On Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, undisturbed nature, and unique culture and history will highlight your journey.

Welcome to Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan, with its unique cultural landscape and history. The active volcanic mountain of Aso sits gracefully in the caldera in the heart of the island. The steam rising from nearby hot springs gave the area its name of Jigoku Onsen or Hell’s Hot Springs, making Kyushu an excellent place to be blessed by the spirits of fire and water.
Kyushu’s uniqueness also comes from Japan’s long-standing isolation from the rest of the world. During Japan’s isolation, the port of Nagasaki was the only place where international trade was permitted with China Korea, and European countries, making Kyushu rich and diverse in its cultural landscape, especially in pottery, craft and textile art, and food. Kyushu is home to Tonkotsu ramen, Kurume Kasuri and Yame green tea, and locals take pride in the quality of food raised in unique natural surroundings.

On this 10-day journey, we will go trekking on Mt. Aso, which is situated in the heart of Kyushu. We will enjoy its natural beauty and destress in a hot spring. In the city of Kumamoto, we will travel in time as we explore Kumamoto castle and traditional Japanese gardens. We will eat like locals – Akaushi beef and Shochu, anyone?

In Nagasaki, we will explore this cheerful cosmopolitan city with trams gliding through its downtown, and relax along its attractive harbor. Some of the gems of Nagasaki arose from its long history of engagement with Christianity. On the hillsides overlooking the bay are beautiful gardens and examples of the earliest western architecture in Japan, reminders of Nagasaki’s once-thriving foreign trade. Puccini opera Madame Butterfly and the novel on which it is based are set in Nagasaki as well.

Enjoy this inspiring trip to Kyushu.

Ideal trip for:

Family , Like-minded friends , Couples

Travel Details

Duration:
10 days

Price:
Starts at $4999 person, double occupancy

Minimum number of travelers:
2 people

Highlights

• Meet and greet in Fukuoka city
• Traditional ryokan stay and kaiseki dinner
• Stay at a hot spring on Mt. Aso
• Hiking on Mt. Aso
• Visit Kumamoto Castle, one of the top three castles of Japan
• Tea ceremony at Suizenji Japanese Garden
• Cooking class and market visit
• Tour a sake brewery
• Nagasaki sightseeing: Glover Garden, Peace Museum & Dejima Ward
• Visit Arita, where Japanese porcelain originated (optional)
• Tea farm visit and papermaking workshop in Yame (optional)
• Traditional dance performance
• Local festivals (seasonal)

What’s included:

Customized itinerary

Hotels & ryokan

Guide/translator

Local transportation

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Admission fees for activities listed