CLICK TO VIEW: TRIP INTRO • SCHEDULE/ITINERARY • WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Highlights
🌾 An Interactive adventure: Sail, explore, relax, forage, and much more on a hands-on journey across the island where Japan was born.
⛰️ Climb or Chill: You can ride the rapids of the Kuma River and hike the edge of a dormant volcano, or opt for a chill local cruise and a comfy cafe chair overlooking the Mt. Aso caldera. You pick the pace that fits you best – and have an amazing experience either way.
♨️ Relaxation: Visit two hot springs, which feature private balcony baths, art displays, expertly crafted multi-course dinners, and more – all next to picturesque Japanese gardens and impressive waterfalls.
🚅 Small Town Charm, Big City Fun: You’ll hang with locals in rural mountain towns, go Izakaya hopping in small cities, and explore the neon streets (and ramen stalls!) of Fukuoka – all on one trip!
Stops include: Kirishima • Hitoyoshi • Kumamoto • Mt. Aso • Takachiho • Yufuin • Fukuoka • Nagasaki • Takeo Onsen and points between
*Trip starts on May 11, 2027 in Tokyo. If flying in from another country, be sure to be in Japan by that time. Extremely late arrivals to Tokyo (e.g. 9PM or later) are not advised.
“BREATHTAKING” is just the beginning.
If you are looking for the kind of Japan vacation that truly has a little bit of everything, look no further! From its vibrant cities to its active volcanoes, Kyushu is a place full of life – which is why this journey will be about so much more than sightseeing. You’ll have the chance to sail down massive gorges, walk the edges of dormant volcanoes, craft and cook with locals, get an exclusive tasting of the local shochu, and explore incredible, OMG-did-you-see-that? sights both on your own and with a guide.
Spanning two weeks and all seven of Kyushu’s prefectures, you’ll visit a shochu distillery and vinegar maker in Kirishima, experience neon art displays in Takamori and Takeo Onsen (by the famous TeamLabs), make crafts and food in Yufuin, take to the water in Hitoyoshi and TakachihoGorge, dive into Japanese folk legends at Dazaifu and Awano Iwato shrines, see some of Japan’s best views from Mt. Aso and Glover Garden in Nagasaki, experience the nightlife in Kumamoto and Fukuoka, relax in hot spring resorts in Kirishima and Takeo Onsen, and everything in between. With every day offering a little something different, and every activity scaled in a way that you can take it easy or go for broke, this journey is designed to give you the best of what Kyushu has to offer, coupled with the freedom to pace your vacation as you see fit.
Whether you are a first-time traveler or not, this is a vacation that will get you closer to Japan and its culture than you ever thought possible. Not sure if this trip is for you? Contact us and we’ll answer any questions you might have. Kyushu awaits; get ready to set sail!
Trip itinerary + MAP
DAY 1: TOKYO ARRIVAL
Land in Tokyo and check in to the hotel for an overnight before we leave for Kyushu in the morning. If you’d like to arrive earlier and extend your stay in Tokyo, just let us know and we’ll set it up for you. :)
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
DAY 2: KIRISHIMA • Welcome to Kyushu!
We fly to Kagoshima and transfer to the mountain town of Kirishima overlooking the Sakurajima caldera. We’ll visit a farm for fresh ice cream, visit the iconic Kirishima Shrine, and walk the scenic pathways around Maruo falls before kicking back at hot spring resort and enjoying a multi-course dinner.
Lodging: La Vista Kirishima Hills or similar
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3: KIRISHIMA • Sour, Sweet, and Spicy
Today, we take an exclusive tour of a Shochu distillery (a local spirit famous in southern Kyushu)* and visit a factory producing the region’s iconic black vinegar. We’ll also visit an old reconstruction of an ancient village from the Jomon period!
Lodging: La Vista Kirishima Hills or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Samples provided; non-alcoholic options will be available!
DAY 4: HITOYOSHI/KUMAMOTO • Waves, Wisps, and Wonder
Ride the rapids (or just the calm parts) of the Kuma River, visit the famous “Ghost” Temple of Eikokuji, and wander through classic merchant neighborhoods in the historic mountain town of Hitoyoshi before we relocate to the big(ger) city of Kumamoto.
Lodging: Daiwa Roynet Kumamoto Ginza Dori or similar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: KUMAMOTO • Royal Wonder
We’ll spend a full day checking out the best of Kumamoto City, including their famous castle, the Suizenji Gardens, and the busy shopping arcades of Shimotori, where it won’t be too hard to find all kinds of amazing local eats.
Lodging: Daiwa Roynet Kumamoto Ginza Dori or similar
DAY 6: MT. ASO/TAKACHIHO • Volcanic Ventures
Head into the mountains, where you’ll explore the famous caldera mountain views around Mt. Aso. We’ll also stop by a famous freshwater spring and a rail tunnel that’s become an art installation (really!) before we arrive in Takachiho for the night.
