Day 00 (Thu, 20Apr)
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Nagoya.
 

Day 01
Singapore – Nagoya
(D: -/-/-)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel Nagoya or similar
 
Arriving into Nagoya in the morning, you will stretch your legs with some activity at Hana Hiroba. Located in a region of warm climate, the vast fields here are filled with colours of seasonal flowers. If weather permits, unlike typical flower farms, you can pick some of the flowers here to bring back with you! Strawberry-picking is available in the farm here too. After lunch, you will head off to the Nagoya Castle. Constructed on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612, the remaining structures and artifacts have been handed down as Important Cultural Assets. Take in the grace of the symbol of Nagoya and spot the gold tiger-headed dolphins on its roof while enjoying the cherry blossoms in the castle grounds too.

Day 02
Nagoya – Mie
(D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Nemu no Sato Hotel & Resort (Hot Spring) or similar
 
(Car pick-up in Nagoya city)
Arriving at Toba today, a visit to one of the most recognisable symbol of Mie is up. Believed to be able to bless marriages, the Meoto Iwa are two sacred rocks in the sea near the small town of Futami. Also known as the “wedded rocks”, the larger of the two stands at 9 meters tall and has a torii gate on its peak; while the smaller rock measures 3.6 meters high. These two rocks are joined by the distinctive sacred ropes made of braided rice stalks that are particular to Shinto Shrines. Before checking-in to your hotel for tonight, you will visit the Toba Observatory for a stunning view of the Ise Bay of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 03
Mie
(D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Nemu no Sato Hotel & Resort (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Home of the world-renowned Mikimoto Pearls, the Mikimoto Pearl Island is where Mr Kokichi Mikimoto became the world’s first to succeed in culturing pearls in 1893. The museum on the island showcases the beautiful cultured pearls and you can also watch the Ama, female pearl divers, demonstrate their traditional method of free-diving for pearls. Whenever in this region, you must have your lunch at one of the Ama Huts. Located along the craggy coastline, the ama huts hide a beautiful history beneath its humble exterior. You will be welcomed warmly by the women divers as they grill the absolutely mouthwatering abalone, lobster and clams over the open fire right in front of you. Mouthwatering smells wafting in the air builds the anticipation as you wait for these freshly caught shellfishes to be cooked. Each shellfish is brought to your table, still bubbling in its juices, and with such unmatched freshness, no seasoning is required! As you enjoy these treasures of the sea, the Ama will start to relate their own life and work experiences. This will be an indelible memory not only because of the delicious lunch but also because of the interaction you have with the Ama.  

Day 04
Mie – Akame Onsen
(D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Akame Onsen Kakurenoyu Taisenkaku (Hot Spring) or similar
 
Leaving the Shima city for Matsuzaka this morning, you will be visiting the Matsuzaka Agricultural Park “Bell Farm”. Here, countless local foods and handicrafts make for good presents for friends and family back home. Next, you will enter the mysterious world of Ninjas at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. The Iga School of Ninjutsu (Art of Stealth) used to be one of Japan’s two leading schools in the feudal era. Revolving walls, trap doors, and cleverly-hidden compartments are all waiting to be discovered!

Day 05
Akame Onsen – Yoshino
(D: B/-/D)
Hotel: Hotel Suginoyu (Hot Spring) or similar
 
In Nara, you will find Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spot for many centuries - Mount Yoshino. It is said that the first trees were planted along its slopes more than 1300 years ago, and today the mountain is covered by approximately 30,000 cherry trees of many different varieties.
The mountain is divided into 4 areas based on their elevation. Beginning from late March, the cherry blossom front moves gradually up Mt Yoshino, reaching full bloom around mid-April. You can enjoy the pleasant town of Yoshino with its temples shrines as you ascend the mountain.

Day 06
Yoshino – Osaka
(D: B/-/-)
Hotel: Granvia Osaka
 
Start your journey into Japan’s historical and cultural heart over at Nara. Japan’s first permanent capital was established here in year 710, way before Kyoto became the seat of the emperor. You can stretch your legs over at the Nara Park, where over 1,200 adorable deer graze the spacious lawns. (Drop off car in Osaka city)

Day 07
Osaka
(D: B/-/-)
Hotel: Granvia Osaka
 
Immerse yourself in the scenic wonders of Kyoto on your free day as you begin with the Philosopher’s Path. Renowned for being the best place in Kyoto for hanami, this 2-kilometer path follows a charming stone path along the canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Continue on with your hanami experience over at the Heian Shrine. The entrance of the shrine is marked by a giant vermillion tori gate. Main highlight of the shrine in Spring is weeping cherry trees in the shrine grounds. In the afternoon you will visit another of Kyoto’s key highlight – Gion. Kyoto’s history is almost palpable as you stroll along the picturesque streets lined with low houses with their elegant and intricate wooden lattice windows. No visit to Kyoto will be complete without being in the audience of the Miyako Odori. With graceful dance performances by the Geiko and Maiko of the Gion Kobu, this is an unforgettable experience for all who visit Kyoto.

Day 08
Osaka
(D: B/-/-)
Hotel: Granvia Osaka
 
After spending days immersed in the historic and cultural variety of Mie and Kyoto, it is time for a free day in Osaka! For those who are in need of shopping therapy, you will find the widest variety over at the station areas and of course over at Dotonbori. No visit to Osaka will be complete without trying its famed takoyaki and okonomiyaki right from the food stands. Well, Osaka is well-deserving of its reputation as the “Kitchen of Japan” and you will definitely enjoy yourself!

Day 09
Osaka – Kansai – Singapore
(D: B/-/-)
 
Flight back to Singapore

DRIVE TOUR (GOLD)
Assemble date:   29 Mar, Wed (SO11865)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
29Mar   SQ 672     Singapore – Nagoya   
0120 / 0925

06Apr   SQ 619     Osaka – Singapore     
1055 / 1635

Tour price per person (in SGD)
1st & 2nd passenger
Vitz:  Adult twin share $4,120
Corolla/Corolla Fielder:  Adult twin share $4,220
New Prius*/Isis:  Adult twin share $4,320
Estima/Velfire:  Adult twin share $4,580
3rd & 4th passenger
(sharing same car with 1st & 2nd passenger)
Adult twin share $3,780; Adult triple share $3,580
Child twin share $3,680; Child with bed $3,380
No bed (age 4 & below) $1,780

Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
FMJ driving guide book (1 per car)
Rental car with insurance coverage.
ETC card and Japan Hand phone.
Comprehensive travel insurance.

Tour price excludes:
Return economy class airfare
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Parking & Entrance fees to sightseeing spots
Petrol or Oil refilling
Child Seat (if required)
Application fee for IDP
Visa application fee (if any)

Optional Add-on:
International Sectors Airfare Adult $800; Child $600
Airport Taxes Adult $180; Child $170

Remarks:
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.  
Deviation surcharge based on applicable GV2 or FIT fares (subject to ticket conditions).  Handling fee for flight deviation id SG$50 per person.  Child no bed will be served simple meals.  Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.