10d japan - onsen, gourmet & sakura trails
DESCRIPTION
A journey of epic proportions beginning in Western Japan on the island of Kyushu where you will have the first glimpse of the cherry blossoms in the Japanese archipelago. Kyushu is a land of onsens and exceptional landscapes. Retreat to an inspiring destination that excels in exceptional rejuvenation. From Kyushu, we cross into mainland Honshu to the remote western end of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Experience a fine blend of scintillating landscape, an underrated onsen town and Zen inspiration at its finest! Finally, we journey to the sacred island of Miyajima – famous for its torii gate, nature and splendour.TRANSCRIPT
10 Days Japan – Onsen, Gourmet & Sakura Trails (Specially Prepared for Pik Lee & Family)
A journey of epic proportions beginning in Western Japan on the island of Kyushu where you will have the first
glimpse of the cherry blossoms in the Japanese archipelago. Kyushu is a land of onsens and exceptional
landscapes. Retreat to an inspiring destination that excels in exceptional rejuvenation. From Kyushu, we cross
into mainland Honshu to the remote western end of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Experience a fine blend of
scintillating landscape, an underrated onsen town and Zen inspiration at its finest! Finally, we journey to the
sacred island of Miyajima – famous for its torii gate, nature and splendour.
Yokoso Nippon!
Flights At A Glance:
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
Fly 28Mar Singapore / Fukuoka SQ 656 0120/0820 (6h 00m) – Daily
Fly 05Apr Osaka Kansai / Singapore SQ 615 2330/0510+1 (6h 40m) – Daily
DAY 00 27th
MAR (FRI) SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT
Today, make your way to Singapore Changi Intl Airport for your flight check in.
DAY 01 28th
MAR (SAT) SINGAPORE / FUKUOKA / YUFUIN
On arrival at Fukuoka Intl Airport, be met by your English-Speaking guide and private vehicle as you transfer
to the city. We first visit the Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba Fish Market to soak in the bustling atmosphere where
the locals call it the “Pantry of Hakata”. Spend some time sampling perhaps fresh seafood before continuing on
an orientation of Fukuoka’s sights such as the Ohori Park, the harbour front and remnants of the Fukuoka Castle.
Thereafter visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of two most important tenmangu shrines in Japan dedicated
to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period. Enjoy a peaceful stroll to
discover the complex amongst the cherry blossoms. After some time for lunch (on own expenses), continue your
journey to Yufuin Onsen (1.5hrs), a popular hot spring resort area with stunning views of Mount Yufu where
you will check into your ryokan (Check in is 1500hrs). Enjoy the rest of the day luxuriating in the refined
environments or head downtown to Yufuin town for a stroll (9mins by taxi).
Overnight: Yufuin Gettouan, Yufuin Onsen
Meals: Dinner
DAY 02 29th
MAR (SUN) YUFUIN / KUROKAWA ONSEN
Spend a relaxing morning and in the late morning, we continue to Kurokawa Onsen (1hr) past the spectacular
Kuju Mountains. Enjoy an orientation visit of Kurokawa Onsen – one of Japan’s most attractive onsen towns
with a traditional atmospheric setting making it an enjoyable village for strolls. Enjoy time for lunch (on own
expenses) before a short drive to the mesmerizing environments of Ryokan Takefue – one of the most visually,
aesthetically intoxicating onsen ryokan for its bamboo hideaway concept.
Overnight: Ryokan Takefue, Kurokawa Onsen (Shirakawa source)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909
Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) [email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
Fly 28Mar Singapore / Fukuoka SQ 656 0120/0820 (6h 00m) – Daily
DAY 03 30th
MAR (MON) KUROKAWA ONSEN
Today, consider a visit to Mount Aso, amongst the argest in the world with its peak at 1592m above sea level.
Its caldera is 25km across north to south and 18km across east to west and a caldera circumference of around
120km. Perhaps, consider a visit to Oguni Soba road, a region renowned for delicious authentic soba or perhaps
spend a relaxing day in the bamboo forest of Ryokan Takefue or enjoy onsen-hopping in Kurokawa Onsen.
