Kyushu Japan with Keri and Nicola

Welcome to Japan! 

After arriving in Fukuoka in the morning, start your adventure with a free city tour, soaking in the sights and atmosphere of this vibrant city. Your first stop will be the Kushida Shrine, a historic site famous for its role in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a traditional festival recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Following the shrine visit, you’ll embark on a culinary journey to one of Fukuoka’s famous yatai stalls. These small, outdoor food stalls are legendary for their authentic, local street food, offering everything from ramen to yakitori. The yatai experience is a true taste of the city, and these spots are notoriously difficult to access, even for locals without the right connections. With your guide, can dive right into this special dining experience, sampling delicious dishes in a unique and intimate setting. It’s a perfect way to kick off your time in Fukuoka, combining culture, history, and food all in one exciting day.

Overnight: Nishitetsu Inn Fukuoka (or similar)

Meals: -/-/Dinner

Explore the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a sacred site that has been revered for over 1,100 years as a place of worship dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, scholarship, and good fortune. Stroll through the shrine’s picturesque grounds, passing under the iconic vermilion torii gates through vibrant fall foliage. Don't forget to stop by the traditional shops along Tenjin-sama Street, where you can sample local specialties like Umegae mochi, a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste.

Next, immerse yourself in Fukuoka’s rich culinary culture with an authentic Hakata Ramen cooking class. Learn the secrets behind this beloved dish customize your bowl with a variety of toppings and experience the deep, umami-packed flavors that make Hakata ramen a favorite among food lovers.

As night falls, venture into Nakasu, Fukuoka’s vibrant entertainment district, home to around 800 snack bars, izakayas, and Japanese-style nightclubs. Let your guide lead you through the neon-lit streets, where you can enjoy a true deep nightlife experience, mingling with locals over drinks, sampling late-night street food, and discovering hidden bars that showcase the city’s lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Meals: B/L/D

Overnight: Nishitetsu Inn Fukuoka (or similar)

Today we take the famous "Bullet Train" or Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Kumamoto.

Enjoy a day of exploration in Kumamoto City, a vibrant destination blending history, culture, and local flavours. Take advantage of free time to ride the city’s tram, an easy and scenic way to discover Kumamoto’s charming streets, bustling shopping districts, and hidden gems at your own pace.

A highlight of Kumamoto is a visit to the iconic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive castles, renowned for its striking black exterior and formidable stone walls. Step back in time as you walk through its reconstructed turrets and castle grounds, imagining the era of samurai warriors who once defended this stronghold.

Nearby, explore Sakura-no-Baba Josaien, a lively historical and cultural complex designed to transport visitors to feudal Japan. Stroll through its traditional merchant streets, where you can experience hands-on samurai exhibits, watch live performances, and browse shops selling local crafts and delicacies.

As the day winds down, indulge in Kumamoto’s signature dish, Dagojiru, a hearty and comforting miso-based soup filled with handmade flat dumplings, seasonal vegetables, and savoury ingredients. Originally enjoyed by farmers, this nourishing meal offers a taste of Kumamoto’s rustic culinary heritage—a perfect way to end your journey through this historic city.

Meals: B/-/-

Hotel: Omo Kumamoto (or similar)

Embark on an exhilarating day of hiking in the Aso region with our local guide, home to one of the world's largest volcanic calderas and some of Japan’s most striking landscapes. 

Start your journey with a scenic hike around Nakadake Crater, one of Aso’s most active volcanic peaks. The trail circles the steaming crater lake, where you'll witness the raw power of nature—plumes of white smoke rising from the depths, rugged rock formations, and the surreal blue-green waters of the acidic lake. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of the Aso Caldera, an immense volcanic depression stretching over 25 kilometers in diameter, creating an otherworldly landscape of rolling hills, forests, and lava plateaus.

After a day of hiking, return to Kumamoto City for a well-earned evening of bar hopping. As a self-guided adventure, you can explore the lively nightlife districts such as Shinshigai and Shimotori, where narrow alleyways are lined with izakayas (Japanese pubs), cocktail bars, and standing bars serving local sake, shochu, and craft beers.

