Example Itinerary

Exploring Japanese Culture, Kyushu-style

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Cuisine, Heritage
Destinations
Japan

Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest island and the farthest southwest of them all. With its fascinating historical architecture, unique Asian- and European-influenced cuisine, and cultural curiosities unique to this particular region of Japan, Kyushu is an interesting destination for those looking for to cover a range of interests. Its must-see sights include the history-enriched city of Nagasaki, stunning volcanic mountains of Aso and Unzen, and historical buildings, castles included.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Great Outdoors: Kyushu's active volcanoes, natural hot springs, beaches and traditional Japanese gardens offer a multitude of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

• Food: Sample authentic and delicious Kyushu specialties, such as tonkotsu ramen - noodles bathing in flavor-packed pork bone broth.

• Modern History: The Peace Memorial Park is a somber reminder of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki and an important place to visit to understand a difficult chapter in Japanese history.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Fukuoka

Begin by touching down in Fukuoka, a city situated on the northern shore of the island Kyushu. Settle into your hotel and then spend today exploring the largest modern city on the island. First up, visit Canal City, a large shopping and entertainment complex. There’s great shops, cafes and restaurants inside, and it’s the perfect place to start your shopping. Don’t forget to visit Nakasu, the red light district and party area. For a culture kick, stop by the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine, spanning more than 3,000 acres. This shrine was built over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, a poet who is worshipped as the god of learning and academic achievements. In the evening, grab a taste of local Fukuoka cuisine - make sure you try the Mizutaki chicken hot pot or the Tonkotsu ramen noodles in pork bone broth.

Hotel Options
About

Overlooking Hakata Bay, on the coast of Shikanoshima Island, and nestled into Uminonakamichi Seaside Park,  guests of The Luigans Spa & Resort are treated to lush, verdant green surroundings, with expansive ocean views. The design concept of this hotel incorporates bold, vivid colors, a homage to famous architect, Luis Barragan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This chic hotel has styled itself as a modern urban oasis, with luxurious, contemporary touches like a lit-up pool, complete with leafy centerpiece. The hotel’s 16 luxurious rooms are furnished with colorful, sleek pieces, and soft, plush linens, while all drinks, champagne included, are complimentary.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Nagasaki

This morning you will first pay a visit to several small towns in Saga Prefecture that are famous for their pottery. Karatsu, Arita and Imari towns have been creating high quality, impressive pottery and porcelain for many years with ancient techniques brought to the island from Korea. These towns have fabulous pottery on display at various studios, galleries and the homes of historically important pottery makers. Next, head to the city of Nagasaki, known to much of the world as the target of an atomic bomb attack by the United States, an event which killed more than 70,000 residents within seconds. 

Hotel Options
About

This grand, stylish, award-winning hotel is a Nagasaki centerpiece. Clean, crisp decor takes modernity to the next level, alongside the hotel’s playful light displays.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Though far from Nagasaki’s city center, Hansuiryo enjoys lush natural surroundings from its location  tucked away in the countryside. This means guests trade convenience for a feeling of being away from the tourist crowds, secluded in the midst of Unzen National Park.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This stunning seven-story hotel is located within Nagasaki’s Huis Ten Bosch theme park. The elegant structure is meant to conjure memories of a 19th century Dutch mansion.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Designed by famed architect Junzo Yoshimura, on his quest for the ultimate comfort hotel, this traditional Japanese ryokan is large and historic. The rooms have been designed in keeping with very traditional Japanese styles - simple, clean, walls with tatami mat floors, and floor seating.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Nagasaki
Nagasaki

Day 3

Map

Kumamoto

Wake up early for a busy morning exploring Nagasaki with your local guide. First, visit the Peace Memorial Park, a somber reminder of the more than 70,000 people killed by the events in Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Then you’ll move onto Nagasaki’s Chinatown, Japan’s oldest, established in the 17th century. Chinatown is best known for its restaurants and distinctive Chinese flair not seen in other parts of Japan. Stunning European houses and an old Catholic wooden church are located on the hill overlooking the port. For lunch, it’s a local meal of Chanpon, which is ramen noodles with stirfry, or Shippoku, original Chinese-influenced cuisine. After lunch, take a scenic train trip and a ferry ride to Kumamoto. Here you’ll see a view of beautiful volcanic Mt Unzen. 

Hotel Options
About

This modern Kumamoto hotel is situated in the center of the city and is the best available in the area. There are 191 rooms to choose from, and six restaurants as well, giving this hotel a leg-up on choice.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Yufuin

Wake up in Kumamoto and take a trip to Kumamoto Castle, a large castle situated high up on a hill. It’s an impressive sight and well worth a visit. After that, visit a traditional Japanese garden, surrounded by pine trees and a lovely, tranquil pond. After a busy morning of exploration, head to relax in either Yufuin or Kurokawa, two areas known for their hot springs. On the way to the hot springs resort, experience a scenic drive around the area of Mount Aso. This is the largest active volcano in Japan and is located in the Aso Kuju National Park. 

Hotel Options
About

One of Yufuin’s top three ryokans, Hotel Kamenoi Bessou has both Western and Japanese-style rooms available amongst its 21 rooms. The rooms are on the smaller side, but what they lack in space, they make up for in comfort.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This modern hotel is one of Yufuin’s top three ryokans. Guests will enjoy its effortless melding of Western touches with traditional and contemporary Japanese sensitivities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Tamanoyu is one of Japan’s most well-known hotels. Once a sanatorium for Zen priests, a  refurbishment updated the hotel, while preserving its traditional elements.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Map

Departure

Emerge from a restful sleep before heading to Fukuoka Airport to catch your international flight. Reflect upon what a fabulous time you’ve had exploring this amazing part of Japan. Safe travels to your next onward destination!

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