Day 9 Yanagawa
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
A beautiful canal town Yanagawa, Canal boat cruise can be enjoyed while experience the
atmospheres of Japanese castle town and rural Japanese life style. The estuary town facing
the Ariake Sea through the Chikugo River and Yabe River. People started to live here since
ancient times and the agriculture and fishery have been engaged in by making Horiwari literary
means the artificial canal.
Itinerary
Check out Hotel in Harazuru Onsen
Transfer to Kurume by JR Chikugo-yoshii to Kurume station by a local train, 40 minutes
Transfer to Nishitetsu Kurume station from JR Kurume station by a local bus, 10 minutes
Transfer to Yanagawa by Shishitetsu train from Nishitesu Kurume to Nishitesu Yanagawa
Walk to Canal boat cruise landing place, 10 miutes
Canal boat cruise, 60 minutes
lunch at Yanagawa Eel (unagi) cuisine
Exploring Yanagawa included Ohana Shotoen Garden
Transfer to Kurume by Nishitetsu train from Yanagawa
Transfer to Kitakyushu by a Shinkansen from Kurume to Kokura
stay Kitakyushu
Where to explore
Yanagawa Canal boat cruise is to board a small boat called the Donkobune and slowly
go down the river skillfully maneuvered by a boatman with bamboo pole. A 30minutes
cruise starting Okinohata and go around Ohana & Shotoen Garden is most recommended.
|
|
|
|
Lunch
Yanagawa is the birthplace of Steamed Eel that has more than 300 years history. There are many
restaurants which have their long history and each restaurants have been keeping the traditional
source and brand value.
|
|
|
|
Listed on National Scenic Landmark, was built in 1697 as the villa of the Fourth Lord Tachibana
Akitora. At that time the region was called Hanabatake (Field of flower), so the villa was named
Ohana or Flower.
|
|
|
|
stay
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.
 |
 |
 |
Day 8 Chikugo region
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Itinerary
Check out Hotel in Kurokawa Onsen
Exploring Chikigo region by the use of Chartered taxi
Lunch at the featured restaurant Shirakabe
Stay at Harazuru Onsen
Japanese style Hotel, including dinner and breakfast
Where to explore
Breath taking scenery harmonizes with the Shrine. Ukiha Inari 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.
|
|
|
|
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 traditional
buildings preservation district.
 |
 |
 |
Lunch
Shirakabe, authentic Japanese local restaurant
The chef who makes that cuisines also has experienced the imperial family’s cook.
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.
 |
 |
 |
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.
|
|
|
|
A tranquil Onsen Resortnear Fukuoka-city and is located on the banks of Chikugo River.
The quality hot spring is weakly alkaline and sulfur is mixed and has the effect of dropping
old horn and creating beautiful skin.
|
|
 |
|
Day 11 Fukuoka-city
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
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. You can enjoy various things by selecting from the following.
Exploring Fukuoka-city
Stay in Fukuoka-city, Western style Hotel, included breakfast
Dinner at Fukuoka-city, local specialty cuisines
Where to explore
Shopping and meals
Seaside Momochi is 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 buildings,
all of which help make a modern urban landscape.
|
|
|
|
The complex facility for the wedding hall, shops and restaurants and is located in Seaside
Momochi Park.
 |
 |
 |
Historical places
|
|
|
|
Japanese traditional Shopping Street where you can find a lot of Cool Japan. The entrance of the
shopping street is located next to Kushida Shrine. Approximately 130 shops built in the 400 metre
arcade. There are also souvenir shops including Hakata dolls, shops collected Hakata Gion
Yamakasa goods. Enjoy lunch, Hakata Ramen at the birth place of Nagahama Ramen.
|
|
|
|
In the middle of Hakata Bay Beautiful flowers can be enjoyable throughout the year. Rapeseed
blossom, Cherry blossom, Livingstone daisy Poppy, Rhododendro, Marigold, Hydrengea, Plumed
cockscomb, Dahlia, Sunflower, Cockspur coral tree Bougainvillea, Scarlet sage, Cosmos, Dahlia,
Autumn leaves, Scarlet sage, Japanese narcissus, Japanese camellia, Plum.
|
|
|
|
The aquarium focuses on the aquatic life found around Kyushu. The main tank is a huge, 7 meter
deep pool filled with all different kinds of marine life including over 120 sharks of 20 different varieties.
