This tour visits the major sights of Ōita, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and Fukuoka prefectures, focusing on the historic cities of each region, and the natural wonders found in the countryside between them. You travel in a private vehicle with your own driver and guide, staying in some of the most characterful accommodation in Kyūshū.
Kyūshū is a volcanically active island and the scale of the landscape is dramatically big, with numerous smoking volcanoes. This volcanic activity also produces many hot springs, which you can enjoy at each stay.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is for those who want to see a variety of the best sights of Kyūshū in comfort with a guide. This is not a highly active tour, but you do stroll around urban areas and there are some short, steep walks up to temples and shrines.
You fly to Ōita where you meet your driver and guide. Then you drive to the impressive Futago-ji Temple on a deeply forested mountain. The next stop is Bungo Takada where you stroll around the nostalgic Shōwa period town and have lunch of the local favourite, soba noodles. Your last stop is the Kumano Magaibutsu, a huge Buddhist rock carving. Your accommodation is the seaside Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa where dinner (included) is served.
After breakfast (included), you check out and visit some of the Beppu Hells, dramatic natural hot spring pools in vivid colours that bubble and steam. Exotic plants are grown in greenhouses fed by the springs. You take the cable car up to Tsurumidake, a tall volcano towering above Beppu and enjoy the spectacular view. Then you drive to Yufuin for lunch, a tasty pork soup. If you can walk around the lake or mingle with the crowds in the shopping arcade. Then it's time to head to your accommodation at lovely quiet Kurokawa Onsen Okunoyu spa ryokan where dinner (included) is served.
After breakfast (included), you check out and visit Nabetaki Falls, and experience walking behind the falling water. Then you drive up to the caldera of Mt. Aso, a huge, active volcano, and visit sights including Komezuka, Daikanbō Lookout, and Nakadake Crater 1. After visiting the fascinating museum, lunch is at the cafeteria overlooking the Kusasenri grassland. Time permitting, you visit Aso Shrine, one of the oldest Shintō shrines in Japan, before driving to your accommodation. Mori no Eki Donguri is an old private home with wonderful stone baths fed with hot spring water. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.
After breakfast (included) you drive to Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture. You stroll through beautiful Amanoiwato Shrine and along the river to Yasukawara Cave, site of Japan's founding myth featuring the Goddess Amaterasu and her unruly brother. Then you take a ride on the scenic Amaterasu Railway to admire the gorge from above. Miyazaki is famed for its wagyu beef and lunch (not included) is at a restaurant serving delicious steak. After lunch you stroll along Takachiho Gorge with its extraordinary rock formations and waterfalls. Then you return to Mori no Eki Donguri where dinner (included) is served.
After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Kumamoto city where you visit the beautiful Suizenji Jōju-en Garden with its recreation of Mt. Fuji and nearby Kumamoto Castle. You stop for lunch of ramen (not included) on the way to the Ariaki Ferry and cross the Ariaki Sea with your vehicle. Your accommodation is the comfortable modern Iseya Ryokan in Obama Onsen with its several hot spring baths. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.
After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Mt. Unzen where you take the cable car up the volcano and walk around the summit. Then you drive to the city of Nagasaki. After lunch (not included) at Chinatown, you stroll around Glover Garden with its beautiful villas, Ōura Cathedral, and historic Dejima where European merchants lived on a tiny enclosed island. Your accommodation is a beach resort just outside Nagasaki. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.
After breakfast (included), you can opt to enjoy a day at the beach, or drive into Nagasaki city to explore more, such as the museum and sites relating to the atomic bombing and Christian martyrs. Your accommodation is the same as Day 8. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.
After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Yanagawa, known for its many willow-lined canals and its historical heritage. You take a ride in a punt and visit a historic house and garden. Lunch (not included) is the region's popular eel on rice at a restaurant overlooking the canal. Your next stop is Dazaifu where you explore the long approach and extensive grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, popular with students and scholars. Your accommodation is in the centre of Fukuoka city. Dinner (not included) is at a restaurant or street stall.
After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Kyūshū National Museum with its fascinating exhibitions of the culture and history of Kyūshū. Then you head to Fukuoka Airport where you say goodbye to your driver and guide.
Included
- Accommodation
- Vehicle and driver
- English-speaking guide
- Meals shown
- Basic insurance
Not included
- Travel to and from Kyūshū
- Drinks
- Comprehensive insurance
Not really. Japanese cooking is based on fish stock, and the Japanese love their fish and meat. On this tour, you stay in traditional Japanese accommodation that is proud of its cuisine, especially the fish. For breakfast and dinner, it is possible to ask for ‘largely’ vegetarian food, but no guarantees are offered. You can generally find vegetarian options for lunch, but with limited choice.
Our cancellation policy is as follows;
- Cancelled more than 21 days prior to start: No charge
- Cancelled between 20 and 8 days prior to start: 20% of the total fee
- Cancelled between 7 days and 48 hours prior to start: 30% of the total fee
- Cancelled between 48 and 24 hours prior to start: 40% of the total fee
- Cancelled within 24 hours of start: 50% of the total fee
- Cancelled on the day of start or failure to show: 100% of the total fee
- No refunds will be given after the tour has commenced.
When you book a tour, we ask for a 10% deposit, with the balance to be paid a month before the start of the tour. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.