Nagasaki Hidden Christian History tour

 

Congratulations on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site registration

Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued even during the ban on Christianity

 

Hidden Christian Site in Nagasaki Regions bear unique testimony to the tradition of people and

their communities who secretly transmitted their faith in Christianity while surviving in the midst

of the conventional society and its religions during the time of prohibition.

This tour introduce the history of Hidden Christian in Nagasaki Region while taking the World Heritages

and related sites of Nagasaki-city, Shimabara and Unzen.

 

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Tour condition

・Start and end place of the tour : Fukuoka-city

・Places to be visited : Nagasakicity, Shimabara and Unzen

・Duration : 2 nights and 3 days

・Transportation : Chartered vehicle

・English speaking guide

 

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 Itinerary  

 

Day 1

Depart Fukuoka-city and transfer to Nasgasaki-city

Sotome area → Martyrdom of 26 Saints of Japan → Oura Cathedral → Glover Garden → Mt. Inasa

Stay at Nagasaki

 

Day 2

Peace Park →　Ground Zero  →　Urakami Cathedral

Transfer to Unzen

Nita Pass →　Unzen Jigoku

Stay at Unzen

 

Day 3

Transfer to Minami Shimabara

Harajo Castle ruins ;  Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion

Shimabara Castle

Transfer to Fukuoka-city

Arriva at Fuuoka-city

 

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 Where to visit  

 

 Day 1  

 

Sotome area Hidden Christian Site  / UNESCO World Heritage 

When he discovered the underground Christians, Petitjean realized that there were many other

Christians hiding in the Sotome region.

He appointed de Rotz as the parish priest of the Shitsu and Kurosaki districts.        

Shitsu Church

Former Shitsu Aid Centre

The Statue of Mary

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Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

Veiw from Nagasaki harbor

View from the Summit

World’s three great night veiw

 

Unzen, Nita Pass

Unzen is a beautiful mountain and Onsen resort, and was the first area to be designated as   

a National Park in Japan.

At any time of the year the natural scenery of Nita-toge Pass in Unzen is magnificent.

Azaleas, green leaves, brilliant autumnal tints of maples and silver frost represent each

season of the year.

 

Entrance to Nita pass

Nita pass Observetory

Rope way to Myoken mountain

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 Day 3  

 

Harajo Castle ruins

The Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion which was a peasant uprising agaist bakufu’s persecution of

Christians under the leadership of Amakusa Shiro in 1637.  Christian farmers rose in a riot due to their

grievance about the oppression by Matsukura Shigemasa. The Shogunate regarded this riot as Christian

rebellion and sent its punitive force, therefore locked themselves in the castle and with their leader

Amakusa Shiro Tokisada fought against the Shogunate. On February 27, 1638, he died in battle.

The following day, the castle fell. 37,000 Christians including women and children died a violent death. 

1637.

Entrance to Harajo Castle Ruins

Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion

The Statue of Amakusa Shiro

 

Shimabara Castle

The castle was built in 1625 by the feudal load Matsukura Shigemasa, who was regarded as a master of

castle building. The castle, which took 7 years to complete, is also known as “Moritake Castle”.

It was an almost rectangular flatland castle built in the Renkaku-style.

Donjon of Shimabara Castle

Moat of the Castle planted lotus

Great stone wall of moat

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Samurai Houses & Samurai street

Samurai was a term for the military nobility in pre-industrial Japan.

The Samurai houses in Shimabara along the old Samurai street nearby Shimabara Castle

were built in 18th century.

Samurai street

Samurai house

Japanese garden

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Amakusa travel guide

 

Amakusa, is located in a southern part of Kumamoto, and consists of Shimo-jima,Kami-jima

and many other islands varied in size, which belong to Unzen-Amakusa National Park

along with Unzen. 

It provides ideal spots for viewing the saw-toothed coast line of Amakusa and

the small islands scattered across the sea.

