Wendy Wu Hidden Japan: Spirit of Kyushu

Tseutate Onsen
Stay in a traditional Japanese inn, and relax in its hot spring onsen

Aso-Kuju National Park
Watch a display of traditional drumming on an open-air stage, against the backdrop of the stunning Aso-Kuju National Park

Takachiho Gorge
Visit one of Kyushu’s most famous natural wonders, where the Gokake River runs between basalt cliffs.

Mount Sakurajima
Take a ferry to Mount Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Fukuoka
Fly overnight to the city of Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Fukuoka
Begin your day with a visit to the Kyushu National Museum, before having lunch at a local winery. In the evening, head to the Nakasu district, known for its street food stalls. Soak up the atmosphere before having the rest of the day at leisure. On select November departures, you’ll enjoy Fukuoka’s annual sumo tournament on this day of the itinerary.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 4: Okawachiyama
Drive to Nagaski today, making several stops. First, head to Karatsu Castle to enjoy the views of the harbour. Next, stop in Imari, famed for its ceramics, to see a potter at work. After, spend some free time in nearby Okawachiyama. Continue to Ureshino, where you’ll relax with some green tea. Arrive in Nagasaki later in the day.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 5: Nagasaki
This morning, visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park to hear the story of the bombing and aftermath. Later, visit Dejima Wharf, which was once the only permitted entry point for Europeans into the country. There’s free time for lunch during which you can admire the harbour. After, head to Glover Garden, a park filled with the manors of European traders.
(Breakfast)

Day 6: Kuju Onsen
Drive to Shimabara, where you’ll hop on a ferry to Kumamoto. After some time for lunch, continue to Mount Aso and take pictures of the crater. You’ll then continue to the town of Tsuetate Onsen. Here you’ll check into your ryokan. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s spring onsen.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: Meditation & Open-air Drums
Start your day with a short meditation session at Fuko-ji Temple, led by a Buddhist monk. Then, head to Kuju Flower Park to admire the parkland. This afternoon, sit down to watch a display of traditional drumming, held on an open-air stage overlooking the beautiful Aso-Kuju National Park. Afterwards, visit the museum to see the troupe’s costumes.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Takachiho Gorge & Kirishima Hills
Head south to Takachiho Gorge, where the Gokake River ruins through a 80-metre deep chasm. You’ll have some time to admire the views and take photos before enjoying a cooking experience, discovering Takachiho style chicken or vegetables, which are seasoned and simmered inside bamboo. Continue to your hotel on the edge of Kirishima National Park.

Day 9: Kamikaze & Kagoshima
Head down to the former samurai town of Chiran. At the Peace Museum, learn the story of the hundreds of kamikaze pilots who flew from here for the Battle of Okinawa. Later, take a walk through the samurai district before driving to Kagoshima. After lunch, visit the Sengan-en Garden to try on a traditional kimono. In the afternoon, hop over to the volcanic Mount Sakurajima by ferry. Enjoy an open-air footbath before returning to Kirishima.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Flavours of Kagoshima
Stop by a shochu distillery for a tasting of this local liquor that is popular throughout Japan. Then, learn about another local product, kurozo, or black vinegar. Enjoy lunch at the producer’s restaurant before driving the Kagoshima City to take the bullet train back to Fukuoka. Enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Fly Fukuoka to UK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Chiran Peace Museum
Explore this museum, established on a former army base, to learn more about the hundreds of kamikaze pilots who took off from here in 1945.

Kimono Dressing Session
In the Sengan-en Gardens, take the opportunity to try Japan’s traditional attire before taking photos in the beautiful grounds here.

Shochu Tasting Experience
Stop at a shochu distillery to try this popular local liquor.

• International flights and transfers
• 9nts in 3+/4* accommodation
• Selected meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Domestic transportation

Go Beyond
Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. With smaller group sizes and greater flexibility, you will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. Wendy Wu Go Beyond tours may take you away from the comforts of home but will reward you with the experiences of a lifetime.

This tour has a maximum group size of 18 people per group

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks