Welcome to Fukuoka! On your first day, enjoy a relaxed, self-guided experience. After arriving, check into the hotel we've booked for you in the vibrant Hakata area. This bustling district is perfect for exploring at your own pace. Wander around, visit local shops, savor Fukuoka's renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's charming mix of traditional and contemporary vibes. It's an ideal beginning to your adventure with Kyushu Journeys.

Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in your hotel lobby, and hit the road. The first stop will be for a stroll to the remains of a 17th-century castle. It’s one of the most marvelous displays of cherry blossoms in the whole of Fukuoka.We’ll stop for lunch at a specialty eel restaurant. Westerners may not have much experience with eel, but it’s a classic Japanese dish. The meat is tender, and the sauce is delicious.After lunch, more photo opportunities as we enjoy cherry blossom viewing at a shrine with classic red torii gates.For the first night of your tour, you'll be staying in Hita City, known as the hub of Kyushu during the Edo period. Before checking into your hotel, you'll explore the well-preserved old town, filled with charming shops that evoke a bygone era.Dinner will be at a beloved casual restaurant that has been a local favourite for over a century. Here, you'll feel like one of the regulars as you enjoy a delicious meal and get to know your fellow travellers.

After breakfast, we'll check out and head into the scenic heart of Kyushu. On the way, we'll stop at a temple that uniquely combines elements of both Shintoism and Buddhism. Established 1,200 years ago, the temple is home to over 2,000 statues dedicated to the guardian deity of children. It's incredibly photogenic.At Aso Volcano, you'll have the unique opportunity to stare right into an active volcano crater! Smell the devilish sulphur and see the smoke billowing out. If the crater is closed on the day for safety reasons, we'll still get as close as we possibly can. Today's cherry blossom spot in Aso offers sweeping views of thousands of cherry trees blooming. It will wow you for its panoramic sakura landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.We'll stay tonight in a wonderfully picturesque location. Enjoy indoor or outdoor onsen (natural hot spring baths) with glorious natural views. For dinner, you'll be able to have a delicious "kaiseki" dinner.

We’ll continue our journey, taking in the sea breeze as we hop on the ferry to Shimabara Peninsula. In Shimabara, we hope to see another wonderful display of cherry blossom blooming, this time set amongst acres of bright yellow rapeseed with a mountain backdrop. We’ll also pay a quick visit to the beautifully preserved Shimabara castle town. Tonight we’ll be staying close to the ocean. As all Japanese know, there's nothing better than seafood when you can smell the sea. Enjoy a variety of fresh and tasty dishes based on the fishermen's catch of the day.

More sakura hunting! We’ll visit a park famous for its amazing collection of 2,000 blooming cherry trees of 20 different species. In fact, it’s on the list of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots. The park is situated amongst the remains of a 17th century castle. You can’t visit Japan without having sushi, right? Have you tried pressed-zushi? It’s not so common overseas, but it’s a local specialty, so that’s what we’ll be having for lunch at the park. Next, enjoy a fun and practical hands-on activity. We’ll learn how to brew green tea like a pro! You will have your own tea, pot, and hot water, and will learn tips and tricks from an expert. Accommodation this evening is a real treat. We’ll be staying at an authentic Japanese inn (ryokan) with onsen hot-spring baths. Japanese have been enjoying onsen in this area for a staggering 1,300 years. Ladies (and guys!) come here from across Japan to bathe in the silky smooth water and enjoy the beautifying effects on the skin. The final dinner of this tour is the culinary highlight. Enjoy an unforgettable multi-course feast (kaiseki). Each dainty course is served with the chef’s pride and made with the freshest local ingredients.

Today will start at a great location for cherry blossom viewing. Elegant trees bloom along the stone steps in early spring, their petals drifting gently over unique ceramic features that reflect the area's craft heritage.We’ll have lunch at a local pottery gallery. Enjoy tasty Japanese food served on tableware showcasing the contemporary local style. Next, we’ll explore the ‘Village of the Secret Kilns,’ a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains. For centuries, access was strictly controlled to prevent the techniques of pottery production from leaking out. Enjoy some free time to stroll around and pick up a quality souvenir; a cup and pot for your green tea, perhaps? You’ll be dropped back at your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Fukuoka city. The evening is your free and easy time for shopping, eating, and exploring. Still not had enough cherry blossom viewing!? Stroll to Fukuoka's cherry blossom festival (although the dates haven’t been finalised yet). It’s set in the grounds of Fukuoka Castle and is packed with street-food stalls.

As your journey comes to an end, you'll check out of the hotel after breakfast.