Kyushu Explorer

On arrival in Japan, you'll be met by our representative, who will accompany you to your hotel. Excellent public transport is part of the Japan travel experience, so we'll be making the most of this throughout your trip. Once youu2019ve settled in, the remainder of your day will be at leisure to relax after your journey.

Join your expert local guide for a tour of Fukuoka, starting with a stroll through the 18th century Yusentei Japanese Garden with its tranquil lake. Explore the ruins of the once-majestic Fukuoka castle, and spend some time admiring Tocho-ji, a temple which dates back to 805 AD. From here, itu2019s just a short walk to Kushida, the cityu2019s most important shrine, which hosts the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. Youu2019ll get the chance to see the colourful festival floats before your guide escorts your back to your hotel (or leaves to explore the city under your own steam).

Catch the train to Nagasaki and drop your luggage at your hotel before meeting your guide to explore some of the cityu2019s significant sites. Youu2019ll start with Oura Cathedral, Japanu2019s oldest Christian church, which has an interesting museum about the controversial history of Christianity within the country. Strolling along the cobbled streets at Glover Garden, youu2019ll see reassembled homes and buildings from the Meiji era, pausing to enjoy hilltop views over the cityu2019s famous harbour. Head down the historic Dutch quarter to see European style buildings from the 19th century, before catching the cable car to the top of Mt Inasa to experience one of the worldu2019s most spectacular night-time views.

Today is at leisure to continue exploring the city. We recommend visiting the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where monoliths and monuments serve as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the nuclear attack suffered by the city during World War II. Alternatively, take a boat trip to Hashima, the abandoned underwater mining facility used as the Bond villainu2019s lair in u2018Skyfallu2019.

Catch the train to Kumamoto for an afternoon at leisure in the city. The castle is very much worth a visit despite its damaged structure, and you may also wish to explore the 17th century Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden. Along with its impressive landscaping, the garden features a miniature reproduction of the 53 post stations of the Edo-era Tokaido (a historic post-road connecting Tokyo & Kyoto). You'll even see a mini Mt. Fuji!

Your day is yours to do as your please, but we do recommend a day trip to the spectacular Takachiho Gorge, a site of outstanding natural beauty. The narrow chasm, cut through towering cliffs of twisted volcanic basalt by the Gokase River, can be explored either by rowing boat or on foot. The path leads to the ancient Takachiho Shrine, and there is also 17 metre high waterfall. Youu2019ll return to Kumamoto in time to explore the shops and restaurants near the castle.

Take the train to Kaghoshima, where the remainder of your day will be yours to spend as you wish.

Meet your guide for a tour of the cityu2019s most intriguing sights, beginning with the Terukuni Shrine, built in memory of a revolutionary Satsuma leader. Kagoshima was once capital of the feudal Satsuma province, and its samurai were the ones who attacked Kumamoto Castle. Take a pleasant stroll to a hilltop observatory with superb views over the city and its coastal volcano, before heading to a traditional 17th century Japanese garden with a 19th century industrial iron manufactory which is UNESCO-protected. After lunch, catch the ferry to Sakurajima, the volcanic island in the harbour, to follow the 3km long u2018Lava Trailu2019 through the site of a historic eruption. Soak your tired feet in the volcanically heated foot baths in a nearby park before returning to your hotel.

Relax on the two-hour ferry trip to Yakushima Island, where the remainder of the day will be free for you to settle in and relax.

Accompanied by your local guide, spend the day trekking along the paths that wind through Yakushimau2019s dense forest. Youu2019ll experience impressive views of the ancient moss-covered trees, and stop for a delicious bento picnic in the woods. Marvel at the 1,800 year old Buddha sugi tree and 3,000 year old Yamato sugi tree, before returning to your accommodation to relax.

Take the boat back to Kyushu and travel along the coast to Ibusuki for some time at leisure. We recommend enjoying the famous hot sand baths, which are heated naturally by hot steam from the ground below. Guests lie buried in the sand for up to 20 minutes before rinsing off and enjoying the hot spring baths. Youu2019ll spend the night in a traditional Ryokan, where youu2019ll be served a multi-course kaiseki feast by your hosts.

Your day will be at leisure to relax and explore until itu2019s time to catch the train back to Kagoshima.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.