Itinerary
- Day 1
Kumamoto
You'll start in Kumamoto by heading to Suizenji Park, a traditional Japanese garden with paths winding through ponds and greenery. The park has a miniature Mount Fuji replica that's worth seeing as you walk around. This sets up your introduction to the Kyushu region nicely.
Optional Activities
- Visit Suizenji Park, a traditional Japanese garden with picturesque landscapes and miniature Mount Fuji
Landmarks/POIs Suizenji Park - Day 2
Kumamoto - Kurokawa Onsen
Kumamoto Castle is your focus today, where you'll learn about samurai history and see the armor and techniques these warriors used. After checking out the castle, you'll head to Kurokawa Onsen where you can relax in traditional open-air baths at one of the local inns. It's a good way to end the day after all that walking.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Dinner
Included Activities
- Samurai Experience - learning about armor, techniques, and traditions of iconic warriors
Optional Activities
- Visit Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most impressive fortresses
- Experience traditional inns and open-air baths in Kurokawa Onsen area
Landmarks/POIs Kumamoto Castle Kurokawa Onsen - Day 3
Kusa-Senrigahama - Mount Aso
This morning takes you to Kusa-Senrigahama, a wide grassland area with views of Mount Aso. The open space and mountain views make for a nice change of pace from the gardens and castles.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Kusa-Senrigahama, an expansive grassland with picturesque views of Mount Aso
Landmarks/POIs Kusa-Senrigahama Mount Aso - Day 4
Kumamoto to Kagoshima - Sakurajima
Start by shopping and trying local food at Sakura Machi in Kumamoto, then catch the Shinkansen to Kagoshima. From there, take the scenic ferry to Sakurajima, the volcanic island with steaming vents. You'll see the volcanic activity and coastal scenery as you settle into this new area.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
Optional Activities
- Shopping and local cuisine at Sakura Machi in Kumamoto
Landmarks/POIs Sakura Machi Sakurajima - Day 5
Sakurajima - Kagoshima
Check out Sengan-en, a traditional garden with views looking back at Sakurajima. Later, you'll visit Ikeda Sencha Do to try Japanese tea ceremony and taste fresh brews. It's a cultural and relaxing combination for the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Sengan-en, a traditional Japanese garden with views of Sakurajima
- Experience Japanese tea art at Ikeda Sencha Do
Landmarks/POIs Sengan-en - Day 6
Kirishima
Head to Kirishima Jingu Shrine up in the mountains. It's a peaceful location with red architecture and a long history. The mountain setting and quiet atmosphere offer a contrast to the more active sites you've seen.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Kirishima Jingu Shrine, a majestic site nestled in the mountains with red architecture
Landmarks/POIs Kirishima Jingu Shrine - Day 7
Ibusuki
Board the Ibusuki no Tamatebako train, which has a distinctive black-and-white design and offers coastal views along the way. Once you arrive, you'll try Ibusuki's sand bath experience where you get buried in naturally heated sand. It's a unique wellness activity you won't find many other places.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Board the Ibusuki no Tamatebako train for scenic coastal views
- Experience Ibusuki's famous sand bath, buried in naturally heated sand
Landmarks/POIs Ibusuki - Day 8
Ibusuki to Kagoshima
Spend the morning exploring Ibusuki on your own time, checking out whatever interests you at your own pace. In the afternoon, relax on the train ride back to Kagoshima. You'll have your final evening in the city to wind down before heading out.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
Optional Activities
- Leisurely exploration of Ibusuki at your own pace
- Day 9
Kagoshima to Fukuoka - Sakurai Futamigaura
Take the Shinkansen from Kagoshima up to Fukuoka, then visit Sakurai Futamigaura to see the white torii gate and the Meoto Iwa rocks rising from the sea. The coastal views here are different from what you've seen earlier in the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore Sakurai Futamigaura, famous for its iconic white torii and coastal views
- Admire Meoto Iwa (Couple Rocks), sacred rocks rising from the sea
Landmarks/POIs Sakurai Futamigaura Meoto Iwa (Couple Rocks) - Day 10
Departure
This is your last day in Japan. You'll wrap up your Kyushu journey with all the experiences from the past week and head home with memories from the castles, gardens, volcanic island, and thermal baths.
