Spring Wonders in Shikoku & Awaji Island 10D7N

JL036 SIN-HND 2225-0550+1

JL493 HND-KCZ 0915-1040

Hotel: OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resort or similar / Western room

 Meal: Meal on Board / L / D

Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, coach transfer to Kochi city and let’s have lunch [Japanese Set (Katsuo)] at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Kochi Castle (高知城)✿. Explore the historic Kochi Castle, known for its well-preserved architecture and stunning views from the top. Next, we’ll visit the Makino Botanical Garden (高知県立牧野植物園) ✿, a lush, tranquil space dedicated to Dr.Tomitaro Makino, one of Japan's most renowned botanists. As we stroll through the garden, you’ll discover a variety of native plants and beautifully arranged seasonal flowers. Continue your journey to Chiikurinji Temple (竹林寺), a stunning Buddhist temple dating back over 1,200 years. As part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, this sacred site exudes a serene atmosphere. The temple grounds feature a five-story pagoda and are surrounded by dense bamboo groves, offering a peaceful respite. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll stop at Hirome Market (ひろめ市場), a vibrant marketplace packed with food stalls, local delicacies, and souvenirs. This is the perfect place to experience Kochi’s lively culinary scene, where you can taste dishes like katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) and interact with friendly locals. After yoru dinner [Japanese Course] at a local restaurant, we will transfert to the hotel for check in.

Hotel: Dogo Kowakuen Haruka or similar / Japanese Western room  

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head to a local farm for a delightful strawberry picking experience, where you can savor freshly picked, juicy strawberries straight from the vine. Next, make your way to the Ishizuchi Shrine (石鎚神社) ✿, nestled at the base of Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. This sacred Shinto shrine is known for its spiritual atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Explore the serene grounds and learn about the shrine’s deep connection to mountain worship. After lunch [Soba or Tempura Set], depart for Poeme Sweets Park (母恵夢スイーツパーク), a charming spot known for its sweet treats and picturesque setting. After that, transfer to Dogo, a historic district known for its traditional atmosphere and famous hot springs. Arrive at your hotel in Dogo and check in. Tonight, enjoy your dinner [Western Set] at the hotel restaurant.

Hotel: Kotohira Grand Hotel Sakuranoshou or similar / Japanese Western room 

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, set off for a visit to Saijo City Hyotan Pond (西条市ひょうたん池)✿, renowned for its scenic beauty and cherry blossoms. The pond’s tranquil waters reflect the delicate pink blooms, creating a picture-perfect setting for a peaceful morning stroll. Continue drive to Kotohiki Park (琴弾公園) in Kotohira, famous for its unique Zenigata Sand Coin, a massive sand sculpture that is a local landmark. This impressive local landmark, best viewed from a hilltop, is believed to bring good fortune to those who see it. After that, enjoy a leisurely lunch [Locally raised Chicken Set] at a local restaurant. Depart for SanukiManno Park (国営讃岐まんのう公園)✿, where you can appreciate the seasonal variety of flowers. In spring, the park comes alive with a colorful display of cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque landscape perfect for nature lovers. Afterward, head to Chichibugahama Beach (父母ヶ浜), known for its stunning sunsets and picturesque beachscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, the shallow waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection, making it a photographer's paradise and a perfect way to unwind at the day’s end. Finally, arrive at your hotel, check in, and conclude your day with a comforting dinner [Japanese Kaiseki] at the hotel.

Hotel: Aoawo Resort Naruto or similar  / Western room 

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, start your day at Ritsurin Japanese Garden (栗林公園)✿. This garden was made over one hundred years, starting about 370 years ago. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, it features many ponds, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions. This afternoon, you’ll get to experience making your own lunch of SanukiUdon, a famous noodle in Kagawa Prefecture, at Nakano Udon School. After lunch, transfer to Tokushima city and take the Mt Bizan (眉山) Ropeway ✿. Mt. Bizan is the symbol of Tokushima City. It overlooks the whole area, and on clear days you can see Awaji Island to the north and the Kii Peninsula to the east. The base of the ropeway is at Sanroku Station on the 5th floor of the Awa OdoriKaikan. Finally, will transfer to Naruto City and visit the Yomomi Observation Deck, where, weather permitting, you can catch a spectacular sunset over the Naruto Strait. Then, transfer to the hotel for check in. Tonight, enjoy your dinner [Buffet] at the hotel.

Hotel: Kobe Bay Sheraton or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, transfer to Awaji Island and visit Onaruto Bridge Uzu no Michi (大鳴門橋渦の道). Walk along the glass-floored promenade that offers thrilling views of the swirling Naruto whirlpools below, a natural wonder caused by the tidal currents between Awaji Island and Shikoku. Next, visit Awaji Hana Sajiki (あわじ花さじき)✿“Various Flowers”. A beautiful flower park located on Awaji Island and has mass plantings of various flowers throughout the year. Next, proceed to Awaji Highway Oasis (淡路ハイウェイオアシス) where you can buy some delicious snacks as well as shop for souvenirs. This afternoon, you will enjoy your lunch [Japanese Set] here. After lunch, visit Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park (国営明石海峡公園)✿– located in a picturesque seaside area surrounded by green nature. You can admire seasonal flowers all year round. After that, transfer to Kobe city and visit Kobe Harbor Land (神戸ハーバーランド). This iconic spot in Kobe offers everything from shopping, to restaurants, to amusement facilities. Experience the illuminated buildings and the golden hue of pleasure boats vying for your attention in the harbor. Tonight, enjoy your dinner [Kobe Beef Set] at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, transfer to a hotel for check in. 

Hotel: Hotel Monterey Osaka or similar / Western room 

Meal: B / L / -

This morning, start your day at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden (神戸布引ハーブ園)✿ “Sakura * Various Flowers”. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are Japan’s largest herb gardens with around 75,000 herbs and flowers of about 200 kinds blooming throughout the year. There are 12 extensive garden areas where visitors are welcomed by seasonal herbs and flowers arranged according to different themes. Next transfer to Mt. Rokko. Enjoy a flavorful lunch [Western Set] at a local restaurant before heading to the Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka Ikeda. Here, you’ll learn about the history of instant noodles and the innovation behind this globally popular food. Create your very own custom cup of noodles to take home as a souvenir. After that, transfer to Osaka city for hotel check in. Tonight, enjoy your own dinner and shopping in Osaka City.

Hotel: Hotel Monterey Osaka or similar / Western room 

Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast at the hotel, free at your own leisure for the whole day.

Meal: B / - / - 

JL3006 ITM-NRT 1450-1610 

JL711 NRT-SIN 1800-0045+1 

After breakfast at the hotel, free at your own leisure until departure. 

Bid farewell to Japan as we proceed to the airport and take a flight back to Singapore. We hope that you have enjoyed this vacation with JTB and we look forward to helping you create your next perfect moments, always!  

Arrive Singapore