There are also several outdoor tanks where you can experience feeding dolphins and sea lions.
|
|
|
|
The sprawling, family oriented public park, located on a narrow peninsula across the bay from
central Fukuoka. The park is made up of several different areas including flower gardens, playgrounds,
an amusement park with ferris wheel, sports fields, a water park, a zoo and large open spaces and
lawns perfect for picnicking.
 |
 |
 |
The Japanese traditional Garden; it was originally built in the 1754 for Kuroda Tsugutaka who was
the lord of Fukuoka clan. You can feel Japanese traditional cultures and enjoy Tea Ceremony.
|
|
|
|
The urban living area where you can enjoy a resort lifestyle full of fun and entertainment.
There is a large shopping mall, a sports equipment store, a car accessories store, an interior
design shop, a baby specialty mega store, some restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and many
amusement attractions.
 |
 |
 |
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.
 |
 |
 |
Day 10 Kitakyushu
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Itinerary
Leave Hotel in Kitakyushu
Visit Kukura Castle
Lunch Local cuisines
Exploring Moji
Mjiko Retro → Konamon Pedstrian tunnel
Higashida district UNESCO World Heritage
Transfer to Fukuoka-city
Stay at Fukuoka-city, Western style Hotel, including breakfast
Kitakyushu’s landmark Kokura Castle. Fukuoka–prefecture only in Japan is selected by
CNN Travel as one of the top 19 places to visit in 2019. And the Photo of Kokura Castle is
used for introducing Fukuoka-prefecture. The Castle located within a walking distance of
JR Kokura Station.
 |
 |
 |
Lunch, local cuisines at Kokura
Dr. Albert Einstein awarded Nobel Prize in Physic visited Moji in 1922, and he acclaimed that
everything could see were Arts. The exotic district of Mojiko Retro is visited by more than 2
million tourists a year. Moji-ko Port flourished following its 889 designation as a Special National
Port for exporting coal and other products.
It was built by the Mitsui Co., Ltd in 1921 as a reception centre and to provide accommodation for
VIP’s. Albert Einstein (1879-1955), one of the world’s most famous theoretical physicists, stayed
here during his visit to Japan with his wife in 1922.
 |
 |
 |
The shopping area in the Mojiko Retro district located by the sea. “Full of a romance market which
stir up forgetting contentment” is the direct translation of the concept Kaikyo Plaza is based on.
The area has a very romantic ambience and evokes feeling of nostalgia and contentment that will
never be forgotten.
 |
 |
 |
It is the only Station building that is designated as an Important National Cultural Property
together with Tokyo Station. Mojiko Station is a beautiful station built in the Renaissance
style and modeled on the Termini Station in Italy.
 |
 |
 |
Situated on the 31st floor of the high-rise apartment building “Retro Hi-Mart”. The 103 metre-high
observatory offers magnificent views of the Mojiko Retro district, the Kanmon-kyo Bridge over the
Kanmon Strait, as well as the Shimonoseki area.
|
|
 |
 |
Japan’s modern steel industry was started as Yawata steel Works at Higashida district in 1901.
Since then, the Works greatly contributed to Japan’s industrial modernization. The three sites in
Higashida have been registered on UNESCO World Heritage as Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial
Only the Blast Furnace in the world which preserved as it was. The birth place where Japan’s
steel industry began in 1901. It contributed greatly to the development of the Japanese steel
industry and was used until 1972, and has been preserved just as it was.
|
|
|
|
First Head Office of the Steel Works / UNESCO World Heritage
Built in 1899, ahead of production facilities. It is an architectural fusion of Japanese and European
design, a two story red brick building with bilateral symmetry and a central dome set in a Japanese
tile roof.
|
|
|
|
Day 7 Aso
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Aso gives a lot of unforgettable experiences. The active volcano Mount Aso and world’s
largest caldera offer a lot of excitements. And numerous unforgettable experiences in
the rural area can be made including Onsen, variety of sports and local cuisines.
