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SEASONAL TOURS
KANSAI
FMJ 10D9N Ancient Trails of Kumano (DRIVE)
Departure date:18 Nov, 2024 (Mon) Drive Tour
Day 00 (Mon, 18 Nov'24)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Nagoya.
Day 01 (Tue, 19 Nov’24)
Singapore – Nagoya
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel or similar
(Car pick up at Chubu Centrair International Airport)
Witness a unique mix of spring and autumn at the Obara Shikizakura Festival. A variety of cherry blossom which blooms in both spring and autumn, delicate pink shikizakura can be found contrasting beautifully against red maple leaves in autumn. With over 10,000 shikizakura trees across multiple sites in Obara, you can marvel at the beauty of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage at the same time here.
Admire more autumn colours at Korankei Gorge next, considered to be one of the best autumn-viewing spots in the Chubu region. Over 4,000 maple trees were planted here by monks in the 17th century, producing stunning scenery along the Tomoe River and its scenic bridges each autumn.
Take a stroll at Tokugawa Garden later this afternoon. Built with the natural landscapes of Japan in mind, the garden features many elements such as a large pond, waterfalls, streams, rock arrangements and many flowers and plants. Especially beautiful when bathed in the colours of autumn, the garden is a pleasant spot for a relaxing stroll.
Day 02 (Wed, 20 Nov'24)
Nagoya – Ise Shima
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Oyado The Earth (Private Hot Spring) or similar
Shop to your heart’s content at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima this morning. 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.
Take a ride on one of Japan’s longest ropeways at the Gozaisho Ropeway afterwards. Taking you 1,180m up Mt Gozaisho, you can gaze down at panoramas of Ise Bay as you ascend to the top where a convenient chair lift will bring you farther to the peak of Mt Gozaisho.
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 03 (Thu, 21 Nov'24)
Ise Shima
(Breakfast/-/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, 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 and learn about their unique lifestyles over a delicious meal.
Look out over the Ago Bay from the Yokoyama Observatory this afternoon. From here, you can see the beautiful ria coastline, the over 60 islets in the bay and the numerous pearl cultivation rafts that help to make this area the former pearl production area in Japan.
Day 04 (Fri, 22 Nov'24)
Ise Shima – Kumano
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Kumano Club (Hot Spring) or similar
This morning, visit Ise Grand Shrine, the most important shrine in Japan. Consisting of an inner and outer shrine, the grand shrine is Japan’s top power spot and 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, snacks and other products can be found.
Later, get your shopping fix at Vison, a spacious 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.
Day 05 (Sat, 23 Nov'24)
Kumano – Katsuura
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanairodori no Yado Kayu (Hot Spring) or similar
Today, you will take a guided 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. 7km, relatively flat) up to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the most important shrine in the area located at the heart of Wakayama.
7km guided walk, 4h, relatively flat, bus from kumano hongu shrine
Day 06 (Sun, 24 Nov'24)
Katsuura – Shirahama
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: INFINITO Hotel & Spa Nanki-Shirahama (Private 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!
Afterwards, move on 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.
Thanks to the Kuroshio current keeping the waters warm year-round, the sea off the shores of the Kushimoto coast sustains the world’s northernmost coral reef and tropical fish, both of which you can see at the Kushimoto Marine Park. Get a closer look at the underwater scenery at the aquarium and an undersea tower extending 6m down to the sea floor!
Day 07 (Mon, 25 Nov'24)
Shirahama
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: INFINITO Hotel & Spa Nanki-Shirahama (Private Hot Spring) or similar
Enjoy fresh seafood and local products at Toretore Market, one of the largest seafood markets in west Japan. With a plethora of fresh and processed seafood, plum products, and other local specialties, you can pick up some souvenirs or even barbeque your fresh purchases on the spot!
Drop by Engetsu Island, a uniquely shaped island which is arguably one of the region’s best sunset-viewing sites. Sitting off the coast, the small island has a round hole in its middle eroded by the waves which perfectly frames the sun at sunset.
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.
Day 08 (Tue, 26 Nov'24)
Shirahama – Osaka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Granvia Osaka or similar
(Car return in Osaka)
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. Sample the plum products and get some to bring home with you too!
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Bandoko Garden is located on a flat cape extending out into the Wakaura Bay. Formerly used as a lookout point for the ruling Kishu clan thanks to its proximity to Wakayama Castle, the Japanese garden is now famed for its coastal scenery.
The Nishinomaru Garden of Wakayama Castle was built around part of the moat and provides a serene environment for a stroll and rest at its teahouse. Also known as ‘momijidani garden’ for its maple trees, the garden is especially attractive in autumn when brightly coloured foliage decorates its landscape.
Day 09 (Wed, 27 Nov'24)
Osaka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Granvia Osaka or similar
Free and easy
Day 10 (Thu, 28 Nov'24)
Osaka – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore
DRIVE TOUR
Assemble date: 18 Nov 2024, Mon (SO15277)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
19 Nov SQ 672 Singapore - Nagoya
0120 / 0905
28 Nov SQ 621 Kansai - Singapore
1700 / 2305
1st & 2nd passenger
S: Vitz / Passe / Tank / Roomy / Yaris
Adult twin $10,150; Adult single $15,550
A: Aqua / Axio / Corolla / Fielder
Adult twin $10,250; Adult single $15,700
B: Prius / Fielder HV / Yaris HV / Corolla Touring HV
Adult twin $10,150; Adult single $15,950
WA: Sienta / Wish / Sienta HV
Adult twin $10,600; Adult single $16,400
WB: Estima / Vellfire / Alphard
Adult twin $10,850; Adult single $16,950
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin $9,350; Adult triple $8,900
Child twin $2,950; Child with Bed $2,950; Child no Bed $1,500
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 applicable to children up to 5yrs old and price include child meals only
Child no bed will be served simple meals.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.
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