(Kurokawa Onsen is 7mins drive from Ryokan Takefue)
***Visits to Mount Aso, Oguni Soba road are not included.
Overnight: Ryokan Takefue, Kurokawa Onsen (Shirakawa source)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 04 31st MAR (TUE) KUROKAWA ONSEN / TAKACHIHO
A beautiful day beckons as we leave Kurokawa Onsen to the beautiful Kujuhana Park (30mins) with over three
million plants of more than 500 different varieties. Spanning over 49 acres of land, witness a kaleidoscope of
colours with flowers such as lavender, salvia, blue berries, pink moss, tulips and more. Thereafter, we continue
to the Takachiho Gorge (1.5hrs), a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. The nearly sheer
cliffs lining the gorge are made of slow forming volcanic basalt columns which resemble the scales of a dragon
where the stone twisted and flowed as it formed. Along the gorge is the 17m high Minainotaki waterfall
cascading down to the river below, and it is truly impressive to see the waterfall against a backdrop of dense
green foliage and the surrounding grey cliffs. Thereafter, you have the opportunity to sample Takachiho beef,
one of the most revered beef in Japan. In the afternoon, we visit the Amanoiwato Shrine. Takachiho is the site
of one of the best-known legends in Japanese mythology where Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so
outraged by her brother's cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the
world of her life-giving light. Amanoiwato Shrine was built near the cave where Amaterasu is said to have hid
herself away. This evening after dinner, enjoy a traditional Yokagura performance!
Overnight: Kamigakure, Takachiho
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
DAY 05 01st APR (WED) TAKACHIHO / KUMAMOTO
Spend a relaxing morning before transferring to Kumamoto (2hrs). Enjoy an orientation tour of the city and
perhaps consider visiting the Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s largest and most impressive castle complexes.
Designed by the feudal lord (daimyo) who ruled the area, Kato Kiyomasa, building of the castle was started in
the early 17th
Century and took seven years to complete. Worth a visit is the beautiful Suizenji Koen, a beautiful
Zen garden built by the Hosokawa family in the 17th Century and is a popular sightseeing destination for cherry
blossoms and autumn foliage in season. You can also visit the Hosokawa Residence “Gyobutei”, the former
residence of a branch family of the Hosokawa Clan, the powerful clan that ruled over Kumamoto during the Edo
Period. The building is a great example of a high-class samurai mansion. Today, have a break from ryokans and
kaiseki. We recommend Kumamoto’s famous ramen and “basashi” raw horse meat – so tender and high in
protein it melts in your mouth.
Overnight: Hotel Nikko, Kumamoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 06 02nd
APR (THU) KUMAMOTO / YAMAGUCHI / YUDA ONSEN
This morning after breakfast, be transferred to Kumamoto Station and bid farewell to Kyushu as take a train
journey to Yamaguchi on the western frontiers of mainland Honshu.
Arriving at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, be met by your driver and thereafter, continue to the Akiyoshidai Quasi-
National Park (30mins) – home to the largest concentration of karst formations and the largest and longest
limestone cave in Japan. The vast lands of the Akiyoshidai Plateau are dotted with limestone pinnacles,
presenting a landscape rarely seen in Japan. Below the surface at the south end of Akiyoshidai lies the
Akiyoshido Cave – with various natural formations along the course, such as terraces of limestone pools filled
with water, underground waterfalls and a lovely stream of cobalt blue water flowing along the path. We then
return to Yamaguchi where you will spend a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Kokian, Yuda Onsen
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
Train 02Apr Kumamoto / Shin-Yamaguchi Shinkansen Sakura #548 1029/1144 (1h 15m) – Daily
DAY 07 03rd
APR (FRI) YUDA ONSEN
Spend a day at leisure in Yuda Onsen – a historic onsen town with more than 800 years with quality and
therapeutic alkaline hot spring water. Consider too a visit to nearby Yamaguchi city (10mins by taxi) to visit the
Rurikoji Temple, best known for its five-storied pagoda and ranked among Japan’s three greatest. Admire the
beautiful temple grounds of Kozan Koen and enjoy a pleasant stroll.
Overnight: Kokian, Yuda Onsen
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 08 04th
APR (SAT) YUDA ONSEN / IWAKUNI / MIYAJIMA
A spectacular day beckons! After breakfast, we leave Yuda Onsen along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea to the
town of Iwakuni (1.5hrs) where we stop to admire one of the most privileged cherry blossoms-viewing spot –
the Kintai Bridge, a landmark of Iwakuni with its iconic five arches. Thereafter, enjoy a stroll at the beautiful
Kikko Koen where you will be greeted by the statue of Lord Kikkawa Hiroyoshi who commissioned the
construction of the Kintai Bridge. Spend some time exploring the area before we make our way to the
Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal (30mins) for our ferry over to the spiritual island of Miyajima (10mins). On
arrival at Miyajima Pier, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the legendary Iwaso Ryokan.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure. You may want to catch the iconic Itsukushima Shrine at low tide
where you can walk out to see the torii gate up close!
