10D Japan - Onsen, Gourmet & Sakura Trails

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: Fly 28Mar

Singapore / Fukuoka

SQ 656

0120/0820 (6h 00m) – Daily

Fly 05Apr

Osaka Kansai / Singapore

SQ 615

2330/0510+1 (6h 40m) – Daily

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

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) Fly 28Mar

Singapore / Fukuoka

SINGAPORE / FUKUOKA / YUFUIN SQ 656

0120/0820 (6h 00m) – Daily

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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

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 KUROKAWA ONSEN / TAKACHIHO DAY 04 31st MAR (TUE) 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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg 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 KUMAMOTO / YAMAGUCHI / YUDA ONSEN DAY 06 02nd APR (THU) 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.

Train 02Apr

Kumamoto / Shin-Yamaguchi

Shinkansen Sakura #548 1029/1144 (1h 15m) – Daily

Arriving at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, be met by your driver and thereafter, continue to the Akiyoshidai QuasiNational 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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg 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.

Train 05Apr

Hiroshima / Shin-Osaka

Shinkansen Nozomi #54

1808/1934 (1h 26m) – Daily

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) Fly 05Apr

Osaka Kansai / Singapore

SQ 615

2330/0510+1 (6h 40m) – Daily

Meals: Breakfast DAY 10 06th APR (MON) END OF TOUR

ARRIVE SINGAPORE

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg 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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg 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 6minute 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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg 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) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg