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

Today, transfer to Awaji Island via Kobe. On Awaji Island, located on a hill, Awaji Hanasajiki offers a panoramic view of charming flower field against the background of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Osaka Bay from the observation deck. Next, see the Naruto Whirlpools beneath the Onaruto Bridge. Later, immerse in the atmosphere of the Edo era as you take a leisure stroll in the Ritsurin Garden. The landscaping of the garden began in mid-1600s and took almost 100 years to complete. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of this spacious garden featuring 13 landscaped hills and 6 ponds again the backdrop of mountain Shiun-zan. Spend the night in Takamatsu.   Seasonal Bonus Ramble through coronas from March to early April, poppies from mid April to mid May, verbenas from June to July, sunflowers in early August, salvias from mid August to mid November and stock flowers from end November to February at Awaji Hanasajiki.  

After breakfast, proceed to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine on the wooded slope of Mt Zouzu dedicated to ensuring the safe passage of sailors and seafarers. Work up an appetite on your ascent to the shrine and savour the sweet reward of being a Sanuki udon craftsman in your DIY udon set lunch. Not only will you get to taste one of Japan’s best udon noodles, you will be able to roll up your sleeves and learn the secret behind this Japanese dish. Continue on to Hirome Ichiba, a bustling market in Kochi popular with the locals and expats alike for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere and excellent but cheap food and drink offerings. Local produce, souvenirs and clothes are also available for those looking to bring home a slice of Kochi. End the day with a special 9-course Shikoku cuisine set dinner at your Shimanto onsen resort hotel.  

This morning, head to Japan’s last pristine river, Shimanto-gawa River and enjoy a leisure boat ride. Thereafter, experience a ropeway ride to visit Matsuyama Castle, one of the oldest surviving castles from Japan’s feudal era located on the steep Mt Matsuyama. From the castle, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Matsuyama and Seto Inland Sea. The castle grounds that are lined with crimson colours leaves are also postcard-worthy spots in autumn. If you are lucky, you may witness fisherman using traditional fishing methods! Later, arrive into Japan’s earliest and most famous hot spring, Dogo Onsen Hot Spring, said to be frequented by the Japanese imperial family and also inspiration behind Miyazaki’s popular animated film, Spirited Away. Dating back to the Meiji period, this onsen is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms and was the first public bathhouse to be preserved as part of Japan’s cultural history. Your tired feet will be very glad for a breather with a foot spa indulgence before we wrap up the day with a buffet dinner.  

For your highlight today, immerse yourself into the culture with kimono dress-up session and stroll this area that features many interesting shops, quaint temples, eateries selling unique hot spring snacks of which Onsen Manju is one the famous, a soft black sesame bun with azuki bean paste filling, and specially arranged for you to taste. Later, proceed to Imabari, which boasts the greatest production of towels in Japan. Find out more about the manufacturing process of these fluffy towers and enjoy towel art in the world’s first towel museum, Imabari Towel Museum. In the evening, you may choose to wrap up the day with a rejuvenating hot spring bath at your onsen hotel in Imbari.  

Today, cross the busy Shimanami Kaido that links Hiroshima and Ehime and stretches over Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy a ropeway ride to Senkoji Park, which rests atop a mountain in the island of Onomichi, where you can enjoy the entire panoramic view of Seto Island Sea. Next, indulge in some retail therapy at Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki featuring more than 100 premium brands. Spend the night in Okayama.  

After breakfast, glimpse into life in provincial Japan at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the charming and quaint merchants’ quarters from the Edo, Meiji to Taisho periods. Next, travel to Himeji, the economic, cultural and educational centre of Harima province. Get your cameras and selfie sticks fully charged and ready as you visit the iconic Himeji Castle, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also known as White Heron Castle because of its elegant white walls. Considered as Japan’s most impressive and best preserved feudal castle, Himeiji Castle is one of the 12 castles in Japan that have been untouched by war and natural disasters over the years. This evening, journey back to Osaka and enjoy a final shopping spree at Shinsaibashi Shopping Street before you transfer to the airport for your flight home.