FMJ 12D11N Kyushu Autumn Escapade (DRIVE)

SEASONAL TOURS

KYUSHU

FMJ 12D11N Kyushu Autumn Escapade (DRIVE)

Departure date:20 Nov, 2023 (Mon) Drive Tour

Day 01 (Tue, 21 Nov23)

Singapore – Fukuoka – Beppu

(-/-/Dinner)

Hotel: Beppu Suginoi Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar

(Car pick up at Fukuoka Airport)

Arriving in Fukuoka this morning, start off your journey with a visit to the Akizuki Castle Ruins, the remains of a castle rebuilt in 1623 according to the dying wishes of then feudal lord, Kuroda Nagamasa. The Kuromon front gate and Nagayamon rear gate of the castle are the most noteworthy structures and have been declared Tangible Cultural Properties of Fukuoka. In autumn, the red of the leaves contrast beautifully against the stone walls and wooden gates.

One of the new three best views of Japan, Shin Yabakei Gorge was formed by the flow of the Yamakuni river over 2.5 million years ago. From Hitome Hakkei, eight different landscapes can be seen, making it the best viewing spot in the gorge where the red and orange autumn colours provide a stunning contrast against the brown and grey cliffs and rock formations, accentuating the gorgeous scenery.

Day 02 (Wed, 22 Nov’23)

Beppu

(Breakfast/-/Dinner)

Hotel: Beppu Suginoi Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar

Japan’s hot springs are well known for soaking in, but the Hells of Beppu are more of a visual treat rather than a physical one. Each of the different hells contains a different kind of hot spring, and you can see some of them today. While you cannot bathe at these ‘hells’, they certainly make interesting sights!

Later, spend some time strolling about the picturesque streets of Yufuin. With many intimate cafes, boutiques and small museums, the quaint town is the perfect place to spend a day of exploration. At the end of the street, stop by at the peaceful Lake Kirinko, which both hot and cold springs feed into, and admire the view of the twin peaked Mt Yufu that overlooks the town.

Day 03 (Thu, 23 Nov’23)

Beppu – Aso

(Breakfast/-/Dinner)

Hotel: Hotel Greenpia Minamiaso (Hot Spring) or similar

Not for the faint-hearted, the next stop is Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge, one of the longest and tallest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan. Spanning 390m across a mountain valley and towering at 777m in height, fantastic views of beautiful waterfalls, great forests, mountain ranges and a deep valley can be had from here.

Located at the base of the Kuju mountains, the Tadewara Wetlands are a roughly 38 hectare area created by volcanic activity. Teeming with flora and fauna, the wetlands are a Ramsar protected area, but remains accessible via elevated boardwalks through the marsh. Take a walk into the marsh and enjoy the seasonal colours and nature here.

Day 04 (Fri, 24 Nov’23)

Aso – Miyazaki
(Breakfast/-/-)

Hotel: HOTEL TERRASTA or similar

Take a drive up to Mt Nakadake, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. Located on Mt Aso, the steaming emerald crater lake and smell of sulphur in the air is sure to leave an impression of the volcano on your senses!

One of Miyazaki’s most famous sights, Takachiho Gorge is a V-shaped gorge created by the Gokase River eroding through volcanic rock. The 17m high Minainotaki waterfall cascading into the river midway through the gorge paints a particularly impressive picture as the clear water cascades down against a background of grey cliffs and autumn foliage.

Day 05 (Sat, 25 Nov’23)

Miyazaki – Kagoshima

(Breakfast/-/Dinner)

Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Hot Spring) or similar

Today, you will take part in one of FMJ’s signature Local Activities and a favourite amongst our customers,?Follow Me Kitchen! Showcasing seasonal local ingredients and prepared with the full passion of the locals, this is where you will find both your heart and stomach filled.?

Kirishima Shrine is considered the “Nikko of the West” due to its beautiful design being similar to the extravagant Nikko Shrine. The shrine has strong connections to Japanese mythology and is dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto, descendent of sun goddess Amaterasu, who became human to rule the area. An 800-year-old sacred cedar tree said to answer prayers can also be found on its grounds.

Day 06 (Sun, 26 Nov’23)

Kagoshima

(Breakfast/-/-)

Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Hot Spring) or similar

Head to the symbol of Kagoshima, Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, it stands at 1,117m and has a circumference of about 50km. From its observatories, you can get a view of the mountain peak, port, Kagoshima City and mountains of Kyushu.

Autumn is the best time to see ginkgo leaves and at Tarumizu Senbon Ichou, meaning ‘thousand ginkgos’, you can find over 1,200 gingko trees creating bright yellow canopies in a garden overlooking the city. Planted over a span of 40 years by a couple, their mountainside garden is now a popular autumn-viewing site.

