Japan's Hidden Paradise: Kyushu's Wonders

We'll meet at the Haneda Airport* for an 11am flight to Fukuoka from Tokyo arriving in the early afternoon. Fukuoka is the gateway to Kyushu, blending modernity with rich historical roots. 

After checking in to Hakata Miyako, our 5-star hotel we'll enjoy  a late lunch at the hotel as we learn about the history of Hakata Old Town. We'll venture out to visit the Kushida Shrine, a key site for the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. 

We’ll continue to Tochoji Temple, home to Japan’s largest wooden Buddha statue, and then to Jotenji Temple, credited with introducing udon and soba noodles to Japan. 

We’ll end the tour at Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. 

In the evening, we’ll participate in a unique dining experience. You will grill your own fish at Fujiken Nakasua, a local restaurant offering a cultural experience reflecting Fukuoka’s deep connection to the sea.

Note: Our concierge can help you with pre-nights at Haneda Airport or in Tokyo proper. Haneda Airport has a huge mall attached to it and we recommend staying a night here before the trip begins to deal with jet lag. There is spectacular shopping as well as relaxing onsen experiences on offer. 

After a delicious hotel breakfast, we’ll immerse ourselves in one of Fukuoka’s traditional crafts and visit Hakatamachiya Furusatokan. Here, we’ll learn to create Hakata Hariko - papier-mâché dolls, a craft that has been cherished since the Edo period. This hands-on workshop will give us a deeper appreciation for the region’s artistic traditions and provide us with a unique souvenir to take home.

After our crafting session, we’ll enjoy a delicious unagi (eel) lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Unagi is a delicacy in Fukuoka, known for its rich flavor and tender texture. Don't knock it until you've tried it!

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Fukuoka Castle, once the largest in Kyushu. As we explore the castle grounds within the expansive Maizuru Park, we’ll dress in a kimono for a professional photoshoot, capturing the essence of Japan against an historical backdrop. Afterward, we’ll unwind with tea at Ohori Terrace, enjoying serene views of the surrounding park.

To cap off our day, we’ll take a food tour of Fukuoka’s famous yatai (food stalls). Led by Bruce, a local expert, we’ll sample iconic dishes such as Hakata ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe). This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant street food culture as we explore different stalls.

Our day begins with a hotel breakfast in preparation for cultural exploration and relaxation. After breakfast, we’ll visit Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning and scholarship. The shrine’s beautiful grounds, filled with plum trees and historical treasures, offer a serene start to the day.

On our way to Beppu, we’ll stop at Kamado Shrine, another Shinto shrine on Mount Homan. This peaceful spot is known for its connection to good fortune and protection.

For lunch, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal in the Sukiyaki area, savoring the rich flavors of the local food. 

Upon arriving in Beppu, we’ll check into the Seikai Hotel before unwinding in the onsen, where we’ll soak in the rejuvenating hot spring waters with ocean views. If you want to indulge further, a 50 to 60-minute spa treatment is included to melt away any lingering travel fatigue.

We’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s Gen restaurant in the evening. Fresh local ingredients will be transformed into delicious dishes that celebrate the flavors of Kyushu.

We’ll begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the ocean view as we prepare to relish our day!

After check-out, we’ll explore Beppu's famous 8 ‘hells’, a collection of unique hot springs, each with its own distinct characteristics, from bubbling mud pools to cobalt-blue waters. These hot springs are not for bathing but for viewing, offering a fascinating insight into the geothermal activity beneath the region. We’ll also try Jigoku Mushi, a local onsen-cooking method in which food is cooked using the natural steam from the hot springs, a culinary experience unique to Beppu.

After lunch, we’ll take a scenic drive to Aso. The journey will take us through landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, with Aso’s caldera—one of the largest in the world—providing a dramatic backdrop as we approach our destination.

By evening, we will check into the Marriott Kumamoto Aso.

After some time to relax and unpack we'll head out for a traditional Kaiseki meal at Umekura. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that focuses on seasonal fresh produce and is considered fine dining. 

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll begin a day of discovery. A naturalist guide will take us on a scenic drive around Aso, sharing insights into the area’s remarkable geology, flora, and fauna. Traveling along the Volcano's caldera rim and through the countryside, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling grasslands and volcanic peaks that define the landscape.

Lunch is a prepared picnic set against Aso’s stunning backdrop. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Takachiho Gorge, a narrow ravine formed by volcanic forces, where towering cliffs frame a crystal-clear river below.

Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for a welcome rest. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure, with several suggested dining options all within a 10-15 minute walk. 

Or perhaps you want to opt for the oh-so Japanese concept of a Konbini. Japanese convenience stores like 7-11 or Lawsons are ubiquitous in Japan however they are a far cry from their Western sisters. Here you can assemble a fresh, delicious meal to take home from a Konbini complete with sake, beer or wine. You'll be very quite surprised by the quality! 

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel.  

Our morning takes us to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most magnificent and historically significant fortresses. Despite the damage caused by the 2016 earthquake, the restoration has turned the castle into a powerful symbol of resilience. It offers us a glimpse into Japan’s unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural treasures. We’ll also stop by the serene Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a perfect example of traditional Japanese landscape design.