Amakusa has the World Heritages of Hidden Christian Sites. 

 

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 Exploring Amakusa  

 

Amakusa Gokyo / Pearl line

Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa five bridges, is a general term for five bridges which connects from

Misumi at the Udo peninsula to the Oyano island, the Nagaura island, Ikejima, Maejima, and Amakusa Kamishima, was built in 1966. The area on the National road route 266 called as the Pearl Line.

First Bridge

Second Bridge

Fourth Bridge

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Amakusa Cruise

Connecting the islands of Amakusa with the inland of Kumamoto via the Uto Peninsula are

Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa Five Bridge. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Amakusa

from the sea on a cruise.

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 World Heritage of Hidden Chrisrian Sites and related site  

 

Oe Cathedral / World Heritage

The oldest Catholic Church in Amakusa and was one of the first churches built right after the ban

on Christianity was lifted. The and Romanesque-style architecture and the chalky white structure

was rebuilt in 1933 by a French missionary priest named Father Garnier using his own money and

contributions from local Christians living in the area.

Sakitsu Village  / World Heritage

A Gothic-looking church is located on a cove of a fishing village. In 1934, a French priest

Augustin Halbout MEP purchased the premises of the former village headman and built a

wooden and concrete finished church, with Tetsukawa Yosuke’s design and construction.

He placed the altar at the very site where fumie or a test to ensure non-allegiance to

Christianity had been conducted.

Amakusa Shiro Memorial Hall

The theme Museum shows History of Christianity in Amakusa and Shimabara Rebellion

which was a peasant uprising agaist bakufu’s persecution of Christians under the leadership

of Amakusa Shiro in 1637.

Tomioka Castle Ruins

Tomioka Castle was built in 1602, one year after Terasawa Shimanokami hirotaka came to Amakusa.

Although Amakusa ruled by proxy for Terasawa from Tomioka Castle, he revelled with his army in

the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637. After the rebellion, Yamasaki Kainokami Ieharu ruled from the castle,

and which was restored and enlarged to its present form. 

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Featured sites

Sengan moutain Observatory

Ariage Octopus Street

Oppai Stone or breast stone

 

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　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Location of Amakusa

　　

 

 

 

 

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Oe Cathedral Amakusa

 

Registered on UNESCE World Heritage as Hidden Christian site

 

The oldest Catholic Church in Amakusa and was one of the first churches built right after the ban

on Christianity was lifted. The and Romanesque-style architecture and the chalky white structure

was rebuilt in 1933 by a French missionary priest named Father Garnier using his own money and

contributions from local Christians living in the area.

 

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 General information  

 

Address	1782 Oe Amakusa-cho, Amakusa-city, Kumamoto-prefecture
Access	by Car 2 hours 50 minutes from Kumamoto-city 60 minutes from Amakusa Airport
Open hours	9:00 to 17:00
Admission fee	No fee is required
Days closed	No closing days

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Sakitsu Village

 

Registered on UNESCE World Heritage as Hidden Christian site

 

A Gothic-looking church is located on a cove of a fishing village. In 1934, a French priest

Augustin Halbout MEP purchased the premises of the former village headman and built a

wooden and concrete finished church, with Tetsukawa Yosuke’s design and construction.

He placed the altar at the very site where fumie or a test to ensure non-allegiance to

Christianity had been conducted.

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 General information  

 

Address	539 SAkitsu Kawazu-cho, Amakusa-city, Kumamoto-prefecture
Access	by Car 2 hours 40 minutes from Kumamoto-city 45 minutes from Amakusa Airport
Church Open hours	9:00 to 17:00
Admission fee	No fee is required
Days closed	No closing days

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Amakusa Cruise

 

Amakusa, is located in a southern part of Kumamoto, and consists of Shimo-jima,Kami-jima

and many other islands varied in size.

 

Connecting the islands of Amakusa with the inland of Kumamoto via the Uto Peninsula are

Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa Five Bridge.

