7 days Central Kyushu tour
Exploring the 4 prefectures of Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Oita and Fukuoka. Those regions
are located central part of Kyushu and spreading around Mount Aso. Dynamic and beautiful
nature can be enjoyed.
Where to visit are ; Amakusa, Kumamoto, Aso and Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto-prefecture,
Takachiho in Miyazaki-prefecture, Kuju and Yufuin in Oita-prefecture, and Chikugo region and
Fukuoka in Fukuoka-prefecture.
Day 1 : arrive Fukuoka → Amakusa
Where to Explore
Day 1 : arrive Fukuoka → Amakusa, stay Amakusa
Day 2 : Kumamoto, stay Kumamoto
Day 3 : Aso, stay Kurokawa Onsen or Aso
Day 4 : Takachiho, stay Kurokawa Onsen or Aso
Day 5 : Kuju and Yufuin, stay Yufuin
Day 6 : Chikugo region, stay Fukuoka
Day 7 : Fukuoka, stay Fukuoka
Travelling route
Tour conditions
The tour is the private tour exclusively for your group.
・Minimum number : 2 person
・Maxum number : 30 person
・Tour date : please specify the date
・Accommodations is selected as per your required grade, room conditions and budget
and the location is considered sightseeing, dinner and nightlife as well.
・Chartered vehicle is utilized as per number of person.
・English speaking tour attendant escorts your journey to produce a pleasant trip.
・For making enjoyable our company staff always assist during tour by
communicating with you using a communication tool such as WhatsApp.
Itinerary
Day 1 Amakusa
Itinerary
Depart Fukuoka–city
Transfer to Amakusa
Exploring Amakusa Gokyo / Pearl line : beautiful five bridges connects Amakusa Inlands
Lunch : local cuisine in Amakusa
Exprience of Amakusa Cruise or dolphin watching
Visiting the UNESCO World heritage / Hidden Christian Sites
Oe Cathedral → Sakitsu Village
Stay Amakusa Onsen, Japanese style Hotel, included dinner and breakfast
Dinner at Hotel : Japanese style kaiseki dinner included lacal spesiality cuisines
Option : the following sites can be arranged as option.
Where to explore
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 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.
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First bridge |
Second bridge |
Fourth bridge |
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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Fifth bridge |
To the fifth bridge |
Numerous small islands |
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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The oldest Catholic Church in Amakusa |
Romanesque-style architecture |
Oe Village |
Sakitsu Village / UNESCO 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.
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A Gothic-looking church |
Sakitsu Village |
Fishery port |
Option
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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Amakusa Shiro Memorial Hall |
Bell for Love |
Amakusa Shiro Statue |
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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Castle was built on the hill of Tomioka peninsula |
Castle was rebuilt in 1994 |
Magnificent view of Ariake sea |
Leave Hotel in Amakusa
Transfer to Kumamoto
Lunch at Kumamoto
Exploring Kumamoto
Sakurano-baba Josaien included lunch → Kumamoto Castle → Suizenji-koen park
Stay at Kumamoto , Western style Hotel, included breakfast
Dinner at Shimo-tori Shopping Street, local speciality Cuisines
Where to explore
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” .
Lunch at Kumamoto
Japanese restaurant, Gorin located nearby Kumamoto Castle
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Josaien is located in Sakurano-baba, at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three
major castles. It is a popular tourist attraction designed to enhance the appeal of the old castle
town and convey to visitors the food, history and cultural traditions of the region from Kumamoto
Castle, a symbol of the Kumamoto-city.
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The main gate located in Sakurano-baba |
Many shops sell Kumamoto souvenirs |
Restaurants, to enjoy distinctive food culture in Kumamoto |
The Castle is one of the three great castles and one of the 100 best places in Japan to view cherry
blossoms. Due to the Earthquakes in 2016, the Castle have heavey damages and many of Castle
buildings were destroyed. After that the restoration activities are being performed as fast as possible
and now Kumamoto Castle can be seen from the outside of the moats surrounding the castle.