Itinerary
Check out Hotel in Aso
Exploring Aso by the use of Chartered taxi
Lunch at Minami Aso : Local cuisines
Exploring Aso
Kusaenri-ga-hama → Mount Aso → Daikanbo
Stay at Aso, Kurokawa Onsen
Japanese style Hotel, including dinner and breakfast
Where to explore
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.
|
|
|
|
Lunch
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
 |
 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Day 6 Takachiho
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Located in the center of the Kyushu mountain area where about 40km away from Aso and is steeped
in Japanese mythology. It is the supposed site of legend where Amaterasu, the Shrine Sun Goddess,
disturbed by her brother’s cruel pranks, hid herself in a cave, prompting the other gods and goddesses
to try and lure her out.
Itinerary
Check out Hotel in Kagoshima
Transfer to Kumamoto by JR Shinkansen from Kagoshima-chuo to Kumamoto station
Transfer and exploring Takachio by the use of a Chartered taxi
Lunch at Takachiho, Somen nagashi
Transfer to Aso and stay Aso
Where to explore
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.
 |
 |
 |
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
 |
 |
 |
Japanese indigenous 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.
|
|
|
|
Day 5 Kagoshima & Sakurajima Island
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Kagoshima is the southernmost prefecture in Kyushu which can see Sakura-jima which raises
the smoke across the Kagoshima Bay. Kagoshima prospered in the Edo period as a castle
town, and is a hometown of Takamori Saigo who contributed to the Meiji Restoration
Sakurajima has active volcano with three peaks, Kita-dake, Naka-dake and still active
Minami-dake.
Itinerary
Check out Hotel in Ibusuki
Transfer to Kagoshima, from Ibusuki to Kagoshima-chuo station by JR Limited express train
Chartered taxi is used from JR Kagoshima-chuo station for exploring
Kagoshima and Sakurajima Island
Exploring Kagoshima
Transfer to Sakurajima Island by a Ferry
Exploring Sakurajima Island
Stay at Kagoshima-city Tenmonkan, Western style Hotel, included breakfast
Dinner at Kagoshima-city, local specialty cuisines
Where to explore
Sengan-en is the most famous garden in Kagoshima-prefecture, made by Shimazu lord
in the 19th century at the beautiful bay side Kinko bay. The garden contains many historic
artifact that tell of its long history.
|
|
|
|
Shoko Shuseikan Modern Industrial Complex / UNESCO World Heritage
The museum of the Classics located here exhibits a various of objects related to the Shimazu
family and the Satsuma domain, introducing a Shimazu family tree chart and many other
belongings. The stone building which houses the collection has been designated on the
UNESCO World Heritage, Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution
|
|
|
|
Sakura-jima Ferry connects Kagoshima-city and Sakura-jima Island in 15 minutes and
is operated for 24 hours.
|
|
|
|
An active volcano with three peaks, Kita-dake, Naka-dake and still active Minami-dake.
Formerly an island, it became connected with the Osumi Peninsula in 1914 when lava from its
summit closed the channel between the two.
|
|
|
|
Stay
Kagoshima, Tenmonkan
Tenmonkan is the main shopping district where the Tenmonkan arcade abounds with shoppers
at all sorts of restaurants, some of which specialize in Kagoshima cuisine, as well as cafes and
boutiques.
|
|
|
|
Kagoshima
Sakura-jima Island
Day 4 Ibusuki & Satsuma Peninsula
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Ibusuki and surrounded area Satsuma peninsula extends about 50 kilometers south from
Kagoshima-city, making up the south-western section of Kagoshima-prefecture. The peninsula
offers a mixture of hot springs, subtropical natural attractions and cultural sites. Ibusuki is an
Onsen resort that is famous for its sand baths, where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand.
A chartered taxi is used from JR Ibusuki station for exploring Satsuma Peninsula
Lunch at Tosenkyo : Somen Noddle Nagashi
Enjoy the sand bath at Ibusuki
Stay at Ibusuki Onsen Resort, Japanese style Hotel,
Dinner at Hotel : Japanese style kaiseki dinner including local specialty cuisines
Where to explore
A circumference of 15 km and a maximum depth of 233 meter, where was created by volcanic
activity long ago. Large eel with a length of 2 meter and circumference of 50 cm inhabit the lake.