Pair your drinks with Kumamoto’s signature bar snacks, such as karashi renkon (spicy lotus root) or Basashi (horse sashimi), a local delicacy known for its rich, delicate flavour. 

Meals: B/-/D

Hotel: Omo Kumamoto (or similar)

Travel in style from Kumamoto to Nagasaki aboard a high-speed boat, gliding across the shimmering waters of the Ariake Sea. Upon arrival at the Shimabara Peninsula, step into the enchanting world of Unzen, a hidden gem where volcanoes and human life harmoniously coexist. This region is famous for its Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell), an eerie yet mesmerizing landscape where thick clouds of steam rise from the earth, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Walk through the steaming vents, bubbling sulfuric springs, and rugged terrain, experiencing one of Japan’s most unique geothermal wonders. 

After exploring Unzen’s geothermal marvels, indulge in the ultimate relaxation at an open-air onsen (hot spring) with breathtaking views overlooking the tranquil sea and distant mountains. Let the mineral-rich waters soothe your body and mind, a rejuvenating experience that has attracted travellers for centuries.

To complete your Unzen experience, savour a healthy and flavourful meal, featuring a selection of fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables, steamed to perfection using the region’s natural hot spring steamers (Jigoku Mushi). This traditional cooking method enhances the ingredients’ natural flavours while offering a unique, nourishing culinary experience. 

Meals: B/-/D

Hotel: Ryokan Yunoka (or similar)

Start your day by taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of Aso Kusasenri, an expansive highland grassland set against the backdrop of Mount Aso’s towering peaks. The vast, open plains—often dotted with grazing horses and small reflective ponds—create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the wide-open sky meeting the rolling hills. From here, continue your journey to the mystical Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, a hidden spiritual sanctuary tucked within a lush forest. Follow the ancient stone path lined with moss-covered torii gates, leading to a sacred shrine believed to bring good fortune and protection. The tranquil, almost ethereal atmosphere makes it feel like stepping into a storybook world.

Next, ascend to a hidden emerald-green hot spring at the top of the mountain, where the vivid waters offer a striking contrast to the rugged volcanic landscape. Then, take a leisurely walk through the Laputa-like grasslands, named for their resemblance to the floating island in Studio Ghibli’s "Castle in the Sky." The rolling hills and dramatic cliffs provide an awe-inspiring view, making it a dreamlike destination for nature lovers.

For lunch, indulge in Aso’s signature dish—"Akaushi" (red beef) barbecue grill, a succulent, locally-raised wagyu beef known for its rich flavour and tenderness. Enjoy this mouthwatering meal at a scenic viewpoint overlooking Aso’s breathtaking caldera.

Finally, conclude your day at Kurokawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most beloved and secluded hot spring towns. Wander through the charming streets lined with traditional wooden ryokan, and soak in the steaming mineral-rich waters that have long been revered for their therapeutic benefits. 

Meals: B/-/D

Overnight: Kurokawa Onsen Misato (or similar)

Nestled in the lush green mountains of Aso, Kumamoto, this charming hot spring resort is home to 30 traditional ryokans, each offering a unique and relaxing onsen experience. Visitors can explore multiple open-air baths using the wooden Onsen Tegata pass, which grants access to various ryokan hot springs, allowing for a diverse and immersive bathing experience.

This picturesque hot spring town, designed to resemble a nostalgic Japanese countryside village, was carefully developed by the local community to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding woodland. The result is a tranquil retreat where visitors can stroll through scenic streets, soak in steaming mineral-rich waters, and fully embrace the serene and timeless charm of rural Japan.

Meals: B/-/D

Overnight: Kurokawa Onsen Misato (or similar)

This morning, take a bus from Kurokawa Onsen to Fukuoka. Option to extend your stay in Japan. 

Arigatou Gozaimasu! 

Emergency numbers in Japan:

TBD
 

Finisterra Numbers: 

Keri Montgomery (WhatsApp) +1 604 505 2472

Nicola Wilson (WhatsApp) +1 604 762 5851