata – Fukuoka 小倉 - 宗像 - 福岡

Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka or similar / Western room

Meal: B / - / 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, spend some time shopping at Michi no Eki Munakata (道の駅むなかた). The roadside station not only offers fresh ingredients from Munakata such as vegetables, fruits and seafood, but also has an unbroken view of the Genkai Sea. Lunch will be under your own arrangement here. After lunch, 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. Finally, transfer to hotel for check in. Tonight, dinner [Western style Buffet] will be served at the hotel.

Day 8 Fukuoka – Saga – Dazaifu – Fukuoka 福岡 - 佐賀 - 太宰府 - 福岡

Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / -

After breakfast, visit Okawachiyama Village (大川内山). Known as the Village of Hidden Kilns, this is where Japan’s imperial kilns were kept and was the official kiln of the Nabeshima family. The village was a representative production centre of porcelain where it produced high quality pottery for the Imperial Court and various lords. Here, you will join an Imari Porcelain Painting Workshop. After that, proceed to have lunch [Saga Beef Yakiniku] at a local restaurant. After lunch, explore Mifuneyama Rakuen (御船山楽園) ✿. The garden is spread over 500,000 square meters at the base of Mt. Mifune. During autumn, beautiful autumn foliage of the garden and mountains will be a sight for your eyes! Next, visit Daizaifu (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. Thereafter, transfer to Hakata city for hotel check in. Tonight, enjoy your dinner at your own expense during free & easy time in Hakata city.

Day 9 Fukuoka – Singapore 福岡 - 新加坡

JL330 FUK-HND 1955-2130

JL035 HND-SIN 0010-0645

Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast, free at your own leisure till departure.

Bid farewell to Kyushu as we proceed to the airport to take a flight back to Singapore.

Day 10 Singapore 新加坡

Arrive Singapore