Day 07 (Mon, 27 Nov’23)

Kagoshima – Kumamoto

(Breakfast/-/-)

Hotel: The Blossom Kumamoto or similar

The Kirishima Open-Air Museum is a modern art museum set in tranquil natural surroundings. Known as an 'art forest', about 22 art pieces dot the open space of the museum, melding seamlessly with the beautiful Kirishima forest. The works of art here are in fact created with their surroundings in mind and are all original pieces crafted by local and international artists who have visited the museum. Enjoy art with all your senses as you interact with the art works here.

Day 08 (Tue, 28 Nov’23)

Kumamoto – Nagasaki

(Breakfast/-/-)

Hotel: Hilton Nagasaki or similar

Taking a ferry over to Shimabara this morning, drive along Nita Pass, an 8.2km long scenic road between Mt Myoken and Mt No. Known for its wonderful nature views, the road is a spectacular sight in autumn when over 120 types of autumn plants line it with vibrant colours.

Later, move on to Unzen Jigoku, sulphurous hot spring ‘hells’ scattered around the sides of Unzen Onsen that are marked by constant clouds of steam billowing above bubbling pools and vents. The hot spring hells were once used to execute Christian rebels after the Shimabara Rebellion, but are now a major attraction and the source of hot spring waters for the many resorts in the town.

Day 09 (Wed, 29 Nov’23)

Nagasaki

(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hilton Nagasaki or similar

At Glover Garden, former residences of Western merchants who settled in Nagasaki can be seen, including the Former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan. The open-air museum is complemented by attractive gardens with cobblestone paths and wall fountains fitting for the houses they surround.

Once the only point of contact to the Western world, Dejima was an artificial island built to host Portuguese, followed by Dutch, traders at a time when Japan was mostly isolated from the rest of the world. Today, it is a historic district showcasing preserved or reconstructed houses, warehouses and infrastructure with an European influence not commonly found during the Edo period.

Day 10 (Thu, 30 Nov’23)

Nagasaki – Fukuoka

(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Nikko Fukuoka or similar

(Car return in Hakata City)

Pay a visit to the ‘Village of Secret Kilns’, Okawachiyama Village today. Known as the birthplace of porcelain in Japan, this small mountain village was once highly guarded to protect the secrets of porcelain production. Nowadays, it is a picturesque village decorated with porcelain where ceramic shops and kilns still abound.

Afterwards, head to one of Fukuoka’s must-visit sites, Dazaifu Shrine. One of the most important Tenmangu shrines, it is dedicated to scholar Sugaware Michizane, associated with the Shinto deity of education, making it particularly popular among students praying for academic success. Regular visitors can also enjoy the beautiful shrine grounds and shopping street leading up to it.

Day 11 (Fri, 01 Dec’23)

Fukuoka

(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Nikko Fukuoka or similar

Free and easy

Day 12 (Sat, 02 Dec’23)

Fukuoka – Singapore

(Breakfast/-/-)

Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR
Assemble date: 21 Nov 2023, Sun (SO14982)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
21 Nov SQ 656 Singapore - Fukuoka

0120 / 0830

02 Dec SQ 655 Fukuoka - Singapore
0945 / 1520

1st & 2nd passenger
S: Vitz / Passe / Tank / Roomy / Yaris
Adult twin $7,250; Adult single $10,850

A: Aqua / Axio / Corolla / Fielder
Adult twin $7,350; Adult single $11,050

B: Prius / Fielder HV / Yaris HV / Corolla Touring HV
Adult twin $7,450; Adult single $11,250

WA: Noah HEV / Voxy HEV / Esquire
Adult twin $7,950; Adult single $12,250

WB: Estima / Vellfire / Alphard
Adult twin $8,150; Adult single $12,650

3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin $5,700; Adult triple $5,300
Child twin $5,700; Child W/Bed $4,750; Child N/Bed $1,950

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guidebook (1 per car)
ETC card and Japan Handphone (1 per car)
Car rental with insurance coverage

Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges
Parking & Entrance fees to sightseeing spots
Petrol or Oil refilling
Application fee for IDP
Visa application fee (if any)
Beverage during meals (own payment)
Corkage charge (if any)
Any other charges not stated as included

Remarks:
Flower-viewing, sightseeing and activities are subject to weather conditions.
English Voice-over GPS Navigation system subject to availability.
The prices are subject to change upon fluctuations of currency exchange rates.
Flight schedule and the sequence of the itinerary are subject to change with or without prior notice to ensure the smooth running of the tour.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 10 adults/children with bed.
Child no bed will be served simple meals.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.

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