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

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
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

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

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!

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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