10D7N Amazing Shikoku & Osaka

HIGHLIGHTS

Autumn Leaves Viewing:

Chikurinji Temple, Odamiyama Gorge, Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge, Kokoen Japanese Garden, Osaka Expo’70 park, Osaka Castle Park

Unique Culture Experiences:

Oboke Gorge Cruise, Indigo Dyeing Experience, Awa Odori Show at Awa Odori Kaikan, Naruto Whirlpools

Exclusive Experience: (Only for Grp 2)

Osaka Castle and Wadaiko (Japanese Drum) Experience

Sightseeing & Shopping Experience:

Katsurahama, Makino Botanical Garden, Kochi Castle, Nakatsu Gorge, Tea House Ikegawa Chaen, Shikoku Karst, Dogo Onsen, Himeji Castle, Kobe Harborland, Dotonbori

Hotel/Ryokan Stays:

01 nights Japanese Onsen experience at Dogo Onsen. 06 nights centrally located hotels in Kochi, Tokushima & Osaka

ITINERARY

Day 1 Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

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Day 2 Kochi – Kitagawa – Kochi 高知 - 北川村 - 高知

Hotel: OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resort or similar/ Western Room

Meal: Meal on Board / L / D

Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, coach transfer to Katsurahama and have lunch [Japanese Set] at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be visiting Katsurahama (桂浜). 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. We will next visit the Makino Botanical Garden (牧野植物園). Wander among flowers at one of Japan’s best botanical gardens. The garden honours the late Kochi-born botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino who was known as the father of Japanese botany, collecting over 400,000 botanical specimens and named over 1,500 new species in his lifetime. Here, there are over 3000 plant species from rare exotic flowers and wild endemic varieties discovered by Dr. Makino. Next, transfer to Kochi city. Dinner [Japanese Set] will be served at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel for check in.

Day 3 Kochi 高知

Hotel: OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resort or similar/ Western Room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Kochi Castle (高知城). The city’s 400-year-old castle is the only one in Japan where the tower and main are original and intact. During the Edo period, the main tower was not only used for military purposes but also as a residence, which is atypical for most castles. The castle’s wooden interior remains the same and the lookout point from the top floor offers a nice view of downtown Kochi. Next, 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. Famous for the sweeping Japanese maple trees, the temple is surrounded by the gold and crimson landscape in fall. After that, head to a local restaurant for lunch [Japanese Set]. 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'. During your visit here, you can enjoy parfaits and puddings or purchase delicious souvenirs to bring home at Tea House Ikegawa Chaen (池川茶園) - which uses locally grown tea leaves. Dinner [Japanese Set] will be served at a local restaurant before finally heading back to the hotel.

Day 4 Kochi – Shikoku Karst – Odamiyama Gorge – Dogo Onsen 高知 - 四国カルスト - 小田深山渓谷 - 道後温泉

Hotel: Kowakuen or similar/ Japanese Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, start your day at the Shikoku Karst (四国カルスト). The Tengu Highlands of the Shikoku Karst are gentle mountain faces with exposed limestones that spread across 25km of the island. Known as Japan’s top 3 karsts, the plateau peaks at 1485m above sea level with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Ishizuchi Mountain range. You might even be able to spot grazing dairy cows along the slopes! Next, lunch will be served in a local restaurant before transferring to Odamiyama Gorge (小田深山渓谷) ✿. Stretching about 10km along the Kurokawa River, the scenic beauty of untouched nature offers amazing fall foliage scenery which is widely popular among tourists and locals alike. Finally, transfer to Dogo Onsen for hotel check in and dinner. In the evening, you can explore one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs which is said to have inspired the animated film “Spirited Away”.

Day 5 Dogo Onsen – Oboke – Tokushima 道後温泉 - 大歩危 - 徳島

Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima Ekimae or similar/ Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, start your day on the Oboke Gorge Cruise (大歩危峡観光遊覧船). Relax on tatami mats and admire the calm emerald-coloured water and warm colours of autumn leaves. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we visit Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge (奥祖谷二重かずら橋) ✿. These vine suspension bridges were the main way for people to cross the river in the past and in autumn, the trees change color, painting the valley red and orange. Following that, you will be transferring to Tokushima for hotel check in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6 Tokushima – Naruto – Osaka 徳島 - 鳴門 - 大阪

Hotel: Imperial Hotel Osaka or similar/ Western room

Meal: B / L / -

This morning, enjoy an Indigo Dyeing Experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of aizome – the art of traditional indigo dyeing in Tokushima – one of the city’s renowned products. Next, visit Awa Odori Kaikan (阿波おどり会館) for an Awa Dance Show Performance. Learn about and try one of Japan’s most famous traditional dances that honour the spirits of ancestors with a history of about 400 years. Next, take a trip to Naruto for the Naruto Whirlpool Cruise (鳴門の渦潮) to witness the unique phenomena caused by the underwater geography of the narrow strait. Finally, transfer to Osaka for hotel check in. Tonight, dinner will be under your own arrangement.

Day 7 Osaka – Kobe – Osaka 大阪 - 神戸 - 大阪

Hotel: Imperial Hotel Osaka or similar/ Western room

Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast, you will be visiting the last autumn leaves viewing location: Kokoen Japanese Garden (好古園) ✿. There are 9 types of scenery in the garden, all based on popular styles of the Edo period. Right next to the garden is Himeji Castle (姫路城), the next stop of the day. This castle is not only Japan’s twelve original castles and national treasure but also a world heritage site. After that, transfer to Kobe Harborland (神戸ハーバーランド), a shopping and entertainment district. Spend some time shopping and lunch will be under your own here. After which, transfer back to the hotel. Explore the city this evening and dinner will be under your own as well.

Day 8 Osaka 大阪

Hotel: Imperial Hotel Osaka or similar/ Western room

Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast at the hotel, 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.

** Exclusive Tour: Osaka Castle & Wadaiko (Japanese Drum) Experience (Only for GRP 2)

Embark on a unique cultural journey with our exclusive tour, starting with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle. Experience the vibrant energy of Wadaiko, traditional Japanese drumming. Enjoy a captivating mini live concert that showcases the powerful rhythms and dynamic performances of skilled drummers. Following the concert, participate in an interactive Wadaiko workshop where you'll learn basic drumming techniques and rhythms. Finally, capture memories with a group photo at the picturesque Nishi no Maru Garden, a serene spot with stunning views of Osaka Castle. As a special souvenir, you'll receive a pair of drumsticks and a traditional Happi uniform, allowing you to take a piece of this unforgettable experience home with you.

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 Itami airport and take the domestic flight to Haneda airport then the flight back to Singapore. We hope that you 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