8-Day Best of Kyushu Heritage Discovery Tour

Embark on a culturally enriching 8-day excursion through the picturesque Southern Japan! Go beyond the usual tourist destinations and get to know the real Japan at its finest - experience majestic natural wonders, take in the dynamic cultural heritage, and delight yourself with exquisite flavors of Japanese culinary specialties. 

Tour Highlights

• Experience the best of Kyushu in 8 days

• Take in the picturesque scenic beauty of the famous Hells of Beppu

• Hear the fascinating tales behind the legendary Amano Iwato Shrine

• Admire the mystical natural landscape of the Takachiho Gorge

• See the beautiful Mt. Also and the majestic Kumamoto Castle

• Walk through the fascinating Unzen Hells

• Pay tribute to the Nagasaki atomic bombing victims at the Nagasaki Peace Park

• Stay at a traditional Japanese Ryokan for a night

• Tour the historic Village of the Secret Kilns

• Sample delicious local culinary delights

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Fukuoka

Arrive at Fukuoka Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Day 2

Explore the Historic Fukuoka

Make your way through the historic port town of Hakata. Once the largest trade port city in Japan, get an insight into Hakata’s significant role in Japan’s foreign trade relations as you step into the nostalgic streets lined with temples and shrines as well as traditional local stores of the bygone era. You will also visit the most famous handmade doll shop in Hakata and get an opportunity to paint the doll yourself as a souvenir. 

See the Phenomenal Hot Spring Hells of Beppu

Journey to the celebrated Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) and marvel at the spectacular hot springs featuring distinct characteristics from colors to scenic views to hydrothermal activities. 

Although the hot springs are strictly for viewing rather than bathing, the remarkably popular Hells of Beppu is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. 

Day 3

Visit the Sacred Yunohana-goya in Myoban Onsen

Start the day with a short drive to Myoban Onsen where you can get a close look at how the all-natural hot spring mineral powders are made. See the traditional thatched huts used to make the hot spring mineral salts and check out the souvenir shop selling a variety of local specialty products, including beauty products. 

Enjoy the Breathtaking Scenic Views from Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi

Feel the thrill as you walk across one of the longest suspension bridges exclusively for pedestrians in Japan. Take in the breathtaking scenic landscapes which feature different forms of beauty each season. From the bridge, you can also see the beautiful Shindonotaki Falls and the pristine Kyusuikei Natural Forest. 

See the Legendary Amano Iwato Shrine

Continue to one of the most visited and famous destinations in Japan, the mythological Amano Yasukawara. Best known as the cave where the Sun Goddess Amaterasu hid herself, be amazed at the captivating natural beauty of the cave. Then, enjoy a traditional yet comical Yokagura Dance performance and learn how the dance brought back the light into the world. You will also hear more fascinating tales surrounding the Amaterasu and the enchanting cave. 

Day 4

Discover the Enchanting Takachiho Gorge

Begin the day with a scenic journey to Takachiho. The legendary town of Takachiho is associated with myths and legends. Listen to the fascinating stories from your knowledgeable guide as you make your way through the mystical Takachiho Gorge to enjoy its picturesque scenic landscapes, including the beautiful Manai-No-Taki Falls. 

Explore the Quaint Minamioguni Town

Continue to the charming town of Minamioguni. One of the best places to experience rural Japan, take time to reconnect with nature as you get a glimpse into the locals’ traditional ways of life. Enjoy the majestic natural landscapes featuring unparalleled seasonal panoramas. 

Marvel at the Beautiful Mt. Aso

Head to Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater to see the most active volcano in Japan. The majestic Mt. Aso is not only the world's largest caldera, but also considered as the most beautiful. An amazing experience standing on top of a spectacular crater with hot sulfurous steam.

See the Majestic Kumamoto Castle

Make your way through the historic Castle Town of Kumamoto to catch sight of the magnificent Kumamoto Castle. Check out the impressive architecture and get an insight into Japanese history as you explore one of the premier castles in Japan. 

Day 5

Tour the Historic Shimabara

Start your day with a ferry ride to Shimabara. Upon arrival, stop by the Memorial Park showcasing the remnants of several houses buried by debris flows from the Heisei Eruption in August 1992. See the preserved houses and hear stories about the volcanic eruption as you walk on the surface of the debris flow. 

Walk through Famous Unzen Hells

Take a scenic stroll through the stunning Unzen Hells. A popular hot spring resort known for its steam and hot sulfurous gasses spurting from the ground, walk your way along a hellish path of bubbling pools leading to a free hot spring foot bath at the end. 

Enjoy the Spectacular Night Scenes from Mt. Inasayama Observatory

Hop on a cable car up to the top of Mt. Inasa, featuring an observation deck to admire the breathtaking panoramic city views at night. Mt. Inasa is famous for having one of the top night views in Japan. You can enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant Chinatown of Nagasaki after dinner. 

Day 6

See the Momentous Nagasaki Peace Park

Take in the historic scenes of the notable port city of Nagasaki. As one of the cities in the world to experience a nuclear attack, visit the historical Nagasaki Peace Park and pay tribute to the victims of the second atomic bomb attack during the World War II. 

Learn How to Make Green Tea

Enjoy a hands-on green tea making class. Discover the beauty of Japanese tea and learn the basics on how to properly prepare and drink tea.

Experience the Ultimate Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Take time to rejuvenate after an exhausting day at a traditional Japanese ryokan, take a dip in a mineral-rich, revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen, and have an authentic, multi-course Japanese Kaiseki dinner. An exceptional and unforgettable way to experience traditional Japanese luxury

Day 7

Discover the Charming Village of Secret Kilns

Unravel the hidden imperial kilns on a relaxing trip to the quaint Village of Secret Kilns. See the beautiful Nabeshima Hanyo Park, admire the impressive stands of brick chimneys and kilns, and enjoy the breathtaking scenic landscapes around the village. Afterwards, you can browse through various pottery shops offering premium porcelain, exquisite tablewares, and other souvenir items. 

Enjoy a Delightful Sake Tasting Experience

Continue to one of the famous Sake Breweries. Tour the facility, get an insight into the sake traditional production process, and enjoy a sake tasting experience. You will also get to know the story behind the success of the brand. Then, head back to Fukuoka and enjoy at your own leisure before heading back to your hotel. 

Day 8

Depart from Fukuoka

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of the local guide, transfer to Fukuoka Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Airport Transfers

• 7 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (7)

• Lunch (6)

• Dinner (4)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• This tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• The departure airport transfer is only available on the last day of the tour. If you plan to stay additional night(s) after the tour, please inform us to provide airport transfer instructions in advance.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.