Off the Beaten Path
Scenic Kyushu
Step into Japan’s most southerly of 4 major islands and discover bubbling Onsen, active volcanos and rich history. Try authentic world-famous Tonkoku Ramen at Yatai with friendly local people!
Your Kyushu journey starts from Fukuoka, also often called “Hakata”, as the areas once a merchant town before merged with a castle town Fukuoka. As the largest city in Kyushu and home to some of the country’s best food culture, enjoy the bustling city with lots of museums, cafes and Yatai (stalls) street food alongside of the river.
Travel by Express bus to Kurokawa Onsen, remote yet one of the most popular Hot Springs in Kyushu, surrounded by forest and greenery. Next stop is Mt. Aso, the active volcano and one of Japan’s first National Parks. Depending on the condition, it is possible to walk up to the rim of the crater and witness the gasses spewing from its cauldron. Travel continues to a castle town Kumamoto. The area was hit by an earthquake in 2016 and Kumamoto castle suffered immense damage. Although restoration works are still carried out, the interior of main keep has re-opened to the public.
Kagoshima, sitting at the southernmost tip of Kyushu is famous for another highly active volcano, Sakurajima. You will see the volcano smoking constantly. The last stop of 14 days tour is Nagasaki, a port city, once the only entry point for foreigners into Japan and exudes its Dutch influence and has emerged from the site of an atomic bomb as a thriving costal city.
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit 4 prefectures in Kyushu island, each has unique charm.
- Enjoy world-famous Yatai (street) food in Fukuoka.
- Step back in time in the rural Hot Spring town, Kurokawa onsen.
- Stay overnight near Mt. Aso and explore the largest active volcano in Japan
- Visit historical city Nagasaki, also selected the new three major night views in Japan
Included in Tour Arrangements
- Domestic flights from Tokyo to Fukuoka and Nagasaki to Tokyo
- All accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- 7-day Kyushu Rail Pass – ordinary class
Take a domestic flight to Fukuoka.
Free to explore the largest city in Kyushu and home to some of the country’s best street food.
Stay for 2 nights.
Hotel Nikko Fukuoka ★★★★ / The b Hakata ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Fukuoka (Hakata).
Or you may like to visit nearby city, Yanagawa, often called “the Venice of Kyushu” because of the hundreds of kilometres of canals. Lie back on the traditional boat called “Donko-bune” and enjoy Sendo-san’s (boatman’s) song.
Breakfast included
Hotel Nikko Fukuoka ★★★★ / The b Hakata ★★★ or equivalent
Travel by Express bus to Kurokawa Onsen.
Free to explore Kurokawa Onsen and enjoy Hot Spring at the authentic Japanese style Inn.
Stay for 2 nights
Breakfast Dinner included
Yamamizuki Bettei Miyama Sansou ★★★★ / Shinmeikan ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kurokawa Onsen and relax in the peaceful environment surrounded by the beautiful nature.
Breakfast Dinner included
Travel by local bus to Mt. Aso.
Free to explore Mt. Aso National Park.
*due to volcanic gases, bad weather or risk of volcanic activity, the crater area may be partially or completely closed.
Stay overnight.
Breakfast Dinner included
Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso ★★★ or equivalent
Travel to Kumamoto by train.
Free to explore Kumamoto.
Stay for 3 nights
Breakfast included
Kyushu Rail Pass from Aso to Kumamoto included
Hotel Nikko Kumamoto ★★★★ / Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kumamoto.
Breakfast included
Hotel Nikko Kumamoto ★★★★ / Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kumamoto.
Or you may like to visit Takachiho Gorge, located in the neighbouring prefecture, Miyazaki. The view of the gorge from a boat is spectacular and rowing close to the 17-meter Manai Falls is absolutely thrilling.
Breakfast included
Hotel Nikko Kumamoto ★★★★ / Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto ★★★ or equivalent
Travel to Kagoshima by train.
Free to explore Kagoshima.
Stay for 2 nights
Breakfast included
Kyushu Rail Pass from Kumamoto to Kagoshima included
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima ★★★★ / Daiwa Roynet hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan Premier ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kagoshima.
You may like to visit active volcano Sakurajima by ferry.
Breakfast included
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima ★★★★ / Daiwa Roynet hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan Premier ★★★ or equivalent
Travel by train to Nagasaki.
Free to explore Nagasaki.
Stay for 3 nights
Breakfast included
Kyushu Rail Pass from Kagoshima to Nagasaki included
Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotels Resorts ★★★★ / Hotel JAL City Nagasaki ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Nagasaki.
Breakfast included
Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotels Resorts ★★★★ / Hotel JAL City Nagasaki ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Nagasaki
You may like to visit World Cultural Heritage site, Hashima more commonly known as Gunkanjima (meaning battleship island in Japanese), a nickname is given its battleship-like shape. Former coal mine and the most famous uninhabited island in Nagasaki.
*To visit Gunkanjima, you must join one of the organized tours and advance reservation is required.
Breakfast included
Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotels Resorts ★★★★ / Hotel JAL City Nagasaki ★★★ or equivalent
Take a domestic flight to Tokyo.
Accommodation Rating: ★★★★＝Superior, ★★★＝Standard
REMARKS and BOOKING CONDITIONS
Unless otherwise specified, Sightseeing Tours are seat-in coach, operated by our partner suppliers in Japan and may be combined with another group.
Local government taxes, such as Resort tax, Accommodation tax or Bathing tax are not included in the tour price. Please pay directly to the accommodation if applicable.
For General information and Jaltour Terms & Conditions, please access from here.