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Castle tower |
Castle tower after Earthquake |
Turret |
Imitated the beautiful scenery of Japan, is a refined circular garden of Momoyama period
style and represents the 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road including Mt. Fuji. The fresh
springs in the garden release clean, cold water, which flows there from Mount Aso via
underground currents.
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Imitated the beautiful scenery of Japan |
53 Stations of the Tokaido Road including Mt. Fuji |
The fresh springs in the garden from Mt. Aso |
Stay Kumamoto
The largest shopping arcade in Kumamoto-prefecture, the center of fashion and amusement
where department stores and boutiques line up and also there are gourmet area where cafes
and restaurants including local cousin restaurants opened daytime and nighttime.
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Enjoy shopping at arcade street |
Many kind of restaurants and pubs |
Japanese traditional restaurant Izakaya |
Itinerary
Leave Hotel in Kumamoto
Transfer to Aso
Enjoy the magnificent scenery by Aso Tourist Tram
Lunch at Minami Aso ; featured restaurant / Takamori Dengaku-no sato
Explore Aso
Kusasenri-ga-hama → Mount Aso → Aso shrine → Daikanbo
Stay at Kurokawa Onsen, or Onsen Resort Aso, Japanese style Hotel, included dinner and breakfast
Japanese style kaiseki dinner included lacal spesiality cuisines
Option : the following sites can be arranged as option.
Where to explore
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.
Tourist Tram Minami Aso Rail Way
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Aso. The Minami Aso railway is a private railroad offering
a very scenic ride from Takamori to Nakamatsu in the south east of the caldera. Lovely and
magnificent scenery can be enjoyed.
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Minami Aso Rail Way Takamori station |
Tourist tram, start a 30minutes journey |
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Aso |
Lunch
Takamori Dengaku-no sato / Featured restaurant
Enjoy Aso beef and local cuisines. The restaurant uses the old private house with thatched roof
built more than 200 years ago. Bake the meat and local ingredients with charcoal at a Japanese
traditional style fire place.
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Japanese traditional house built 200 years ago |
Japanesetraditional style fire place |
Delicious local speciality Aso beef |
Aso Akaushi beef rice bowl
Aso Akaushi laterally means red beef that is unique in that it has a higher proportion of red meat
with just the right amount of fat, combined with great taste, tenderness and healthiness.
Aso Akaushi beer rice bowl is a local cuisine in Aso consisting of a bowl of rice put in a mildly
sweet sauce and topped with Akaushi beef and egg.
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The beautiful prairie of 785,000 square meter in the crater spreads in northern part of Mt. Eboshi
that is one of the Aso Five Mountains. A big pond at its center and grazing horses round about
make an idyllic scene.
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Dynamic active volcano Mt. Aso can be seen |
The beautiful prairie spreads in the crater |
Enjoy horse riding |
The largest active volcano in Japan. Its peak is 1592 m above sea level. Its caldera is 25 km
across north to south and 18 km across east to west. The caldera has a circumference of around
120 km, although sources vary on the exact distance.
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Arond the Crater |
Look down the Crater |
Japan’s largest active volcano |
The perfect spot view the five peak of Mount Aso. Daikanbo literally means a big observatory
peak. The circumference of the Aso caldera is about 130 kilometers. From the observation site,
you can clearly see its conical shape.
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Over view from Daikanbo |
 At the top
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 Observatory place
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Stay
The most popular Onsen resort in Aso region, located on the northern side of Mount Aso. Widely
known for its open-air baths, it is one of the best places to enjoy the atmosphere of old town in Japan,
more than 20 Japanese style accommodations and gift shops standing in a row along the river.
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Japanese style accomodations Ryokan along the river |
Roten-buro or out side open-air bath |
Japanese tradditiona meal used local ingredients |
Option
Aso Shrine is popular as a god protecting worshipers from traffic accidents, and exorcism,
marriae, and learning. Aso shrine one of the oldest and most prominent shrines in Japan.
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Shrine building |
Shimenawa, twisted straw rope has power to keep off evil sprits |
Ema, pentagon-shaped wooden plaque dedicate to Shrine |
The hidden tourist spot in Kumamoto prefecture, located just outside Oguni town in Aso region.
