11 Days Spirit of Kyushu

Your journey begins in Tokyo, a city where tradition and innovation exist side by side.

Upon arrival, a private transfer brings you into the heart of the capital. After settling in, you’ll head out for a panoramic introduction to the city, an effortless way to absorb its scale and energy, from towering skyscrapers to pockets of quiet tradition hidden in plain sight.

A welcome dinner this evening sets the tone for the journey ahead.

Today reveals Tokyo’s quieter, more reflective side. Begin at the Imperial Palace East Gardens, where carefully maintained landscapes hint at centuries of history. Then step into the forested calm of Meiji Shrine, a serene sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji, where the atmosphere feels worlds away from the surrounding city.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace; whether that’s discovering hidden cafés, exploring the street food scene, browsing contemporary boutiques, or simply soaking up Tokyo’s unique rhythm; you are sure to have a fantastic time.

This morning, you transfer to Tokyo Station and board the iconic Nozomi Shinkansen. In just over two hours, the landscape shifts from futuristic skyline to ancient capital, a seamless transition that feels quintessentially Japanese.

Upon arrival in Kyoto, your half-day tour introduces you to the cultural soul of the nation. Yasaka Shrine welcomes you with vermilion gates and centuries of devotion, while Kiyomizu-dera, dramatically perched above the city, offers sweeping views and a sacred atmosphere. Dinner tonight is set against the backdrop of Kyoto’s refined elegance, a city where tradition lives beautifully in the present.

Kyoto reveals another layer today as you travel to Arashiyama, where towering bamboo stalks sway gently overhead, filtering the sunlight into a dreamlike green glow. At Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO-listed Zen temple, you’ll wander through exquisite gardens that have been perfectly composed for centuries… every stone and reflection intentional.

After lunch, the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore hidden tea houses, traditional craft shops, or simply pause beside the Kamo River and absorb the quiet grace of the city.

Board the bullet train once more and journey south to Hakata in Fukuoka, gateway to Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. After lunch, you visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning. Set amongst ponds, bridges and plum trees, it is a place of elegance and quiet reverence.

In the evening, those wishing to delve deeper into local culture may opt for a Yatai food stall experience, an atmospheric introduction to Fukuoka’s vibrant street food scene.

Today brings you into rural Kyushu, where landscapes soften, and traditions deepen. In Ureshino, surrounded by rolling tea fields, a green tea concierge guides you through a refined tea ceremony, an experience rooted in precision, philosophy and grace, an experience you will never forget.

After lunch, you travel to Imari, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Here, you visit a working pottery studio and engage in a hands-on experience with master craftsman whose skills have been passed down through generations. By evening, you return to Fukuoka enriched by Kyushu’s artisan heritage.

Journeying into the Kumamoto region, you step into a preserved Edo-period town where wooden facades and historic theatres evoke a bygone era. After lunch, you learn about one of Japan’s most delicate traditional crafts, paper lantern making. Under the guidance of one of the country’s remaining master artisans, experience traditional Japanese lantern making. Later, you arrive in the onsen town of Kurokawa and check into a traditional ryokan. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and perhaps soak in the open-air bath, where steam rises into the cool mountain air – the perfect way to finish a beautiful day.

A slow morning in Kurokawa allows time to savour the peaceful rhythm of onsen life before venturing into the dramatic landscapes of Mount Aso. You hike Mount Kijima, surrounded by sweeping grasslands and expansive skies. Lunch is a Wagyu barbecue enjoyed in the open air, bold flavours against a vast natural backdrop. A walk across Kusasenri grassland and a visit to the Mount Aso crater reveal the raw geological power of Kyushu. Dinner back at your hotel provides a comforting end to a day shaped by nature.

This morning, you travel to Yufuin, a charming town framed by mountains and known for its artistic boutiques and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy time to stroll and savour lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, board the “Yufuin no Mori” sightseeing train, a beautifully designed journey through lush countryside as you return to Hakata. It is a fittingly elegant way to conclude your Kyushu exploration. After arriving, you walk to your hotel and settle in for your final evening in Fukuoka.

Today you will leave Kyushu behind as you fly back to Tokyo (included), where you’ll have free time to revisit favourite spots, pick up last-minute gifts, enjoy the food and reflect on your journey.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home. You leave with more than photographs, with memories shaped by landscapes, traditions and moments rarely experienced by the average traveller.

Japan doesn’t simply impress… it stays with you.

Throughout the journey, accommodation is carefully selected in well-located 4★ hotels and a traditional ryokan, each reflecting the character of its destination while maintaining a consistent level of comfort and service. In Tokyo, you’ll stay in a contemporary hotel in the historic Asakusa district, offering a relaxed and comfortable base within easy reach of the city’s cultural highlights and traditional neighbourhoods. In Kyoto, your hotel is ideally located within the city, providing convenient access to its most iconic temples, atmospheric streets and cultural landmarks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Japan’s former imperial capital. In Fukuoka, accommodation is centred around the vibrant Hakata district, a lively hub known for its food scene and connectivity. A true highlight of the journey comes in Kurokawa, where you’ll stay in a traditional ryokan nestled in the mountains. Here, you’ll experience Japan’s renowned onsen culture, with the opportunity to unwind in open-air hot springs and enjoy the tranquil, intimate atmosphere that defines this unique style of accommodation. Finally, on your last evening, you’ll stay close to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, ensuring a smooth and convenient departure following your journey.