ITINERARY

DAY 1: SINGAPORE - OSAKA

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Osaka. Upon arrival, transfer to Osaka City and check in to your hotel.

DAY 2: OSAKA - KOBE - AWAJI - TOKUSHIMA - TAKAMATSU

After breakfast, proceed to Awaji Island. Upon arrival, visit Awaji Hanasajiki Park, which offers a panoramic view of a charming flower field blooming against the background of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Osaka Bay from the observation deck. Next, learn all about one of Japan’s most famous traditional dances at Awa Odori Kaikan. Do not miss out the opportunity to watch the live Awa Odori dance performance. Later, enjoy the picturesque scenery of Mt Bizan, which is coloured with more than 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees that bloom in full glory every spring. Spend the night in Takamatsu.

DAY 3: TAKAMATSU - KOCHI

This morning, pass through a tunnel of pink blossoms at Asahiyama Shinrin Park as around 2,000 cherry trees bloom at the beginning of April every spring. Thereafter, savour the sweet reward of being a Sanuki udon craftsman during your DIY udon set lunch. Not only will you get to taste one of Japan’s best udon noodles, but you will also be able to roll up your sleeves and learn the secret behind this Japanese dish. proceed to Kotohiragu Shrine, ranked as one of the top 10 cherry blossom spots in Kagawa with over 3,500 cherry trees in full bloom during the sakura season. Enjoy a walk around the shrine as you photograph the spectacular scenery and bask in the quaint atmosphere. Then, admire Kochi Castle, where beautiful cherry blossoms cascade over the massive stone walls. Continue to Hirome Ichiba, a bustling market in Kochi that is popular with locals and expats alike for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere, excellent but cheap food and drink offerings, and a wide variety of local produce, souvenirs and clothes.

DAY 4: KOCHI - MATSUYAMA

Today, let the beautiful natural scenery of Oboke Gorge mesmerise you. Take a tranquil 30-minute sightseeing boat ride through the gorge to appreciate wild cherry trees colour the hillside in pink. Next, head to Iya Kazurabashi, the largest and most popular vine bridge in Iya Valley. Step back in time and experience the rugged side of Japan as you marvel in awe at this 45-metre long bridge suspending 14 metres above the water. This evening, arrive at Japan’s earliest and most famous hot spring, Dogo Onsen, said to be frequented by the Japanese imperial family. It also served as an inspiration for Hayo Miyazaki’s popular animated film, “Spirited Away”. Dating back to the Meiji period, this onsen is a maze of passages, rooms and stairways, and was the 1st public bathhouse to be preserved as part of Japan’s cultural history.

DAY 5: MATSUYAMA - KURASHIKI - KOBE

After breakfast, indulge in some retail therapy at Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, which features more than 100 premium brands. Return to Kobe and end your day with yet another shopping trip at Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street, packed with shops, selling products ranging from accessories to sundries, and numerous snack stalls and food outlets.

DAY 6: KOBE - KYOTO - OSAKA

After breakfast, get ready to be mesmerised by the gorgeous spring colours at Togetsukyo Bridge, which boasts resplendent views of Katsura River framed against the surrounding foliage and the magnificent Arashiyama mountains. Next, step into a world of peace and tranquillity at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you can hear the rustling sound of towering bamboos swaying gently in the wind. Thereafter, visit Osaka Castle, the main historical landmark and the most well-known symbol of Osaka with its imposing towers, lush surroundings, luxurious blossoms and magnificent structures. End your day with some retail therapy at one of Osaka’s most popular shopping districts, Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, which offers an array of shopping options from familiar high-street shops to high-end retailers.

DAY 7: OSAKA - ARRIVE IN SINGAPORE

After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your flight home.