One of the area’s more well-known waterfalls. Looking like a mini-Niagara. It is very unique
waterfalls, you can actually climb behind the falls to see how the water has carved out the rock
over the year.
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The hidden tourist spot in Aso region |
View from outside of the Waterfalls |
View from behind the Waterfalls |
Itinerary
Depart Hotel in Kurokawa Onsen or Onsen Resort Aso
Transfer to Takachiho
Exploring Takachiho
Takachiho Shrine → lunch : local cuisine in Takachiho
Takachiho Gorge and Takachiho Gorge boat riding
back to Kurokawa Onsen or Onsen Resort Aso
Stay at Kurokawa Onsen or Onsen Resort Aso, Japanese style Hotel, included dinner and breakfast
Japanese style kaiseki dinner included lacal spesiality cuisines
Option : the following site can be arranged as an option
You can enjoy sample wines and winery also can be visited
Where to explore
Takachiho is located in the center of the Kyushu mountain area where about 40km away from
Aso and is steeped in Japanese mythology.
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.
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The narrow chasm cut through the rock, boat riding experience |
Exploring Takachiho Gorge using the walk-way |
Souvenir shops and Restaurants |
Lunch , Somen nagashi
Somen is a kind of noodle which is made by wheat and is usually eaten by dipping style.
Somen nagashi is the way of eating Somen with waterslide traditionally made by bamboo
like as video below. Nagashi means flowing.
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The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is riding the river that flows down the
base of the gorge on a rental boat.The spot you can see waterfalls and the columnar shaped
valley together is rare in the world. Please enjoy this amazing view from the boat.
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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.
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Entrance of Shrine, Torii gate |
The sacred tree, 800 years old |
Shrine main building |
Japanese indigenouse religion, Shinto born here.
There is a story of Shinto origin in the Cave behind of Amano Iwato Shrine, and Amano
Yasugawara. About ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine
was built near the Cave where is place of the Shinto origin story.
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The God shows the story of Shinto origin |
Amano Iwato Shrine, there is the Cave behind the shrine |
Amano Yasugawara, Gods & Goddesses had a discussion |
Option
Gokase Winery is located near Takachiho, in the beautiful plateau at an altitude of 600m.
All the wines are being made from locally grown grapes. There is the tasting corner, you can
enjoy sample wines. Winery also can be visited.
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Leave Hotel in Kurokawa Onsen or Onsen Resort Aso
Exploring Kuju
Kuju Flower Park → Kokonoe yume Otsurihasi → Handa Kogen Plateau
Lunch at Kokonoe : local cuisine in Oita
Transfer to Yufuin
Exploring Yufuin
Yunotsubo Avenue → Yufuin Floral Village → Kinrinko lake
Stay at Yufuin Onsen Resort, Japanese style Hotel, included dinner and breakfast
Japanese style kaiseki dinner included lacal cuisines
Option : the following sites can be arranged as option.
Where to explore
The plateau resort area and is a part of Aso Kuju National Park.
The plateau of 600 to 1000 metre altitude, spreading at southern part of Kuju and Taisen
mountains foot, and is located in between Aso and Takeda.
The Park offers stunning seasonal displays of flowers set against beautiful mountain scenery.
Over 3 million flowers in 500 different varieties from spring to late autumn. The park covers 49
acres of the beautiful Kuju plateau, the Kuju mountain range making a stunning alpine back
drop and the sleeping buddha of Mount Aso, a vista in the distance.
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Entrance of Kuju Flower Park |
Over 3 million flowers in 500 different varieties |
Seasonal displays of flowers set against beautiful mountain scenery |
The best driving area where the beautiful scenery of Aso Kuju National Park can be enjoyed
The Handa kogen Plateau is located in the southern part of Kokonoe-cho, Kusu-gun.
Altitude is 800 to 1,200 m. By the opening of the Yamanami Highway in 1964, the area
became a nice sightseeing spot connected to Beppu Onsen and Yufuin in the north and
Aso in the south.