 

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Amakusa Cruise

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Amakusa from the sea on a cruise.

 

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 General information  

 

Address	Kami-Amakusa-city, Kumamoto-prefecture
Access	1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto-city 2 hours by a vehicle from Aso-city 2 hours and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 2 hours and 50 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city

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 Contact us   

Amakusa Gokyo

 

Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa five bridges, is a general term for five bridges which connects from

Misumi at the Udo peninsula to the Oyano island, the Nagaura island, Ikejima, Maejima, and

Amakusa Kamishima, was built in 1966. The area on the National road route 266 called as the Pearl Line.

 

Panoramic View

First Bridge

Second Bridge

Third Bridge

Fourth Bridge

Fifth Bridge

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 General information  

 

Address	Between Udo-city and Kami-Amakusa-city, Kumamoto-prefecture
Access	1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto-city 2 hours by a vehicle from Aso-city 2 hours and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 2 hours and 50 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city

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 Contact us   

Amakusa Shiro Memorial Hall

 

The theme Museum shows History of Christianity in Amakusa and Shimabara Rebellion

which was a peasant uprising agaist bakufu’s persecution of Christians under the leadership

of Amakusa Shiro in 1637.

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 General information  

 

Address	977-1 Naka Oyano-cho, Kami-Amakusa-city
Access	by Car 1 hour 20 minutes from Kumamoto-city 1 hour 10 minutes from Amakusa Airport
Open hours	9:00 to 17:00
Admission fee	JPY 600
Days closed	December 29 to January 1

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 Contact us   

Tomioka Castle Ruins

 

Tomioka Castle was built in 1602, one year after Terasawa Shimanokami hirotaka came to Amakusa.

Although Amakusa ruled by proxy for Terasawa from Tomioka Castle, he revelled with his army in

the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637. After the rebellion, Yamasaki Kainokami Ieharu ruled from the castle,

and which was restored and enlarged to its present form. 

 

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 General information  

 

Address	2245-15 Tomioka-aza-honmaru, Reihoku-cho, Amakusa-gun, Kumamoto-prefecture
Access	by Car 2 hours 40 minutes from Kumamoto-city 30 minutes from Amakusa Airport
Open hours	9:00 to 17:00
Admission fee	No fee is required
Days closed	No closing days

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 Contact us   

6 days North-East Kyushu tour

 

 Where to Explore  

 

Fukuoka → Chikugo region (Asakura, Ukiha) → Okubungo （Kokonoe, Kuju, Bungo-ono

Takeda) → Yufuin → Beppu → Usa → Kunisaki Peninsula → Kitakyushu → Fukuoka  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Itinerary

 

 Day 1    Chikugo region 　

 

Schedule

Arrive at Fukuoka
Travel to Chikugo region
Exploring Toho Village and Asakura

Lunch at Featured restaurant Shirakabe

Exploring Shirakabe avenue  

Visit Sake brewery

Stay at Harazuru Onsen Resort 

 

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Yufuin

Graceful Onsen Resort located in the Yufu basin surrounded by Mount Yufu and Tsurumi

One of the most popular among ladies and International tourist visits to here are increasing. 

 

Mount Yufu  Gentle mount Yufu can be seen  graceful Onsen Resort

Yufuin Station Street  In front of JR Yufuin Station  a elegant street appear

Yunotsubo Avenue  70 shops, gift shops, galleries curiosity items shops, cafes

Shitan-yu The old public outdoor mixed bath with a thatched

Kinrinko lake The landmark in Yufuin, hot water gushes from the bottom

Yufuin Floral Village Reproduced the townscape of the Cotswold region in England

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Beppu

The popular hot spring town nestle at the foot of volcanos, Mt. Yufu and Mt. Tsurumi.

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Schedule

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 Day 4    Usa & Kunisaki Peninsula

 

Usa 

Located at the base of Kunisaki peninsula and spreading around Usa Shrine.

