7 DAYS KYUSHU CULTURAL HERITAGE

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel with en route Sightseeing 
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to hotel with en route sightseeing. Upon check in, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Fukuoka Half Day Tour 
Explore Fukuoka as your stepping stone into Kyushu and learn about Fukuoka’s distinctive local culture.  Begin in Gion for its historical shrines and Buddhist temples, including Shofukuji, Japan’s first Zen temple.  In April, Maizuru Park would be a prime spot for Cherry Blossom viewing.  While you’re in the park, do not miss Fukuoka Castle Ruins.

Optional Craft Experience: Make Yame Tesuki Paper and Lacquer Chopsticks 
Crafting with Yame Tesuki Japanese paper is one of the oldest cultural traditions in Kyushu. Apply this ancient method to make your own, one-of-a-kind postcards. In addition, you will create your own pair of chopsticks by applying a lacquer coating technique used on Japanese Buddhist altars.

Train Transfer: Fukuoka – Dazaifu 
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and accompany you on the train journey (approx 30min). If you prefer, a private car and driver can be arranged for this transfer.

Dazaifu Walking Tour (2hr) 
This scenic walking tour starts at Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine, dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, a 9th century politician and scholar deified and worshipped as the Shinto god of literature and learning, before heading to 7th century Kanzeon-ji Temple, a former mega-temple that played a key role in the history of Buddhism in Japan. It finishes with time to explore the Dazaifu Government Office Ruins – the political centre of Japan’s western capital.  

After this tour, your guide will accompany you on the train journey and ensure your safe return to the hotel. If you prefer, a private car and driver and be arranged for this transfer. Upon return to the hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure. 

Car Transfer: Fukuoka to Saga with en route Sightseeing in Arita 
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Saga with en route sightseeing in Arita. 
Fukuoka – Arita (approx 1hr 30min) 
Arita – Saga (32min) 

Arita Porcelain Park Tour 
Arita Porcelain Park is one of the most fascinating sites in Kyushu. Designed in the style of a traditional German village, it features a massive reproduction of Zwinger, a palace in Dresden, the major focus is on porcelain, Arita’s signature product. For a hands-on experience on a potter’s wheel, proceed to a nearby pottery studio for a private session with a pottery master. Reward yourself after this session with a Soba noodle meal, hand-kneaded by the same pottery master. Your completed work will take about 15 days to cure and fire; and will be couriered to your home.  

Car Transfer: Hotel to Takeo Onsen Train Station 
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Takeo Onsen Train Station to catch Two Stars 4047 train to Nagasaki Train Station. 

Train Transfer: Saga – Nagasaki 
Enjoy this sightseeing journey on Two Stars 4047 train (approx 3hr), which is equipped with a range of comfortable and well-decorated cars. You can also enjoy a carefully curated selection of the region’s best local specialities to tempt your tastebuds, while enjoying the lovely scenery passing you by. Some of these sights are Ariake Bay, Omura Bay and Port of Nagasaki.  

Car Transfer: Train Station – Hotel  
Meet your driver in Nagasaki Train Station for transfer to hotel. Upon check in, enjoy your evening at leisure.  

Full Day Dejima and Nagasaki Tour 
Meet your driver, who will be at your disposal for the day, at the hotel lobby. At the end of this enriching day, your driver will ensure your safe return to the hotel. 
 
This tour will begin in Dejima, a man-made island constructed to segregate the Portuguese residents from the Japanese population. Next proceed to Nagasaki Peace Park, located near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion. Take a stroll along Teramachi Street, lined by many exotic shires and temples. End this day on a memorable note on Nagasaki Ropeway and Mount Inasa, voted top 3 night view in the world.

Optional: Nagasaki History Immersion 
History Buffs may wish to spend time in Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum or learn more about Nagasaki’s Christian history in Twenty Six Martyrs Monument and Museum; and Basilica of the Twenty Six Holy Martyrs of Japan – the oldest Christian church in Japan.  

Car Transfer: Hotel to Shimbara Port  
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Shimbara Port (approx 1hr 22min) to catch the ferry to Kumamoto Port.  

Ferry Transfer: Shimbara Port to Kumamoto Port 
Sail across the Ariake Sea from Nagasaki to Kumamoto (approx 30min) and enjoy the spectacular sea view. Sure beats sitting in traffic.

Car Transfer: Kumamoto Port to Kumamoto castle 
Your driver will meet you in Kumamoto Port for transfer to Kumamoto Castle for sightseeing. 
After dropping you off at Kumamoto Castle, your driver will continue to your hotel with your luggage. 
When sightseeing concludes, you may return to your hotel by a short walk. If required, driver and car can be arranged for return transfer to hotel.  

Half Day Kumamoto Tour 
Begin at the 400 year old Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three major castles. Located within the castle, lies Kato Shrine, where military commander Kiyosama Kato, who constructed the castle and helped develop the castle town is enshrined. In the outermost area, lies Old Hosokawa Gyobu-tei House, former residence of high-ranking Samurai. In November, you can admire the beautiful scenery of the autumn colours. Once trodden by Samurai headed towards the castle, Sakuranobaba Johsaien is where you can now enjoy local street food and get a souvenir. 

Optional Kumamoto Samurai Experience: Spirit of Miyamoto Musashi (100min) 
This is highly recommended for those who wish to deeply experience the history and spirituality of Kumamoto Samurai. As Miyamoto Musashi is renowned as Japan’s foremost swordsman, a Samurai Master will tailor a program for you, according to your fitness level and experience to delve in Samurai martial arts. The Samurai master will also impart teachings and philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi and the Samurai spirit while enjoying Matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.  

Car Transfer: Hotel – Airport 
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Fukuoka airport (approx 1hr 40min).