On this itinerary, you get the chance to experience a journey on the beautifully decorated theme trains which showcase the region. A trip to Japan wouldn't be complete without a relaxing onsen experience; this one takes you to Beppu for a soak in the famous hot spring waters.
Upon arrival you’ll be met by a representative and privately escorted to your hotel.
After time to settle in, you’ll head out to explore Fukuoka's open-air food stands (Yatai) which are the city's known symbol.
In the evening you’ll take a stroll around Fukuoka and sample a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, the specialty of the city.
Enjoy a full day city tour of Fukuoka with your guide. Visit Fukuoka Tower, the city’s highest building overlooking Hakata Bay; Hakata Machiya Furusato Kan, an open-air museum about the history of Hakata; and the Kushida Shrine, whose huge torii gate and ginkgo tree is a designated natural national treasure.
Today you’ll head out of Fukuoka and head to charming Dazaifu, the administrative centre of the island of Kyushu since the 7th century. You’ll visit the impressive Kyushu National Museum before cruising down the river of Yanagawa on a poled boat called “Donko”.
After breakfast you’ll take the scenic train Yufuin No Mori to Yufuin, a popular onsen resort with a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques. Prepare for a night in a ryokan featuring classic Japanese-style futon beds, tatami flooring, paper sliding doors and hot spring baths.
Spend today at leisure.
We recommend visiting the onsen town of Beppu and seeing the nine Jigoku (“hells”) -unique hot springs that are only suitable for viewing due to extreme high temperatures.
Elsewhere you can check out different baths, including ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths and steam baths.
Today’s train journey whisks you to Kumamoto, located in the centre of Kyushu island.
Accompanied by your private guide you’ll visit Suizenji Garden, a spacious Japanese style landscape garden built by the Hosokawa family. You’ll also walk around Kumamoto Castle while learning about its history and the restoration work after the earthquake in 2016.
An early start will see you travelling to Aso, a small rural town surrounded by five peaks. You’ll have the chance to ride the themed train - Aso Boy! - a train with panoramic seats offering incredible views of mountain scenery.
Spend your time trekking on Mt. Daikanbo, enjoying the stunning views of Aso. You'll finish your excursion at Aso Shrine, a Shinto shrine that has around 2,500 years of history.
Today you’ll take a ferry from Kumamoto to Shimabara. You’ll visit the white walled Shimabara Castle, and try kanzarashi, a local dish made of rice dumplings soaked in sweet syrup.
On your drive to Nagasaki, you can catch a glimpse of the famous Mount Unzen, an active volcano which serves as the geothermal power source for the many hot springs in the surrounding area.
Enjoy a day of leisure walking around Nagasaki.
Witness churches such as Oura Cathedral, the oldest church in Japan, while learning about its history from your guide. You’ll also Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki of August 9, 1945.
End your holiday with a half-day boat tour to discover the most famous landmarks of Nagasaki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see a former deep-sea coal mine which was home to generations of miners during the Meiji era.
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey home.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