Overnight: Iwaso Ryokan, Miyajima
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
DAY 09 05th
APR (SUN) MIYAJIMA / HIROSHIMA / OSAKA / SINGAPORE
Today, Enjoy a day of self-exploration of Miyajima on foot. One of the three most scenic attractions in Japan,
Miyajima means "shrine-island" in Japanese. Its symbol is the Itsukushima Shrine with its Torii (shrine gate)
which appears to be floating on the water. The first Torii built in the bay dates back to the 12th
Century when the
warlord Tairano Kiyomori provided funds for the shrine. After visiting the main sites, consider the ropeway and
enjoy a short hike to the top of Mt. Misen at 530m high. After arriving at the top of the mountain, you will see
the superb view of the Inland Sea. Thereafter, a pleasant walk down where you will see the Daisho-in Temple –
one of the most important temples of the Shingon Buddhism sect. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or wander
around the shops, eateries or relax in your ryokan.
Thereafter in the late afternoon, take the return ferry to Miyajimaguchi (10mins) where you will be met and
then transfer to Hiroshima Station (30mins) for your Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka.
Arriving at Shin-Osaka Station, you will be met and private transfer to Osaka Kansai Intl Airport (1hr) for
your international flight departure. (Arriving 3hrs before departure, spend time for dinner at the fabulous food
village and last minute gift-shopping)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 06th
APR (MON) ARRIVE SINGAPORE
END OF TOUR
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909
Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) [email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
Train 05Apr Hiroshima / Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Nozomi #54 1808/1934 (1h 26m) – Daily
Fly 05Apr Osaka Kansai / Singapore SQ 615 2330/0510+1 (6h 40m) – Daily
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON:
- The following prices are based 4 persons travelling together;
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS: BEST Price Per Person
1N in Yufuin Gettouan, Yufuin Onsen
2N in Ryokan Takefue, Kurokawa Onsen (Shirakawa source)
1N in Kamigakure, Takachiho
1N in Hotel Nikko, Kumamoto
2N in Kokian, Yuda Onsen
1N in Iwaso, Miyajima (including 1 Day Room usage)
TO BE ADVISED
SQ Airport & Fuel Taxes
TO BE ADVISED
GRAND TOTAL (3 PERSONS)
TO BE ADVISED
Cost includes: - Return Business Class airfare on Singapore Airlines (SIN-Fukuoka/Osaka-SIN);
- All accommodations with daily breakfast as stated;
- Other meals as stated;
- Private English-Speaking Guide, air-conditioned vehicle as stated;
- All tours & transfers as stated unless “At Own Leisure”
Cost excludes: - Visa if any;
- Gratuities to guides and driver;
- Personal and other expenses not stated;
- Travel Insurance;
- Any extra meals other than specified;
- Any expenses incurred beyond our control due to natural disaster, weather conditions, etc;
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
HOTELS
Yufuin Onsen:
Yufuin Gettouan – Boasting chic Japanese-style guestrooms with a private open-air bath, Yufuin Gettouan is
a luxurious accommodation, nestled in the tranquil mountains. Beautiful Japanese gardens surround the property,
and guests can enjoy the sound of a nearby river and chirping birds. Free WiFi is provided in the lobby. Fitted
with a historic charm and the open-air bath, each room is housed in an individual building, and features tatami
(woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding. Facilities like a flat-screen TV and a personal safe are provided.
Guests can unwind in the room with a yukata robe on, sipping a cup of green tea. Gettouan Ryokan offers large
public hot spring baths, both indoors and outdoors. Guests can unwind on the terrace, or go for a stroll in the
large garden. Delicately prepared Japanese multi-course dinner features local specialities, and it is served in the
dining rooms with a relaxing ambience. Hearty Japanese breakfast is also offered there. Guests can sip whiskies
and cocktails at Bar Ripe in the evening.
http://www.gettouan.com/en/index.html
Kurokawa Onsen: Ryokan Takefue – Guests of Takefue arrive via one of the most beautiful roads in Japan, with breathtaking
views of the mountains of central Kyushu's Mt. Aso range on one side and vast ocean vistas on the other. Those
arriving at night are treated to both the lights of the towns in the valleys and, in clear weather, a blazing expanse
of stars. Takefue maintains a refined rustic style, the farm-type buildings all black beams and straw-and-plaster
stucco. Interiors are likewise rustic, but with modern amenities and huge windows giving access to the lovely
surrounding forest. The onsen hot springs are generated by the same geological processes that keep nearby Mt.
