16 day Cherry Blossoms of Kyushu Island Japan

Day 1 - MELBOURNE (OR SYDNEY)/SINGAPORE

This afternoon, we board our flight for Fukuoka (Japan) via Singapore. Once we land into Singapore, there will be a bit of time to stretch out your legs before reboarding our flight.

Meals - As per fight

Day 2 - SINGAPORE/FUKUOKA

Upon arrival at Fukuoka International Airport, you will be greeted by your local tour manager. Lovely Fukuoka is at the heart of an area considered a cradle of culture – the city’s position facing Korea and China across the sea means it’s long been a channel of outside influence. This morning take a stroll to the traditional Rakusuien Garden and visit the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of academic achievement. Later, take a relaxed cruise on the Yanagawa River, passing through a National Site of Scenic Beauty on a small ‘donkobune’. Early check in at hotel and rest.

Meals - As per flight / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Quintessa Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin or similar

Day 3 - FUKUOKA/NAGASAKI

After breakfast, we drive to Nagasaki with wonderful views of Nagasaki will be spread out in front of you. Upon arrival to Nagasaki, we visit Ground Zero of Atomic bomb where is the place exploded on 9 August 1945 and Peace statue that was made to pray World Peace in Peace Park. Own lunch arrangement at Chinatown area where it is one of the three largest in Japan. Recommended dishes are Chanpon and Sara-udon which are local specialities created in Nagasaki. We then walk over to Glover Garden, where many souvenir shops are lined up on both sides of the street. Just before the entrance of Glover Garden, beautiful Oura Cathedral can be seen which is listed on UNESCO World Heritage and is Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral.

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Nagasaki Gloverhill or similar

Day 4 - NAGASAKI/SHIMABARA/UNZEN

This morning, we begin our drive to Shimabara peninsula through the national road and enjoy landscapes of beautiful mountains and the calm Ariake Sea. Shimabara is a Castle town located mountain foot of Unzen. Visit Shimabara Castle - built in 1625, it is almost rectangular flatland castle and also a superb example of a castle where three layered yagura turrets are placed at strategic points around the five-layered donjon. After lunch, drive from Shimabara to Unzen enjoying countryside scenery. At Unzen, Visit Nita Pass - it is one of the best scenic spots in Unzen where you can get panorama view which encompasses Ariake Sea, Amakusa Island and also Mt. Aso. Another recommended place to visit is Unzen jigoku (Unzen Hell) where white smoke rising is a striking reminder that Unzen Volcano is still very much alive.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Shimabara Seaside Hotel or similar with Onsen facilities

Day 5 - UNZEN/KUMAMOTO

Today, we drive to Shimabara Port and then go to Kumamoto Port by ferry. Drive to Kumamoto where is the third largest city in Kyushu. After lunch, we visit Kumamoto Castle which is one of the three great Castles and the current castle was built in 1601 by Kiyomasa Kato and took 7 years to complete. We then spend a bit of time at Suizenji-koen Park - a typical Japanese garden built in the 17th century. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Kumamoto Castle in downtown, the garden features tranquil atmosphere and lush landscape. 150 cherry trees are planted on the lawn or along the walkways.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - The New Hotel Kumamoto or similar

Day 6 - KUMAMOTO/SATSUMA PENINSULA/IBUSUKI

After breakfast, check out the Hotel and drive to Satsuma peninsula. Satsuma peninsula is calm countryside with subtropical atmosphere and extends about 50 kilometers south from Kagoshima. Lunch at Tosenkyo ravine to enjoy the unique Somen noodle nagashi serving cold Somen noodles that swim in bamboo chutes. We then visit Ikedako lake which is the largest lake in Kyushu where the legendary monster called Issy lived. We also explore Nagasaki-bana cape - the southernmost point of Satsuma peninsula and Ryugu Shrine.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Ibusuki Iwasaki Hotel or similar with Onsen facilities

Day 7 - IBUSUKI/SAKURA-JIMA ISLAND/KAGOSHIMA

This morning, we drive to Kagoshima along the national road to enjoy scenery of Kinko bay. Visit Sengan-en – one of the most famous gardens in Kagoshima. It was created by a Shimazu lord in the 19th century at the beautiful bay side Kinko bay. This garden contains many historic artifacts that tell of its long history. After lunch we transfer to Sakura-jim Island by Sakura-jima Ferry. Kagoshima port to Sakura-jima port takes about 15 minutes. Once here, we explore Sakura-jima Island where there is an active volcano with three peaks, Kita-dake, Naka-dake and still active Minami-dake. Visit Michino eki Sakura-jima, Yunohira Observatory, Arimura Lava Observatory and then back to Kagoshima by ferry in the late afternoon.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Kagoshima Sun Royal Hotel or similar

Day 8 - KAGOSHIMA/NICHINAN/MIYAZAKI

After breakfast, drive to Miyazaki-prefecture. We will have a stop at Toi Kanko Center Pakalapaka in Cape Toi area to have a quick coffee and snack and also admire the views of the ocean and hillside. Continue our drive to Nichinan coast, enjoying subtropical scenery and visit Udo Shrine that is a beautiful and exciting shine in the cave of the cliff side facing the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, we to go Sun Messe Nichinan where Japan’s own replica of Moai Statues can be seen and enjoy a breath taking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. We continue our drive due north along Nichinan coast and visit Horikiri Pass where it is one of the best scenic spots in Nichinan - The 60m altitude pass allows for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - JAL City Hotel Miyazaki or similar

Day 9 - MIYAZAKI/HYUGA/TAKACHINHO/ASO

We drive to Hyuga this morning. Hyuga is a bay city facing the Hyuga nada Sea where it is a art collection of exposed rocks created by raging waves. Visit Cruz sea – it is an area of ocean that appears to have a cross in it when viewed from an observatory. After Hyuga, drive to Takachiho through the mountainous countryside. Takachiho is famous for it’s beautiful Gorge and here is the birthplace of Japanese mythology. Afterwards, visit Amamo Iwato Shrine - the birth place of Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto.
We continue our drive to Aso, enjoying the mountainous countryside landscape.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Aso Plaza Hotel or similar with Onsen facilities

Day 10 - ASO/KUROKAWA/ASO

A whole day to enjoy Aso today. This morning, we take the Aso Tourist Tram which is a private railroad offering a very scenic 30 minute ride from Takamori to Nakamatsu in the south east of the caldera. Lunch at local restaurant ; enjoy Aso beef and local cuisine Aso dengaku. Our bus will then pick us up and drive to Aso mountain area to visit Kusasenri-ga-hama, a tranquil, grass-covered plateau with paths & views of Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano. Afterwards, drive down to North Aso, Central Aso area and then Daikanbo lookout, one the best photospots in Aso. Back to Aso for overnight.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Aso Plaza Hotel or similar with Onsen facilities

Day 11 - ASO/YUFUIN/OITA

Drive to Yufuin this morning through Yamanami Highway whilst enjoying beautiful views of Handa Plateau. Not long we will arrive to Yufuin and have a chance to walk along Yunotshubo Avenue – home to 70+ assorted shops, galleries, and cafes. Here you will have a chance to explore and find your own lunch for today. Visit Yufuin Floral Village where is the amusement facility that recreated the street of the Cotswolds region in England. We then explore Kinrinko lake where is the landmark in Yufuin. Hot water gushes from the bottom of the lake, and hot steam rises from its surface on a cold day. After Yufuin, we continue to Beppu, and take the ropeway to the top of Mount Tsurumi for a breathtaking view of Beppu. We will also take a Beppu Hell tour- a sightseeing tour of eight nearby hot springs. “Hot and boiling water as if it comes from hell” is how the area gains its name. Overnight in Oita area.

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Hotel Route Inn Nakatsu Ekimaeor similar with Onsen facilities

Day 12 - OITA/KITAKYUSHU

After breakfast, we drive to Kitakyushu - the second largest city in Kyushu. Visit Kokura Castle which is one of the most famous land marks in Kitakyushu. Lunch at local restaurant. We then explore Mojiko Retro, one of the most enjoyable tourist destinations in Kitakyushu. It has a museum and a restaurant, and there is a room on the second story where the famous physicist Albert Einstein stayed in 1922. After Mojiko Retro, drive to Mount Sarakua. Just before sunset, go to top of Mount Sarakura by cable car. From 622m above sea level, you can enjoy the most dynamic night view.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura or similar

Day 13 - KITAKYUSHU/FUKUOKA

After breakfast, we drive back to Fukuoka city. Visit Fukuoka Tower, Japan's highest seaside tower and the signature building of Fukuoka. Covered by 8,000 one-way mirrors, the tower is designed to be a triangular pillar that shines at both day and night. Lunch and then afterwards, we drop in Uminonakamichi Seaside Park for a few hours at your own leisure. The park is made up of several different areas including flower gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, a water park, a zoo and large open spaces and lawns perfect for picnicking. In the afternoon, we will check into our hotel.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Quintessa Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin or similar

Day 14 - FUKUOKA FREE DAY

Free day at leisure in Fukuoka - All year round, leisure activities in Fukuoka provide a wide range of options for every age group. From futuristic skyscrapers to serene temples and lavish shopping areas, the "ramen capital" has so much to see and try!

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Own Dinner

Accommodation - Quintessa Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin or similar

Day 15 - FUKUOKA/SINGAPORE/MELBOURNE (OR SYDNEY)

This morning we will head to the airport and board our flight back home (via Singapore).

Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 16 - ARRIVE MELBOURNE (OR SYDNEY)

Your flight arrives back home today and we hope you had a great holiday!

Meals - As per flight