Since ancient time the Kunisaki peninsula has been home of Kyushu’s prominent Usa Shrine,

influencing the surrounding hills and valleys with Buddhist culture. Although this is a Shinto shrine,

it has long been holy ground to both Shinto and Buddhist activities, and the Kunisaki Mountains 

and valleys were often chosen by monks as practice ground for meditation.

 

Usa Shrine

One of the most beautiful Shrine in Japan, and is the head shrine of Hachiman

Shrine that is composed 44,000 shrines that dedicated to the Hachiman Deity.

Torii Gate, the entrance to the Shrine compound

Approach to Shrine, through the sacred area

Usa Shrine main building, Emperor Ojin, deified as deity

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Kunisaki peninsula

Began to develope 1,300 years ago as a sacred religions goround influenced by mountain and nature worship, Buddhism, and Usa shrine rising in the region. 

Here remains in Bungo-takada city the historical background for “home of prayer” consecrating a mass

the Shinto deity, Buddha, and ancestral spirit. And one of major industry is agriculture and entire area of 

Kunisaki peninsula including Usa are listed on the World Agricultural Heritage.

 

Showano machi One of worthwhile place to visit  in Kunisaki Peninsula

Fuki-ji Temple The oldest wooden structure in Kyushu

Kumano magaibutsu Hewn in a rock Mt. Tahara, two  largest Buddhist stone carvings

Nagasaki-bana cape The resort park features a beach, restaurant and more

Shiitake mushroomsShiitake mushrooms cultivatedrtificially in the forest

Futago-ji Temple A prominent temple with a history of more than 1300 years

 

Alternative route

Nakatshu & Yabakei  

A small city on the north coast of Oita-prefecture, just east of its border

with Fukuoka-prefecture.

Nakatsu Castle Built in 1588 on the estuary of Nakatsu river

Yabakei The approximately 1 km high monolithic rockey mountain

Maple Yaba Cycling Road Cycling road built on the site of the old Yabakei Railroad

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Schedule

Trensfer to Usa

Visit Usa Shrine

Explore Kunisaki Peninsula

Transfer to Kitakyushu

Stay in Kitakyushu

 

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Kitakyushu 

The Industrial Innovation city with many different fascinating feature.

Kitakyushu offers amazing possibilities for tourism and travel with a combination of spectacular

scenery, rich cultural experiences as well as learning possibilities through Study tours based on

the environmental and industrial themes.

Kokura Castle Kitakyushu’s land mark, walking distance of Kokura Stations

Uomachi Shopping arcade Down town shopping street, various shops, restaurants, bars

Hiraodai Karst Plateau One of the three largest karst plateau in Japan

Kanmon-kyo Bridge The suspended bridge crossing the Kanmon Straits

Mojiko Retro The exotic district, former trading port coal and other products

Kanmon Pedstrian Tunnel Only the place in the world, can be crossed the strait on foot

World Heritage Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution

Higashida district The birth place of Steel making Industry in Japan

Mount Sarakura The most dynamic night view in the world

Explore Kitakyushu

Where to visit
Kokura Caltle, Mojiko-retro, Konamon Pedstrian tunnel, Higashida,  Mt. Sarakura  

Industrial tour can be arranged as an alternative

Toyota, TOTO, Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal, Yaskawa Electric

lunch at Mojiko Retro or Karato Fish Market in Shimonoseki
Travel to Fukuoka 

Dinner : we will recommend for your best one from lot of choices 
Stay at Fukuoka,  Western style Hotel

 

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Fukuoka-city

Has a long history as commercial town and castle town, and prospered as important

district to Asian Continent for many years. Now, Fukuoka-city is the International hub of Kyushu,

the nation’s fourth largest economic zone. 

In other words, Fukuoka-city is the heart of Kyushu against various things,

such as food culture, shopping, entertainment, economy and international business.

