Highlights of Kyushu

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Fukuoka & Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yufuin & Beppu

This private Japan tour focuses on the southern island of Kyushu, which is renowned for beautiful ceramics, exquisite gardens, active volcanoes, steaming hot springs, excellent regional cuisine and fascinating history.

Begin in Fukuoka, the most populous city on the island of Kyushu. During private touring, visit cultural highlights such as the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, beautiful Ohori Park, and interesting local temples and shrines. Also enjoy time to independently explore Fukuoka's famous yatai (food stalls) and perhaps sample Hakata ramen and other favorite local dishes.

En route to Nagasaki, enjoy flexible private touring in Saga Prefecture, one of the most important ceramics regions in Japan. Visit notable ceramics towns such as Karatsu (known for rustic pottery traditionally used in tea ceremonies), Okawachiyama (the Village of the Secret Kilns that produces Nabeshima), and Arita and Imari, which are synonymous with fine export porcelain.

Continue to Nagasaki, a major port city with a beautiful fjord-like setting and a fascinating history. During private touring, visit Dejima, where Dutch traders were allowed to operate during the Edo period when the rest of Japan was closed to outsiders. Tour Glover Garden to see the Victorian houses and gardens of the thriving international community that emerged after the opening of Japan in the 19th century. Dine on local dishes influenced by Chinese and Portuguese traders and missionaries who visited the city in centuries past. Also spend time at the Nagasaki Peace Park and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

Next, visit Kumamoto, a former castle town. During private touring, see the impressive curving stone ramparts and high towers of Kumamoto Castle. Walk through Suizenji Garden, a 17th-century stroll garden in which carefully placed hills, rocks, trees and ponds replicate miniature versions of Mount Fuji and famous sights along the Tokaido Road. Perhaps also browse a local market for specialty food products from the Kumamoto region.

Venture into the center of Kyushu to explore Mount Aso, an active volcano surrounded by a massive caldera. Drive up the slopes of the mountain to take in panoramic views of the verdant landscape dotted with volcanic cones, farms and villages.

Next, travel to Yufuin, an onsen (hot springs) town on the southern island of Kyushu. Stay in your own traditional Japanese house at a luxury ryokan inn, and enjoy kaiseki ryori meals and a private hot spring bath. During private touring in the region, see highlights such as geothermal pools, traditional villages, crafts workshops and nearby Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous onsen towns. Also see the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a collection of 60 ancient sculptures carved into rocky cliffs.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world