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SEASONAL TOURS
KANSAI
FMJ 10D9N Spring Sojourn in Wakayama & Mie (COACH) **FULLY BOOKED**
Departure date:03 Apr, 2023 (Wed) Coach Tour
Day 01 (Thu, 04 Apr'24)
Singapore – Kansai – Katsuragi
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Sanso Amanosato (Hot Spring) or similar
Arriving in Kansai this morning, head down to Wakayama where your first stop will be Kongobuji Temple. A National Treasure and the head temple of Shingon Buddhism located in Koyasan, the mecca of Buddhism in Japan, the historical temple is an impressive construction of elaborately designed rooms and structures, including Japan’s largest rock garden, Banryutei.
For lunch, you will have Shojin Ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Besides vegetables, it is made with staples like soy products, konnyaku, and goma tofu, ‘sesame tofu’ which is a specialty of Wakayama. Dishes are prepared with a balance of colours and flavours to ensure nutritional balance in the meal.
For lunch, you will have Shojin Ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Besides vegetables, it is made with staples like soy products, konnyaku, and goma tofu, ‘sesame tofu’ which is a specialty of Wakayama. Dishes are prepared with a balance of colours and flavours to ensure nutritional balance in the meal.
Day 02 (Fri, 05 Apr'24)
Katsuragi – Shirahama
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: INFINITO Hotel & Spa Nanki-Shirahama (Private Hot Spring) or similar
This morning, pay a visit to Wakayama Castle, the former centre of control over the Kii Peninsula during the Edo period. Now a symbol of Wakayama City, you can get a panoramic view of the city from here, along with approximately 600 cherry trees blooming within its grounds each spring.
Wakayama produces around 70% of Japan’s plums and at Kishu Umeboshikan, you can learn how they produce their signature umeboshi (pickled plum), umeshu (plum wine) and other plum products. Pick up some plum products and get hands on making your own plum juice to bring home with you too!
Day 03 (Sat, 06 Apr'24)
Shirahama
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: INFINITO Hotel & Spa Nanki-Shirahama (Private Hot Spring) or similar
Take a walk along the coast at Senjojiki this morning. Literally meaning ‘one thousand tatami mats’, Senjojiki is made up of multi-tiered rock formations which resemble stacked tatami mats. Having been subject to the crashing waves over time, the surfaces of the rocks are unusually smooth and create a remarkable coastal scenery.
Following that, move over to the Sandanbeki Cave, a hidden cave in the steep cliffs of the Sandanbeki Coast where pirates used to hide their ships. Taking an elevator 36m down through the cliff, you will be greeted by a cavern where replica ships, displays, fantastical rock formations, and the occasional spray of the waves await.
Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous barbeque lunch at Toretore Market, one of the largest seafood markets in west Japan, where a plethora of fresh and processed seafood, plum products, and other local specialties can be found.
This afternoon, choose from a selection of activities such as lounging in the hotel to enjoy its excellent facilities, or paying a visit to a craft beer brewery for some beer tasting. After dinner, if the weather permits, take a tour of the starry skies on an astronomical viewing experience. Spend an enjoyable evening perusing the stars through powerful telescopes and learn about the universe beyond the naked eye.
Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous barbeque lunch at Toretore Market, one of the largest seafood markets in west Japan, where a plethora of fresh and processed seafood, plum products, and other local specialties can be found.
This afternoon, choose from a selection of activities such as lounging in the hotel to enjoy its excellent facilities, or paying a visit to a craft beer brewery for some beer tasting. After dinner, if the weather permits, take a tour of the starry skies on an astronomical viewing experience. Spend an enjoyable evening perusing the stars through powerful telescopes and learn about the universe beyond the naked eye.
Day 04 (Sun, 07 Apr'24)
Shirahama – Kumano
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima (Hot Spring) or similar
Today, you will walk along part of the ancient pilgrimage trails of Kumano Kodo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site connecting the sacred areas of the Kii Peninsula. Trek though forested nature trails and stone-paved paths (approx. 3.3km, moderate elevation) up to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the most important shrine in the area located at the heart of Wakayama.
Later, stop by Oyunohara, the original site of Kumano Hongu Taisha before its buildings were swept away in a flood. While the shrine was relocated, its massive torii gate, the largest in Japan, remains as a power spot surrounded by a backdrop of seasonal nature, which includes a cloud of cherry blossoms at its base in spring.
Take ferry over to your accommodation at Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima this evening and spend the night on a peaceful island in a cove. Soak in hot spring baths with superb panoramic views of the azure ocean and dine on kaiseki meals prepared with seasonal blessings from the forests and sea.