 

JR Hakata Station The largest and busiest JR train station in Kyushu

Sea Side Momochi The water-front resort area JR Hakata Station and Tenjin

Tenjin The biggest shopping district in Kyushu

Fukuoka City tour bus Fukuoka Open top bus tour, three courses for journey

Fukuoka Tower Japan’s highest coastal tower, magnificent view from the top

Tochoji Temple The oldest temple of the Shingon sect in Japan

Kushida Shrine Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival is held in the shrine

Kawabata Shopping Arcade 400 m down town street, 100 shops and restaurants

Nakasu One of the largest entertainment district in western Japan

 

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7 days Central Kyushu tour

 

 Where to Explore  

 

Amakusa → Kumamoto → Aso → Takachiho → Kuju → Kokonoe → Yufuin

Asakura → Akizuki → Ukiha → Fukuoka

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Itinerary

 

 Day 1   Amakusa

 

Amakusa

An archipelago located west side of Kumamoto, beautiful landscape, seafood and 

local delicacies and marine activities can be enjoyed.

Amakusa are connected to Shimabara by the Ferry and to Kumamoto by the bridges.

 

Amakusa 9 inhabited islands & numerous  islands floating on a tranquil sea

Amakusa Gokyu / Pearl line Main islands are connected with Amakusa Five bridge, Pearl line

World Heritage SIte Hidden Cristian site of Oe Cathesral and Sakitsu Village

Tomioka Castle Ruins The Castle in Amakusa Island built in 1605

Amakusa Cruise One of the most exciting exprience in Amakusa

Amakusa Onsen There are two Onsen, Matsushima and Shimoda

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Schedule

Arrive at Fukuoka 
Travel to Amakusa
Explore Amakusa Islans

Stay at Amakusa Onsen

 

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From the early 17th century to the end of the 19th century, Kumamoto was prosperous as a castle town.

The Shira-kawa River and its branches run through the downtown area around Kumamoto Castle.

Therefore, the city is called “City of Woods and Fresh Water.” 

 

Kumamoto The third most populous city in Kyushu, called city of the forest

Kumamoto Castle  One of Japan’s three great  Castle, built in 1600

After the Earthquake  Under restoration work, can be   visited from the outside

Suizenji-koen Park  Imitated the beautiful scenery   of Japan

Shimo-tori Shopping Street  The largest shopping district in Kumamoto-prefecture

Kumamoto City Tram Main destinations are connected from JR Kumamoto Station

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Schedule

Travel to Kumamoto
Travel to Kumamoto
Explore Kumamoto :  Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji-koen Park

Stay at Kumamoto

 

 

Aso, the world’s largest caldera and the active volcano give a lot of excitements and numerous

unforgettable experiences in the rural area can be mede including Onsen, variety of sports 

and local cuisines.

Aso Enjoy numerous unforgettable experiences in the rural area

Daikanbo The perfect spot view of Aso region, Caldera & Mount Aso

Kusaseri-ga-hama The beautiful prairie of 785,000 square meter in the crater

Mount Aso

The largest active volcano in Japan, and is among the largest in the world. Its peak is 1592 m

above sea level. Its caldera is 25 km across north to south and 18 km across east to west.

Mt. Aso, around the Crater

Look down the Crater

Nakadake Crater

Aso Shrine One of the oldest and most prominent shrines in Japan

Kurokawa Onsen The best places to enjoy the atmosphere of real Japan

Nabegataki Waterfalls Very unique waterfalls, can be climbed behind the falls

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Schedule

Explore Aso :  Daikanbo, Kusasenri-ga-hama, Mt. Aso, Aso shrine 
Stay at Kurokawa Onsen, Japanese style accommodation, Ryokan 
Local cuisine can be enjoyed at Ryokan’s dinner

 

 

Takachiho is located in the center of the Kyushu mountain area where about 40km away from

Aso and is steeped in Japanese mythology.

