12D9N Luxury Escapade West & Central Japan with GUNTU

HIGHLIGHTS

Special Arrangement:

Sagano Romantic Train, 01-night stay at Shirakawago Guest House, 02 nights stay at the Floating Ryokan "GUNTU"

Unique Experience:

Ghibli Park, Seki Knife Making, Soba Making

Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences:

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town, Funasaka Sake Brewery, Shirakawago Village, Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, Arashiyama, Mt Rokko Ropeway, Himeji Castle, Miyajima Island

Hotel / Ryokan Stays:

02 nights of authentic Japanese Onsen experience in Takayama & Arima Onsen. 04 nights of centrally located hotels in Gifu, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Osaka

ITINERARY

Day 1 Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

SQ672 SIN-NGO 0120-0830

Day 2 Nagoya - Gifu

Hotel: Gifu Miyako Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: Meal on Board / - / D

Upon arrival at Chubu International Airport, head to the enchanting Ghibli Park, where you can immerse yourself in the magical world of Studio Ghibli. Explore various themed areas based on beloved films like "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away," with detailed recreations of iconic scenes and characters. Enjoy interactive exhibits, beautifully landscaped gardens, and unique souvenir shops offering exclusive Ghibli merchandise. Thereafter, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Tonight, dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.

Day 3 Gifu - Takayama

Hotel: Takayama Green Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head to Seki, renowned for its traditional Seki Knife-making. Engage in a hands-on Seki knife experience, where you'll learn about the craftsmanship behind these exquisite blades. Next, enjoy a Soba Making Experience, where you can try your hand at making these traditional Japanese noodles. For lunch, savor the freshly made soba. After lunch, transfer to Gujo Hachiman and explore the charming Gujo Hachiman Castle Town, with its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and serene waterways, offering you free time to discover local shops and sights at your own pace. After a delightful day of activities, arrive at your hotel and check in. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at a hidden restaurant, known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Day 4 Takayama - Shirakawago

Hotel: Shirakawago Guest House or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and enjoy some free time exploring the charming town of Takayama. Wander through its historic streets, visit local shops, and perhaps explore the morning market. Next, visit the Funasaka Sake Brewery to learn about the traditional sake-making process and sample some of their finest brews. For lunch, indulge in a delicious Hida-Beef meal at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to the World Heritage site of Shirakawago, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Take in the stunning scenery and immerse yourself in the unique cultural heritage of this picturesque village. After a day full of exploration and discovery, return to your guesthouse for a relaxing evening. Dinner [Japanese Set] will be served at the guesthouse, offering you a taste of local cuisine in a cozy, homely setting.

Day 5 Shirakawago - Kanazawa - Kyoto

Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawramachi Jokyoji or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / -

After breakfast, transfer to Kanazawa and visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens, renowned for its stunning seasonal displays and tranquil atmosphere. Therefter, explore Omicho Market, a vibrant market known for its fresh seafood and local delicacies. Enjoy your lunch at Omichi Market. Thereafter, transfer to Kanazawa Station, take the Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto and check in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy the night at Pontocho, a charming alleyway in Kyoto famous for its traditional teahouses and lively atmosphere. Experience the area at your own pace and discover its unique eateries and local ambiance. Dinner is on your own, allowing you to explore Kyoto's diverse dining options.

Day 6 Kyoto - Hyogo - Arima Onsen

Hotel: Arima Grand Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, start your day with a serene Kyoto morning temple experience, where you can immerse yourself in traditional rituals and the peaceful ambiance of a historic temple.After this enriching experience, depart from the hotel and head to Kameoka Station to board the scenic Trolley train."Sagano Romantic Train". Enjoy the picturesque journey to Arashiyama Station, passing through the lush bamboo forests and taking in the natural beauty of the area. From Arashiyama Station, take a leisurely walk through the iconic Bamboo Forest path leading to Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and Zen architecture. After lunch [Traditional Japanese Vegetarian Food], enjoy some free time to explore Arashiyama at your own pace. You can visit local shops, stroll along the river, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Finally, trasnfer to Arima Onsen town for the hotel check in. Tonight, indulge in a sumptuous Kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that showcases the finest ingredients and meticulous presentation.

Day 7 Arima Onsen - Himeji - Hiroshima

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head to the Mt. Rokko-Ropeway. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up Mt. Rokko, where you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and Kobe city. Spend some time exploring the mountain’s attractions and enjoying the fresh air. After hacing the Japanese Set lunch at a local restaurant, visit the iconic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved castles. Explore the castle's stunning architecture, historical exhibits, and picturesque grounds. Finally, trasnfer to the hotel for check in. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant, featuring a wide range of dishes to suit all tastes.

Day 8 Hiroshima - Seto Inland Sea (GUNTU)

Hotel: GUNTU or similar / R.O.H.

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head to the World Heritage Site, Miyajima Island. Explore this beautiful island, famous for its iconic floating torii gate and the historic Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy free time to wander through the charming streets, visit local shops, and take in the stunning coastal views. After lunch, depart from Miyajima and make your way to Bella Vista Marina, where you will board a GUNTU cruise ship for an unforgettable maritime adventure. GUNTU is a luxury floating hotel in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. It offers elegant suites with stunning sea views, gourmet dining, and top-notch amenities. Guests can enjoy a serene cruise experience, with stops at picturesque locations and exceptional onboard service, blending the comfort of a high-end hotel with the adventure of a cruise.

Day 1 for GUNTU - Depart from Bella Vista Marina Abuto Kannon → Innoshima Bridge → Mihara Strait → Anchor offshore at Omishima, Ehime

Day 9 Seto Inland Sea (GUNTU)

Hotel: GUNTU or similar / R.O.H.

Meal: B / L / D

GUNTU’s cruises are designed to provide a peaceful and immersive journey through the Seto Inland Sea, known for its clear waters, picturesque islands, and charming coastal towns. The ship makes stops at various scenic spots, allowing guests to explore local attractions and enjoy unique cultural experiences.

Day 2 for GUNTU - Depart from Omishima → Hanaguri Strait → Yuge Strait → Hiuchi Sea → Nio → Shonai Peninsula → Anchor at Takuma Bay, Kagawa

Day 10 Seto Inland Sea (GUNTU) - Onomichi - Osaka

Hotel: Swissotel Nankai Osaka or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / -

This morning, embark from Bella Vista Marina to conclude your luxurious adventure aboard GUNTU. After lunch, we will transfer to the Onomichi area for a brief stop before continuing your journey to Osaka city. Arrive at your hotel for check-in and spend the evening at your leisure, with dinner on your own.

Day 3 for GUNTU - Depart from Takuma Bay → Kasaoka Islands → Tomonoura → Abuto Kannon → Momoshima → Arrive at Bella Vista Marina

Day 11 Osaka – Singapore

Meal: B / - / -

SQ623 KIX-SIN 2320-0510+1

After breakfast, free & easy at your own leisure until departure.

Bid farewell to Osaka as we proceed to the airport and take the flight back to Singapore. We hope that you have enjoyed this vacation with JTB and we look forward to bringing you to your next holiday destination.

Day 12 Singapore

Arrive Singapore