Japan - Kyushu Autumn Tour

Upon arrival, own transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed, self-guided experience in the vibrant Tenjin 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. 

After leaving the hotel, your first destination is a local orchard in Fukuoka for persimmon picking. Persimmons are a popular sweet and crisp autumn fruit in Japan. Enjoy walking through the orchard, picking ripe persimmons directly from the trees. This activity offers a taste of Japan's autumn harvest and a chance to engage with a cherished seasonal Japanese tradition.

Following the orchard visit, your journey takes you to Mameda Machi in Hita. This charming historic district is known for its

well-preserved Edo-period buildings and traditional atmosphere. Strolling through Mameda Machi, you'll feel like you've

stepped back in time. Explore the quaint shops selling local crafts and regional delicacies. Along your stroll, you'll come across a fascinating establishment where the traditional craft of soy sauce and miso making is beautifully intertwined with the cultural charm of Hina doll displays. This unique place is renowned for its extensive collection of Hina dolls. These handmade dolls, often treasured family heirlooms, symbolize health and happiness for young girls, showcasing the area's detailed craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage. In the same space, you'll find a shop offering traditional soy sauce and miso products. Here, you can explore these staples of Japanese cuisine and have the opportunity to purchase authentic items, creating an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience.

Saké brewing, a tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture, is your next stop. You'll wander through an esteemed local

brewery that serves as a bridge between the past and present. Get ready to encounter an array of time-honored tools and equipment, from wooden vats to intricate pressing devices, all preserved to honor the artistry and skill of generations past. These historic artifacts, set against the backdrop of the brewery's ongoing saké production, offer a unique perspective on how traditional methods have shaped today's sakémaking processes. Tasting opportunities complement the experience, allowing you to explore the depth and complexity of flavors developed by brewing masters over many generations. 

Ending the full day at a distinguished hotel, renowned for its exceptional hospitality and dining, you will find yourself nestled in a serene riverside location that captures the essence of the area. This hotel has welcomed generations of visitors, offering a tranquil retreat from the day's adventures. Your stay includes dinner prepared by skilled chefs, highlighting local flavors and ingredients. 

Today we continue our journey through Kyushu's best area for viewing autumn leaves, a visual feast of fall colours. Theroutehas several stops where you can experience a moment of tranquility amidst quiet, natural beauty. At this time of the year, this area of Kyushu is especially enriched by stunning fall foliage, offering breathtaking autumn views. Mother Nature permitting, we'll head to a tranquil Japanese garden where the autumn leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The meticulously arranged rocks and tranquil ponds complement these fiery hues, creating a stunning blend of artistry and nature. This tunnel, carved through solid rock, is seeped in legend. Before its creation, people faced a perilous journey over dangerous cliffs to reach an important local shrine, with many tragically falling to their deaths. While it is certain that this tunnel was carved by hand in the 18th century by a Buddhist monk, legend says that a he achieved this task with hammer and chisel as repentence for a crime committed in his past.  You'll undoubtedly be captivated by the abundant history and breathtaking natural scenery of this location.

After driving through the mountainous terrain, you will arrive in beautiful Beppu city. Discover one of the "Hells of Beppu," a series of extraordinary hot springs known for their unique and striking appearances. As you explore "Umi Jigoku" or "Sea Hell", you'll be mesmerized by its vibrant colouring and the natural phenomena it exhibits. While the Hells of Beppu are too hot for bathing, you can still indulge in the experience by enjoying a soothing foot bath, a perfect way to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The dramatic steam plumes and vivid colors create a must-see spectacle, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike. Beppu is celebrated for its exquisite seafood, offering you an evening of culinary delight. Indulge in a classic Japanese sushi dinner in a carefully selected establishment. After a day of exploring the wonders of Beppu, you'll retreat to a comfortable city hotel. Unwind in the hotel's onsen and really experience Beppu: home of 10% of Japan's natural hot springs. This combination of a restful stay, a taste of Beppu's renowned seafood, and the rejuvenating onsen experience will ensure your time in Beppu is both memorable and relaxing.

Your first stop today will be at a tranquil temple, home to a remarkable Buddha statue that embodies the essence of Buddhist art and religious symbolism. This visually stunning piece, standing at an impressive 8 meters high, was carved over 800 years ago by Japan's earliest practitioners of Buddhism. You'll be captivated by both its spiritual resonance and its representation of the rich heritage of Japanese Buddhism, making this visit a quietly reflective start to your day.

After the serene experience at the temple, your journey leads you to a site where history and nature converge: the ruins of a once-mighty 12th-century castle. This fortress, pivotal in Japan's feudal history, echoes tales of power and strategy. As you wander through the remnants of stone walls and moats, you'll be transported back in time, imagining the grandeur and tumult of its past. This site is a perfect continuation of your journey, offering a stark contrast to the peacefulness of the temple and enriching your understanding of Japan's rich and varied history.

Following your visit to the castle ruins, your journey continues to Takachiho Gorge, a remarkable natural wonder characterized by its sheer cliffs and crystal-clear waters. In mid-November, this gorge becomes particularly enchanting, transformed by autumn colours. The stunning scenery is further enhanced by the trails that run alongside the gorge, providing spectacular vantage points and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. 

