Departure date: 25 Oct, 2018 (Thu) Fly & Drive
*Name of cycling route is highlighted in blue.
Day 00 (Wed, 24 Oct)
Assemble at Changi Airport
Day 01 (Thur, 25 Oct)
Singapore – Hiroshima – Kurashiki
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel or similar
(Car pick-up at Hiroshima Airport branch)
First destination is Kurashiki Old Town or “Town of storehouses” It used to be an important rice distribution centre where the rice were stored in storehouses called Kura. The well-preserved canal dating from the Edo Period area lined with weeping willow trees is the perfect photo spot! Next, is Okayama castle, symbol of the city and one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. Known as Crow Castle or Ujo due to its black exterior, it is one of the few black castles in Japan. Just across the Asahi river from the castle is Korakuen, one of Japan’s top 3 most beautiful gardens. Enjoy various views as you stroll through the garden.
Day 02 (Fri, 26 Oct)
Kurashiki – Kotohira
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kotohira Kadan (Hot spring) or similar
Seto Ohashi Bridge is an architectural feat that took 10 years to complete. The collective six bridges spanning five islands is a 13km double-decker bridge that connects Kojima in Okayama on Honshu to Sakaide in Kagawa on Shikoku. You may be pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous views to be enjoyed here!
Head to Takamatsu city, capital of Kagawa, Japan’s smallest prefecture! Their most famous attraction is Ritsurin, one of Japan’s largest strolling gardens and considered by some to be among the best gardens in Japan. “Borrowing scenery” from Mt Shiun in the background, the south is a Japanese style garden whereas the north is a Western style garden. For a small fee, sip tea on the veranda of Kikugetsu-tei teahouse to better soak in the beauty and serenity of the place.
Tamamo Park is where the ruins of Takamatsu castle is situated, one of only three castles with a moat directly connected to the sea. Though much of the original castle has been destroyed during the Meiji Period, there are surviving structures such as walls, moats and Mizutegomon of a few hundred years of history to be admired.
Kotohiragu Shrine, also known as Kompirasan is a mix of Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple that is dedicated to seafaring and sailors. You might need to be as strong as one to make your way up to the shrine sitting on Mt Zozu, a staggering 1368 stone steps! Alternatives to reach this main attraction in the quaint town of Kotohira includes hiring a palanquin or taking a bus! Even at 785 steps, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Sanuki plains and Mt Lino.
Day 03 (Sat, 27 Oct)
Kotahira – Imabari
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel (Hot spring) or similar
Dare to cross a bridge made of mountain vine? Kazurabashi is a 45m suspension bridge across the Iya River anchored to tall cedar trees at both ends. Rebuilt every 3 years, the only modern addition to it is the steel cables cleverly hidden within the vines for additional safety. For spectacular scenery, look no further than Oboke Gorge. A steep, narrow ravine carved out by the flow of the Yoshino River, there are boat tours that will bring you nearer to the magnificent rocks and clear water. Head back to get a good night’s rest for the big day tomorrow!
Day 04 (Sun, 28 Oct)
Imabari
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel (Hot spring) or similar
Distance: 50km (with rental bike)
Imabari in Ehime prefecture is a city of rich historical heritage and the entry point to Shimanami-Kaido (the course for CYCLING SHIMANAMI). With over 7000 cyclists, the scale of this cycling event actually necessitates the local government to close the entire highway! Admire the unique bridges and gorgeous views of Setonaikai’s Islands while cycling on the expressway! One of the bridges is Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s first triple-suspension bridge. Another noteworthy bridge is Tatara Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world and designed to look like a bird with open wings! Marvel at the sights and sceneries as you cycle.
Day 05 (Mon, 29 Oct)
Imabari – Matsuyama
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: ANA Hotel Matsuyama similar
We introduce you to our special FMJ local activities, exclusive to Follow Me Japan guests. Head to Matsuyama city to enjoy a barbeque lunch of seasonal local ingredients prepared with much love by the warm and friendly locals, while soaking in the charmingly simple small town atmosphere. Get to see how seabream cutting is done as well. The castle town of Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku, known for its literary tradition. Matsuyama Castle is located on Mt Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city centre that provides visitors with a panoramic view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Or head to the famous Dogo Onsen, purportedly the oldest hot spring in Japan and dates back 3000 years! One of Japan’s three Great Ancient Hot springs, it is the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s anime drama, “Spirited Away”.
Day 06 (Tue, 30 Oct)
Matsuyama – Hiroshima
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Oriental Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Today, we will go to Mt Kiro Observatory, where a 360 view of Seto Inland Sea can be had. More importantly, the Shimanami-Kaido route can be seen from here!
Spend the rest of the day exploring Onomichi, a quaint town along the Seto Inland Sea. Prepare for a lot of steps and slope climbing! Those interested in temples can check out the Temple Walk, a route that connects to 25 temples here! If not, just go for Senko-ji Shrine, the most popular attraction here. The ropeway will bring you to the observatory at the top of the mountain, where it commands views of the town and across the islands.
Day 07 (Wed, 31 Oct)
Hiroshima
Hotel: Hiroshima Airport Hotel or similar
Arriving in Hiroshima today, we head to Hiroshima castle nicknamed Carp Castle. Spared during the Meiji Restoration, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. Here, you can learn about the history of Hiroshima, castles in Japan and also get a bird’s eye view of the city from the top floor of the castle. Next, we head to Hiroshima Peace Park. View the various monuments and buildings, such as the A-Bomb Dome and Cenotaph that remember the victims of the tragedy. Of equal significance are the monuments such as the Peace Flame that represent the people’s prayers for peace.
Last but not least is Miyajima, the Island of Gods on Seto Inland Sea and the World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine. This is where the famous red tori gate in the middle of the sea is instantly recognizable as one of the icons representing Japan.
It is time to bid farewell to the friendly people, wonderful food and beautiful sceneries of Shikoku. We will head to Hiroshima Airport for the flight back to Singapore.
(Car drop-off at Hiroshima Airport)
Day 08 (Thur, 01 Nov)
Hiroshima – Singapore
DRIVE TOUR
Assemble date: 24 Oct, Wed (SO12768)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
25OCt MI 868 Singapore - Hiroshima
0145 / 0930
01Nov MI 867 Hiroshima - Singapore
1025 / 1540
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz : Adult twin share $3,520
Corolla/Corolla Fielder : Adult twin share $3,620
New Prius*/Isis : Adult twin share $3,720
Estima/Velfire : Adult twin share $3,920
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,080; Adult triple share $3,020
Child twin share $2,880; Child with bed $2,840
Child no bed (age 4 & below) $1,450
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Toura and meals as stipulated in itinerary
Car rental
ETC card (Highway toll fees)
Cycling Shimanami 2018 Registration Fee (50km course)
Rental of bicycle for the event
Complimentary Wifi router
FMJ Local activity
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Parking & Entrance fees (if any)
Petrol or Oil refilling
Child Seat (if required)
Application fee for IDP
Visa application fee (if any)
Optional Add-on:
International Sector Airfare $670
Airport Taxes (subject to change) $50
Remarks:
The prices are subject to change upon fluctuations of currency exchange rates.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 15 adults.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.
Deposit of $1000 per person is required upon booking.