Take ferry over to your accommodation at Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima this evening and spend the night on a peaceful island in a cove. Soak in hot spring baths with superb panoramic views of the azure ocean and dine on kaiseki meals prepared with seasonal blessings from the forests and sea.
Day 05 (Mon, 08 Apr'24)
Kumano
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Kumano Club (Hot Spring) or similar
This morning, get a first-hand look at a tuna auction and cutting at Katsuura Port, home of the largest catch of raw tuna in the country. Selling fresh rather than frozen tuna, up to four kinds of tuna can be found here. Get an up-close look at how to choose the best tuna as you follow a buyer through the auction, right on the auction floor! Then, see how the huge fish is expertly filleted into parts, and perhaps try your hand at cutting a piece of tuna as well. Of course, you cannot miss trying some of the freshly caught and sliced tuna for yourself!
Next, visit another scenic point along the Kumano Kodo trail, Daimonzaka, or ‘large gate slope’. Made up of a steep cobblestone staircase leading uphill, the slope is lined on both sides with ancient cedars, cypress, camphor and other trees.
Going round to the top of Daimonzaka, you will come to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three Kumano shrines and a major pilgrimage destination. A symbiotic religious site together with the neighbouring Seigantoji Temple, both are dedicated to the magnificent Nachi Falls, the largest in Japan at 133m high.
Going round to the top of Daimonzaka, you will come to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three Kumano shrines and a major pilgrimage destination. A symbiotic religious site together with the neighbouring Seigantoji Temple, both are dedicated to the magnificent Nachi Falls, the largest in Japan at 133m high.
Day 06 (Tue, 09 Apr'24)
Kumano – Toba
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Oyado The Earth (Private Hot Spring) or similar
Moving onwards to Mie today, get your shopping fix at Vison, a village of commercial facilities surrounded by natural settings. Opened in 2021, the village is divided into different areas with a hotel, spa, farmer’s market, sweets village, wood play area, galleries, local specialty shops, restaurants and more.
Relax completely at your accommodation this evening at Oyado The Earth, an awarded luxury hotel on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A place where you can feel the essence of nature, rejuvenate yourself in the healing waters of your private hot spring bath and dine on exquisite meals prepared with care.
Day 07 (Wed, 10 Apr'24)
Toba
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Oyado The Earth (Private Hot Spring) or similar
Make a trip to Mikimoto Pearl Island, home of pearl cultivation in Japan. Here you can find Japan’s first pearl museum, see and buy pearls, and watch oyster harvesting demonstrations by Ama divers decked in traditional white outfits.
For lunch, you will visit an Ama hut where you can enjoy fresh seafood grilled for you by Ama divers, free divers who make a living harvesting seaweed and shellfish from the bottom of the bay. Spend some time with the Ama divers, hear their stories and learn about their unique lifestyles over a delicious meal featuring the local specialty, Ise Lobster.
One of the few remaining makers of traditional-style bonito products, Katsuo no Tenpaku’s exceptional bonito flakes are used in Michelin starred restaurants and even served to the gods at Ise Shrine. Learn about the elaborate processes of cooking, smoking and fermenting bonito which they employ and taste the complex flavours of the umami-laden bonito which results!
Day 08 (Thu, 11 Apr'24)
Toba – Nagoya
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel or similar
This morning, stop by Ise Grand Shrine, the most important shrine in Japan. Consisting of an inner and outer shrine, the grand shrine is a popular attraction for both pilgrims and tourists. Along the approach to the inner shrine is Okage Yokocho, a charming street preserving the style and atmosphere of the Edo period, where shops selling local crafts and produce can be found.
Shop to your heart’s content at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima later. One of Japan’s biggest outlet malls, this massive outlet park is home to around 300 stores from international brand names to Japanese favourites and specialty shops.
Day 09 (Fri, 12 Apr'24)
Nagoya
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel or similar
Free and easy.
Day 10 (Sat, 13 Apr'24)
Nagoya – Centrair – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore.
COACH TOUR
Assemble date: 03 Apr 2024, Wed (SO15028)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
04 Apr SQ 618 Singapore - Kansai
0125 / 0850
13 Apr SQ 671 Nagoya - Singapore
1030 / 1600
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 10 - 14 pax
Adult single $17,350; Adult twin $13,750; Adult triple $13,450
Group size: 15 - 19 pax
Adult single $16,450 Adult twin $12,850: Ault triple $12,550
Group size: 20 pax & above
Adult single $15,550; Adult twin $11,950; Adult triple $11,650
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Tour price excludes:
Air tickets
Airport taxes & fuel charges (subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Tipping for guide/driver
Remarks:
Flower viewing, sightseeing and activities are subject to weather conditions.
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.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.
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