Kyushu's Hidden Treasures

Welcome to Nagasaki! Upon arrival at Nagasaki Airport, a private transfer will take you into the heart of this historic city. Once you’re settled, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. Wander through the charming streets, absorbing Nagasaki’s unique atmosphere, where Japanese and Western influences harmoniously coexist. Visit nearby landmarks like Glover Garden or immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown for an evening snack. Alternatively, simply relax and soak in the city’s peaceful ambience as you unwind and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

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Discover Nagasaki’s cultural and historical heritage on a private guided tour. Start at the Peace Park, reflecting on the city’s resilience. Visit Glover Garden, an open-air museum with colonial-era homes and harbour views, then explore Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, the oldest in Japan. In the afternoon, experience a traditional tea ceremony, learning matcha preparation and etiquette. Finish with a hands-on Castella-making workshop, where you’ll craft the famous sponge cake, a legacy of Nagasaki’s Portuguese connections.

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Travel from Nagasaki to Arita, the small town that put Japan on the world map through porcelain. The journey brings you into a quieter, rural corner of Kyushu, where forested hills surround workshops that have been producing ceramics for more than 400 years.

On arrival, explore Arita’s historic pottery district, with narrow streets lined by kilns, studios and merchant houses. You will see how raw clay is shaped, fired and finished into the finely painted pieces that once travelled from here to Europe and beyond. Galleries display everything from classic blue and white designs to modern interpretations by today’s makers, and there is time to browse for something special to take home. Later, check in to your hotel before enjoying a shojin ryori dinner, a traditional Buddhist meal built around seasonal vegetables and careful, thoughtful preparation. (B,D)

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Start the day in Arita with a guided, hands on pottery session that brings the town’s ceramic heritage to life. You will paint your own designs and shape clay, guided by local makers who work in the same tradition that made Arita famous across Japan and Europe. Your finished piece will be fired after your visit and shipped to you, a personal reminder of time spent here.

After the workshop, travel by express train to Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu’s most dynamic city and a centre of modern food culture. In the evening, head to Nakasu for a guided street food tour using public transport. This riverside district is known for its yatai, small open-air food stalls serving Hakata ramen, yakitori and fresh seafood. It is one of the best ways to experience Fukuoka’s energy and its proud, informal food scene. (B,D)

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Begin the day with a guided tour of Fukuoka using public transport, starting with a trip to Dazaifu, one of Kyushu’s most important historic towns. Here you visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning and a place many students still come to pray for good fortune. The shrine’s wooded grounds, arched bridges and traditional buildings give a sense of Japan at a slower pace, while the approach street is lined with small shops selling local sweets, including the city’s famous plum pastries.

Return to Hakata to explore Canal City, a bold modern complex built around flowing waterways, filled with shops, cafés and local food outlets. Later, head to Ohori Park, where a large central lake and tree-lined paths create a calm, green space right in the middle of the city, ideal for an unhurried walk. (B)

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Travel to Kunisaki, a region known for its spiritual significance and rich history. Start with a guided pilgrimage trek that blends Shinto and Buddhist traditions, taking you through sacred sites hidden within the lush landscapes of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Follow ancient forested paths and explore temples, learning about the spiritual heritage of the area.

Afterwards, visit a historic samurai district for a walking tour, where you can explore well-preserved architecture and hear stories from the samurai era, offering insight into the noble lifestyle of Japan's past. Conclude with a Tea Ceremony Experience, where you will immerse yourself in the serene and refined world of traditional Japanese tea culture. Learn the rituals and etiquette while savouring matcha prepared by a skilled tea master. (B)

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The day begins with a comfortable express train journey to Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. Set between the sea and volcanic hills, Beppu is shaped by geothermal activity, with steam vents and mineral-rich waters woven into daily life. You'll have free time to explore the town and its best-known sights, including the Hells of Beppu, a collection of dramatic hot springs ranging from vivid turquoise pools to bubbling mud ponds. These sites offer a fascinating insight into the volcanic forces beneath the surface and are valued more for their spectacle than for bathing.

In the evening, check in at Sally Garden Inn Yanagiya, a traditional hot spring lodge with a warm, intimate atmosphere. Accommodation is in a Nest Japanese-style room, combining rustic design with modern comfort. Dinner is a jigokumushi meal, where fresh local ingredients are gently steamed using natural geothermal heat, offering a true taste of Beppu’s hot spring culture and a relaxing end to the day. (B,D)

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After breakfast, continue by private vehicle to Mt. Aso, one of Japan’s most dramatic volcanic regions and home to one of the world’s largest active calderas. The drive itself is part of the experience, passing through wide grasslands, rolling hills and volcanic peaks that give the area its vast, almost otherworldly scale. Mt. Aso’s landscape has been shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, creating fertile plains that contrast beautifully with rugged crater scenery. The region is also deeply connected to local farming culture, with grazing cattle and open pastureland defining much of the view.

The afternoon is spent exploring the area with a private guide, allowing time to appreciate both the natural power and quiet beauty of this remarkable setting. In the evening, return to the hotel for a yakiniku barbecue dinner, showcasing high-quality local ingredients in a relaxed setting. (B,D)

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Experience the beauty of Mt. Aso’s landscapes on a guided e-bike tour, cycling through expansive grasslands, ancient shrines, and scenic trails that reveal the mountain’s rich 13,000-year history. As you explore, your guide will share insights into the area’s volcanic origins and its cultural significance, enhancing your understanding of the region. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shabu-Shabu dinner, where you’ll cook thinly sliced meat and fresh vegetables in a flavourful hot pot broth, providing an interactive and enjoyable dining experience. (B,D)

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After breakfast at the hotel, travel by express train from Aso to Kumamoto, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes through scenic countryside and volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival in Kumamoto, the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Options include strolling through the historic streets of the city, visiting the impressive Kumamoto Castle, or relaxing at a local café. The day offers flexibility to discover Kumamoto at a personal pace and enjoy the city’s mix of history, culture, and modern charm. (B)

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After breakfast at the hotel, take a bullet train from Kumamoto to Kagoshima, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes through southern Kyushu’s scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, a private vehicle and guide lead a full-day exploration of Kagoshima. Begin at Sakurajima, an active volcano rising dramatically from the bay, where panoramic views reveal the island’s volcanic power and natural beauty.

Continue to Sengan-en, a former samurai residence and exquisite Japanese garden. Stroll its landscaped grounds, enjoy seasonal flowers, and take in sweeping views of Sakurajima. A stop at a scenic spot along the way provides a moment to relax and enjoy tea while soaking in the landscape. The day concludes in Tenmonkan, Kagoshima’s lively downtown district, where streets are filled with shops, cafés and local eateries. Explore the area before joining a guided evening foodie tour, sampling the city’s distinctive flavours and culinary specialities. (B,D)

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Explore Chiran in Kagoshima Prefecture, one of Japan’s premier tea-producing regions. Wander through lush tea fields and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed tea, learning about traditional hand-kneading methods that have been passed down through generations.

The journey continues with a visit to a local shochu distillery, where this beloved Japanese distilled spirit is crafted using regional ingredients. Discover the production process firsthand, from fermentation to distillation, and sample a variety of shochu, gaining insight into its flavours and cultural significance. This day offers a blend of hands-on learning, tasting experiences, and an appreciation of southern Kyushu’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. (B)

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