12-Day Guided Cultural Trip to Kyushu

Explore the cultural heritage sites and cities of Kyushu on a spectacular 12-day journey through Fukuoka, Itoshima, Kitakyushu, Kumamoto, Yanagawa, and Nagasaki. From historic sites to vibrant landscapes, explore the essence of Southern Japan on this guided tour. Discover the hidden treasures of Japan, admire its natural beauty, observe the rural Japanese landscape, and taste a variety of Japanese cuisine. Visit several Japanese-style Zen Buddhist temples. Discover the beautiful seaside, spectacular bridges, and stunning views of natural landscapes. Explore its culture and history by visiting palaces, forts, and museums. Relish the warmth of Japanese hospitality.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Fukuoka (April 2)

• Relax and enjoy your overnight stay at the designated hotel in Fukuoka.

Day 2: Journey to Itoshima (April 3)

We start the trip to Itoshima at 9 am. It’ll take around 40 mins. A private guide along with a car and driver will be provided.

• Visit the Nanzoin Temple, known for its reclining Buddha statue.
• Explore Tochoji Temple with its iconic pagoda and Great Buddha statue.
• Lunch at Yatia Ramen Noodle Place.
• In the afternoon, visit the Hakata Folk Museum, where you can admire artifacts and old crafts.
• End the day at Sakurai Futamigaura, where two standing iconic wedded stones symbolize love. The car will take you to the hotel before 5 pm.

Enjoy dinner and overnight in Fukuoka.

Day 3: Fukuoka Tour (April 4)

We start our exploration of Fukuoka at 9 am

• Visit Ohori Park Japanese Garden - a fusion of traditional landscaping, koi ponds, and charming bridges.
• Next, explore Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, which showcases preserved old townhouses.
• Discover the Ruins of Fukuoka Castle, which portrays Japan's feudal past.
• Enjoy local food for lunch.
• After that, Immerse yourself in the digital wonder of TeamLab Forest Fukuoka.
• Seaside Momochi offers a lovely beach area and a market for relaxing and shopping

The car will drop you to the hotel by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Fukuoka.

Day 4: Fukuoka - Kitakyushu Tour (April 5)

Our 1-hour 10-minute journey to Kitakyushu starts at 9 AM.

• Discover the wonders of the world at the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History.
• Immerse yourself in the art and innovation of bathroom culture at the unique TOTO Museum.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Visit the sacred Shinto shrine - Shinozaki Hachiman.
• Discover samurai history at Kokura Castle.
• Explore local produce at Tanga Market.

The car will take you to the hotel before 5 pm. Arrange dinner as per your plan. Overnight stay at Kitakyushu.

Day 5: Kitakyushu Tour (April 6)

At 9 o'clock the driver will pick you up.

• Explore Japanese cuisine and seafood at Karato Ichiba Fish Market.
• Visit the sacred Akama Jingu Shrine, including the famous Kame-no-ko Jinja.
•  Lunch at a local restaurant
•  Enjoy great views on the Honshu-Kyushu connecting Kanmon Bridge.
•  Discover the charm of the Meiji-era architecture and shops at Mojiko Retro.

 The car will drop you at the hotel by 5 pm. Arrange dinner for an overnight stay in Kitakyushu.

Day 6: Kitakyushu-Dazaifu-Kumamoto Tour (April 7)

After pickup, head to Dazaifu (1 hour drive).

• Explore Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, known for honoring Sugawara no Michizane and its iconic divine bull statue.
• Visit the historical ruins of Fukuoka's ancient regime at the Dazaifu Government Office Ruins.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Discover a hidden gem, Komyozenji Zen Buddhist temple, known for its tranquility, rock garden, and historic architecture.
• Transfer to Kumamoto (1.5 hours).

Arrive at the hotel by 5 pm for evening activities and dinner. Overnight in Kumamoto.

Day 7: Kumamoto Tour (April 8)

After pickup at 9 am, explore Kumamoto.

• Visit the Shimada Museum of Arts which features a wide range of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• Immerse yourself in Japanese heritage and samurai history at this historic Kumamoto Castle.
• Discover the Former Hosokawa Residence - a preserved old samurai Residence.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Go to Lafcadio Hearn’s Residence - Home of the famous Greco-Irish writer Lafcadio Hearn.
• Conclude with Suizenji Garden- an Edo-era garden with fascinating landscapes and ponds.

The car will drop you at the hotel by 5 pm. Arrange dinner for an overnight stay in Kumamoto.

Day 8: Kumamoto-Yanagawa-Nagasaki Tour (April 9)

After the 9 o'clock pickup, go to Yanagawa (1.5 hours).

• Sail the Yanagawa River on a traditional Japanese boat and enjoy the beauty of nature.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Immerse yourself in the heritage, nature, and historical charm of Yanagawa Ohana with boat tours. 
• Transfer to Nagasaki (2 hours). Reach the hotel by 5 pm.

Plan evening activities and dinner for your overnight stay in Nagasaki.

Day 9: Nagasaki Tour (April 10)

After pickup at 9 am, explore Nagasaki.

• Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, a tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb with an iconic peace statue and fountain.
• Explore the tragic history at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Witness artifacts, personal stories, and reflections on the impact of nuclear attack.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• Admire the blend of Gothic and Japanese architecture at Urakami Cathedral - A resilient Nagasaki landmark.
• Ride on Mt. Inasa Ropeway and enjoy panoramic views and citylights from the summit.

Day 10: Nagasaki Tour (April 11)

At 9 o'clock the driver will pick you up.

• Go to Oura Catholic Church, Nagasaki's oldest, blending Western-style architecture with cultural and religious significance.
• Visit Dejima - a historic artificial island. Explore the cultural heritage of this Dutch trading post island from the Edo period.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Explore Nagasaki Sofuku-ji Temple’s vibrant Chinese architecture, stunning gates, and tranquil gardens—a Zen Buddhist haven.
• Enjoy a stroll over Megane Bashi Bridge - known as Nagasaki's 'Spectacles Bridge'. It’s a historic stone arch bridge with a unique glass-like design.
• Discover Confucianism's history, philosophy, and significance in Japan by visiting Nagasaki's Confucius Shrine Museum. 

The car will drop you at the hotel by 5 pm. Arrange dinner for an overnight stay in Nagasaki.

Day 11: Nagasaki-Fukuoka (April 12)

The driver will pick you up at 9 am.

• Visit the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture to explore the city's rich heritage through displays of history, art, and tradition.
• Explore the ‘26 Martyrs of Japan’ site, a tribute to Christian missionaries, with historical insights and a monument.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• You’ll then be transferred to the designated hotel in Fukuoka (2 hours) by 5 pm.

Plan evening activities and dinner for your overnight stay in Fukuoka.

Day 12: Departure From Fukuoka (April 13)

Today is the last day of the trip. Enjoy your free time until departure.

• A private car with a Japanese-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel.
• It will drop you off at Fukuoka Airport.
• Board your departure flight and have a safe journey back home

Included:

• Airport Transfers
• 11 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel (5 Star and 4 Star)
• English-Speaking Local Guide
• Private Car with Driver
• Transportation as Per Itinerary
• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Excluded:

• International Flights
• Lunch, Dinner, and other meals and Drinks
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities (Optional)