Aso rumbling. There are numerous ryokan in the neighborhood, but the bamboo forest effectively muffles all
sounds from outside the grounds, preserving the feeling of deep-forest privacy. Most of the rooms boast their
own private rotemburo outdoor baths - some of which are huge. There is also an enormous public rotemburo,
which can be reserved for private bathing. The cuisine is kaiseki haute cuisine, incorporating inaka ryori, or
country fare, and taking full advantage of the delicate and delicious mountain vegetables of the area. Takefue's
location, nestled in a large bamboo grove, gives it a unique otherworldly air; this and its exquisite food,
beautiful outdoor baths, rustic authenticity and premium service make this an outstanding ryokan.
http://www.takefue.com/english/index.html
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
Takachiho: Hanare do Yado Kamigakure – Opened in April 2014 after a thorough renovation, this ryokan features
spacious guest rooms surrounded by tranquil mountains. It is a 7-minute walk to Takachiho Shrine and a 6-
minute drive to Takachiho-kyo Gorge. Guests can use WiFi property-wide for free. Hanare no yado
Kamigakure offers rooms with comfortable Simmons beds and traditional Japanese-style rooms fitted with
tatami (woven-straw) flooring. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a seating area. The
en suite bathroom has a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries. While staying at Kamigakure Ryokna, guests
can stroll around the garden or purchase souvenir items at the on-site gift shop. Luggage storage and parking are
offered for free. On-site Shokusai restaurant serves seasonal Japanese meals that feature local Wagyu beef and
other fresh ingredients. Japanese breakfast is also available.
http://kamigakure.jp/en/
Kumamoto: Hotel Nikko – Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Nikko Kumamoto features accommodations with free
wired internet access and views of Kumamoto Castle. Torichosuji Train Station is a 1-minute walk, and the JR
Kumamoto Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. Guests can choose among 5 dining options and relaxing
massages can be requested as well. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors, a flat-screen TV, and
comfortable Simone beds. An electric kettle, a minibar, and nightwear are provided for guests. The en suite
bathroom comes with slippers and a hairdryer. Laundry and photocopying services are available at the 24-hour
front desk. Room service and newspapers are also provided. Les Celebrites serves French dishes, and Tao-Li
offers Cantonese specialities. Benkei serves Japanese cuisines with nice views and drinks are available at
Fountain bar lounge. Coffee and a breakfast buffet are served at Serena. Kumamoto Hotel Nikko is a 10-minute
walk from Kumamoto Castle, and the Contemporary Art Museum is only a 1-minute walk away.
http://www.jalhotels.com/domestic/kyusyu/kumamoto/
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg
Yuda Onsen (Yamaguchi): Kokian – Although this relaxing inn is located in the middle of town, it is surrounded by green trees. It warmly
welcomes guests with its meticulous hospitality, while incorporating just the right blend of traditional Japanese
atmosphere, and modern hotel functionality. Enjoy "special living" at Kokian, where something special is added
to ordinary daily life.
http://www.kokian.info/index.html
Miyajima: Iwaso – Located in the World Heritage Miyajima Island, Iwaso features Japanese-style accommodations with
beautiful surrounding views. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and request for
massages. A free shuttle is available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is also a 5-minute walk away.
The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms in the
Annex include a private bathroom with a bath and toilet, while rooms in the historical Main Building and
Cottage Annex have shared bathrooms and toilets. Guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop and
enjoy singing at the karaoke room. Photocopying and luggage storage services are available at the 24-hour front
desk. A computer with internet is provided in the lobby for an extra charge. A traditional multi-course dinner
featuring seafood and local ingredients are served at the dining room or guests’ rooms. A Japanese breakfast is
served at Momiji restaurant. Iwaso Inn is a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park.
Miyajima Aquarium is a 10-minute walk away.
http://www.iwaso.com/english/
#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)
[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg