Japan Private Tour (JPN020) Kyushu Highlights: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu, Yufuin - Four Iconic Cities of Kyushu (6 Days 5 Nights)

We will meet you at Fukuoka International Airport, Japan, and travel 120 km to Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region, home to the world-famous black bear mascot Kumamon. The region thrives on agriculture and livestock, and is Japan's No. 1 exporter of watermelons (travel time is approximately 1.30 hours).

After lunch, we take you to Kumamoto Castle, a classic Japanese architectural masterpiece and the 3rd largest castle in Japan. Built in 1601 by Kato Kiyomasa over seven years, this grand and beautiful castle is also known as “Ginnan-jo” (Ginkgo Castle). In 2016, a major earthquake caused severe damage to the castle, requiring several years of restoration. Today, visitors can once again admire its beauty and experience the magnificent grandeur of this historic castle.

Enjoy free time shopping at Sakura-no-baba Josaien, located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle. This unique, beautifully designed retro-style shopping area features local products, crafts, souvenirs, and the Wakuwaku Museum, which shares the city's heritage. There are also many eateries serving local specialties, such as richly flavored matcha green tea ice cream, horse meat ramen (a unique local favorite), and Kumamoto beer—all highly recommended during your visit. Enjoy strolling around at your leisure.

Next, visit Kumamon Square, the official office of Kumamoto Prefecture's Sales Manager—Kumamon himself! Serving as Kumamon's activity hub, it displays memorabilia and photos from his travels over the years. Inside, you will find a souvenir shop, cafe, and more. Kumamon fans will love it, as snacks, desserts, everyday goods, and merchandise all feature Kumamon's cheerful charm. Any fan of this cheeky black bear is sure to bring home wonderful souvenirs.

hotel Overnight Kumamoto, Japan

In the morning, travel to Kusasenri Grassland (travel time is approximately 1.30 hours, distance 50 km), a vast prairie featuring scenic ponds.

The key highlight here is Nakadake Crater, an active volcano continually venting smoke in the background. Because this area is ideal for livestock farming, you may encounter grazing herds of horses and cattle living freely in nature, adding vibrant rural charm to the Japanese countryside. Most importantly, between March and December, horseback riding is available for visitors to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.

At the appropriate time, we take you to Beppu (distance 104 km) in Oita Prefecture, located on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island, Japan. Renowned as one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations, Beppu boasts the highest number of hot spring resorts in the country. Visitors love to soak in onsen or enjoy relaxing beachside hot sand baths here.

In the evening, enjoy a private onsen, a public bathhouse, or relax at your hotel as you prefer.

hotel Overnight Beppu, Japan

In the morning, visit the “Beppu Jigoku Meguri Or Hell Tour”, also known as the 8 hell hot springs. These natural thermal springs formed after volcanic eruptions and contain concentrated minerals such as sulfur, iron, sodium, carbonate, and radium. They are far too hot for bathing, and all 8 ponds are given dramatic names matching their distinctive appearances.

We then take you to Yufuin (distance 30 km), a lovely small town in Oita Prefecture famous for its hot springs. The town is full of charming spots, featuring pleasant streets lined with character cafes, vintage shops, and lovely trinkets.

P.S. If you wish to travel on the cute scenic train, we can arrange it for you.

Visit “Yufuin Floral Village", a fairy-tale theme park designed like a replica European village. Every shop is painted yellow, each offering unique specialty merchandise. Classic brick cottages line narrow streets adorned with colorful flowers. Inside the village, there is a shopping street featuring cute shops, ice cream parlors, and charming cafes such as Alice Tea—a chic forest-themed cafe where you can sip tea with the Mad Hatter—or a bakery inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.

In this town, you can also enjoy sightseeing by horse-drawn carriage.

Next, discover the beauty of “Lake Kirin” (Kirin Lake). Its crystal-clear waters reveal fish swimming beneath, often shrouded in a light morning mist, making it an experience well worth witnessing with your own eyes. Enjoy free time to stroll and take photos at your leisure.

In the morning, travel to Fukuoka (distance 120 km, 2 hours), the largest city on Kyushu Island, Japan. An important port city for hundreds of years, it offers natural and cultural attractions, diverse shopping, and a rich culinary scene—truly a well-rounded destination favored by travelers.

Pay homage at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine), the oldest and most famous Shinto shrine in Fukuoka. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, who was a respected scholar, politician, and writer across Japan. With distinguished accomplishments during the years 800 - 900, he is revered as the god of education.

Inside stands a bronze reclining bull statue, another prominent symbol of the shrine. Upon entering the grounds, a series of 3 bridges crosses Shinji-ike Pond leading to the main shrine. Each bridge represents "past, present, and future". Crossing them symbolizes purifying body and mind before approaching the deity. In front of the shrine lies a bustling approach street known as Sando, adding charming appeal for visitors coming to pay their respects.

Stroll through the nearby local market offering traditional treats, from grilled mochi and red bean pastries to protective amulets and lucky charms, with over 100 shops. Nearby is also the Starbucks Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando branch, often cited as the most beautiful in Japan, where you can enjoy shopping for souvenirs at your leisure.

Next, we take you to Duty Free at Fukuoka Bay Plaza. Enjoy free time to shop for duty-free goods, including clothing and perfumes, at your leisure (travel time is approximately 1 hour).

In the evening, we take you to Gundam Park Fukuoka (travel time is approximately 50 minutes) to see the newest life-sized “Nu Gundam”, heralded as the tallest Gundam in Japan at an impressive height of approximately 20 meters—taller than the 19.7-meter RX-0 Unicorn Gundam in Tokyo and the 18-meter RX-78-2 Gundam in Yokohama. The Nu Gundam debuted in the movie Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack released in 1988. Even after more than 30 years, it remains immensely popular with Gundam fans worldwide. Located at Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka, it was officially unveiled on April 25, 2022, becoming an exciting new landmark that visitors to Fukuoka shouldn't miss. Enjoy taking commemorative photos and shopping for souvenirs at your leisure.

hotel Overnight Fukuoka, Japan

We take you to enjoy dining at famous local restaurants of your choice, such as delicious regional udon, or explore attractions and exciting shopping areas in Fukuoka according to your preferences.

Highlights include the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizuru Park. Built during the Edo period, this was once the largest castle in Kyushu. Today, only stone walls and small turret foundations remain within a public park with walking paths and an observation terrace overlooking Fukuoka City. It is also one of Fukuoka's renowned cherry blossom viewing spots.

Tochoji Temple is one of Japan's oldest temples, preserved as an important historic site of Fukuoka. The temple hall houses a seated wooden Buddha statue measuring 10.8 meters tall—the tallest seated wooden Buddha in Japan, taking 4 years to carve. It is widely known as the Fukuoka Daibutsu, or Great Buddha of Fukuoka.

Momochi Seaside Park and Fukuoka Tower: This seaside park features modern landscaping with tree-lined promenades and striking contemporary architecture. A commercial pier extending into the sea called Marizon houses charming shops and eateries designed entirely in an Italian style. On the street side stands Fukuoka Tower, the tallest building in Fukuoka, featuring a 360-degree observation deck at a height of 123 meters offering panoramic views over Hakata Bay and Fukuoka City.

Shofukuji Temple is the first Zen temple in Japan, established in 1195 by Priest Eisai upon returning from China, where he introduced Rinzai Zen Buddhism to Japan. It gained widespread popularity among samurai of that era and subsequently spread throughout the country.

Ohori Park is a large park situated in the heart of Fukuoka centered around a vast pond. A walking trail spanning approximately 2 kilometers circles the pond, making it a beloved recreation spot for locals to exercise, take walks, walk dogs, or relax beside the water.

In the evening, take a stroll along the riverside Yatai Food Stalls, one of Fukuoka's signature highlights. A typical yatai stall seats only 6-10 people and serves quick, hearty comfort food. Across Fukuoka, there are about 150 stalls, but the most captivating area that has become a major tourist highlight is along the southern tip of Nakasu Island in central Fukuoka, where about 10 yatai stalls gather along a scenic riverside walkway with wonderful ambiance.

Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka, Japan, celebrated as a “city within a city”. It features shops, cafes, restaurants, a theater, a game center, cinemas, two hotels, and a canal flowing right through the center of the complex.

hotel Overnight Fukuoka, Japan

We will transfer you to Fukuoka International Airport, Japan on schedule for your memorable flight back home to Thailand.