As you explore, enjoy the views of the majestic Manai Waterfall. All of these natural wonders make Takachiho Gorge an ideal and visually stunning natural experience for your journey in Kyushu.

After a dinner of local countryside fare, discover a unique blend of spirituality and entertainment at a historic shrine with over 1,200 years of history, where the enchanting Kagura dance is performed. 

Walking distance from your hotel in Takachiho, this dance, deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, offers not just a spiritual experience but also a comic aspect, delighting audiences with its light-hearted and entertaining interpretations of Shinto tales. The dance is presented in a manner that balances reverence with humor. The combination of rhythmic drum beats, traditional music, and the dancers' colorful costumes against the ancient shrine's backdrop creates a magical atmosphere. This experience offers a unique window into the cultural heritage of Japan, where sacred traditions and joyful storytelling converge in a memorable spectacle.

For early-birds, there is an optional pre-breakfast spectacle. If you are lucky, you'll be blessed with the famed sea of clouds phenomenon. As the early morning light breaks, you'll witness a magical landscape where the clouds blanket the valleys below, creating a dreamlike vista. Even if the sea of clouds eludes you, the panoramic views from this vantage point are breathtaking in their own right, offering a serene and majestic start to your day. This site is also believed to be where a legendary prince once gazed over his land. Enjoy this moment of tranquility and awe, offering you a unique connection with the majestic landscapes of Japan.

After breakfast, immerse yourself in another site rich in Japanese mythology. One serene location is believed to be where the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu hid herself away in a cave, prompting all the other gods and goddesses to gather close by in order to lure her out and restore light to the world. You'll get a chance to view the cave amongst which the gods and goddesses were said to have gathered, a riverbed adorned with large, smooth rocks, and experience this peaceful region. Reached after a short but picturesque riverside stroll, you can wander through the cave and along the river, where small stacks of stones are often found, left as offerings or prayers by visitors. This place is not just a site to visit; it's an experience that deeply connects you with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Japan.

As you drive through some of Kyushu's most picturesque countryside, you'll arrive at a breathtaking expanse of open grassland. This tranquil spot, nestled within a national park, is a haven of serenity with its vast, flat fields where cattle and horses graze peacefully. The lush greenery set against the dramatic backdrop of volcanic mountains creates a striking contrast, making this location a unique and memorable escape. Your journey continues to the awe-inspiring Aso Volcano, a dramatic natural marvel that stands in stark contrast to the peaceful countryside. Here, at the heart of Kyushu, the crater rim awaits, offering a close-up perspective of this active volcano. Volcanic conditions permitting, you will be granted a remarkably close-up view of the crater, often alive with smoke and gases. The approach to the rim reveals a vast caldera and a rugged, lunar-like landscape. With safety measures in place and access carefully managed based on volcanic activity, this encounter with Aso Volcano is not just breathtaking; it's a profound reminder of the earth's vibrant energy.

This evening, relax at a traditional ryokan renowned for its Kaiseki dinners and soothing onsen baths. This unforgettable dining experience offers an elaborate multi-course journey through seasonal flavors, artfully and meticulously prepared in true Japanese fashion.  The ryokan's onsen baths provide yet another opportunity to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Known for their therapeutic qualities, these hot springs are perfect for unwinding. This traditionally exceptional combination of experiences wholly captures the essence of Japanese hospitality and culture.

Today you will immerse yourself in two of Japan's most iconic cultural splendors: a majestic castle and a serene Japanese garden.

Kumamoto Castle stands as a formidable symbol of Japan's historic architectural prowess and samurai legacy. The castle is a majestic retreat into the rich history of Japan's feudal past. As you wander through its expansive grounds, you encounter imposing stone walls and towering keep, meticulously restored to preserve its grandeur. Surviving wars, fires and earthquakes, this testament to resilience continues to inspire awe and admiration, making it an essential visit for those fascinated by history and architectural elegance.

This tranquil and picturesque Japanese garden is the perfect respite after the imposing historical wonder that is Kumamoto castle. As you explore the garden, you'll discover features landscaped with great care, including a miniature representation of Mount Fuji mirroring the ancient Tokaido highway.  Don't miss the huge majestic carp in the spring-fed pond; the Japanese symbol of prosperity and good fortune. 

This carefully crafted landscape is the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy authentic Japanese matcha, transporting you back to a time when feudal lords would have done the same.

As your tour concludes, you'll return to your hotel in Fukuoka, conveniently located near the city's best shopping and dining options. This evening is yours to enjoy freely and explore the vibrant streets around you. Fukuoka is known for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evening, offering a variety of experiences from casual dining to shopping. While the famous Yatai food stalls are an option, the city presents a plethora of choices to suit every preference. Your stay in Fukuoka, with its strategic location, ensures a relaxed and enjoyable evening, allowing you to soak in the city's dynamic energy at your own pace. 

Breakfast at the hotel and then checkout.  Own transfer to Fukuoka airport for the flight to your next destination.