It was also known as the lake of a legendary monster called ” Issy” purported to live in the lake.
 |
 |
 |
The unique Somen noodle nagashi in Tosenkyo ravine in Kaimon open throughout the year
serving cold Somen noodle that swim in the revolving container.
|
|
|
|
It is the Urashima Taro legendary shrine peninsula and this shrine is becoming popular as a power
spot of matchmaking and good fortune in love.
 |
 |
 |
The cape is the southernmost point of Satsuma peninsula, where a white lighthouse stands. You
can enjoy the view of the magnificent Mount Kaimondake and rocks with the sea spray wearing
them. The Cape is said to be the birthplace of the legend of Ryugu.
 |
 |
 |
stay
Ibusuki Onsen resort Enjoy sand bath
It is best known for its steaming sand baths along the beach, where bathers in a yukata, or
Japanese bathrobe get buried in the sand up to their neck. The sand heated by steam containing
marine minerals is scientifically proven to have therapeutic effects on neuralgia, rheumatism, back
pain and other ailments.
 |
 |
 |
Day 3 Kumamoto
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Kumamoto is the third largest city in Kyushu with a population of 740,000.Must visit place is
Kumamoto Castle listed on the three great castle in Japan.
The city is situated roughly in the center of Kumamoto-prefecture, is the government and
economic center of the prefecture. 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 Forest and Fresh Water.”
Itinerary
Check out Unzen Onsen Resort
Transfer to Shimabara port from Unzen by a Shimatetsu bus, 30 minutes
Travel to Kumamoto from Shimabara port to Kumamoto port by a Kumamoto ferry, 30 minutes
Transfer to Kumamoto Castle from Kumamoto port by Sanko bus
Exploring Sakurano-baba Josaien and Kumamoto Castle
Stay at Kumamoto , Western style Hotel, included breakfast
Dinner at Shimo-tori Shopping Street , local specialty cuisines
Where to explore
Transfer to Kumamoto from Shimabara by a ferry
Two ferries are operated form Shimabara to Kumamoto–city
Kyusho Ferry : operated by Kyusho Ferry, 60 minutes ride
Ocean Arrow : operated by Kumamoto Ferry, 30 minutes ride.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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 heavy 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.
|
|
|
|
Stay
Kumamoto near Shimo-tori Shopping Street
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 night time.
|
|
|
|
Day 2 Nagasaki & Unzen
Self-guided 11 days Kyushu tour
Hashima is a ruins now called “Gunkanjima”, so called after its resemblance
to the silhouette of a battleship, the cruise ship take you exploring Tachibana bay from
Nagasaki port and landing on Hashima island.
Unzen is a beautiful highland Onsen resort in Shimabara peninsula situated Unzen National
Park. The first area to be designated as a National Park in Japan and then the area has been
developed as Onsen resort for both tourist Japanese and foreigner. Even now, many tourist
from all over the world are visiting here for enjoying Nature.
Itinerary
Check out Hotel in Nagasaki
Lunch at Nagasaki Wharf
Transfer to Isahaya by JR Limited express train from Nagasaki to Isahaya, 14 minutes
Drive to Unzen via Nita Pass by a chartered taxi
Check-in Onsen Ryokan, Japanese style accommodation
Walk around Unzen Onsen town and Unzen Jigoku
Dinner at Onsen Ryokan
Where to explore
Gunkan-jima island cruise / Hashima Coal Mine
Hashima coal mining island is an artificial reclaimed island and the site of Japan’s first major
undersea coal exploitation pioneered by Mitsubishi. Hashima Island is located 3 km southwest of
Takashima. The site has been registered on UNESCO World Heritages as Sites of Japan’s Meiji
Industrial Revolution. Now Hashima is a ruins called “Gunkanjima”, so called after its resemblance
to the silhouette of a battleship.
|
|
|
|
Elegant international & domestic tourist harbour. Made up of around 20 unique shops and
restaurants lined up at the water front, offering various choices such Japanese, Western,
and Italian cuisine, to beauty salons, outdoor shops and more.
 |
 |
 |
One of the best scenic spot in Unzen. At any time of the year the natural scenery of Nita Pass
in Unzen is magnificent. Azaleas, green leaves, brilliant autumnal tints of maples and silver frost
represent each season of the year.
|
|
|
|
Jigoku, means Hell, is the number one attraction of Unzen with a peculiar smell of sulfur emitted
from the springs, and with white smoke rising from the ground over a wide area. This is a striking
reminder that Unzen Volcano is still very much alive.
|
|
|
|
Stay
There are 17 Hotels and Ryokan (Japanese style accommodation) around Unzen Jigoku.
rom every hotel, beautiful scenery which changes by season can be enjoyed.
|
|
|
|
Unzen