 

Takachiho Gorge

The narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. The nearly sheer cliffs lining the gorge

are made of slow forming volcanic basalt columns which resemble the scales of a dragon where the

stone twisted and flowed as it formed.

Takachiho Shrine

 Located just west of the town center, is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day the shrine’s 

nondescript, unpainted buildings blend in naturally with the surrounding trees. The light that filters through,

brings with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence.

Amano Iwato Shrine

Legends of Japanese mythology. In the story, Amaterasu, the Shito sun goddess, became so outraged

by her brother’s cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the

world of her life-giving light. 

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Schedule

Travel to Takachiho, 1 and half hours by vehicle 
Exploring Takachiho :   Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Shrine, Amano Iwato Shrine 

back to Kurokawa Onsen

Stay at Kurokawa Onsen

 

Okubungo region

The region is on the way to Yufuin and Beppu from Aso, the travelling route can be proposed

as per your preference.

The area is a nature-blessed region at Ono River basin, and the northern part is surrounded by

Aso & Kuju Mountains

Kuju kogen Plateau A magnificent and beautiful scenery of Kuju plateau

Handa kogen Plateau  Yamanami Highway, best driving route enjoy Nature

Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, world’s 2nd

Yufuin

Graceful Onsen Resort located in the Yufu basin surrounded by Mount Yufu and Tsurumi

One of the most popular among ladies and International tourist visits to here are increasing. 

Mount Yufu  Gentle mount Yufu can be seen  graceful Onsen Resort

Yufuin Station Street  In front of JR Yufuin Station  a elegant street appear

Yunotsubo Avenue  70 shops, gift shops, galleries curiosity items shops, cafes

Shitan-yu The old public outdoor mixed bath with a thatched

Kinrinko lake The landmark in Yufuin, hot water gushes from the bottom

Yufuin Floral Village Reproduced the townscape of the Cotswold region in England

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Schedule

Explore Okubungo : Kokonoe yume Otsurihasi, Handa Kogen Plateau 

Exploring Yufuin
・Stay at Yufuin Onsen Resort

 

 

Fukuoka-city has a long history as commercial town and castle town, and prospered as important

district to Asian Continent for many years.   Now, Fukuoka-city is the International bub of Kyushu,

the nation’s fourth largest economic zone. 

In other words, Fukuoka-city is the heart of Kyushu against various things,

such as food culture, shopping, entertainment, economy and international business.

JR Hakata Station The largest and busiest JR train station in Kyushu

Seaside Momochi The water-front resort area JR Hakata Station and Tenjin

Tenjin The biggest shopping district in Kyushu

Fukuoka City tour bus Fukuoka Open top bus tour, three courses for journey

Fukuoka Tower Japan’s highest coastal tower, magnificent view from the top

Tochoji Temple The oldest temple of the Shingon sect in Japan

Kushida Shrine Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival is held in the shrine

Kawabata Shopping street 400 m down town street, 100 shops and restaurants

Nakasu One of the largest entertainment district in western Japan

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 How to make your customized tour  

 

1. Enquiry

 The tours we are offering are customized for private travel accordance with your preferences

 and date,  click the  Enquiry Form   to tell us what you are looking for.

 

2. Proposal

・Preliminary quotation which is guide line of the tour price as per the Enquiry.

・Basic suggested itinerary will be provided.

 

3. Clarifications

 All the tour conditions are to be clarified including the grade & type of accommodations,

 transportation, visiting placed, meals and other excursions, in order to meet your requirements

 and budget.

 

4. Final proposal

 The quotation and itinerary are provided based on the Clarification.

 

5. Make an agreement 

 The agreement for proceeding the customized tour is conducted.

 

6. Enjoy the customized journey 

  All the arrangement are made as per the agreement and operated the tour in

  accordance with the plan

 

Price of the tour

The price is customized based on travel date, number of participants, hotel choices,

transportations, and other custom preferences.

 

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