Lodging: Hotel Takachiho or similar
Meals: Dinner
DAY 7: TAKACHIHO • Footsteps of the Gods
The only thing cooler than the Amano Iwato Shrine and its surrounding caves (which we’ll be seeing in the morning) is the experience of paddling around the Takachiho Gorge, under the bridges and around the waterfalls (which we’ll do in the afternoon). We’ll also see a performance of the Yokagura (a local dance/theatre performance) in the evening at Takachiho Shrine.
Lodging: Hotel Takachiho or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: YUFUIN • Do as the locals do
Ready to get your hands dirty? Today we’ll be staying in the countryside outside Yufuin, where we’ll have the chance to make local crafts, help plant rice, and work with our hosts to generate a feast to remember for dinner.
Lodging: Farmhouse Stay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: YUFUIN/FUKUOKA • Cafes and Cool Views
After bidding farewell to our hosts, we’ll head into the center of Yufuin and visit a local art installation and tons of cute cafes on our way to the picturesque Lake Kinrin at the foot of Mt. Yufu. In the evening, we relocate to Kyushu’s largest city – Fukuoka!
Lodging: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo or similar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: FUKUOKA • Neon Lights and Nice Ramen
We’re not in the country anymore! Visit the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, shop the enormous Tenjin Shopping District, try Ramen from local stalls along the river, and join us for a special lunch featuring Fukuoka’s iconic chicken hot pot, Mizutaki!
Lodging: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo or similar
Meals: Lunch
DAY 11: FUKUOKA • Dazaifu and Nighttime Adventures
Visit the gorgeous gardens and environs of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and stop by the Kyushu National Museum (or just check out the many local cafes and mochi shops!). In the evening, join your guides for an optional night out in Fukuoka.
Lodging: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo or similar
DAY 12: FUKUOKA or NAGASAKI • Freedom of Choice
Today is all up to you! Take a day to shop and explore Fukuoka, or if you like, leave early for Nagasaki for an adventure through the abandoned island of Gunkanjima and a somber visit to the A-bomb Memorial park.*
Lodging: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo or similar*
*Guests may elect to stay in Nagasaki tonight upon request.
DAY 13: NAGASAKI/TAKEO ONSEN • From the City to the Onsen
We gather in Nagasaki to see the picturesque Glover Garden and the remnants of the old Dutch trading port of Dejima. From there, we leap back into the lap of luxury: it’s time to check in at our hot spring resort in Takeo Onsen!
Lodging: Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
DAY 14: TAKEO ONSEN • Natural Hues and Neon
Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the hot spring! Check out the fantastic Mifuneyama Gardens, get a spa treatment, and more – but don’t miss out on the cool digital art exhibits by the legendary TeamLabs art team, where old ruins and traditional ryokan energy give a different kind of life to our surroundings.
Lodging: Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15: THE FLIGHT HOME
The journey concludes; time to head home and tell everyone you know how much fun Kyushu was!
Meals: Breakfast
This trip includes…
| |
Trip Status |
Open for signups |
Deadline |
Feb. 26, 2027 |
Minimum guest #: |
8 guests |
Fly → JP On*: |
May 10, 2027 |
Starts in JP On: |
May 11, 2027 |
TRIP PACE |
Medium. Since hikes are optional and there are alternative activities, you can travel as you like. |
Extras |
Single Room at hotels: +$1000 Single Room everywhere: ASK |
*This is the date you should leave your home country.
Click for more info about:
FLIGHTS • REFUND POLICY
🛌 14 nights four-star accommodations, including four nights in hot spring resorts
🥢 Includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners
🚅 All scheduled rail, sea, car, bus, and air transport within Japan.**
🧳 Baggage shipping: up to 3 complimentary luggage transfers for one suitcase per trip (What’s this?)
😀 Professional, bilingual guides there to help with anything you might need
🎟️ Admission to all scheduled activities
📗 Customized Trip Guidebook and Pre-Trip Orientation Materials, including an online health class, provided to you before the trip so you can prepare for the journey before leaving home!
🍫 Nightly turndown service with local sweets
❤️ Complimentary concierge service: we can help plan extra stops, pre-and-post-trip extensions, and more.
🗾 Much, much more!
NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Flights to Japan from your home country
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Meals not listed above
NOTES:
ALCOHOL POLICY: While there are free tasting opportunities on this trip, no one will be forced to drink and non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided. This is a trip for everyone, no matter how you feel about drinks. :)
PACE NOTES: Alternative activities will be provided for people who do not want to do strenuous activities. Please speak with your guides in advance to make arrangements and we’ll get you taken care of!
*All initial payments are a $300 deposit. The balance for the trip is due at the deadline for the trip.
**If a guest decides to go long distances on rail during free times, extra charges may apply.