After a light lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Karatsu, a charming coastal town celebrated for its pottery and rich samurai history. Upon arrival, we’ll check into a traditional ryokan, where we’ll experience Japan’s renowned hospitality in elegant, tatami-matted rooms, complete with the opportunity to relax in a private onsen.

As the evening sets in, we’ll gather at the Ryokan for a another delicious kaiseki dinner. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, local ingredients, giving us a taste of the region’s unique flavors.

We’ll begin our final full day with a leisurely breakfast at the Ryokan, savoring the fresh flavors of the morning before setting out to explore Karatsu.

Our day begins with a visit to Karatsu Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Karatsu Bay. The castle offers a rich historical experience and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Next, we’ll explore the former residence of the Takatori coal baron, a stunning example of Meiji-era architecture. This residence offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Japan’s industrial elite during the Meiji period and is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens that add to its charm.

After a leisurely lunch in town, we’ll delve into Karatsu’s rich pottery tradition. Guided by an expert, we’ll visit local kilns and workshops to learn about the craftsmanship that has made Karatsu ware highly prized in Japan. 

As our day comes to a close, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner at Caravan Steakhouse. It’s the ideal chance to reminisce about our journey, share some laughs, and enjoy one last delicious meal together, soaking in the warmth and flavors of Kyushu before we say our farewells.

Wanting more? Continue on with us to Okinawa Island for our add-on extension. Why Okinawa?

With its subtropical climate, stunning beaches and crystal-clear emerald water, Okinawa is a favorite escape for locals in the know. The island was independently ruled by the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom until the late 19th century. Because of its history, Okinawa has a culture all its own. With 200 kinds of coral species and stunning natural beauty this is the perfect destination for a relaxing post-trip after a culture rich tour of the Kyushu Peninsula. The flight is easy and direct from Fukuoka midday. 

Our last day begins with breakfast, enjoying peaceful morning ambiance together one last time.

In the morning, we’ll depart Karatsu for Fukuoka Airport, enjoying our last scenic drive through the Kyushu countryside. Here we'll say our goodbyes with promises to stay in touch (most people do!). 

For those who want to see more, we've designed an extension to the island of Okinawa. Continue on to the next slide. 

For those continuing with us on the extension to Okinawa, we’ll board a 1pm flight to Okinawa arriving at approximately 2:45pm. Others will fly back to Tokyo for their onward flights home.

Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll be picked up by our guide and transported to the Shuri Castle in Naha. The Shuri Castle dates to the 14th century and symbolizes the history and culture of Okinawa. We’ll take a guided tour here as well as the old town of Naha.

After a stop for tea, we’ll head to our hotel at the other end of the island, the stunning 5-star  Terrace Club Wellness Resort at Busena overlooking the East China Sea. After checking in to your club deluxe room with ocean view and terrace, we’ll relax for a while before meeting up for dinner at their fine dining restaurant featuring healthy seasonal cuisine.

Today after your choice of Japanese or Western breakfast we’ll depart the resort just after 9am for a culturally immersive experience.

We’ll join a local guide to learn how to practice the art of Zen meditation and Zen cooking. This island is one of the famous 5 blue zones in the world where people frequently live to be over 100 years old so learning about their healthy lifestyle will be advantageous for all of us.

Traditional “ZEN” training involves sitting in the correct posture on the floor, being aware of the breath, and stabilizing the mind. But we’ll be trying something a bit easier where we will restore the body by stretching muscles and breathing as well as relaxing our body tension and deepening our breathing using our voice. After this unique experience our guide will teach us how to cook Japanese food in a very simple way with local ingredients plus we'll go home with our recipes.

Now that we are in a Zen frame of mind, the afternoon will be spent back at the hotel relaxing in their famou Thalasso spa. You’ll be treated to several kinds of therapies including a hammam scrub and bio tour as well as a Japanese facial or body drainage massage.

Now that we are fully relaxed, we might want to nap a bit and then meet by the pool for a light Japanese curry dinner al fresco.  

Today after breakfast we’ll depart after 9am in a buggy to reach the pier. Here’s we’ll hop on a boat for a snorkeling tour. (Options available for those who don’t wish to snorkel).

We’ll enjoy lunch at a local spot today in order to try some authentic Okinawan specialties.

Then we’ll take off for a tour and tasting at a local brewery that makes Awamori, liquor which is the first distilled spirit ever made in Japan - it's similar to shochu. The product is made by fermenting rice and is only produced in Okinawa in very small batches.

This afternoon is yours to relax, read or nap or simply stare out at the sea.

This evening we’ll have a celebratory final meal at Teppanyaki Ohana specializing in Wagyu beef.

After breakfast we’ll check out of the hotel and head back down to the capital Naha for our afternoon flight back to Tokyo. However first we’ll stop at Shuri Ryusen for a coral dying workshop, a local Okinawan art. We’ll have time to learn the process and make our own piece to take home, the perfect souvenir from our time on the island.

We’ll arrive at the airport around 1pm for our 3pm flight to Tokyo. Here you can grab lunch of your choice, whether bento box, ramen or something else. You’ll arrive back in Tokyo Haneda airport around 5:30 in order to catch a flight home at 9pm or later. There are a lot of late-night flights from Haneda back to the US and elsewhere, it’s our favorite airport.