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The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan and the 2nd longest in the World
Splendid and beautiful view from the thrilling sunpension bridge over the Naruko river valley.
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Entrance of the pedestrian suspention bridge |
Beautiful scenery of Naruko river valley |
390 metre long, 173 metre height from Nariko River valley |
Lunch at Kokonoe
Featured restaurant Nonohanano-sato, served local cuisine.
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Option
Have you ever seen a wild white boar?
The wild white bore at the Shrine has function as both guardians and messengers
for the deities at Shinto shrines. The white boars are thought to bring happiness.
After visiting the shrine, you should ask the cute boars for some good-luck blessings.
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It is called Niagara Falls of Japan, In the Ogata River, running through the center of the Ogata plain.
The falls, 120 meters wide and 20 meters hight, are selected as one of the best 100 falls in Japan.
Lava flows produced by the great eruption of Mt. Aso accumulated and chighreated Harajiri Falls.
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Water come from Ogara plain |
Over view of Waterfall 120m wide and 20m hight |
Dynamic Waterfall created by Mt. Aso eruption |
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.
Main street in Yufuin located at the foot of mount Yufu. The avenue is started near JR Yufuin
Station and connected to Kinrinko lake. Through Yunotsubo Avenue, it takes about 30 minutes
on foot from JR Yufuin Station to Kinrinko lake. There are 70 shops, gift shop, galleries, curiosity
item shops as well as cafes.
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Main street in Yufuin located at the foot of mount Yufu |
70 shops, gift shop, galleries, curiosity item shops |
Many souvenios can be found |
Reproduced the townscape of the Cotswold region in England. The place was also used for
Harry Potter’s shooting location.
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Welcome to Yufuin Floral Village |
Theme area “spring of girl Heidi in the Alps” |
Reproduced the townscape of the Cotswold region |
One of landmark in Yufuin. Hot water gushes from the bottom of the lake, and hot steam rises from
its surface on a cold day. The lake is located at the end of the town’s main walking route, about a
kilometer and a half from the Yufuin station.
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Hot water gushes from the bottom of the lake |
Hot steam rises from its surface on a cold day |
Cafe restaurant by the lake |
Day 6 Chikugo region
Leave Hotel in Yufuin Onsen Resort
Transfer to Ukiha
Visiting Ukiha Inari Shrine
Fujii Apiary
Exploring Shirakabe-dori Avenue
Lunch at the featured restaurant Shirakabe
Visiting a Shochu brewery
Transfer to Fukuoka-city
Stay at Fukuoka-city, Western style Hotel, included breakfast
Dinner at Fukuoka-city, local speciality cuisines
Option : the following sites can be arranged as a option.
Pottery experience at Koishiwara
Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum
Breath taking beautiful scenery harmonizes with the Shrine. Located at foot of Mino mountain
range, 130 m height from sea level. The 90 vermilion coloured Torii Gates stand on the 300 steps
stairs is introduced you from bottom area to the Shrine main building.
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To the Shrine |
Shrine main building |
Breath taking view from Shrine |
Asakura is the only area in Japan to use water wheels for irrigation. The irrigation system used the
Triple Water Wheel was completed in 1760. The water is supplied from Yamada weir in Chikugo
through the canal to the Triple Water Wheel. And then the water distributed to each rice field by
Triple Water Wheel.
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Yamada Weir in Chikugo river |
Asakura Triple Water Wheel |
Water supply to rice field |
Fujii Apiary
The apiary collecting honey while traveling with bees from Kagoshima to Hokkaido.
The Apiary was established in Asakura in 1909 and offers delicious Japanese milkvetch
honey and acacia honey, both of which have a deep and sophisticated taste.
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Welcome to Fujii Apiary |
Honey collected in Japan |
Honey from all over the World |
Time-honored scenery, back to 100 years ago. Located in Yoshii-machi, Shirakabe, literary
meaning is white wall. The avenue of houses with white wall were constructed about 100 years
ago. About 250 houses in the area has been designated as National important raditional buildings
preservation district.
