HIGHLIGHTS

Seasonal Scenery:

Tsubosakadera, Nara Deer Park, Arashiyama (Togetsu Bridge & Bamboo Grove), Philosophers Path, Keage Incline, Kiyomizu Dera Temple & Sannenzaka Area, Hikone Castle, Hamamatsu Flower Park, Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park

Unique experiences:

Chanosato Village, Mochi Making, Strawberry Picking, Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences:

Nara Kingyo Museum, Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ema Painting Experience, Nishiki Market, La Vollina Omihachiman, Castle Road, Nihon Daira Yume Terrace, The Hakone Open-air Museum

Special Gourmet Delights:

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

Hotel / Ryokan Stays:

03 nights of authentic Japanese Onsen experience in Nagahama, Hamamatsu & Atami. 03 night of centrally located hotel in Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo

ITINERARY

Day 1

Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

SQ618 SIN-KIX 0125-0850

Day 2 Kansai – Nara – Osaka 奈良 - 大阪

Hotel: Voco Central Osaka or similar / Western room

Meal: Meal on Board / L / D

Upon arrival at Kansai Airport, transfer by coach to Nara city. Explore the serene Tsubosakadera Temple (南法華寺) ✿, renowned for its cherry blossoms (sakura). The temple grounds come alive with vibrant pink hues, offering a peaceful setting to enjoy the beauty of the blooming cherry trees amidst the historical architecture. After lunch [Persimmon Leaf Sushi], visit Nara Deer Park ✿. In spring, you will see the deer resting under cherry blossom trees, making it one of the country’s best sakura viewing spots. Next, explore the Nara Kingyo Museum (奈良金魚美術館), which showcases a fascinating collection of goldfish and related artifacts, offering insight into this traditional Japanese art form. Thereafter, enjoy your own free time at Dotonbori (道頓堀) & Shinsaibashi Street (心斎橋). The shopping districts are famous and main highlights of Osaka, with its eccentric atmosphere, large illuminated signboards and endless restaurants serving specialty dishes such as takoyaki, ramen, crab and udon. Tonight, dinner [Japanese Course] will be served at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel for check-in.

Day 3 Osaka – Kyoto 大阪 - 京都

Hotel: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar / Western Room

Meal: B / L / D

Start your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社), famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that create a stunning pathway up the mountain. Next, visit Kawai Shrine (河合神社), a peaceful and historic shrine in Kyoto known for its beautiful grounds and spiritual significance. Here, you can participate in a unique Ema Painting Experience. Ema are traditional wooden plaques used for writing wishes and prayers. During this activity, you’ll have the opportunity to paint your own ema with traditional designs or personal messages, which you can then leave at the shrine as a token of your hopes and prayers. Next, continue your journey to Arashiyama and have a lunch [Tempura Set] at a local resturant. After lunch, explore the picturesque Togetsu Bridge (渡月橋) ✿, which spans the Hozu River and offers beautiful views of the cherry blossoms. Nearby, wander through the Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林) ✿, a serene and enchanting bamboo forest that offers a unique natural experience. Next, head to Nishiki Market (錦市場), Kyoto’s bustling food market. Here, you can sample a variety of local delicacies, including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. End the day with dinner [Sukiyaki Course] and overnight stay at your hotel in Kyoto.

Day 4 Kyoto – Nagahama 京都 - 長浜

Hotel: Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

Start your day with a stroll along Philosopher's Path (哲学の道) ✿, a scenic walkway in Kyoto renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms. The path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Next, visit Keage Incline (蹴上インクライン) ✿, an old railway track transformed into a cherry blossom viewing area, where you can enjoy the beauty of blooming trees. Thereafter, continue yoru journey to Arashiyama for lunch [Japanese Set]. After lunch, explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) ✿, one of Kyoto's most iconic and historic landmarks. Perched on a hillside, this Buddhist temple is renowned for its stunning wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding cherry and maple trees. Visit the nearby Sannenzaka Area (三年坂), This charming historic streets leading up to the temple are lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and historic architecture, providing a glimpse into Kyoto's past. Conclude the day with a visit to La Collina Omihachiman (ラコリーナ近江八幡), where you can enjoy local delicacies and the scenic beauty of the area. Finally, transfer to Nagaghama for hotel check in and dinner [Buffet] at the hotel.

Day 5 Nagahama – Nagoya – Hamamatsu 長浜 - 名古屋 - 浜松

Hotel: Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

Start your day with a visit to Hikone Castle (彦根城) ✿, one of Japan's few original castles with its original structure intact. Explore the historic castle and stroll along the picturesque Castle Road, lined with traditional buildings and gardens. Enjoy the scenic beauty and historical atmosphere. After lunch [Hitsumabushi], visit Hamamatsu Flower Park (はままつフラワーパーク) ✿, a lush garden showcasing a variety of seasonal flowers. Wander through vibrant flowerbeds and serene landscapes, perfect for enjoying nature and photography. End your day with dinner [Japanese Course] and check into your hotel.

Day 6 Hamamatsu – Shizuoka – Atami 浜松 - 静岡 - 熱海

Hotel: Atami Korakuen Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, begin your day with a visit Chanosato Village (茶の里村), a quaint “tea village” renowned for its rich tea culture. Here, you’ll gain insights into the traditional Japanese tea-making process. Engage in a hands-on Mochi Making session. Learn the traditional techniques of pounding glutinous rice and shaping it into soft, chewy rice cakes. After lunch [Western Set], head to Nihon Daira Yume Terrace (日本平夢テラス), which offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. Enjoy Strawberry Picking, which is in season, at a nearby Japanese orchard. Conclude the day with hotel check-in and a [Japanese Kaiseki] dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 7: Atami – Hakone – Tokyo 熱海 - 箱根 - 東京

Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / -

Start your day with a ride on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway (箱根駒ヶ岳ロープウェイ), offering breathtaking aerial views of the Hakone area. The ropeway ascends from the base of Lake Ashi up to the summit of Mount Komagatake, offering panoramic vistas of the lake, surrounding mountains, and, on clear days, even glimpses of Mount Fuji. Next, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館), a remarkable cultural gem set in the natural beauty of Hakone. The museum features a sprawling outdoor exhibition space where sculptures by renowned artists are displayed amid carefully landscaped gardens. After lunch [French Couse], Continue to Tokyo and explore Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵) ✿, a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot known for its serene and picturesque walkways lined with blooming sakura trees. Finish your day at Ueno Park (上野公園) ✿, another popular cherry blossom destination where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through expansive, flower-draped landscapes. Tonight, dinner is on your own arrangement before transferring back to the hotel for check-in.

Day 8 Tokyo – Singapore 東京 - 新加坡

Meal: B / - / -

SQ635 HND-SIN 2255-0455

After breakfast at the hotel, 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 9 Singapore 新加坡

Arrive at Singapore