Kyushu – Onsen, Oceans and Volcanoes

Begin the day with a visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of Kyushu’s most culturally significant shrine towns. As you walk the approach lined with traditional shops, take time to browse local souvenirs and sample specialties such as plum-based sweets, before arriving at the shrine dedicated to the deity of learning.

Return toward central Fukuoka for lunch, followed by a relaxing walk through Ohori Park. Centered around a large lake, the park offers wide walking paths and scenic viewpoints, with the option to visit a traditional Japanese garden or simply enjoy a calm lakeside stroll.

In the late afternoon, transition into Fukuoka’s vibrant city atmosphere with exploration of Tenjin and Nakasu. Enjoy local recommendations from your guide. 

Travel from Fukuoka into the heart of Kyushu’s onsen culture, arriving in Beppu, a town defined by its dramatic geothermal activity. Begin with a visit to the famous “Hells of Beppu,” where vividly colored hot springs and steaming vents showcase the raw power beneath the surface.

After exploring the different geothermal sites, enjoy time to unwind in a traditional onsen setting, letting the mineral-rich waters ease you into a slower pace. As evening falls, settle in for a refined kaiseki dinner, where seasonal ingredients highlight the flavors of the region.

Depart Beppu and journey deep into Kyushu’s natural landscapes in the comfort of a private vehicle, heading first to Takachiho, a place steeped in mythology and dramatic natural beauty.

At Takachiho Gorge, walk along the riverside beneath towering basalt cliffs or take to the water for a closer view of the cascading falls.

Continue onward to the vast caldera of Mount Aso, where sweeping grasslands and volcanic landscapes open up across the horizon. Take in panoramic viewpoints and the scale of one of the world’s largest active volcanic regions before ending the day in the peaceful surroundings of Aso.

Travel onward to Kumamoto, where history and local culture come into focus. Begin with a visit to the iconic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal landmarks, before exploring the surrounding streets that once housed samurai residences.

Take time to experience the local food culture, from casual street-side specialties to more refined regional dishes, offering a deeper connection to the area beyond its historic sites.

Travel south by shinkansen to Kagoshima, a coastal city defined by its relationship with Sakurajima. Upon arrival, begin your exploration with a visit to Sengan-en, a beautifully preserved feudal garden set against the dramatic backdrop of the volcano.

While at Sengan-en, try your hand at a short Japanese archery experience, adding a unique cultural element to your visit. Continue on to explore Kagoshima’s waterfront and surrounding city districts, where a distinct southern atmosphere blends history, nature, and relaxed coastal living.

Cross the bay by ferry to Sakurajima and spend the day exploring one of Japan’s most active volcanoes at a relaxed pace. Cycle along coastal routes shaped by past eruptions, stopping at viewpoints and lava fields that reveal the island’s ever-changing landscape.

With the volcano as a constant presence, the day offers a unique opportunity to experience life in close connection with nature’s raw forces.

Journey north toward Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, where centuries of craftsmanship are still alive today. Stroll through the historic streets lined with kilns and galleries, and take part in a hands-on pottery experience guided by local artisans.

After time to explore and enjoy the atmosphere, continue on to Nagasaki, arriving in the late afternoon to settle into the city’s distinct coastal setting.

Spend the day discovering Nagasaki, a city shaped by both international exchange and pivotal moments in history. Begin in the hillside district with visits to Glover Garden and surrounding areas, where Western influences remain visible in architecture and atmosphere.

In the afternoon, visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, offering a powerful and reflective perspective on the city’s past and its message for the future.

Begin the final day with a visit to Dejima, the historic trading post that once connected Japan to the outside world. Walk through the restored buildings and gain insight into the cultural exchanges that shaped the nation.

After time for lunch, transfer to the station and return to Fukuoka, bringing the journey to a close or continuing onward to your next destination.