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White painted clay walls considered fire protection |
All the houses are about 100 years old |
The canel running through the town |
Lunch
Featured Restaurant, Shirakabe, located at Shirakabe Avenue
The building is designated by Government as Traditional building at the Conservation district
in Ukiha-city. Japanese cuisines using best local ingredients that vary by season can be enjoyed.
The chef who makes that cuisines also experienced the imperial family’s cook.
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Shochu is a Japanese distilled beverage less than 45% alcohol by volume. The shochu of
Beniotome Shuzo is distilled from Sesame. The brewery can be visited and there is a tasting
corner, Let’s sample Chochu.
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Visiting Shochu brewery |
Featured Shochu, Beniotone |
Enjoy tasting Shochu |
Akizuki is a former Castle town located in northern part of Asakura. You can enjoy the harmony
of countryside landscape and former castle town scenery that makes the atmosphere like a time
of 400 years ago.
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Sakurano-baba Street |
Cherry Blossoms |
 Autumn leaves
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Pottery experience at Koishiwara
Make your own original Koishiwara-yaki pottery. Try your hand at making the famous local
Koishiwara-yaki pottery at Ota-gama pottery, by learning how to create your own piece of
Koishiwara-yaki pottery.
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Making own pottery |
Painting |
Your own piece |
Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum
The main exhibit room displays a few letters and other items of kamikaze pilots who died in battle.
One case has photos of about 50 kamikaze pilots from Tachiarai Air Base and includes the following
information on each pilot: name, unit, plane used, date of death, and air base of final sortie.
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Peace Memorial Museum |
Zero-sen fighter |
Cockpit of Zero-sen |
In the harvest time, the northern Kyushu boasts many area with beautiful fruit orchards.
Fukuoka is one of the leading fruit-producing prefecture in all Japan.
The fruit production in Fukuoka is primarily concentrated in the southern Chikugo region
such as Ukiha, Asakura and Tanushimaru.
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Strawbery : December to May |
Grape : August to October |
Apple : August to December Persimmon : Oct. to Dec. |
Day 7 Fukuoka-city
Itinerary
Leave Hotel
Exploring Fukuoka-city
Lunch : local cuisine in Fukuoka-city
Stay in Fukuoka-city , Western style Hotel, included breakfast
Dinner at Fukuoka-city, local speciality cuisines
Where to explore
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.
Shopping
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The largest and busiest JR train station in Kyushu |
The complex commercial facility, in the heart of Fukuoka-city |
The biggest shopping district in Kyushu |
The water-front resort area, only a 15 minute drive from Tenjin in the centre of Fukuoka-city.
The park is surrounded by Fukuoka Tower and high rise contemporary high rise buildings,
all of which help make a modern urban landscape. There are many tourist attractions here.
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Seaside Momochi area |
Fukuoka Tower | Seaside Park & Marizon |
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The water-front resort area JR Hakata Station and Tenjin |
Japan’s highest coastal tower, magnificent view from the top |
A complex facility for wedding hall, shops and restaurants |
Historical places
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Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival is held in the shrine |
The oldest temple of the hingon sect in Japan |
Part of stone wall and canal, and the Tamon tower are still left |
Food stalls “Yatai”is one thing to enjoy in Fukuoka. Despite a decline in recent year,
there are said to be more than 160. The food stalls have all kind of food, but you have
to try Hakata ramen, usually made with white soup from pork bone and thin noodles.
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Ramen Stadium
Ramen Stadium isn’t really a stadium as the name suggests, but a food court on the fifth floor
of Canal City’s Cinema Building. It carries not one, but eight famous ramen stalls that serves
different ramen styles from across Japan. Ramen Stadium has eight ramen stalls with ramen
from Hakata, Kurume, and as far as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo.
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Mizutaki
It is a local cuisine in Fukuoka. izutaki (boil in water) describes, this is a hot pot dish made
with chopped chickens, negi, and a variety of vegetables put in a pot of water and boiled,
then dipped in ponzu sauce.
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Local restaurants
There are many restaurants for lunch and dinner where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisines and
local specialties.
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Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Tour results
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