6 Super Experiences!
Our genuine experts explored the destinations time and again and finally worked out the
itinerary taking you to experience the highlights in various ways that others might miss.
visitors one of the most complete castle in Japan.
Kumamoto Castle is a historic and imposing fortress in Kumamoto Prefecture, known for its impressive architecture and significant role in Japanese history.
Sakurajima: Kyushu’s Iconic Active Volcano
Sakurajima boasts smoking craters, lava landscapes, and stunning bay views—safely accessible with great observation spots and an informative visitor center.
Sengan-en Garden: A Samurai Legacy by the Sea
Sengan-en is a historic Edo-period garden in Kagoshima, blending Japanese landscaping with sweeping views of Sakurajima volcano across Kinko Bay.
Boating the canyon
The view of the gorge from a boat directly up the 17-meter Manai Falls is truly thrilling.
Karato Fish Market: Shimonoseki’s Seafood Paradise
Karato Fish Market is a bustling waterfront market famed for ultra-fresh seafood, including fugu, sashimi bowls, and local delicacies served straight from the Sea of Japan.
Yanagawa is often called "the Venice of Kyushu"
Yanagawa now offers slow, scenic cruises down the waterways in flatboats known as donkobune, poled along by boatmen in traditional wear.
Itinerary Details
The following itinerary is for your inspiration. Our experts will customize your own tour according
to your interests, schedules, hotel tastes and budget. All can be tailor-made!
You Can
- Extend/cut down length
- Adjust activities to your interests
- Change a hotel
- Everything you want
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Day 1 - Welcome to Japan!
Transfer service between hotel and Fukuoka airport.
Accommodation: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Day 2 - Fukuoka Cultural Tour | Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kyushu National Museum, Nanzoin, Canal City Hakata
Discover the rich heritage and vibrant energy of Fukuoka on this curated day exploring both spiritual serenity and modern charm. Begin at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a revered Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the scholar-god Sugawara no Michizane, nestled among plum trees and traditional pathways. Next, visit the Kyushu National Museum, Japan’s first national museum outside Tokyo, showcasing Asia’s cultural exchanges through exquisite artifacts and interactive exhibits. In the afternoon, journey to Nanzoin Temple, home to one of the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha statues, set in peaceful forested hills—perfect for quiet reflection. Conclude your day at Hakata Canal City, a dynamic entertainment complex with shopping, dining, fountains, and live performances, where tradition meets contemporary urban life.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Kyushu national museum
Nanzoin
Canal City Hakata
Accommodation: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Day 3 - From Fukuoka to Kumamoto: Castles, Gardens & Kumamon Charm
Departing from Fukuoka, this day unfolds a journey through Kyushu’s cultural heartland. Begin with a serene Yanagawa River boat ride, gliding through willow-lined canals in the historic town of Yanagawa—a tranquil escape aboard a traditional flat-bottomed punt poled by a local guide. Continue south to Kumamoto, where you’ll explore the majestic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic fortresses, recently restored to its former Edo-era glory. Nearby, stroll through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a beautifully landscaped Edo-period strolling garden featuring a miniature representation of the Tokaido road and Mount Fuji. Wrap up your day with a visit to Kumamon Square, the lively home of Kumamoto’s beloved mascot, Kumamon—perfect for photos and picking up local souvenirs. Check in to your hotel in Kumamoto for an overnight stay.
Yanagawa River Descending
Kumamoto Castle
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Kumamon Square
Accommodation: Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai
Day 4 - Takachiho and Mount Aso Full Day Guided Tour | Takachiho Shrine, Takachiho Groge Rental Boat, Mount Aso, Kusasenri
Departing from Kumamoto, embark on a scenic full-day journey into the heart of Kyushu’s legendary landscapes. Begin in Takachiho, a mystical gorge steeped in Shinto mythology—visit the serene Takachiho Shrine, said to be linked to the sun goddess Amaterasu, then enjoy a peaceful rowboat ride through Takachiho Gorge, paddling beneath towering basalt cliffs and the famed Manai Falls. After lunch, head toward Mount Aso, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Weather permitting, approach the active crater for dramatic views, then relax at Kusasenri, a vast, picturesque grassy plain nestled within the caldera—ideal for a gentle stroll or quiet contemplation amid grazing horses. Return to your hotel in Kumamoto in the evening, enriched by nature, myth, and the raw beauty of central Kyushu.
Mount Aso
Kusasenri
Takachiho Shrine
Takachiho Groge Rental Boat
Accommodation: Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai
Day 5 - Kagoshima Day Trip: Gardens, Views & Shinto Spirit | Sengan-en Garden, Siroyama Observatory, Terukuni-jinja Shrine
Travel south from Kumamoto with your guide aboard the Kyushu Shinkansen to vibrant Kagoshima, nestled at the foot of the iconic Sakurajima volcano. Begin your exploration at Sengan-en Garden, a stunning Edo-period strolling garden and former Shimazu clan residence, blending Japanese landscape design with panoramic views of Sakurajima across Kinko Bay. Next, ascend to the Shiroyama Observatory for sweeping vistas of the city, harbor, and the ever-active volcano—especially magical at sunset. Conclude your cultural immersion with a visit to Terukuni-jinja Shrine, dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, a visionary 19th-century feudal lord who championed modernization in Japan. After a day rich in history and scenery, check in to your hotel in Kagoshima for an overnight stay.
Sengan-en Garden
Siroyama Observatory
Terukuni-jinja Shrine
Shinkansen
Accommodation: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima
Day 6 - Sakurajima Volcano Adventure: Ferry, Bus Tour & Return to Fukuoka | Sakurajima
Accompanied by your guide, take a short ferry ride from Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active and iconic volcanoes. Upon arrival, board the Sakurajima Island Loop Bus for a scenic tour around the volcanic peninsula, stopping at key viewpoints such as the Lava Observatory, Sakurajima Visitor Center, and vantage points offering dramatic views of smoking craters and Kinko Bay. After exploring this dynamic natural wonder, return by ferry to Kagoshima and transfer to Kagoshima-Chuo Station to board the Kyushu Shinkansen. The bullet train journey back to Hakata Station in Fukuoka takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Arrive in Fukuoka in the evening and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Sakurajima
Shinkansen
Accommodation: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Day 7 - Northern Kyushu Highlights: Castles, Harbor Charm & Fresh Seafood | Kokura Castle, Moji Port, Karato Fish Market
Explore the historic and culinary treasures of northern Kyushu on this guided day trip. Begin at Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu, a striking Edo-era fortress with panoramic views from its reconstructed keep and beautifully maintained Japanese gardens. Next, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Mojiko Retro District (Moji Port), where early 20th-century Western-style buildings line the harbor—perfect for photos, boutique shopping, and waterfront coffee. In the afternoon, cross the Kanmon Strait to Shimonoseki to visit the lively Karato Fish Market, famed for its ultra-fresh seafood. Sample local specialties like fugu (pufferfish), kaisen don (seafood rice bowls), or freshly grilled oysters right at the market stalls. Return to Fukuoka in the evening, savoring the flavors and stories of Kyushu’s dynamic north.
Kokura Castle
Monji Port
Karato Fish Market
Accommodation: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Day 8 - Free Day
Free Time or self-arrangment by your own.
Accommodation: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Day 9 - Departure
Transfer service between hotel and Fukuoka airport.
Accommodation
- 5 Nights in Fukuoka
- 2 Nights in Kumamoto
- 1 Night in Kagoshima
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Room Type：Moderate Double Room（22㎡）
Why this Hotel:
The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors, a flat-screen satellite TV and a air purifier. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Room wears are provided for all guests, while the private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.
Hotel Nishitetsu Solaria is a 10-minute drive from Ohori Park and JR Hakata Train Station. Canal City Hakata is a 5-minute drive away and Fukuoka Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai
Room Type：Hollywood Twin Room（21㎡）
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima
Room Type：Superior Twin Room with Extra Bed（28㎡）
Why this Hotel:
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima is just a 2-minute walk from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Train Station and features a French restaurant and massage services. Its modern rooms impress with a 4-star decor and a spacious shower room with a bathtub. Free WiFi is available throughout the premises.
What's included
AccommodationInternational-standard
Day1,2,6,7,8 Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
Day3-4 Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai
Day5 Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima
Carefully selected accommodation with breakfast
Accommodation based on two people sharing (for each person not sharing a room,
the single
supplement will be added)
TransportPrivate & Air-conditioned
All mentioned internal flights, trains, and cruises
Private & air-conditioned vehicle with ample space
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Best-time flight
No early get up. No late arrival.
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Better seats
Select seats for you as spacious as possible, such as exit row or
bulkhead
with more legroom.
GuidePrivate & Professional
Expert English-speaking local guide
All meals specified in the itinerary
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Satisfying food
Your special request on food can always be satisfied, no matter it
relates
to religion or medical purpose!
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Local specialities
Traditional local food is delicious and its specialities are worth
searching
out with our local guide!
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Little snack
Wanna try authentic local snack? Please follow us!
SupportUseful Package & 24/7 Local Service
Bottles of drinking water and cold towels per guest per day
24/7 helpline while you are travelling
ExcursionsAll listed in the above Itnerary
All excursions specified in the itinerary
All entrance fees specified in the itinerary
Not included
The round trip International Flights (flights from/to your city) are not included in the tour price. You will need to arrange your flights separately at any point.
Travelers Love UME Travel
service
Professional Guides & Drivers
We offer professional private tour guides with over 10-year experience, well-performed
vehicles less than 5-year service life and licensed drivers with 5-year practice. Each
of our employees undergoes rigorous screening before they can join our network.
Well-selected Scenic spots and Hotel
All the hotels we advised have been inspected by our team and we spend time each year to
top up our knowledge on the spot. Continuing Positive feedbacks on them from former
customers because of their outstanding and unique characters.
Local Available 7/24
You will have our local team's urgency contact number and we are available whenever and
wherever. If you meet any problem or need any help, just make a phone call and
everything will be settled down at a time.
Warm Welcome Kits
We provide the welcome kits for each customer, you will receive the SIM card, city map,
a bottle of drinking water and a cool towel per guest per day for FREE. Get all
first-step information and useful tips in one profile and make your first tour simple
and easy.